A great can opener is like a superhero, you don’t even know how essential they are to a smooth running cooking operation until they’re not there when you most need them. However, while the goal of every can opener is the same, commercial models vary slightly from the residential models with which you might already be familiar. So let’s break it down.
Types of Can Openers
Just like home models, commercial can openers are either manual or electric. Manual models are further divided into handheld or table-mounted.
Handheld Manual
Handheld can openers are fairly standard in kitchens across the country and the commercial models are similar to their residential cousins. Commercial versions are sturdier and meant for more frequent usage. The Focus Easy Crank has extra-long handles and it’s crank is sized to accommodate large cans used in commercial food operations. Its size, adaptability and cost make this a sensible choice for a smaller operation like a concession stand where usage is infrequent and space is at a premium. It’s also great to have a handheld as a backup in case the table-mounted or electric can opener is otherwise occupied during a rush.
Table-Mounted Manual
For the uninitiated, table-mounted manual can openers can look a bit confusing, but they function exactly like the more familiar handheld openers. The only difference being, like the name says, they’re mounted permanently or semi-permanently to a counter or tabletop. These models are further broken down into #1 and #2, but it’s far less confusing then it sounds. #1 is the can opener manufacturer’s way of saying heavy duty (up to 50 cans per day) and #2 is lighter duty (15-25 cans per day). #1 table-mounted can openers can accommodate cans up to 11” tall, while #2 can handle cans up to 7”. For years the standard has been Edlund’s #1 Can Opener. Nicknamed, “Old Reliable”, this can opener is made in the USA and is available with a variety of options to suit each food operation’s unique needs.
Electric
Electric can openers require no elbow grease and open cans with the touch of a button. Like their manual friends, electric can openers are also available in both heavy and lighter duty models. Only this time, heavy duty electric can openers are rated to open up to 200 cans per day. These are ideal for large-scale food operations such as hotels and banquet facilities. Lighter duty models are no slouch either, opening up to 50-100 cans per day. Their ease of use make electric can openers an ideal choice for chefs that may not have the dexterity to operate a crank-handled can opener, such as in a retirement community. Electrics are also a smart choice for kitchens unable to make the commitment to a permanent table-mounted opener, but are opening a larger volume of cans than would be reasonable with a handheld model. The Edlund 203-115V Electric Can Opener can handle up to 100 cans per day has two speeds and has a modest footprint.
No matter which can opener you select, with care and maintenance, it can last for years to come. Please visit us at CooksDirect.com for all your commercial can opener needs.
