Joseph Joseph Can-Do 20005 Compact Can Opener: Grip the Rim, Twist, Then Release the Lid

A conventional can opener can take more drawer width than the can itself: two handles, a side crank, and a cutting wheel that must meet the rim correctly. The Joseph Joseph Can-Do 20005 replaces that layout with a round top-mounted tool. Place it over the can, twist to grip and cut around the rim, then press the release button.

That compact sequence is the reason to consider it. It does not promise effortless opening, and Joseph Joseph does not describe a smooth or touch-safe cut. Its supported benefits are a small footprint, automatic rim engagement as turning begins, and a separate lid-release control.

The opener grips the rim as the twist begins

Joseph Joseph says the Can-Do automatically grips the can edge when the top mechanism starts to turn. That removes the separate squeeze-and-lock step found on many handled openers. Keep it level and continue rotating until the cut is complete.

The action chain matters more than the novel shape: set it on the rim, twist, finish the circle, and release. For someone opening occasional standard cans, the top-down arrangement can be easier to position than a side wheel between two handles.

Automatic grip is not universal compatibility. A badly dented can, unusual rim, or unstable can may not present the edge the mechanism expects. Stop if the opener slips or the can deforms; keep fingers off the lid and rim while it cuts.

A round body trades handle length for drawer space

The official dimensions are 5.2 by 6.7 by 5.2 centimeters, or about 2 by 2¾ by 2 inches. Joseph Joseph calls it compact and pocket-sized. Its circular body avoids long handles and a projecting crank, so it can sit with small gadgets instead of spanning a drawer divider.

That footprint suits a small kitchen or secondary food-prep kit where storage matters more than a familiar full-length handle. The green shell stands out among metal utensils, while the large top control offers a broader turning surface than a narrow crank.

Compactness changes the grip rather than eliminating effort. The user still stabilizes the can and rotates through the cut. Anyone relying on long handles for leverage, needing powered opening, or struggling to maintain a twisting grip should not assume the small body will suit them.

The release button finishes the sequence without a lid claim

After the opener travels around the rim, Joseph Joseph directs the user to press the side button to release the lid. Separating release from cutting creates a clear final step and avoids pulling while the opener still grips the can.

That is a handling benefit, not proof that the cut edge is safe to touch. The official instructions explain gripping, twisting, and releasing but promise no smooth or sharp-edge-free result. Handle the detached lid and opened rim cautiously, and dispose of the lid so it cannot cut through a trash bag.

The button does not replace watching the cut. If the lid remains attached, do not pry it up with a finger. Re-seat the opener only on a stable can with a normally engaged rim; otherwise use another opener instead of bending the lid.

Wipe-clean care defines who should buy it

Joseph Joseph specifies wiping the Can-Do with a damp cloth and says not to submerge it. That rules out treating the whole tool as dishwasher-safe. Wipe residue soon after use, keep running water out of the body, and dry the exterior before storage.

Choose the Can-Do 20005 if standard cans are an occasional task, drawer space is tight, and a top-mounted twist-and-release sequence appeals more than squeeze handles. Automatic rim engagement simplifies setup, while the compact round format stores without a projecting crank.

Skip it for electric opening, long-handle leverage, dishwasher cleaning, or a cutter documented to leave a smooth edge. The Can-Do addresses storage and setup friction; it should not override the grip, cleaning method, or edge handling your household needs.