In the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, where efficiency and reliability are paramount, few tools are as unsung yet indispensable as the can opener. And when it comes to heavy-duty, consistent performance, the Edlund Commercial Can Opener stands head and shoulders above the rest. For nearly a century, Edlund has been synonymous with robust design and unwavering dependability, earning its place as a true industry standard. If you’re running a restaurant, catering service, or any foodservice operation that deals with a high volume of canned goods, understanding the ins and outs of an Edlund commercial can opener isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for keeping your kitchen running smoothly and safely.
A Legacy of Unrivaled Durability: The Edlund Story
The story of Edlund can openers began in Burlington, Vermont, in 1925, with H.J. Edlund. He set out to create a heavy-duty, commercial-grade can opener that could withstand the rigorous demands of high-volume settings like hotels, hospitals, and military installations. The result was a product so revolutionary it quickly became the industry benchmark. The famous “Old Reliable” moniker isn’t just a clever marketing slogan; it’s an official designation that speaks to the enduring quality and longevity that Edlund’s heavy-duty models have consistently delivered for decades [cite: 3 (comparing edlund vs other)]. This commitment to durable construction and overall reliability has cemented Edlund’s stellar reputation in kitchens worldwide.
Diving Deep: Types of Edlund Commercial Can Openers
Edlund offers a range of commercial can openers designed to meet various kitchen demands, from bustling cafeterias to specialized culinary operations. Each type is engineered for maximum performance and longevity, but understanding the differences is key to selecting the perfect fit for your needs.
What are the main types of Edlund commercial can openers?
Edlund commercial can openers are primarily categorized into manual, electric, and crown punch models, each suited for different daily can capacities and operational styles.
Manual Can Openers: The “Old Reliables”
For many commercial kitchens, the manual Edlund can opener remains the go-to choice, often referred to as the “Old Reliable” series. These robust units are built for consistent, medium-duty use, handling approximately 4 to 6 cans per minute and are ideal for operations opening up to 50 cans daily [cite: 1 (types)].
- The Edlund #1 Manual Can Opener: This model is designed to tackle a wide array of can sizes, accommodating cans up to 11 inches tall [cite: 1 (reviews)]. It’s a versatile workhorse, perfect for general kitchen use where diverse canned ingredients are commonplace.
- The Edlund #2 Manual Can Opener: Specifically engineered for larger cans, such as #10 cans, this model efficiently opens cans up to 7 inches tall [cite: 1 (comparing edlund vs other)]. Its sturdy construction ensures reliable performance even with the biggest containers.
Both manual models feature thoughtful designs, including rust-resistant melonite arbors for easier gear changes, plastic bushings that reduce the turning force required, and double-sided knives that effectively double the blade’s lifespan before needing replacement [cite: 2 (reviews)]. Many come with either plated steel or stainless steel bases that can be securely screw-mounted or clamped to countertops for stability during use.
Electric Can Openers: Powering Through High Volume
When your kitchen’s daily can count starts climbing past 50, an electric Edlund commercial can opener becomes an invaluable investment. These powerful machines streamline food preparation, significantly reducing physical strain on staff and boosting productivity [cite: 1 (types)].
- Models like the Edlund 203, 266, and 270: These electric units are built for high-volume scenarios, capable of opening 4 to 8 cans per minute, with some models handling well over 200 cans per day [cite: 4 (types), 5 (types)]. They feature robust motors and hands-free operation, making quick work of large quantities of canned goods. The Edlund 270, in particular, is known as a heavy-duty, two-speed model designed for the most demanding environments [cite: 5 (types)].
Crown Punch Can Openers: The Ultimate in Efficiency
For operations that require opening hundreds, or even thousands, of cans daily, Edlund’s crown punch can openers are the pinnacle of efficiency. Available in both manual and air-powered versions, these specialized openers are designed to open cans in a single, swift stroke, minimizing time between each can [cite: 1 (types)]. Air-powered crown punch models are especially suited for extremely high-volume environments, capable of tackling up to 3,000 cans per day [cite: 1 (types)].
Why Edlund Commercial Can Openers Reign Supreme
In a category often overlooked, Edlund has consistently delivered products that set the benchmark. But what makes an Edlund commercial can opener truly stand out from the crowd?
What makes Edlund commercial can openers so reliable?
Edlund can openers are renowned for their exceptional durability, smart design, and ease of use, making them a consistent favorite in demanding commercial environments.
