WMF Stainless Can Opener Review

When I was growing up, my house always had a can opener - that worked. It was sturdy and practical, convenient and consistent. Alas it was not very pleasing to the eye, which is why it tended to live in the dark corner of the kitchen-implement drawer. When I moved out, I did what most others do when they leave the nest, purchasing a standard, off-the-shelf can opener from my local grocery store. Afterall, a can opener is a can opener right? Wrong. After several uses and subsequent cleanings, the unit began to rust and the gears showed worn teeth. I have since purchased a number of openers, some better than others, but all still failing miserably in terms of construction, sanitation, and service life.

My sub-$20 dollar Kitchen Aid model, had served me for a little over a year, before succumbing to the worn-teeth-on-the-gears issue I mentioned before. No teeth meant no grip against the can, which translated into the cutting wheel being unable to penetrate the steel top of the can of beans I was trying to open. It was time to search out a quality can opener, that was dependable and functional. Enter the WMF Profi Plus Stainless Can Opener. I read a number of positive reviews on Amazon, all agreeing that the model was well worth the $25. I know what you're thinking - a $25 dollar can opener? Is it electric? Is it made of gold? It's neither. However it IS made by WMF in Germany, a country that takes its kitchens and culinary tooling seriously. German kitchen utensils tend to be overbuilt, which is a virtue when you don't want to replace a necessary tool once a year. WMF is well-known in Europe for quality craftsmanship and years of service. I decided to take the plunge, and see for myself if this was the can opener that would end my search.

Upon receipt of the opener, I was instantly impressed with its balance in the hand. The handles are round, making a comfortable fit, and the entire unit is built without seams - which is much more sanitary than cheaper models that get bits of food and gunk lodged in the nooks and crannies, which could lead to a food-borne illness. A large, plastic knob is thoughtfully tailored to your thumb and index fingers, making turning with torque a non-issue. The gears and cutting wheel are made of stainless steel, and WMF states it will stay sharp long after lesser-models have gone dull. The handles also feature loops on the ends, making it convenient to hang where you need it most. Finally, there is a can and bottle opener feature, ensuring that this is no "uni-tasker", as Alton Brown cleverly calls kitchen utensils that have only one purpose.

It didn't take long before I was putting the opener to task. It cut through small cans of pinto beans effortlessly, and made quick work taking the top off of a #10 can of tomato sauce. Cleanup was a breeze, I simply hand washed the opener, then hung it from one of the loops to dry. I've used it for approximately 3 months now, and it is still as sharp as the day I purchased it. The tool is simple enough to clean by hand, but also sturdy enough to take a ride in your dishwasher. Smartly designed and attractive to look at, my only complaint is the turning knob being made of plastic. It does not appear that this is a weak point on the opener, but only time will tell. If you are looking to replace that clunky, dirty, outdated countertop opener, or if you're tired of replacing the pot-metal openers you buy at Bed, Bath & Beyond, this is the can opener for you.