Electric can openers aren't a necessity of life; they are a convenience. You could dig into the back of the collect-all drawer and find the manual can opener if necessary. However, it's typically easy to fix an electric can opener that's gone awry, so let's see how it's done.

How Does It Work?

An electric can opener is a motorized small appliance. Electric can openers come in countertop, under-cabinet, and cordless models. On most models, clamping the cutting blade to the edge of the can also activates the motor and the feed gear that turns the can. Once the lid is cut all around, on some models, a switch automatically shuts off the motor.

What Can Go Wrong?

As with other small appliances, most problems are either electrical or mechanical. Electric cords and switches can become inoperable. Motors can be defective. Motors, wheels, or grinding wheels can become jammed. The cutting wheel can become worn. The feed gear can become worn or dirty. The feed gear may be damaged or filled with debris (labels, food, metallic bits.)

Fix-It Tip

Regular maintenance can dramatically increase the functional life of an electric can opener. Occasionally detach the cutter and its shaft and clean in hot, sudsy water using a clean rag or brush to make sure you don't get cut by the blade.