Can Openers

You can pick and choose from bargain brands to gourmand specialties

Appliances in the modern-day kitchen have quite the task: to reliably do their job, look good while doing it (or waiting to do it), and not be a drain on our time and money. Popular brands for the average consumer include Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, and Sunbeam.

Mainstream brands offer comparable in-store and on-line shopping. If you're a Black & Decker loyalist or want to read consumer reviews, stock and information are easily available.

A splash of style

The West Bend 77201 Electric Can Opener comes in black, blue, red, white, and steel for $24.99. Its reviews are generally positive, and you can match it to the line's other appliances. Another value-priced brand is Oster, which has a curvy, steel design for $14.99.

Rave winners you might not know about

You might not have heard of Oxo or Swing-Away unless you've been reading consumer reviews and message boards. One reviewer still uses her manual Oxo from 1972, and its newer counterpart retails at $15.99. Oxo offers a variety of manuals from smooth-edge to snap-locks to bottle-poppers. Swing-Away has an opener with an ergonomic handle for $12.90. Both brands are known for ease of use that endures and are just as affordable as discount-store brands.

Industrial brands for your kitchen

Perhaps you want the quality and durability required from restaurant appliances. Edlund, a brand that carries $500-$1000 commercial openers, offers a handheld, smooth-edge opener for $15.99. This black contoured device looks just as stylish as many high-end counterparts.

The bottom line

Price is not a singular indicator of value. If you are a Cuisinart fan or prefer Pampered Chef, you should be able to find a can opener with the features you want. Oxo and Swing-Away are not as ubiquitous as Hamilton Beach and Black & Decker, but they have stellar reviews across the net and are competitively priced. The bottom line can mean value, style, and quality.