Forum Topic

Can opener for the old & frail

Personal recommendation please for an efficient can opener for an elderly person who does not have the strength to twist a regular tim opener.  I see the Cusenor opener is recommended at Robert Dyas but isn't an electric one easier to use for those with arthritic hands and wrists?

Jennifer Selig ● 2098d11 Comments

We used to have a battery-powered opener but it didn't last long and nor did its replacement. A couple of years back I bought a Kenwood mains-powered opener which so far has been excellent.  I notice though that more and more cans are now opened using a ring-pull; this might or might not  be an advantage depending on finger-strength!

Bruce Hammal ● 2098d

It's quite rare now to find a non-ring-pull one, and they can be awkward for those of us with arthritis in our right index fingers.

Susan Kelly ● 2098d

I’ve got a Kenwood electric opener, been using it fo 15  years or more. Highly recommend.

Maureen Yakoubi ● 2098d

We've been using a Culinare battery opener for around 20 years, never had a problem.Ring pull cans don't like me, the ring often snaps off while I'm pulling it up to use. I just use the opener either on that end or sometimes the other. Still no problems.Starts with a press on a large button and stops automatically. I wouldn't know if they are still available.

Bob Guyett ● 2098d

Morphy Richards multifunction can opener (top rated in the independent)  £25 on amazon
Looks good i think im going to buy one myself https://www.amazon.co.uk/Morphy-Richards-Multifunction-Opener-46718/dp/B005GK5G2Q?tag=independen058-21&ascsubtag=IN|1781973|B005GK5G2Q&geniuslink=true

Julian Pavey ● 2098d

I bought an electric Kenwood one on Amazon a few years ago after getting fed up wrestling with blunt tin openers and intransigent tins.  Having several tins to open per day between human and animal needs, it has been a godsend. Took a little while to ensure always got the cutting angle right but soon got the knack and been plain sailing ever since.

Claire Moran ● 2097d

For the ring pull you can get an opener, it sort of pulls on a fulcrum principal.Really easy and cheap, un like the tin opener.

Nicholas Beard ● 2097d

Oh, I didn't know about those, Nicholas. Might get one.

Susan Kelly ● 2097d

I bought an electric Kenwood one for an elderly relative and she had managed to break it within a couple of weeks!We still have a very beautifully designed simple and comfortable to use mechanical one we got from the RNIB but I have never been able to find another the same.  It was designed with a hook on the handle so could also be used for ring pulls. I think that is Culinare too.  We also have a little battery one but that has never appealed and I always worried that as soon as I wasn't there the battery would run out.This ring pull opener is extremely easy to use and makes a big difference, is cheap and doesn't need electricity or batteries! Take a look.https://shop.rnib.org.uk/culinare-magipull-ring-pull-opener-2555

Philippa Bond ● 2097d

Thanks everyone - I'll aim my friend at your suggestions.

Jennifer Selig ● 2097d

Versus Arthritis does some useful work on this.  This link may be useful:https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-us/arthr/

Julian Worricker ● 2097d