“In a bustling commercial kitchen, an Edlund can opener isn’t just a tool; it’s a trusty workhorse. Its unwavering performance means one less thing to worry about during a busy service,” shares Chef Elena Petrova, a veteran kitchen manager with over two decades of experience.
- Unmatched Durability: Built with heavy-duty materials like plated steel, stainless steel, and rust-resistant melonite, Edlund can openers are designed to endure years, even decades, of relentless commercial use [cite: 1 (reviews), 2 (reviews)]. Many users report owning their Edlund openers for 15, 20, or even 35 years, a testament to their robust construction [cite: 2 (reviews)].
- Engineered for Ease: A key design feature, such as the plastic bushing, significantly reduces the turning force required for manual models, making operation smoother and less strenuous for kitchen staff [cite: 3 (reviews)]. Electric models offer hands-free convenience, further boosting efficiency.
- Smart, Hygienic Design: Features like the double-sided knife save time and money by extending the life of the cutting blade [cite: 3 (reviews)]. Many Edlund models are NSF listed, ensuring they meet strict public health standards for design and construction, making them easier to clean and preventing food and liquids from getting trapped in crevices [cite: 2 (types)]. Replaceable parts, especially for the knife and gear, mean you can maintain peak performance without needing to buy an entirely new unit [cite: 3 (maintaining)].
- Versatility Across Can Sizes: Whether you’re opening small condiment cans or large #10 institutional cans, Edlund offers models like the #1 Old Reliable that can handle a vast range of sizes, often up to 11 inches high [cite: 1 (reviews), 2 (reviews)].
Essential Care: Maintaining Your Edlund Commercial Can Opener
To ensure your Edlund commercial can opener delivers years of reliable service and maintains the highest standards of hygiene, proper cleaning and maintenance are critical. Neglecting these steps can lead to premature wear, rust, and potential food safety issues.
How do I properly clean and maintain an Edlund commercial can opener?
Proper cleaning involves daily removal of food residues and washing, followed by thorough drying and oiling to prevent rust. Regular inspection and timely replacement of parts like the knife and gear are also crucial for extending the life and ensuring the safe operation of your Edlund can opener.
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Disassemble (if applicable): For many manual models, components like the knife and gear can be easily removed.
- Remove Residues: Use a stainless steel cleaning brush (Edlund Model #ST-93 is recommended) to meticulously remove all food and can opening residues from the drive gear, its cavity, the knife, and the area around the can stop [cite: 1 (maintaining)]. This prevents food buildup and bacterial growth.
- Wash Thoroughly: Wash the knife, gear, and any splash areas of the opener with soap and water [cite: 1 (maintaining)]. Avoid soaking parts, especially those made of nickel-plated cast iron, as this can encourage rust.
- Dry Immediately: This is a crucial step! Thoroughly dry all components with a clean cloth or paper towel immediately after washing [cite: 1 (maintaining)].
- Oil for Protection: To prevent rusting, especially for models with nickel-plated cast iron components, apply a light coating of food-grade vegetable oil to the knife and gear when the can opener is not in use [cite: 1 (types), 1 (maintaining)]. While stainless steel models like the S-11 and SG-2 are dishwasher-safe, even they benefit from thorough drying and occasional oiling.
Periodic Maintenance & Inspection
- Knife Inspection: Regularly check the shear blade or knife for any sharp grooves or nicks by running a fingernail over the cutting edge [cite: 1 (maintaining)]. Grooves can indicate wear and potentially cause metal slivers in food. If a groove is found, flip the double-sided knife to use the unused edge, or replace it if both sides are worn [cite: 1 (maintaining)]. Remember, Edlund knives are intentionally dull to fold metal and should never be sharpened [cite: 1 (maintaining)].
- Gear Inspection: Monthly, inspect the drive gear for wear. If it no longer turns a can smoothly or starts removing metal from the can bead, it’s time for a replacement [cite: 2 (maintaining)]. An elongated arbor hole can also indicate wear beyond repair, necessitating a full unit replacement [cite: 1 (maintaining)].
- Lubrication: Weekly, or after each cleaning, place a small amount of non-sticking vegetable oil in the arbor hole located under the drive gear to prevent premature wear [cite: 1 (maintaining)].
- Part Replacement: The knife and gear are the most commonly replaced parts. Edlund designs them for easy, quick replacement, making maintenance a breeze and significantly cheaper than purchasing a new can opener [cite: 3 (maintaining)].
