Vegan Tools

The Lid Lifter - A Safety Can Opener

by Kuhn Rikon

Although I don't open many cans, when I do, I want it to be quick, easy and safe. Personally, I never liked electric openers or the space they take up on countertops. So I always bought the traditional clamp and twist varieties. I found the Kuhn Rikon Safety Can Opener when creating my Travel/Emergency Kitchen Kit. The size is perfect and lightweight, so it doesn't take up too much space in my travel  kit or in my kitchen gadget drawer.

There is a learning curve for your first test drive of the Kuhn Rikon Safety Can Opener. Going by the old stand-by method with clamp-type can openers, I could not get it to attach to the top of the can. After my husband, Robert, showed me the technique, it was a snap! After opening the can, the lid still seems to be attached because of the way the cut is made. But Kuhn Rikon put a mini-plier on the edge of this cutter to "pop the lid off."

The Kuhn Rikon Safety Can Opener eliminates ALL SHARP EDGES on opened cans. This allows can lids to be recycled, trash bags don't get cut open and sanitation workers won't get cut!!!!

Benefits of the Kuhn Rikon Safety Can Opener

- Ingenious and Ergonomic
- No sharp edges
- Never have to touch the lid

- Revolutionary self-attaching design makes opening cans clean, safe and fun.

- Safely cuts the OUTSIDE rim of the can, not the top.

How to Use the Kuhn Rikon Safety Can Opener

Step 1 - The Two Half Moons
Place on top of the can with the two half circles on the sides of the circle top lined up with the can rim with the knob pointing at 10 minutes to 12 o'clock.

Step 2 - The Twist
Twist the knob clockwise.

At 3 o'clock, the Lid Lifter will automatically grip the lid and begin to cut.

After a full circle around the edge of the can, you will feel less resistance, but you won't see anything.

STOP... the can is OPEN.

Step 3 - The Release
Turn the knob counterclockwise to release the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Lid Lifter from the can.

Step 4 - The Lid Lift
The silvery mini-pliers will fit on the edge of the can.

Press the white button on the side to get the mini-pliers to grip the lid top.

Lift the cut can top off, rinse and toss into the recycle bin.

Warning: Don't try to cut more than one full circle. Over cutting may create burrs or slivers that could cause injury.