A Can opener can be bought today in many different variants and colors. As a rule, it is a handy device for opening canned goods. Overall, both the tin can and the can opener look back on a long history.
What actually is a can opener?
The first tin can was patented by an Englishman around 1810. The British army was so enthusiastic about the invention because the cans could also be used in forests, fields, and meadows. Back then, the cans were still quite thick and were opened with cutting or striking tools. Hammers and chisels were also used from time to time until finally in 1855 – also in England – a special device for opening cans was invented.
However, this device was in no way comparable to the device we use in the kitchen today. The device patented at that time was a handle with a sharp blade – it wasn't until 1870 that an American invented a can opener with a cutting wheel. This opener was perfect, especially since it could also be used perfectly for the increasingly thin-walled cans.
What types of can openers are there?
Nowadays, you can choose the right one for your kitchen from a multitude of can openers. Whether can openers with lever instruments, electric can openers, the can opener as part of a multi-purpose tool (which makes perfect sense when camping or planning similar activities), or built-in can openers – the choice is large and everyone can find the right one.
What is special about modern can openers?
In the past, you had to laboriously press the blade into the cans, which sometimes brought beads of sweat to many people's faces, especially with misshapen cans. Once you had successfully maneuvered the can opener into the can, you had to use a lot of leverage to open the lid – here, however, a delicate touch was required after completion, because the razor-sharp lid was not to be trifled with.
Modern can openers, on the other hand, are more optimal and safer. They no longer cut on the edge of the can, but under the rim, so that on the one hand the lid can no longer fall into the can and you are just as unlikely to cut yourself on the sharp edge. Rather, the special cutting technique creates a reusable lid, which can be used very well for resealing if there are leftovers in the can.
How do I clean my can openers?
The can opener has therefore been a faithful helper in the kitchen and on other occasions for over 100 years. However, to ensure that you enjoy the utensil for a long time, you should maintain it regularly and, above all, take care of it. If you take a closer look at the device, you will discover that the cutting wheels in particular frequently come into contact with food. So that these residues do not have to remain there forever or even get mixed with new food in the next can, you shouldcheck and clean the can opener after every use!
Paper towel or wet wipe
A paper towel works very well, but a wet wipe is also particularly predestined. Simply pull the levers apart, place the cloth in the wheels, press the handles together, and operate the lever. The cloth now absorbs the film of dirt and leaves behind a clean can opener.
Old toothbrush
If, on the other hand, you have been more careless and a lot of debris has built up in the can opener, you can remove stubborn and heavy encrustations very well withan old toothbrush. The bristles get into the gaps excellently and put an end to even coarse residues.
How do I prevent rust on the can opener?
To prevent the can opener from rusting, it is best to clean it after every use. This is best done with a paper napkin or a kitchen towel. Fold the cloth in half, place the can opener on the folded edge, and let the paper turn through slowly.
Read also: Reuse empty tin cans and reduce waste
Image by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
