Customer Reviews

West Bend Electric Can Openers

5 star:		(393)
4 star:		(86)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(27)

 

 

I purchased this can opener, and I am very pleased with its design and functionality. It's attractive, accommodates even large cans, and does just what a can opener is supposed to do.

However, I had another reason for buying a Westbend. Our previous can opener, made by Rival, stopped working. There was nothing wrong with the motor. The problem was simply that the cutting edge had become dull and slightly bent. We needed a new one. I contacted Rival -- was it under warranty, they wanted to know? No, it wasn't. Well, then, they explained, there was nothing they could do to help me. I then searched the Internet, hoping to find a 3rd-party manufacturer of can opener blades. No luck. So, we had to throw out an almost-perfectly-good can opener. Three Bronx cheers for planned obsolescence.

This time, when I went shoppping for a can opener, I visited each manufacturer's Web site, and you know what? Westbend -- and of the manufacturers I checked, only Westbend -- sells replacement cutting blades for every one of their can openers.

So, if you're ecologically minded or if you've reached an age where you're sick and tired of throwing things away, consider a Westbend as your next can opener.

Something interesting is going on in the world of designing electric can openers. Some of them are really beautiful to look at as well as fabulous to use. Some of them, like this West Bend model, remind one of the things found in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NY where designs of every day modern things,like chairs and tea kettles are represented by the eptiome of the best, like a chair designed by Eames. Do not know if an electric can opener is in their collection, but would recommend that this one be included!

This can opener is very thoughtfully designed. It is as sleek as can be, and very compact. The cord is absolutely retractable and comes with a cover over the plug to protect it when retracted. Classy, eh? What a simple thoughtful little detail! The front of the can opener has a magnet that is also thoughtfully designed so that it folds down and grips the can opener itself when not in use, rather than sticking out and catching anything magnetic that passes by on the countertop. The aesthetic effect is eye catching.

As to operation, it works quickly and flawlessly. No struggling to get the opener to click on to the can top; it immediately fits into place. I used to spend more time with my old can opener fighting with it to accept the can, than it would have taken me to manually open it. What a pleasant difference with the West Bend! Have not used the knife sharpener or bottle opener yet.

It is so rare to find something like an electric can opener that offers much more than its function to the kitchen. The design should be award winning. Highly recommended.

It does seem crazy to get excited over a can opener, but over the years I've purchased so many "junk" can openers that I had gotten to the point of saying "a can opener is a can opener". But not so. This can opener is quiet. It opens all sorts of cans with ease, and on the FIRST attempt! There is no splattering or super jagged edges, and you can open larger cans easliy.

The design looks really clean and fits in great with any kitchen decor. This would make a great gift.

Throw out your old junky can opener-once you try this one you will be spoiled and will never want to go back!!!!

As I always do, I did lots of research on electric can openers before buying the West Bend. I have a manual side opening one made by ONO which is also great, but since I open at least 6 cans of dog food/day, I wanted to go electric.

It came out of the box ready to use. I read the instructions because that is my personality profile, but I think a monkey could have operated it. It was quick, quiet, and after using it for a couple of days I could use it blindfolded. The magnet picks up the top about 90% of the time and there are no sharp edges or loose shavings in the can. At least my dogs aren't complaining about them. Also you don't have to hold the can once it starts and it stops automatically too.

I figure it cut my feeding time by 50% ( I have 3 dogs).

BTW...I have used it on other cans and it has never failed to work perfectly. Frankly, I can't envision a better can opener, unless it worked by voice control. Buy it and buy it NOW. Don't waste any more of your time looking.

PS It also opens tall cans, has a bottle opener, a retractable cord, a knife sharpener and comes in a variety of nice colors. I chose red to brighten up the kitchen.

I tend to agree with most the reviews. The opener is smooth, quiet and opens cans effortlessly. It does what is advertises. The bottle opener and the manual knife sharpener are on the back of the unit, so you would have to turn it everytime you want to open a bottle which is a bit inconvenient. Most people would probably opt to use other tools for that anyway. The opener has a removable head unit for cleaning which is an excellent feature.

I did not give it 5 stars because of the finish. I got mine in black and the finish does NOT have a nice luster to it which makes the opener look a bit on the cheap side. If the metallic version fits in your kitchen color scheme, then I would recommend that finish over the black for sure.

I also loved this can opener! Like the others have stated, it was very easy to attach a can to it, and you flip the handle down and it goes and goes. Mine fit the can so closely, it always ended up ripping the lable off the can. And after about a year of use, the handle no longer stays "down," and therefore won't open cans unless I stand there holding the handle down till the can is open. Technically it still "works" but not as intended. Luckily it was inexpensive, so I don't feel too bad about replacing it.

I have had my share of can openers. From the hand held to electric. I think I must have looked at every model/brand out there.
Most electric can openers are made of plastic. They are light weight and can not hold a large can with out tipping over. Cleaning the blade is a hassle. Some models, the blades are removable, but they are made very cheap. Some of the blade just don't fit right after they are removed for cleaning.

Finally, I found the WestBend. Amazon had the best price. These openers are sold at JC PENNEY, and other area stores. The price was $6.00 more than Amazon. Amazon even offered FREE SHIPPING.

The electric opener is absolutely great. This opener is stylish and sturdy. I don't think there is any other opener that can be cleaned as easily as the West Bend. I just press the button and the entire front of the opener comes off. I put it in the dishwasher or the sudsy sink water. Wash it off, let it dry and snap it back on. I use to worry about the germs from the food left on the blade. Not any more.

If this opener should break, I will definately go to Amazon and purchase another.

I would highly recommend this opener. This is a Quality Made product. Not only that, but the colors are great. It was an easy decision to purchase this opener, but I had a hard time trying to choose the right color.

I'll have to check out the other West Bend products.

C.Unger

Ordered this mainly because of the reviews from satisfied buyers
and it's terrific. Not only zips through cans, the knife
sharpener restored some old, dull knives and the deep
red color is elegant. I'm delighted to have a really good can
opener that will last--the "cheapies" are a waste of money and
even the replacements don't work.

For a few years ago I had stopped purchasing electric can openers as I could never find one that work faithfully and/or just didn't have a nice appearance on the counter. After my boyfriend and I moved in together he insisted on an electric. So I did some research, read reviews, and gave this one a try. As I cook a good amount of Italian food, I use a lot of the large 28 oz. - 32 oz. cans of tomatoes. To my surprise not only did this can opener open these cans with ease, the magnet actually held the top of the cut lid, and held the can as well..look ma, no hands & no mess! So you don't have to stand there holding the can while it cuts and doesn't splatter the contents when it's done. I've had it 6 months now with no problems. It's easy to clean and it actually looks quite nice on the counter.

Yes, I also thought twice about paying this price for a can opener , but this is sturdy , easier to clean , very little mess and has not burn't up like 3 of the other 'cheapies' I had before.

Worth the money!