The Can Opener

A can opener is a small but important kitchen tool. It has a sharp wheel that cuts through the top of a metal can. You turn a handle, and the wheel moves around the edge. Soon the lid comes off and you can reach the food inside.

A Strange Start

Metal cans for food were invented in 1810, but the can opener was not made until 1858. For almost 50 years, people had to use hammers and chisels to open cans. That was hard work and sometimes dangerous. Finally, an American named Ezra Warner invented the first real can opener. It made opening cans much safer.

New Kinds of Openers

Later, people improved the can opener. In 1870, William Lyman added a rolling wheel that cut around the lid. Electric can openers came later and do the work for you. Today, some cans even have pull tabs so you do not need a can opener at all. But most kitchens still keep one in a drawer.

Fun Facts

• The first can openers looked a little like a bull's head.
• Some Swiss Army knives have a tiny can opener built in.
• Army soldiers often use a small can opener called a P-38.

Did You Know?

For many years, people bought canned food without knowing how they would get the cans open at home.