Bonnie: When Eric was home recently, we got to chatting about gadgets. Kitchen gadgets, of course. That’s when he raved about this new Tupperware can opener. I had to test it — especially since my electric one had died long ago.
To me, when I think of Tupperware, I think of food-storage containers. And then I smile. I smile as I think of burpable containers. I doubt Bryan, Eric or other young folks would recall — but I certainly do — how we used to “burp” the plastic container to get the excess air out before sealing it. (Anyone else remember doing that?)
Tupperware’s come a long way since that and the other goodies they sold — and since the time that you could only buy the product at a house party. Now, like everyone else selling anything, Tupperware sells its goods online. And sells lots more than just containers. You might be as surprised as I was when you peruse its site.
Back to the can opener. After you figure out how to position it (which is a test of anyone’s intelligence as you position the opener parallel to the top of the can), opening a can is easy, with the lid coming off without you ever having to touch the edges. And what’s more amazing is that neither the edge of the can nor the removed lid is very sharp.
This opener cuts the can on the side — not top — allowing you also to open pop-top cans with it. I mention this, as I’ve often been asked by those with arthritis to recommend a can opener that would do just that, since opening the pop-top (as in the new soup cans) can be difficult for some.
Bryan: My first experience with the new Tupperware can opener was a bit embarrassing. If you’ve ever seen 2001: A Space Odyssey, my introduction to this crazy device could be likened to the apes’ naive wonder at tools, though my confusion and fear, thankfully, transitioned to a triumphant celebration of a discovery.
I was excited by the new opener, a radical departure from every other can opener I’ve ever seen. I immediately grabbed a can of garbanzo beans off my shelf (I figured a new kitchen toy was a good enough excuse to make hummus) and set about my task. Five minutes and multiple tauntings from the girlfriend later, I was on the Internet searching for help. I had not expected the opener to remove the lid from the side. Though the directions indicated how I should position the tool, I added my own twist, trying to align the blade and the top of the can in a familiar cutting manner — to no end. Thankfully, I am far better with Internet searches than counterintuitive kitchen devices. I soon came across an educational series posted on YouTube by Tupperware: a step-by-step video that walks a first timer through the oddly simple process of opening cans the Tupperware way.
The opener is incredibly simple to use, despite my original fumblings. The biggest advantages include decreased resistance compared with newer openers on the market — it’s far easier than the old-school metal devices — and a hygienic cut that doesn’t get the lid in the food. The only problem I found with Tupperware’s opener is that the cut makes it difficult to drain canned goods, specifically tuna and meat packed in water/oil. You can always keep a small metal opener around for these random jobs, an added benefit being that they seem to be the only devices left with the sharp triangle “top popper” (you know, for old Juicy Juice cans).
Try some new technology; don’t be a monkey.
Eric: What I love about this can opener, aside from the fact that it is the easiest can opener I’ve ever used, was the little detail Tupperware added in making the job of opening a can (seemingly difficult among the elder members of the family) even easier.
Let’s see if I can explain this so the “monkeys” can understand it: What they’ve done is attached a little (and I mean little) triangular piece of metal to each handle of the utensil. When the handles are closed, the two metal pieces form a “beak-like” pincer that is helpful for removing the lid – perfect for the arthritis inflicted, as well as anyone else who will find difficulty in trying to figure out how to remove the top of the can once it’s been “cut.”
I never thought a can opener would inspire me – but it helped me again to recognize the importance of even the smallest of kitchen utensils – the ones that we take for granted on a daily basis. It might not be the greatest tool for draining a can of tuna, but it certainly has redefined “can opener” for me.
I really need this. 😉 Thanks.
sounds wonderful!
nice
Although I love many Tupperware products (and have for many years) you need to know that Tupperware is not the only company making a can opener like this. I have had an Oxo one (Smooth Edge Can Opener) for more than 3 years, and I bought it because I had seem a similar Pampered Chef one at someone’s house. I just looked online and the Oxo one is only $19.99. (Still a lot for a can opener, but significantly less than the Tupperware one.)
I used to drain the contents of cans by pushing the lid (washed, of course) into the can. That doesn’t work with this type of opener. But – I saw a plastic “can colander” handing on a rack in a supermarket a few years ago and now use that, even though I prefer the “old fashioned” way. It’s the diameter of a tuna can so it doesn’t work for everything.
I own, love and sell Pampered Chef and our Smooth Edge Can Opener is fantastic–and the cost is only $17.50!
I do have to plug that Tupperware has a LIFETIME warranty. So you may be paying a little bit more than other can openers, you will never have to buy a can opener again if it breaks.
Just as a point of reference – Tupperware can opener comes with a one year warranty not a lifetime warranty.
The Can Opener falls under the Tupperware Quality Warranty that states: Products in this catalog marked with the Q symbol are warranted to be free of manufacturing defects. If you receive a product you believe to be defective, please call Customer Care toll-free at 1(800) 366-3800 within one year of purchase for a free replacement. If, due to unavailability, actual product replacement cannot be made, we will credit the full purchase price amount toward future purchases of Tupperware® brand products. Warranty replacement items or parts will be subject to shipping and handling charges.
As stated earlier this product does NOT have a lifetime warranty.
I purchased the Tupperware can opener about 1 1/2 years ago. At first I loved it. After about 6 months it started to not work on all my cans. I kept trying and was continually frustrated. I contacted my Tupperware dealer and she gladly replaced it. After about a month it started doing the same thing. I heard somewhere that it does not work on a certain brand of cans. I do use a lot of this brand but if it will not work on all my cans I need something different. I just contacted Tupperware directly and they told me they could not do anything for me because it was over 1 year since I purchased it. I don’t feel they have very good customer service. The opener is rather pricey. I purchased something similar from the grocery store for 1/3 the Tupperware price and have not had any problems as of yet. Very disappointed with Tupperware on this one.