On a boat, a can opener is one of those things that just needs to work. Most cruisers use more canned goods, particularly when away from towns, due to limited refrigerator space. And if you’re hungry, your food is in a can, your can opener’s broken and town is a day or two away . . . well, it won’t be a pretty picture.
Swing-A-Way Can Opener
After trying several other can openers in our first few months of cruising — with disastrous results — my preferred can opener is that old classic, the original Swing-A-Way shown here.
Don’t get a look-alike or the “Junior Swing-A-Way” (smaller size). They just don’t work as well, as you really don’t save much money, as the original Swing-A-Way is generally less than $10. It comes in a variety of colors, too.
The salt air environment can be hard on can openers, and I’ve seen a number of cruisers recommending expensive all-stainless models that cut the lip and all off the can. I don’t doubt that those openers do a good job — but I really don’t think they’re any better for the extra money. I know, usually I think that all-stainless products are the way to go. But the Swing-A-Way has worked well for me.
After 5 years aboard Que Tal, and now two years off the boat, here’s a photo of the cutting blade of my Swing-A-Way. There’s some rust on the steel, but it doesn’t cause any problem in using it. I literally just used it to open a can of tuna for lunch, and it worked just as easily as the day I bought it. The handles are comfortable and easy to squeeze together, and the turning knob is easy to grip and turns easily. It cuts all around without missed spots.
A couple of years ago, we took a two-month camping trip through National Parks and I bought a look-alike can opener to go in our camping gear — it was what the store had and I’d sort of forgotten my experience when we’d first moved aboard Que Tal. The first time I used it, I realized I’d made a mistake. When we next went to a supermarket, I saw the Junior Swing-A-Way and figured that it would be just like the one at home, but smaller. I soon learned that being smaller meant that it didn’t have as much leverage to close the handles and initially pierce the can, and the cutting blade was smaller and didn’t work as smoothly. You guessed it — I finally bought the original Swing-A-Way and became, literally, a “happy camper”!
The one comprehensive galley reference needed aboard every boat
I grew up with a cabinet-mounted classic Swing-a-Way in my mother’s kitchen. I think she still has it.
My sister gave me a Leifheit can opener back in the mid-80s some time. It has survived six years aboard and looks better than the picture above. Two years ago I bought a Kuhn-Rikon opener that doesn’t leave a sharp edge. I have found the KR to not only be a bit safer but to be easier to use than it’s predecessor. I haven’t been able to divest myself of my sister’s gift but the KR is now my opener of choice.
Works every time!
I have successfully used the exact same model on our boat over the last several years. At home I also have a manual can opener, but it is a Tupperware Product that requires a bit of a knack to properly engage it. Its great when I can figure it out, but the boat one can’t be beat for simplicity and leverage. It is beginning to show a bit of rust, so I may have to buy another sometime soon.
You kidding, that’s a good one for the home too!
Yep, I’ve had one for years . . . back to when I was a kid!
You can never beat the Swing-A-Way!! That’s what I have at home too. Forget an electric – it’s a waste of space. I just buy a new manual every 10 years or so (that means we’re on our third since we’re married 27 years – LOL).
Best can opener ever made, bar none!