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Electric Can Opener Safety

According to the National Safety Council, most non-fatal home accidents occur in the kitchen. One common accident is cut fingers, from knives, scissors or from an appliance, such as an electric can opener. Unsafe use of electric can openers can result in cut fingers and contaminated food.

  1. What Are the Dangers?

    • After the can opener takes the top off the can, the edge left behind can easily slice your fingers. The outside of the can has gathered dust and germs while being transported, stored and brought home. If the removed top comes into contact with the food inside the can, the dirt and germs will be transferred.

    Preventing Injury

    • Keep the blade clean, because dirty blade will often get dull, interfering with proper operation of the opener. Many can opener models have a separate blade arm that you can remove for washing. Make sure the blade stays sharp to create a smooth edge when the top is cut from a can. Jagged edges can cause a nasty wound. If a detached lid drops into the food, do not risk cutting yourself by trying to pick it out with your hands; use a utensil. Always unplug the opener when cleaning or sharpening the blade. Position the can opener's cord away from counter top edges to minimize the risk of anyone pulling down or knocking the appliance over.

    Preventing Contamination

    • Leftover food, grease or dust on the blade can contaminate your food. Check the blade before each use. Whenever possible, choose can openers with magnetic lid lifters to catch the lid after it has been taken off. The lid can transfer bacteria from the outside of the can into the food.

    Other Options

    • While the basic design of the electric can opener has not changed since its invention in 1931, manufacturers have recently been offering models that address some of these dangers. Some openers cut around the outside of the can rather than the inside rim, leaving an uncut edge for handling the lid. There are cordless models and ones that mount underneath cabinets or onto the wall, reducing the chance of knocking the machine off the counter.

    Recommendation

    • Particular can opener models may have their own safety features and recommendations. Be sure to check your can opener's manual for additional safety instructions specific to your model.

    Tip

    • Even if the household can opener is an electric one, a manual opener should be kept on hand. Otherwise, a power outage would leave you without access to some of your food supplies. Also, if you need to evacuate your home due to an emergency situation (natural disaster or utility problems), you'll need something portable.

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