Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener

Some have said you have to lift the lid by inserting your fingernail into the split in the solder seam, or by using needle-nose pliers, but that's not true, at least not on the lastest model. OXO actually has included a tiny set of metal pincers on the side of the can opener opposite the turning knob that engage as you move the handles together -- they do a fine job of gripping the edge of the lid so you can lift it away from the body of the can. (They're just not an obvious feature unless you happen to read the very tiny instruction brochure that comes with the can opener.)

As with all OXO "Good Grips" products, they've made this one ergonomic for ease of use, especially by people who have difficulty with their hands. The two handles you squeeze to get the can opener seated on the can lid are large and bulky enough to squeeze easily, with a rubbery feel that makes them non-slip. The knob or handle you turn is also large, bulky and rubbery so that it not only doesn't slip, it's easy to hold onto while you rotate it. Because the can opener is gear driven, it turns easily and smoothly as the can revolves.

I still have my old Swing-A-Way can opener that cuts the lid out, a gear driven model that I can't fault for its performance. I've kept it around because I'm sure there might be an odd can or two that the newfangled can opener won't handle, but so far that hasn't happened.

Another thing -- with this new OXO, since there's no blade cutting down through the lid to pick up food or liquid from inside the can, you have a can opener that stays way cleaner with no blade coated with accumulated black grunge.

You can even put the lid back on the can if you want for refrigerator storage of unused portions of what's in the can (though I myself prefer putting leftovers in a plastic container with an airtight lid).

I have no idea who thought of this method of opening a can, but it's brilliant -- a true example of thinking "outside the box."


It was so easy, that at first I thought it didn't work   June 20, 2003
David Casker (Johnstown, PA United States)
63 out of 67 found this review helpful

The first day I had it, I wanted to open a can of something for dinner, and tried out my newest kitchen gadget. I followed the instructions, and it was essentially so effortless, and I couldn't see or feel anything happening other than the can rotating, that I thought "I'm either doing something wrong, or this doesn't work." But the fact is, the can was open, and all it took was a bit of a nudge (or the use of the pretty small, but effective clamps on the side of the opener) to remove the top. It totally lives up to its claim of no sharp edges!!! It's on my countertop all the time now, and the old electric can opener may just find its way to a second-hand store.


broke on second can attempted   July 26, 2003
Edward Scott (Utopia, TX United States)
32 out of 42 found this review helpful

I was quite pleased opening a soup can... thought I had something revolutionary. I'm an Oxo lover and fan, have most of their products... but when I tried to open a large coffee can, it stripped its gears inside... they feel like plastic, but surely not... I didn't open it to see, just sent it back to Oxo for replacement. Will update later with results.

**update: Oxo replaced the can opener without a hassle and the new one works fine, though I changed to 1 lb coffee cans :)


Well worth the money!!!!! Best can opener you'll ever own.   March 27, 2003
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

I wanted a hand-held can opener that would leave no sharp edges, & after reading reviews I chose the OXO Good Grips Smooth Can Opener.

This can opener lives up to its name! Absolutely no sharp edges whatsoever, and it is incredibly easy to use. After having an inexpensive Swingaway brand for so long, this one is a dream. I no longer have to fight with opening cans....this one glides effortlessly around the lid---very, very smoothly. I actually look forward to opening cans now! I am amazed every time and wish I had known about this one long ago.

Another added bonus worth mentioning is that after opening the can, you are able to lift the lid off & throw it away without ever having to touch it. This can opener opens cans cleanly with no mess, smooth lids/cans, with very little effort to do so.

OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener is well-worth the [money] paid for it!!!


Finally, a side opener that works   December 15, 2002
Dennis B. Montgomery (Indianapolis, IN USA)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful

I've tried several other "side cutting" openers and didn't like any of them. This one puts the others to shame. It's easy to use, comfortable, and works perfectly. The best feature is the "lid gripper" that lifts the lid off the can, so you don't even have to touch it.