Choosing Your Ideal Edlund Commercial Can Opener
Selecting the right Edlund commercial can opener boils down to understanding your kitchen’s specific needs and volume.
How do I choose the best Edlund commercial can opener for my kitchen?
Consider your daily can volume (manual for <50 cans, electric for >50, crown punch for hundreds/thousands), the typical can sizes you use, and the base material (plated steel vs. stainless steel) for durability and ease of cleaning.
- Daily Can Volume: This is the most crucial factor.
- Low to Medium Volume (up to 50 cans/day): A manual Edlund “Old Reliable” #1 or #2 will likely suffice.
- Medium to High Volume (50-200+ cans/day): An electric model like the Edlund 203, 266, or 270 will dramatically increase efficiency.
- Very High Volume (hundreds to thousands of cans/day): Consider a crown punch opener for maximum speed.
- Can Sizes: Ensure the model you choose accommodates the tallest and largest cans you frequently use. The #1 handles up to 11 inches, while the #2 is perfect for large #10 cans up to 7 inches.
- Base Material and Mounting: Plated steel bases offer robust performance, while stainless steel options (like the Edlund S-11 or SG-2) provide superior rust resistance and are often dishwasher safe [cite: 1 (types)]. Decide between a screw-down base for permanent fixture or a clamp-on style for flexibility.
- Ease of Maintenance: All Edlund models are designed for straightforward cleaning and part replacement, but stainless steel versions may offer slightly simpler cleaning routines due to their rust resistance.
Edlund: A Cut Above the Rest
While other brands like Nemco and Vollrath offer heavy-duty can openers, Edlund frequently emerges as the preferred choice for many commercial operations. Its long-standing reputation for inventing the commercial can opener and continually refining its design has created a product line that prioritizes longevity, robust performance, and user-friendliness. Edlund’s commitment to quality parts and easy maintenance means that investing in one of their can openers is often a one-time purchase that pays dividends for decades.
Common Questions About Edlund Commercial Can Openers
1. Can I sharpen my Edlund can opener blade?
No, Edlund explicitly states that their can opener blades should never be sharpened [cite: 1 (maintaining)]. The knives are intentionally designed with a dull, rounded edge to fold the metal of the can, creating a smooth edge and preventing metal slivers from falling into food. If a blade becomes dull, simply flip it to use the other side or replace it entirely.
2. How often should I replace the knife and gear on my Edlund can opener?
Edlund recommends replacing gears after approximately 5,000 cans and flipping the double-sided blades after about 2,500 cans on each side [cite: 2 (comparing edlund vs other)]. However, this can vary based on usage and maintenance. Regular inspection (daily for the knife, monthly for the gear) for signs of wear like grooves, nicks, or difficulty turning a can will be your best guide.
3. My Edlund can opener is rusting. What am I doing wrong?
Rusting typically occurs due to insufficient drying after washing or improper lubrication. Ensure you thoroughly dry all parts, especially nickel-plated cast iron components, immediately after cleaning [cite: 1 (maintaining)]. Applying a thin coat of food-grade vegetable oil to the knife and gear before storage will also help prevent rust [cite: 1 (maintaining)].
4. Are Edlund commercial can openers difficult to install?
Most manual Edlund commercial can openers come with either screw-down or clamp-on bases. Screw-down bases require drilling into a sturdy countertop, while clamp-on models offer easier, non-permanent installation. Both are designed for secure mounting to ensure stability during use. Electric models are typically tabletop units.
5. Where can I purchase replacement parts for my Edlund can opener?
Replacement parts like knives and gears are widely available through restaurant supply stores and online retailers that carry Edlund products. Edlund designs their units for easy DIY replacement, making it straightforward to swap out worn components.
The Perfect Finish
In the bustling symphony of a commercial kitchen, every tool plays a vital role. The Edlund commercial can opener, often working behind the scenes, is a cornerstone of efficiency, safety, and reliability. From its storied history of pioneering innovation to its modern range of durable manual, electric, and crown punch models, Edlund continues to equip kitchens with tools that simply get the job done, day in and day out. By understanding the different types, selecting the right model for your operation’s volume, and committing to proper cleaning and maintenance, you’re not just buying a can opener – you’re investing in a piece of equipment that promises “Perfect Openings” for years to come, ensuring your kitchen runs as smoothly as a freshly opened can.