Every kitchen drawer likely holds one—but most people don’t think twice about their can opener until they need it. Despite its humble appearance, the can opener is one of the most essential tools in the kitchen. It’s not just for opening soup or tuna cans—it can save time, reduce waste, and even help in creative cooking. Let’s take a look at the many practical and unexpected uses of a can opener.
1. Opening Canned Goods (Of Course!)
This is the most obvious and essential job of a can opener. From beans and vegetables to fruits, soups, sauces, and seafood, canned goods are staples in many households. A good can opener makes it easy, safe, and quick to access these preserved ingredients without fuss.
2. Popping Lids off Bottle Caps
Some manual can openers come with a built-in bottle opener—perfect for opening soda, beer, or old-school glass bottle juices. It’s a great two-in-one feature for kitchens that value space and simplicity.
3. Opening Jar Seals
Struggling with a stubborn vacuum-sealed jar? Some can openers (especially manual ones with a pointed tip) can help break the seal by gently prying the lid. A little leverage goes a long way when your grip just won’t do the trick.
4. Repurposing Cans for Crafts
Once a can is opened and emptied, the can opener can help cleanly remove the lid so you can use the can for DIY projects. Think:
- Pencil holders
- Planters
- Candle molds
- Storage for small kitchen or office items
A clean edge from a smooth-edge can opener makes these projects safer and easier.
5. Opening Paint Cans
In a pinch, a heavy-duty manual can opener or one with a pointed edge can be used to pry open small paint cans or similar lids. It’s not the ideal use, but if you’re mid-project and missing your paint key, it’s a handy substitute.
6. Creating Emergency Camping Tools
When camping or in an emergency situation, a manual can opener can be a lifesaver. It allows you to access canned food without needing electricity or fancy gadgets. Some even come as part of multi-tools or survival kits for this exact reason.
7. Draining Liquid from Cans
Some can openers can be used to puncture small holes in the top of a can to drain liquids—like from tuna or beans—without removing the entire lid. This helps reduce mess and lets you control the amount of liquid you’re keeping or discarding.
8. Assisting with Arthritis or Limited Grip Strength
Electric can openers or side-cutting models are great for people who struggle with wrist or hand strength. They make it possible to safely and easily open cans without pain or frustration.
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