The Pampered Chef smooth can opener is the absolute best I have ever used. I have the older version which works great. Apparently there is a newer version I have not tried.

Somehow the one I had got lost and I got lucky to find an exact replacement. eBay has them for about $30; Here is one.

Maybe the newer version is better but I freaking love it. My wife can’t ever remember how to use it as it is different from a “normal” can opener.

I have a P-38 on my key ring that has been on my personal key ring since August 1968 and it still works like it did the 1st time using it.... have several more scattered around house -- kitchen / garage / tool box / ztr mower key ring / etc with several more stashed in reserve..... Have had several people over the years could not believe what it was and how well it worked. But it needs to be stamped US Shelby and not some chineesium knock off. .......................................... drill sgt.

I have a 20+ year old USA made Swing Away brand. As long as it's US made I'd get one, they are that good!

quote:

Originally posted by drill sgt:
I have a P-38 on my key ring that has been on my personal key ring since August 1968 and it still works like it did the 1st time using it.... have several more scattered around house -- kitchen / garage / tool box / ztr mower key ring / etc with several more stashed in reserve..... Have had several people over the years could not believe what it was and how well it worked. But it needs to be stamped US Shelby and not some chineesium knock off. .......................................... drill sgt.

Yup I have several of those as well and they work amazing. At home though I choose to use the one I recommended, but I am not knocking you for using yours if that is what you want to use at home. To each their own and I respect that.

I’m a can opener fanatic. I have three of the best hand-held manual can openers ever made: an out of production Rösle (left); an older Kuhn Rikon (center); a current production Rösle (right). All leave a smooth edge on the can.

The old Rösle – Its mechanism is probably the most elegant of any can opener ever made. So little to it, yet it works! Its downsides: First it easily opens most, but not all, cans. Second, the mechanism needs occasional cleaning – else it gums up and quits working. Third, it has no “pliers” to take off a cut can lid stubbornly held on by internal adhesive. I can always get ‘em off with my fingernails, but some ladies probably couldn’t (or wouldn’t).

The Kuhn Rikon – A bit tricky to use, but no problem after you get the hang of it. Never needs cleaning or lubrication. Its downsides: It easily opens most, but not all, cans. And it’s kind of bulky and plasticy, if that’s a word.

The new Rösle – This is it, man. The best can opener ever made. I’ve had mine for at least five years. It never fails. And the mechanism never needs cleaning or lubrication. Its downside: None.

We happily used a wall mount Swing-A-Way from 1975 until 2015. It simply worked. But the last time we moved I left it behind as it was beginning to rust and just bought a new exact replacement. It was junk, useless almost.

Tried the highly rated ZYLISS, also junk, have to fight it almost every time, cutter rolls off the rim.

Would it be wrong to get the wifey a new can opener for Valentines day?

Mine's an EZ DUZ IT, made in USA. It works on most cans well, but every now and then the lid is too recessed for the opener to get the job done.

One solution is to use the can opener the "wrong way" - on its side, so the disc is cutting the side of the can rather than the lid of the can. You have to be careful not to slop the contents, but it's reliable.

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:
Would it be wrong to get the wifey a new can opener for Valentines day?

Unless they sell diamond tennis bracelets in cans I wouldn’t recommend it.

I've been using this one since Jan 2017: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/pr..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I probably open 8-12 cans a week on average, so it has seen fair use.

No signs of stopping any time soon.

I like that it pops the seal instead of cutting the can. Less of a sharp edge. Easy to use, and been reliable for over 5 years now. Looks like it is $35 with free shipping.

Cparktd, I wouldn't, if I were you.

I bought my wife a stepladder-a very, very nice stepladder for her birthday once, maybe 30 years ago. OUCH!!!

Bob

https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-...Cgarden%2C100&sr=1-5

Made in the USA!

quote:

Originally posted by drill sgt:
I have a P-38 on my key ring that has been on my personal key ring since August 1968 and it still works like it did the 1st time using it.... have several more scattered around house -- kitchen / garage / tool box / ztr mower key ring / etc with several more stashed in reserve..... Have had several people over the years could not believe what it was and how well it worked. But it needs to be stamped US Shelby and not some chineesium knock off. .......................................... drill sgt.

I'm the same as you. Mine's been on my key ring since late 1966 and is stamped US Shelby. I have sharpened it a couple of times, though.

The OXO Good Grips classic can opener has done well for me for a few years now:

The Best Classic Can Opener: OXO Good Grips Can Opener

OK so this got me thinking, and dating myself, my Grandfather was the GM at McClain Chevrolet in Kennett MO when I was a kid, and we had these bottle/can openers all over the place.

Remember them very well, wish I'd have kept one.. Great for opening some cans and just pouring out the contents like sauces...

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
OK so this got me thinking, and dating myself, my Grandfather was the GM at McClain Chevrolet in Kennett MO when I was a kid, and we had these bottle/can openers all over the place.

Remember them very well, wish I'd have kept one.. Great for opening some cans and just pouring out the contents like sauces...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28416...0:g:TAkAAOSwRhlgFFw6
.

I have 12 plus years on this Zyliss opener. Still going strong as ever. It's showing unavailable (not discontinued) at Amazon right now.
I looked it up, I ordered it Jan 2nd, 2010 for $14.95. If I broke it (unlikely), I would make a serious effort at finding the same one. If no joy, I'd look at Zyliss again, then Kuhn Rikon, then OXO brands first. I'd probably buy this one..

I don't think I'll ever get one that isn't a 'safe edge' design. I never have to clean this kind. It just makes more sense.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
… Rösle …

I don’t have that particular Rösle can opener, but I have a bunch of different Rösle kitchen items. The worst are very good and most are in the range from excellent to the best of that particular type of kitchen implement I have ever used.

I think it is easily the kitchen tool brand with the most consistently high quality, well-designed and well-made stuff out there.

quote:

Originally posted by cparktd:
Would it be wrong to get the wifey a new can opener for Valentines day?

Actually I do all the cooking so maybe she could buy it for me

Once again thanks everyone some great choices.