The average life span of a can opener in my house is about 3 years. With up to 7 teens and young adults in house at any one time opening umpteen cans of beefaroni, the can opener gets a work out. I make it a point to try different brands, just to see if there is one that can hold up to the kind of abuse we seem to wield. I've gone through Rival, Proctor Silex, GE, Hamilton Beach, and Oster. Granted, I go for the cheaper models, but in my experience, a can opener is not a long lasting investment appliance.

My Rival can opener had been getting temperamental, and as I was browsing in the aisles of the local Wal-Mart, I spotted the Black and Decker Grand Openings Can Opener. This then, is the saga of my latest can opener.

-- The Features --

? The Looks

What initially attracted me to this can opener, like most other appliances, is the way it looks. It's sleek, rounded, and unobtrusive silhouette is a nice accessory to any kitchen counter. The opener comes in a slick semi-shiny black or white. It is well within the can openers average size range at approximately 5.5" x 9.5" x 5.5".

? The Cord & Cord Cave

I like plenty of cord on my appliances, and this can opener measures up at 31 inches. There is an orifice in the back of the can opener, which I call a cord cave, that functions as a receptacle for the unused portion of the cord. This is a great feature that keeps down the counter cord clutter.

? Knife Sharpener

I've had can openers with and without knife sharpeners. I now stick to those that have them. It's a nice added feature. This can opener has two different sharpener slots, one for smaller knives, and one for larger knives. Do not attempt to sharpen scissors or serrated knives in these knife sharpeners. The sharpeners are effective and convenient.

? Bottle Opener

Grand Opening's claim to fame is the built in bottle opener on the front midsection of the appliance. It's a nifty little feature that I actually use more than I thought I would. You do have to take care to get a good grip on the opener when trying to pry a cap off a bottle.

? Removeable Cutting Assembly

I will not buy an opener any more without this feature. I think most of them have it by now. The ability to remove the cutting assembly for cleaning is a must. The manufacturer suggests that the cutting assembly is not dishwasher safe. I have always put my assemblies on the top rack. Shhhh.

? Automatic Opening and Shut Off

I'm not sure if they still make can openers without these features. The fact that you can put in a can, engage the opening assembly, and go about your business without a care in the world is why I buy an automatic can opener in the first place. This unit has worked very well in this regard. In my experience, this is the first feature to go towards the end of a can opener's life.

? The Magnetic Can Lid Holder

This is another feature that I can't imagine a can opener not having. Once the opening cycle has completed, the can lid is held up in place by this small magnet. This got me to wondering why aluminum is not magnetic, a question that I've addressed at the end of the review.

? Accommodates Most Common Size Cans

No, it won't take on that jumbo can of tomato sauce that feeds 20 from Costco, but I have a trick for that. Just lift up the can opener and let it revolve around the can. :)

? The Black and Decker Name and Warranty

Black and Decker has been in business since 1915. They have an excellent reputation, and in my opinion, deservedly so. I have other Black and Decker small appliances and am very happy with them.

Black and Decker offers a full one-year warranty against defects in the appliance. This warranty does not cover misuse of the appliance or accidents. The company maintains a very nice, user friendly, comprehensive website of their products, including easily accessible consumer phone numbers and service information.

-- In Conclusion --

I would highly recommend this can opener. It looks good, it works well, it has cool features, and the price is right. What more can one expect from such a humble appliance? :)

~ Superfluous Information for the Scientifically Inclined ~

The question that came up in my mind, is why isn't aluminum (Al) magnetic? This question has to do with the fact that in order to be magnetic, the electrons in the inner and outer shells, which are in an atomic orbit around the nucleus, must be able to align themselves to north and south poles. Well, the electron distribution in Iron (Fe) allows for north south pole alignment, but aluminum and tin (Sn) do not. This is a complex scientific phenomenon that relates to the distribution of the electrons in the shells, and when distributed fully (as in tin and aluminum) they are balanced, so there is no driving force to cause polar movement. Alrighty then.

So how, you might ask, can the lids on our tin and aluminum cans stick to the magnet on the can opener? Because there is actually iron (Fe) in the lids. Iron is one of the few elements that is magnetic.
(Props to my chemical engineer encyclopedic husband)

The first cans were actually made of solid iron for the British Navy. Talk about sinking a ship! :)

For trivia buffs, you can read all about the invention of the can opener at:
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story080.htm

If you're still with me, you may be interested in these other related reviews:

? Black and Decker Dustbuster: A Classic that Works
http://creditexpert.epinions.com/hmgd-review-513E-C1B61EE-39A53E78-prod6

? Black and Decker HandyChopper: A Handy Little Kitchen Gadget
http://creditexpert.epinions.com/hmgd-review-5D7-4F738C1-389DF3B8-prod2

? A really good Rice Cooker for only $19.96! (Black and Decker)
http://creditexpert.epinions.com/hmgd-review-7A43-C741BC7-38E879BC-prod2