bit-tech Shopping: Black & Decker SpaceMaker Can Opener

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: increase counter spsce

Weaknesses: difficult rotating can while cutting on damage cans

Summary: The can opener has a number of features I like, not the least of which is the mounting under the cabinet. I like the button that releases the cutting mechanism for the dishwasher. The rest of the housing is difficult to access for cleaning. This opener holds the can in place and the magnet holds the lid away from the can. Unless the can is heavily damaged and dented, there will be no problems in the operation. If it is dented sometimes you must help it around the bad areas and it may leave part of the top unopened. One other drawback is opening the very large top cans, or tall cans is hard for the little opener to handle. Well the knife sharpener is a nice feature, as long as you have stainless steel knives. It's the easiest way to put an edge on them. On the other hand, I don't recommend using the sharpener on carbon blades since they are too soft. I suggest the old-fashioned way of sharpening your better quality knives.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: Sleek and nice space saving design. Easy to clean cutting head.

Weaknesses: None noted.

Summary: Easy to install. Previous Space Saver Models folded up but this unit is stationary and more stable. I like the compact design and ease of removing the cutting head for washing in the dishwasher. Very good can opener for the price.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: Does the job, quickly and conveniently, hands-free and auto-off; saves counter space; appears to be very sturdy; includes (manual) bottle opener and knife sharpener.

Weaknesses: Installation somewhat confusing and difficult.

Summary: Either I'm getting too old, or my drill bits have gotten too dull! My old Spacemaker finally broke off its blade after about 20 years, so I bought this new model as a replacement. Perhaps I forgot that I would have to drill holes in the bottom of my cabinet. I have an electric drill, but the job was nevertheless *extremely* difficult and tedious. I have to believe that it is my drill bits that have become dull with age, not me. The instructions were not nearly as descriptive as they could have been, and even contained a few mistakes--apparently the same installation description is used for different models, and the match is not perfect.One other confusion was that the front piece with the blade came unattached, and the instructions did not say how to attach it. It wasn't obvious--I had to rotate the piece while snapping it on.Now installed, the can opener gives me every reason to believe it will last at least 20 years, as its predecessor Spacemaker did. Besides convenient hands-free operation and auto-off, it claims to pierce a can-top with a "power-pierce cutter." I don't think my previous (20-year-old) model had that.This can opener does include a (manual) bottle opener and knife sharpener, too.Having used a Spacemaker can opener for 20 years, I cannot imagine wasting valuable counter space on a countertop model.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: It is directly in its name - SpaceMaker!

Weaknesses: None.

Summary: It is usually hard to find a proper place for small counter-top appliances, especially when they are rarely used. This guy solves the problem. It is always handy, but does not take precious counter space, and it even has a built-in bottle opener.