# Electric Can Opener Shortage **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 22, 2020, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653 "2020-12-22T16:00:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/1 "2020-12-22T16:00:18Z")
So my mom is 89 and is didn’t like the safety can opener I bought her last month, so I took it back to Wally World and then saw that there were none on the shelves. OK, so I went to another and same story, all out. Just empty spaces where weeks ago there were many. So I went to Target, Meijer and checked Amazon. Looked at Lowes, Home Depot and Dollar Stores just to cover my bases. All were out or back ordered. All she wants is a simple 1970s style can opener like she always had, none to be found. Most people I talked to this about blamed it on Covid, speculating that more people are eating canned foods this year and realized they needed one. Obviously the manufacturers didn’t see this coming. What to do? Maybe Salvation Army or Goodwill has a used one. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/2 "2020-12-22T17:20:16Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Maybe Salvation Army or Goodwill has a used one. Or eBay. Looking at Amazon, I seen numerous electric can openers available, many arriving before Christmas. Are you looking for a very specific style, make, or model? I have no idea what a “70’s” style can opener looks like. My own mother has severely limited motion in her arms and I would consider purchasing her [something like this](https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-SCO-60-Deluxe-Stainless-Opener/dp/B000A7NRV2/ref=sxin_10?ascsubtag=amzn1.osa.9521929f-f120-4798-96bc-16a3113b7b9e.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&creativeASIN=B000A7NRV2&crid=2P5Z6UJM222JH&cv_ct_cx=electric+can+opener&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osa.9521929f-f120-4798-96bc-16a3113b7b9e.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_we=asin&cv_ct_wn=osp-single-source-gl-ranking&dchild=1&keywords=electric+can+opener&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B000A7NRV2&pd_rd_r=141b2739-395d-46dd-981f-69c42a08ca88&pd_rd_w=y1sb1&pd_rd_wg=e1T6G&pf_rd_p=9d7390bd-9235-4046-b950-0331f14c437d&pf_rd_r=C6R5JWQPHDX08JX79N4X&qid=1608657424&sprefix=elcetric+can+opener%2Caps%2C307&sr=1-1-d9dc7690-f7e1-44eb-ad06-aebbef559a37&tag=the-angle-20) if she didn’t want a safety can opener. It looks pretty foolproof and easy to use. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/3 "2020-12-22T17:23:15Z")
> [@Lancia](#): > > My own mother has severely limited motion in her arms and I would consider purchasing her [something like this](https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-SCO-60-Deluxe-Stainless-Opener/dp/B000A7NRV2/ref=sxin_10?ascsubtag=amzn1.osa.9521929f-f120-4798-96bc-16a3113b7b9e.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&creativeASIN=B000A7NRV2&crid=2P5Z6UJM222JH&cv_ct_cx=electric+can+opener&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osa.9521929f-f120-4798-96bc-16a3113b7b9e.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_we=asin&cv_ct_wn=osp-single-source-gl-ranking&dchild=1&keywords=electric+can+opener&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B000A7NRV2&pd_rd_r=141b2739-395d-46dd-981f-69c42a08ca88&pd_rd_w=y1sb1&pd_rd_wg=e1T6G&pf_rd_p=9d7390bd-9235-4046-b950-0331f14c437d&pf_rd_r=C6R5JWQPHDX08JX79N4X&qid=1608657424&sprefix=elcetric+can+opener%2Caps%2C307&sr=1-1-d9dc7690-f7e1-44eb-ad06-aebbef559a37&tag=the-angle-20) if she didn’t want a safety can opener. It looks pretty foolproof and easy to use. Addendum: If your mom just doesn’t like a manual can opener but is otherwise OK with the safety-type, there’s numerous electric safety can openers available on Amazon as well. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/4 "2020-12-22T17:36:38Z")
Where she lives doesn’t have delivery available until after Christmas. She isn’t strong enough to use her manual one anymore. Walmart had many “old style” electric ones before Thanksgiving for around $20. Now none are in stock. I may try Kohls later today. Just strange their would be a run on this common item. Myself I don’t even have one. I use frozen instead of canned goods myself. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/5 "2020-12-22T17:40:35Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Just strange their would be a run on this common item. Myself I don’t even have one I know nothing about transportation logistics, but there may be still problems in the supply and transportation chains from earlier in the year. Add that to the Christmas rush (but for can openers? HellifIno) and it may just be one of things that stores will have to wait until after Christmas to get restock. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/6 "2020-12-22T17:43:31Z")
There are some huge problems left over in the USPS system at least , due to the reorg Turmp forced to cripple the USPS to prevent mail ballots. > **['It has mail from wall to wall.' Packages stuck in transit at Allen Park...](https://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/it-has-mail-from-wall-to-wall-packages-stuck-in-transit-at-allen-park-facility)** > > Thousands of packages are stacked up inside a metro Detroit mail distribution center as a perfect storm of the pandemic, holiday mail volume and what some call poor planning, which could spoil the holidays. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/7 "2020-12-22T17:46:56Z")
Small appliances have been hit hard by Covid related logistics problems and the longer term move to just in time inventory. I wanted a hand mixer, mine had broken, and I wanted to swing through Target and grab one - six months later, I broke down and did an Amazon order - and then had to go for my second choice. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/8 "2020-12-22T17:56:43Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > 1970s style can opener [This one seems pretty close to the old 1970s ones that I recall.](https://www.amazon.com/Proctor-Silex-Sharpener-Automatic-75217F/dp/B00005MFFO/ref=sr_1_33?dchild=1&keywords=electric+can+opener&qid=1608659726&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&s=home-garden&sr=1-33) Different aesthetics, but seems to be the same otherwise, right down to the knife sharpener that’s included. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/9 "2020-12-22T18:04:33Z")
Thats it! I ordered it and it will show up on Monday. Now I don’t have to run around and check shelves. Haven’t done that in years. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/10 "2020-12-22T18:08:03Z")
Glad to have helped! ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/11 "2020-12-22T19:17:36Z")
Now, can anyone help me find a 1920s-style death ray? All the stores are totally out! ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/12 "2020-12-22T19:19:38Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Now, can anyone help me find a 1920s-style death ray? Google shopping keeps giving me results for 1920s style flapper dresses. Useful items, but not necesarily interchangeable with death rays! ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/13 "2020-12-23T16:21:37Z")
> [@Lancia](#): > > I have no idea what a “70’s” style can opener looks like. First, it has to be avocado green ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/14 "2020-12-23T16:37:34Z")
And instead of making a smooth safe cut it makes jagged rough cutouts that are more dangerous than Ninja throwing stars. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/15 "2020-12-23T16:39:17Z")
Just as an aside, I like safety can openers because they produce a can with a close fitting lid that makes them very handy as storage containers. In particular, if you’re into primitive fire starting and want to make char cloth, a safety can opener turns any tuna or chicken can into a perfect tinder tin. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2020, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/16 "2020-12-23T16:59:14Z")
We would make throwing stars with cans. But first you go around the edge with one of those triangular punch openers to make some star points then use the regular opener to cut the lid loose. You know, sometimes it’s good that kids don’t do any real life stuff any more and just play with their phones and video games. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2021, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/17 "2021-01-24T17:21:46Z")
You don’t even need to do that, just use an old-fashioned ratchet type opener like are included with many pocket knives. You’ll get an edge and spikes that you’re lucky not to slice a finger open on. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2021, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-can-opener-shortage/928653/18 "2021-01-24T23:23:51Z")
could be factories are making more items with higher profit margins