Can Openers for Seniors
Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Rachel
Many older adults suffer the effects of diseases like arthritis, which reduces the normal functioning of some parts of their body, including their hands. This limits their ability to grip and grasp objects, which means they can hardly manage their daily tasks. Can openers are designed to help the elderly with arthritis avoid putting a lot of pressure when handling objects in the kitchen. There are many models – electric and non-electric with different features that enhance the safety of older adults. Here is a guide to can openers for seniors, including the best options to find in the market.
What are the Essential Qualities of a Good Can Opener?
There are certain essentials that every can opener should have. They include:
Ability to open a can: This is the simplest quality every can should have, yet several models hardly satisfy this need.
Easy to set up and operate: A good can opener shouldn’t have a complicated system. Every tool should be easy for a senior to set up and navigate through its steps. Some can openers come with one-touch operation, which helps to reduce the strength needed to use the tools. Other tools come with more features, including a magnet that prevents the lid from detaching before it is removed. There are models which include buttons or attached pliers to detach the lids.
Durable: A good can opener should be long-lasting. It is important to opt for an opener that offers a good warranty, and the best is one that offers a lifetime warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Easy maintenance: A good can opener should be easy to clean and maintain. Preferably, one with removable parts.
Rust resistant: A good product should be made with stainless steel to avoid rust particles getting in the food.
Other Things To Consider When Buying Can Openers for the Elderly
Several factors come into play when trying to find the best can opener in the market for a senior loved one. One can choose any of them may available models, based on the needs and preferences of the user. There are electrical can openers, which can either use rechargeable batteries or depend on the electrical current to operate. Here are the factors to consider:
Consider if the Model is Manually or Automatically Operated
Again, the need for this will depend on the needs and preferences of the user. Since diseases like Arthritis cause stiffness, pain, and reduced abilities to perform daily tasks, can openers are there to reduce stress and make handling objects much easier for older adults. However, one can choose between manual and automatic can openers. Automatic is designed to reduce the need of gripping objects by hand. They can use rechargeable batteries or connected to the household current to work efficiently. Manual can openers come with features that accommodate the needs of the elderly.
Consider Features Like Ergonomic Design
Can openers with ergonomic design come with wide, rounded edges to make it easier to grasp objects. The turning knobs and handles are mostly large and made with non-slip materials for seniors to grip objects with ease.
Safety
Can openers that have detached lids with sharp edges increase the chances of seniors suffering injuries. Some models of can openers come with strong magnets that hold the lids into place until they are detached. Both automatic and manual can openers can work well with magnets to enhance the safety of older adults.
The Cost of Can Openers for the Elderly
Can openers cost between $10 and $50, depending on the features and materials they are made with. The cost of a can opener also depends on whether the product is electric or manual. Manual modes are less expensive, and some models cost under $10. But manual can openers have a lot of disadvantages, including the inability to last for longer periods and the likeliness of rusting, which may contaminate food and cause certain illnesses to older adults using them. Manual models with high-quality features can cost up to $20. Electric models, on the other hand, can be as expensive as $50, depending on additional features.
Best Can Openers for the Elderly
Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
This is one of the best can openers in the market. It comes with a one-touch operation feature and removable arms to make the cleaning process easy and simple. This opener can work with cans of all sizes and offers a three-year warranty. The only drawback of using this can opener is the fact that it requires a connection to the household’s electric current to operate. This means it won’t when the power is off. Visit https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/can_openers/sco-60/ for more information.
The cost of the product: $45.95
Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener
This can opener comes with a locking mechanism that locks the cutting wheel to make cutting easy and reduce the chances of seniors suffering strain on their hands. It comes with a smooth turning handle made with quality stainless steel and a built-in magnet to hold the lid in place until detached after use. The modern design works well with all kitchens and enhances comfort. Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener offers a five-year guarantee. Read more at https://www.zyliss.com/store/products/zyliss-lock-n-lift-can-opener-with-lid-lifter-magnet-white-20362.htm.
The cost of the product: $19.99
Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Can Opener with Scissors
This can open both pop-top and regular cans and comes with a one-touch operation. Unlike other can openers, this one is designed to make blade cuts along the side. This helps in reducing the chances of blades getting in contact with food until it’s removed. Visit https://hamiltonbeach.com/smoothtouch-can-opener-76606z for more details.
The cost of the product: $39.99
One-Touch Electric Can Opener – Auto Shut-Off
This can opener only needs a one-touch operation, one push of a button to make it work. After finishing, seniors should wait for the opener turns itself off automatically. One doesn’t need to hold the opener while opening the can. It is made to the lid’s edge without getting in touch with the food, allowing for smooth hygiene practices in the household. Find out more about the product at https://shopkitchenmama.com/products/kitchen-mama-one-touch-hands-free-electric-can-opener.
The cost of the product: $34.88
Oxo Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
This can opener comes with large, cushioned handles and oversized knobs to make working easier for seniors in the kitchen. It also features a built-in bottle opener. This tool is designed to fit the needs of older adults with Arthritic hands. Visit https://www.oxo.com/soft-handled-can-opener-433.html for more information.
The cost of the product: $16.99
Oxo Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
These openers, unlike the traditional ones, come with a side-cutting feature that helps in achieving smooth edges. While it doesn’t feature a magnet that holds the lid into place, it has pliers that lift the lid for easy disposal. It features oversized turning knobs that make it easier for older adults, including those with arthritis to grasp. More information is available at https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-can-openers-for-seniors/.
The cost of the product: $25.99
