Has the market for electric can openers gone into decline? If so, why?

Question

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, my family always had an electric can opener and it seemed that everyone else did as well. Today, however, it seems as if electric can openers are quite rare. My wife and I don't have one. Neither my parents nor any of the friends whose homes I've visited lately contain one. The nearby Target, which carries 20 models of every other small electric, had only two electric can openers last I checked. Obviously, it seems like a larger percentage of food comes in plastic packages or pull top cans. But, while I'd assume that there have been some advances in plastic packaging, pull tops existed in the 1970s too. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Better packaging, yes. But also an increased awareness of the incredible amount of bacteria that collects on the cutting mechanism of an electric can opener. When some news stories came out about 15 years ago on the dangers of using electric can openers, they fell out of fashion. (Hand can openers could be washed but electric ones were difficult to clean easily.

However, I use an electric can opener - but only one kind. . . It is made by Hamilton-Beach and has a removable cutting mechanism that can be detached from the body and washed/sanitized in the dishwasher. It's easy to use, clean and makes opening cans a little easier.

Good Question.

Answer 2

The food processing industry has improved packaging techniques so much that plastic pouches and plastic containers have replaced cans . Many cans are pull tops which eliminate the need for a can opener. However there are still several products, tuna fish and salmon for example ,which require a can opener to get at the contents. There will always be a need for the opener. One will not use it as often as he did in the past.

Answer 3

When I read your question, it reminded my that my parents always had electric can openers, when I was growing up. I have never owned one. One of the reasons is that newer hand-held can openers are much easier to use. The old kind were a big hassle, but I have one made by oxo, and it is really smooth, and doesn't require a lot of muscle. I also think you're right about people using canned items less. I rarely use canned vegetables. I prefer fresh or frozen. Of the canned things I do buy, a lot of them now have a pull tab, so you don't need a can opener at all. Good question!

Answer 4

you sort of answered your own question. most cans today come with a pull top. people today want more convenience

Answer 5

most people eat fast food, ty-dinners, order out

myself i have a plug in gizmo-by black & decker