A Closer Look at the West Bend 77205 Electric Can Opener
The electric can opener isn’t a new invention. Can openers have been around for over 150 years and probably are the single invention largely responsible for the proliferation of canned foods. Prior to the introduction of the first can openers in the 1870s, people were literally taking their lives in their hands by following the instructions on the first canned foods: "Cut round the top near the outer edge with a chisel and hammer." (the cans were a lot thicker when they first came out!). Now, if those directions aren’t asking for crushed fingers or stiches, I don’t know what is!
The first electric can opener was introduced in 1931 and safety considerations were a big part of the promotion of the new invention. However, the invention really didn’t catch on at that time, perhaps because electricity was still a new thing and not all homes were wired yet. It was 1956 before electric can openers caught on and that was when Walter Bodle introduced the Udico freestanding powered can opener in three popular colors.
While the novelty of having a can opener in a decorator color quickly wore off, the electric can opener was here to stay. Canned foods of all sorts have grown so that having a can opener of some type today is an absolute must for any kitchen. However, for many years, the lowly can opener has been mostly utilitarian and an unattractive addition to the countertop. In fact, many people hide such appliances away from sight in cupboards when not in use.
The West Bend 77205 Electric Can Opener is changing that mindset. The sleek and modern design has been called “almost modern art” by customers and many say they are proud to display it out in the open. The combination of bright, shiny chrome and exciting decorator colors such as red, blue, black, white or silver bring a welcome note of color to today’s modern kitchens. Taller and narrower than most electric can openers, the slim footprint is also welcome to those with less counter space.
Not only does this model excel in eye-pleasing design, but the West Bend 77205 Electric Can Opener also has excellent functionality. The tall, slim design enables even large, gallon-size cans to be opened with ease. The magnet placed in the cutting device holds the can cover in place after opening so that you don’t have it dropping inside the can, where it can be a real mess to get back out. After use, the device folds down against itself so that it’s not sticking out and catching on anything else – another way that West Bend perfectly blended form with function.
The retractable cord, which stores inside out of the way when not in use, is a popular extra feature as it keeps counter clutter at a minimum. The cutter unit is detachable and dishwasher-safe, so this is by far one of the easiest can openers to keep clean. One of the main reasons that people have to buy a new can opener is that the blade does eventually become dull or damaged. West Bend eliminates the need to replace your entire can opener because they sell replacement cutting blades for just that reason. The West Bend 77205 Electric Can Opener may very well be the last can opener you ever need to buy.
Features and Specifications
- Powerful 70-watt motor
- Made of durable plastic, chrome and heavyweight aluminum
- Extra-tall design allows for commercial gallon-size cans to be opened with ease
- Slim design, perfect for those without much counterspace
- Built-in knife sharpener
- Built-in bottle opener
- Automatic shutoff
- Cutting unit is dishwasher-safe and easily detached from unit
- Cord storage built-in for less clutter
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
- Measures only 5 1/6” x 5” on the base and is a tall 9 8/9” in height
Customer Reviews
Of 438 reviews posted so far at Amazon.com for this can opener, a whopping 313 customers gave this electric can opener a five-star rating. A further 76 of the total reviewers gave it a four-star rating. That means that roughly 89% of all customers who bought this product are extremely happy with the purchase. That’s pretty remarkable when you consider that this is mainly a functional item.
Out of all the comments made, the one that stands out the most is how pleased customers are to be able to buy replacement blades directly from West Bend. Too often, we must throw out a perfectly usable can opener only because the blade is damaged. What an incredible waste of our limited resources! One of the mainstays of being environmentally conscious is to be sure to buy products that can be used for many years to come and the West Bend 77205 fits this requirement perfectly.
Where Should I Buy From?
Looking around then it seems Amazon.com offer the best price at the moment (just under 30 dollars), at the time of writing you get it for about 35% off the normal retail price. Use the link below to check out the current price at Amazon.com:
>> Click here to check the current price and get more details on this item
You can also get a very stylish red version too, you can find more details on that version here
If you are still not sure which set you want to buy though, then head over to Amazon.com and browse through all of their electric can openers.