#1 vs. #2 Edlund Can Openers
Edlund is known throughout the foodservice industry for durable manual and automatic can openers that provide reliable performance through thousands of uses. Edlund's #1® and #2® "Old Reliable" can openers combine the brand's original design with improved materials and upgraded components. The #1 model is designed for larger cans in high-volume operations, while the #2 offers a more compact footprint for moderate-volume kitchens.
Key Takeaways
- Edlund manual can openers open cans of any diameter
- #1 can openers have longer handles and bars than #2 models to more quickly remove lids from larger cans
- Each unit comes with replaceable gears and blades and sturdy bases for consistent use
#1 vs. #2: Comparison Snapshot
About Edlund
Swedish inventor H. J. Edlund designed the first commercial can openers more than 100 years ago in Burlington, Vt. With essentially the same design, Old Reliable can openers remain the industry standard, featuring durability, cleanliness, and ease of use.
Materials and Use
Edlund #1 and #2 can openers are made in the United States and feature nickel-plated cast iron bars and handles that mount on stainless steel, chrome-plated, or cast iron bases, attaching directly to worktables or counters. Blades and gears are rated to handle 5,000 openings before needing replacement.
To use the can opener, operators insert the sliding bar into the base and raise the handle to a vertical position. Then, they place a can on the base, forcing the bar down and causing the knife to puncture the can's inside edge. When users pull the handle down to a horizontal position, the blade mechanism draws the can towards the gear, which grips the can and turns it from the outside, cleanly removing the lid. The blunt knife cuts the inside rim without creating metal shards that may fall into the food.
Operation and Efficiency
When it comes to high-volume prep, every task needs to be streamlined for optimal efficiency. Old Reliable can openers are designed to simplify ingredient prep in commercial environments. Their long handles improve leverage, while sturdy gear mechanisms help operators break into four to six cans per minute and reduce user fatigue.
Product Innovations
Standard Old Reliable models now come with removable plastic base inserts to improve operation and longevity. They include Delrin® plastic spools to decrease friction and rust-resistant Melonite arbors, which improve the lifespan of the unit.
Edlund Edvantage™ #1® Can Opener Parts
In 2020, Edlund introduced its latest Edvantage™ #1 can opener, featuring a larger handle for easy gripping, tool-free part replacement, and a four-sided knife, which can handle 10,000 openings. Evancoat™ technology also doubles the lifespan of the gear.
Maintenance and Cleaning
When blades develop nicks that can be felt with a fingernail, they should be rotated or replaced according to manufacturer's instructions. Gears require replacement when they jam or start removing metal from can surfaces. Depending on the model used, operators may need a screwdriver to replace hardware.
Clean the can opener after each use by wiping down all dirty surfaces. Perform a deep cleaning as needed by removing the blade and gear assembly and washing all parts.
Choosing the Right Edlund Can Opener
In general, #1 can openers are better suited to larger operations, such as schools, correctional facilities, or cafeteria kitchens, while #2 openers are best for medium-volume settings or kitchens with limited space, such as marine galleys or quick-service restaurants. Edlund provides other manual models such as the S-11, SG-2, U Series, and G Series, as well as electric can openers. Explore KaTom's Edlund can opener buying guide to learn more about these options, then browse our collection to find the best option for your operation.
