Swing-A-Way/ EZ-DUZ-IT Can Opener

[Lynn LeFey]

I have been using my Swing-A-Way can opener for comparison testing with MT can openers and started thinking about this particular tool.

Mine is an older one... maybe 15 to 20 years old, and solid as a rock. Sadly, some time back, the tool's production was shifted to China, and the inevitable quality drop occurred. The current version of the Swing-A-Way that's available is not the same quality as the one I have.

However, recently, a company in the St. Louis area in the U.S. has regained manufacturing. This company made parts for the original version, so there are now new American made versions available under the name EZ-DUZ-IT. I haven't tested one, and obviously haven't been able to give it the 15 years of beating I've given my original, but I have high hopes.

http://www.caseyanmarie.com/made-in-u-s-a-can-opener/

[Steinar]

I really hope there is room for simple machines well made. Even though, for myself, that's a little too complex for a can opener. An American made P-51 covers my needs in that department nicely.

[Lynn LeFey]

Any can opener that I tested will get the job done. I've seen a few videos of folks cranking through cans with Victorinox can openers, and I think my P-38 would stand up in time-trials against a person who has their technique down on a vic, but the Swing-A-Way opens a can much faster and with much less effort (and leaves no jagged metal). It's not a big thing if you're only opening one can, but if you're making dinner and have 4 to 6 to open, it saves a lot of effort.

Another thing that the hand-crank can do is take a lid off including the seam, by cutting through the side, and leave a nice smooth edge. Not something that needs to be done often, but occasionally.

We eat a fair amount of canned food, and I don't care for electric can openers. The hand-crank one I have is very quick, very comfortable, and does an excellent job. I'm hoping the EZ-DUZ-IT redeems the slipping reputation of the Swing-A-Way.

[Steinar]

Yes, I see the point if you prepare a larger meal. Same thing as with other pocket and multi-tools: If you are doing something a lot, you want every advantage you get, and then dedicated tools are the way to go. (I very seldom prepare meals for more than two persons, so my life in the kitchen is more about trying to avoid wasting food than having to work to prepare larger meals.)

[Santos]

i don't used much canned produce. But everything i do use is pull tab these days, including cheap generic brands. In the rare instance the tab breaks off i actually get excited and run off to my saks and multitools to try out a can opener 

I did grow up with something very similar to the one posted above and have a china clone in the kitchen draw... it just doesn't get used.

[Lynn LeFey]

Just an update on this: I've had an EZ-DUZ-IT can opener for a few months now, and have my old Swing-A-Way as backup. It's performed flawlessly, and built with the same sturdy construction as my old Swing-A-Way. I'm very happy with it.

I've left it to Mr. Whippy to report on longevity of this tool versus #10 cans, but I have no doubt it'll last a few decades versus smaller cans.