Is My Can Opener Working Properly?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and concerns regarding the performance of their can openers, particularly focusing on difficulties in removing lids and the presence of glue residue. Participants discuss various factors that may affect the functionality of the can openers and share personal anecdotes about their usage.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions having difficulty getting the lid off their can opener, often needing to go around multiple times and observing glue residue.
  • Another participant inquires about the use of the grippy teeth on the opener and shares that they also have to reverse the opener to release it.
  • One participant notes that they have not experienced similar issues and suggests that the cutting disc may be worn out if the opener is squeezed tightly.
  • Several users mention that the glue residue is likely due to the manufacturer's use of glue rather than a malfunction of the opener.
  • One participant observes that they notice more glue in the summer, suggesting environmental factors may play a role.
  • Another participant expresses concern about how much of the lid rim is cut and whether the opener is functioning correctly.
  • One participant shares their experience of needing to go around the can multiple times and attributes it to the glue used.
  • Another participant states that their opener has worked well for several years without issues.
  • One participant mentions a suggestion from a guest to clean the wheel of the opener with alcohol or similar products to improve performance.
  • Another participant expresses frustration with their new opener, finding it difficult to pry off lids, especially from jars with liquid contents.
  • One participant suggests that some users may struggle more due to physical limitations, such as arthritis.
  • Several participants discuss the technique of rocking the opener to aid in lid removal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the performance of the can openers, with some participants experiencing issues while others report satisfactory performance. No clear consensus emerges on whether the problems are due to the opener's design or external factors.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences with can openers of varying ages and conditions, reflecting personal usage and environmental factors that may influence performance.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and users seeking to understand common issues with can openers and the experiences of others in the community.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
I have been wondering for a long time now if my can opener is working properly. I always have a hard time getting the lid to come off. Most times I have to go around 2 or more times. Then when it does come off, it always shows the black/brown/or grey glue in strings as I'm pulling it off. Is this normal? I have always just figured that's what it should be like, but my mom has a non-PC one and it gets lids off with more of the lid area and there's no stringy things. I have no idea how long ago I bought it, so I probably can't do anything about it anyway, but I just thought I'd ask you guys about it.
 
are you using the grippy teeth on the side to get it off?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
etteluap70PC said:
are you using the grippy teeth on the side to get it off?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I am. I also have to go in reverse a little bit to release the can opener first.
 
Hmmmm.... never had that happen. I have had a few customers say they have had the opener for a few years and the cutting disc seems worn out. Are you squeezing it tight?

When you use the teeth to pry it off are you lifting it up or rocking it up and toward the can? I find rocking it works best.
 
the glue in strings has nothing to do with the opener. It just means that manufacturer used lots of glue!
 
Different cans have different levels of glue. I find more glue in the summer b/c the cans are warmer?! I don't know why, but more glue in the summer. Maybe you should get your opener replaced, it may be defective. I have NEVER had to go around more than once on a can w/ any of my can openers.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
How much of the rim of the lid do your openers cut? Mine seems to only go down a millimeter of the way. Are they supposed to go further down closer to where the lid meets the can?
 
I have one that I have had about 2 years and depending on the can sometimes I have to go around 3 or 4 times. I always figured it was due to more glue being used. Hmm
 
babywings76 said:
How much of the rim of the lid do your openers cut? Mine seems to only go down a millimeter of the way. Are they supposed to go further down closer to where the lid meets the can?
Click to expand...

They don't go down the can very much at all. It's not actually cutting the can, but breaking the seal of the can...which is why sometimes you see the glue that was used in the sealing process. (Glue which is totally food safe, if anyone is grossed out by that!)

BTW- you souldn't have to go around the can more than once. Sounds like yours are defective.
 
KellyTheChef said:
BTW- you souldn't have to go around the can more than once. Sounds like yours are defective.
Click to expand...

I'm wondering if they wear out. Does anyone think they get "dull" after a few (seven) years of hard work?
 
I have had mine about 6 years and it works just as it did when I got it!
 
I had a guest at my last show that said you need to clean the "wheel" with alcohol or "Goo Gone" type products once they begin to stick or require more that one turn of the can. It sounds like a great idea, but I haven't tried it yet.
Deb
 
Mine is brand new ... I am trying to like it ... trying really hard ....However, I have the same problem prying the lid off ... and if it's a jar of something soupy, like chicken broth, I tend to give up and find another opener.At least I know how to use it now ... I do feel the opener "release" but still can't pry the lid off ... I will try the rocking thing ... thank goodness I haven't needed to display it at any shows.
 
Do you know that their is a gripper on the side of the opener to lift the lids off? Also some lids have more glue than others requiring you to go around at least twice.
 
I have had my opener for 5 years and have never had to go arround more than once on any can and have never had an issue getting the lid off as long as I was using the grippers on the side of the can.

Again the people/ customers I know who have had troubble getting the lid off is because they were lifting straight up. Try gripping the lid with the teeth and rock forward and up.
 
I do have to go around my cans twice sometimes. And the tops are hard to take off. I was wondering about folks with arthritis trying to do what I'm doing.
Maybe I'll try the goo-gone etc.
 
I have the same trouble... it worked fine for awhile but recently I have to go around several times. And it will "pop" like it is breaking a new area loose. And it is hard to get off - sometimes bending the lid. I guess I'll send mine back, I hadn't thought of that!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my Pampered Chef can opener is working properly?

To check if your Pampered Chef can opener is functioning correctly, ensure that the cutting wheel is sharp and free of debris. When you use it, the can opener should easily pierce the lid and create a clean cut without excessive force. If it struggles or leaves jagged edges, it may need maintenance or replacement.

What should I do if my can opener is not cutting through the can lid?

If your can opener is not cutting through the lid, first check if the cutting wheel is dull or damaged. Clean the wheel and the gears to remove any food residue. If it still doesn't work, consider replacing the cutting wheel or the entire can opener if it's beyond repair.

Is there a specific way to use the Pampered Chef can opener for best results?

Yes, for optimal performance, place the can opener on the edge of the can lid and ensure the cutting wheel is aligned properly. Turn the handle clockwise until the lid is fully cut. Make sure to apply even pressure and avoid tilting the can opener, as this can affect the cutting process.

Can I clean my Pampered Chef can opener in the dishwasher?

It is not recommended to clean your Pampered Chef can opener in the dishwasher, as the high heat and harsh detergents can damage the components. Instead, wash it by hand with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly to maintain its functionality.

What should I do if my can opener feels loose or wobbly?

If your can opener feels loose or wobbly, check the screws and connections to ensure they are tight. If the issue persists, it may indicate wear and tear on the internal mechanisms. In such cases, consider contacting Pampered Chef customer service for advice on repairs or replacement options.

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