A can or jar opener is an essential kitchen tool that allows you to cut into metal cans and open jars with ease. Can openers simply puncture the top of metal cans and cut along the rim of the can, letting you take the top of the can off, while jar openers help break the seal of the jar to easily twist off the lid. We’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best can or jar opener type for your needs and step-by-step instructions on how to use a can opener and jar opener.

Types of Can Openers
How to Use a Can Opener
How to Use a Standard Can Opener
How to Use an Electric Can Opener
How to Open a Jar

Types of Can Openers

When it comes to learning how to use a can opener, it all depends on the can opener type that you choose. There are two different can openers to choose from; a standard can opener or an electric can opener.

Standard Can Opener: With two arms (or levers), a turning knob, and a cutting wheel, a standard can opener is a handheld mechanical device that you can use to open a metal can.

Electric Can Opener: Electric can openers essentially do the work for you, making them the perfect option if you want your can opened quickly and you have ample counter space. Electric can openers automatically cut the lid of a metal can with a quick push of a button once the can is in place. Keep in mind that electric can openers need to be plugged in, so it’s best to place them near an outlet.

Can Opener Features

Smooth Edge:The main difference of a smooth-edge can opener is the placement of the wheels. The notched feed wheel is on the top of the lid while the cutting wheel is on the side of the can and cuts along the side, resulting in a smoother cut. A smooth-edge can opener is perfect for any home with small children, and it is available as both a standard or electric can opener.

Automatic: Automatic can openers are electric and automate the process of cutting the lid of a can with just a quick push of a button. They are available in different sizes, from handheld versions to a small appliance that can sit on your counter.

How to Use a Can Opener

Keep reading to learn how to use a standard can opener and an electric can opener.

Standard Can Opener

Standard can openers are popular and can be found in most homes. These types of can openers use a wheel to cut the lid of a metal can. They have two arms with a large turning knob.

How to Use a Standard Can Opener

Step 1: Place the can you want to open on a flat surface.
Step 2: Pull the upper and lower arms on the can opener apart – this separates the cutting wheel from the notched wheel. Rest the cutting wheel on the lid of the can while holding the handles firmly in one hand.
Step 3: Gently push the arms back together to tighten the wheels on the edge of the can. Use your other hand to turn the knob clockwise. As you turn the knob, the cutting wheel will start to cut through the lid of the can.
Step 4: Continue to turn the knob as you work around the can; the can will naturally rotate as you turn.
Step 5: Keep turning the knob until you’ve almost cut the entire lid of the can off. Leave a small piece of the lid uncut. This will allow you to lift the lid and pull it back cautiously. If you cut the entire top off, it can fall into the can and can be difficult to get out.

Tip!

The top of the lid can be sharp, so be cautious when cutting and removing any lid from metal cans. If you are looking for a safer option, opt for a smooth-edge can opener.

Electric Can Opener

Electric can openers take the work out of opening a can, ultimately saving you time. Some come with magnets inside to hold the can in place so you can sit back and relax while the machine does the work for you. Some models require you to hold the can in place as they slice off the lid for you with ease. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific can opener before use.

How to Use an Electric Can Opener

Step 1: Position the can you want to open under the opener.
Step 2: Depending on the style you choose, you may need to secure the can into place by pressing a button. Gently hold the bottom of the can to ensure it does not fall.
Step 3: Once ready, press the start button. The can will rotate, allowing the cutting wheel to cut into the lid.
Step 4: When the can opener is finished cutting, it will automatically stop. Press down on the release button to release the open can from the can opener.

How to Clean a Can Opener

To clean standard handheld can openers, you can wash the entire can opener with water and dish soap. Make sure to spread the handles apart before drying to ensure the blades can fully dry. You can use a small brush (like a toothbrush) to give your can opener an extra scrub.

For an electric can opener, use a damp cloth to wipe down the can opener and then use a clean, dry cloth to dry thoroughly.

What Is a Jar Opener?

Jar openers are a small kitchen tool that is used to open glass jars. Jar openers are small handheld devices, similar to a bottle opener, that help break the seal of a jar, allowing you to twist the lid off easily. Some jar openers look like trivets and sit on the top of the jar lid to allow you to twist the lid open.

How to Open a Jar

If you find yourself struggling to open a jar, use these steps to help.

Standard Jar Opener

Step 1: Place the jar you want to open on a flat surface.
Step 2: With the jar opener in your hand, place the opening gently around the lid of the jar.
Step 3: Once in place, squeeze the arms together to get a good grip on the jar.
Step 4: Use your other hand to grip the jar, and start to turn the lid. Keep turning the lid until it has twisted off.

Trivet Jar Opener

Step 1: With the jar in one hand or on a flat surface, gently place the trivet on top of the jar you want to open with your other hand.
Step 2: Squeeze down on the trivet to get a good grip on your jar lid.
Step 3: Start to turn the lid off to open, and keep turning until the lid has come off of the jar.