Decisions…. Decisions….
I don’t know how we mere mortals are expected to take so many critical decisions in our everyday life…. And with decisions like which college to join, is it the right time to change a job, should I marry now…. And most critical of them all…. * How to chose a Can Opener! *…. Can you believe it! I am going to do a review on a subject as critical as * How to chose a Can Opener! *….
So lets first look at what is the meaning, nature and scope of a Can Opener.
Can Opener in very simple terms can be defined as an opener, which can open cans…. Simple. isn’t it? There are various types of can openers available in market, starting from basic cutters to more common rollers and also electric can openers. Amazing!
**THE INVENTION: **
In late 1700s, the can was invented to hold food items… Of course, when you have got a *dabba*… you need something to open that also. So bang… came the invention of a can opener. Someone used his beautiful mind and used a complicated formula… use a sharp pointed and long object and apply force on the other end. it can open the can!(oops… I forgot… these are called as needle and hammer in common day terms!)
It took 50 years and an organization like the British Navy to come with the first official can opener with solid iron(of course… did you expect it to be liquid iron or what?). Anyway… There was a small hitch…. The can opener was several times heavier than the can with the food! Hence this discovery was rejected.
Then it was some brainy chap by the name Ezra Warmer, who made the first authentic can opener which was patented in 1858.Unfortunately, no one bought this.(That’s because we did not have something like MS discussing the benefits of a can opener!)
William Lyman of the US invented the modern can opener in 1870, which is still in use with some minor modifications, such as electric can openers.
**HOW TO CHOSE A CAN OPENER**
Enough on the history of this great invention. Now lets have a look at how to chose a can opener.
***Design: ***
Design is the most critical thing…. After all we are not buying something simple… it’s a can opener!
So look out for some sleek models which makes you fall in love all over again(remember the jaquar ad?). Something neat, stylish, elegant and something that makes you feel proud of it.
***Weight: ***
There is a very simple principle here… The can opener should be exactly the weight thatyou find comfortable to lift…. Not too strong…. It may break your wrist… not too light… it may not open the can after all! Just the right weight with 1-2 miligrams variation.
***Colour: ***
Ha…. Color… now we come to the aesthetics. Don’t go for pure metal colours, they are so boring and it will be difficult to search when you miss it… Not too bright… it may attract insects… Look for a smooth and soothing colour… probably matching the kitchen walls….
***Texture: ***
Personally I will preferred the textured ones compared to plain… It has a very scientific reason. it keeps your hands from slipping and helps in holding in correct posture. Do you understand what will happen if it slips away? You may hurt yourself… but that’s insignificant… more critical is the fact that you may break the precious little thing!
***Utility: ***
Always look for a can opener, that is capable of doing multitasking. Like, which can also have added features such as bottle opener, pen knife, nail cutter and what not. It makes it easier to carry.
***Other Insignificant Details: ***
Now there are a few insignificant things that are “nice to have” in a can opener… I will just list them as I don’t want to waste time with such things…
1. The edges should be sharp
2. It should be easy to carry
3. It should be easy to use
4. It should be safe to use
5. It should be actually able to open cans!
*Note: If you really find a can opener matching all the criteria above, pl send me a spare one.*
**FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT HAVE PATIENCE TO READ MY REVIEW**
So you did not read my review, eh? You missed some real cool gyan. So let me make a much shorter and different review for you.
***10 Points to a Can Opener***
1. First decide if you want a manual or electric opener
2. If manual, look for openers with rollers. They are much easier to use.
3. Always check the safety of the openers. They may cause cuts or bruises.
4. Ensure that the structure is stable, so that it does not break when you put pressure.
5. If roller blade is not available, you can go for the opener with a curved blade.
6. Curved-blade openers need to be really strong as they have to experience heavy pressure.
7. The opener must have a strong point to penetrate the can cover.
8. If going for electric opener, check out all the features with the manual.
9. Use the same criteria as any other electrical gadget: safety, reliability, user friendly
***10. Don’t refer to MS Reviews on Can openers… There is more junk on this topic than anything useful, even though most of the reviews arerated VU. :-):-):-) ***