I Spent $30 On a Gadget to Open Dog Food, and It Was Worth Every Penny

Until recently, I rarely opened cans. Even when I did, they’re mostly pull-tab now, so no need to use a can opener. Then Ruby started eating prescription food, which despite being pricey, still comes in regular old can-opener-requiring cans. It’s just one can a day that I need to open, but that one can a day, every day, with my arthritic hands? It’s a literal and metaphorical PAIN.

I’d been eyeing the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener for awhile. It’s recommended by so many with mobility/dexterity issues, and it’s not some hulking machine that will take up precious counter space. BUT, it also costs $30. $30 for a can opener?! Insane. But I opened enough cans with my aching hands and crappy can opener that I caved and bought myself a Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener, and it is amazing.

Anyone who has used one of those upright, countertop electric can openers knows they are not intuitive. I have never successfully used one, despite trying to numerous times. The Kitchen Mama is easy to use right out of the box (at least, after you add four AA batteries, which aren’t included). You simply place the can opener on top of your can, with the little metal cylinder next to the edge, and press the button. The mechanism will move into place, the can opener will spin around your can, and you’ll hear a satisfying POP when it makes it around to its starting point. The top of the can is fully separated, with a clean, dull edge, AND the can lid sticks to can opener, making disposal even easier.

Pls ignore the can of dog food in the background, I took this photo half awake.

If you have mobility and/or dexterity issues, or just struggle with manual can openers for any reason (including annoyance!), I promise you spending $30 on this electric can opener is worth it. I use it once a day, every day, and in less than I week it became indispensable.