Can openers have long been a fixture in the kitchens since the 1800s. It was necessitated by the increasing production of canned goods. Storing foods in cans became popular because it increased the shelf life of food and it became an effective way of storing food in cupboards rather than having to go to the grocery or market often.



Since the invention of can openers, manufacturers tried using different materials. There are openers made of hard plastic, some of aluminum and others a combination of metal or wood. However, still one of the best and most used can openers are those made of stainless steel. This material has several advantages over the others that makes it very saleable.

Stainless steel is made of at least 10% chromium and other metals like aluminum or copper. This metal alloy does not easily rust, stain or corrode unlike ordinary steels. However, it is important to remember that is not fully stain-proof. Stainless steel needs proper maintenance for it to avoid rusting or corroding.

Stainless steel materials have different ranks and exterior finishes to adapt to specific environments. Generally for cutlery and other kitchen items, stainless steels used for these pieces have higher content of chromium to better resist stains and corrosion for longer periods.

It is different from carbon steel because of the existing amount of chromium. Carbon steel can easily rust when exposed to air, humidity and moisture. Stainless steel has enough volume of chromium available so that an inactive film of the chromium oxide can stop further rusting or corrosion.

Rusting generally result from air and oxygen combined with moisture. Rust can easily contaminate food and causes intoxication when people eat such foods. In stainless steels, this is prevented because of the chromium oxide content.

This chromium oxide formation is very important in kitchen tools like openers because these items usually get wet. A lesser corrosion-resistant tool lasts longer and requires lower maintenance. This is the more practical option.

There are many types of stainless steel openers. The first kind is zap cap, used to open bottles. It is small, very handy and can be used even outdoors. It can open beer, juice or softdrinks bottles.

The second type is can openers. It is a simple yet very useful gadget for opening can lids. It became more popular now that many foods are packed in cans, like corned beef, liver spread and sardines.

Can openers operate on two wheels revolving in opposite directions to open the lid. Twist the screw to revolve the wheels.

Modern can openers now have built-in pop cap openers also. Some models have incorporated a knife and cork screw also. These are very handy for outdoor trips.

The third type is the stainless steel wine opener used to open wine bottles. Some models feature a drill formed screw that lifts up the cork to open. It is a must-have power tool for wine lovers.

Stainless steel opener is a good choice if you want to make sure that you are prepping healthy food all the time. The same goes for other kitchen utensils like cutlery, spoons and forks.