After more than a century of manufacturing, several well-known brands have taken over the electric can opener market. These tools can tackle heavy, large cans with ease. Most electric can openers work by cutting the lid off the can, either from the top or bottom of the rim. You might also hear them called “punch can openers,” which work pretty much the same way.

The most popular electric can opener manufacturers include Oreck, Can-O-Matic, EZ-OPener, Blichmann, and Braun. Each manufacturer brings their own features and advantages to the table, which keeps the competition interesting.

Oreck: The Oreck Pro is their top electric can opener model. It’s similar to the Blichmann opener but uses stainless steel construction throughout. The heavy-duty steel makes it really durable. What I like about Oreck is their lifetime guarantee, plus they back it up with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

Can-O-Matic: This brand has been around for ages and keeps expanding their product lineup. Can-O-Matic makes several different models, including an upright version that’s perfect if you want something that sits right on top of the can while it works.

EZ-OPener: Braun makes this model, and they’re one of Germany’s oldest and biggest appliance companies. The EZ-OPener works well as an all-purpose can opener. It’s actually one of the older brands still being made today. Braun offers it in both heavy-duty and standard models, and both have comfortable handles that feel natural to grip.

Blichmann: This is a newer brand that most North Americans haven’t heard of yet. The Blichmann opener has some interesting features, especially the adjustable opening mechanism that reduces pressure on the handles. This makes it great when you need to open lots of cans in a row.

Braun makes an all-metal electric can opener with different models for various container types. Some Braun models come with an easy-access handle and extra storage space, plus an automatic shut-off feature. Their electric openers come with a five-year warranty, so you can get a replacement if it breaks or stops working properly.

Whatever brand or model you pick, you’ll get years of reliable use and convenience. A good electric can opener means you’ll never struggle with a stubborn can again.

Some of today’s top can openers include Braun, Blichmann, EZ-OPener, and Zojirushi. These brands make models that handle all kinds of containers, from soft drink cans to wine bottles, and they’re great for opening, cleaning, and storing canned foods.

With so many brands and models available, choosing can feel overwhelming. Some people want a can opener with an open-and-close button for easy control. Others prefer models with handles, locks, and other features that make opening easier. The best can opener might do all of these things well, or it might excel at some features while being just okay at others.

If you’re not sure which model or brand works best for you, try talking to a kitchen appliance expert in your area. If there isn’t one nearby, you can search online for reviews to see which brands and models of the best can opener other people in your area love or hate.

If you’ve never had credit or your credit history is pretty rough, best secured credit cards might be your ticket to getting things back on track. Most people starting from scratch with credit will need to go this route. This is particularly true if you’ve recently lost your job and have zero credit history.

Secured credit cards come in many flavors. Some target complete newcomers to credit, others require no money down, and some let you make purchases using your own deposited funds. You can get these cards from traditional banks or other financial institutions.

These cards work well for people without much credit history. I’m talking about folks just starting to build credit from the ground up. Some cards can also bail you out in emergencies when you can’t make a purchase for a few days. It’s one way to get your financial life moving again.

The top secured credit cards come from various companies. You’ll find options for nearly every budget. Some charge zero annual fees. Others have low monthly payments and throw in cash back bonuses or rebates.

You can pick cards that give you rewards from specific merchants and earn points for purchases. These points turn into prizes, merchandise, or cash. The catch? You need to commit to this spending approach and track every purchase carefully to maximize your rewards.

Another smart move is getting a credit card linked to your checking account. This helps you build a solid credit history with the card company and makes it easier to pay bills on time. You’ll stay on top of your finances across different situations and keep debt at bay.

Many secured credit cards charge no fees, and you might find cards offering zero percent introductory rates if you have multiple open credit accounts. New customers sometimes get access to these deals too. Most cards provide various rewards to help you build good credit history.

Looking into secured credit cards makes sense if you want to improve your credit and get back on solid ground. This approach helps you find the best deals on quality secured credit cards.

The top secured credit cards offer the lowest interest rates available. You’ll find these offers online where you can compare different cards side by side. These cards are often your best bet for building solid credit history that sticks with you long-term.

When shopping for secured credit cards to fix bad credit, don’t overlook unsecured cards. These give you a fresh start with no credit history requirements and can help rebuild your credit in several ways.

The best secured cards help you build credit and get back on the path to better financial health. Spend time researching your options and you’ll find the right fit for your situation.

To help you get the best car insurance deals, we put together information on pricing and customer satisfaction from major insurers across the country. We looked at policies based on average costs for different types of coverage, bundling options, and various levels of protection. Our research also found insurers that have expanded what they offer or provide special benefits for drivers with good credit, clean driving records, and advanced licensing credentials.

The best car insurance companies typically offer a wide range of coverage options. This is actually one of the biggest reasons people avoid shopping around. Everyone wants coverage that gives them maximum protection, but many people aren’t sure how much coverage they actually need or how much personal liability they should carry. You need to first figure out how often you’ll likely use your policy. Then you can start looking at how much protection each part of your policy actually provides.

Customer service was a major factor we examined. How easy was it to reach the insurer, and how well did they treat us after filing a claim? Customer service matters enormously with insurance companies. The best ones give you a toll-free number to reach real representatives, keep you updated regularly, and even send newsletters with important news and information to keep you satisfied. Most top car insurance companies take these services seriously because they know frustrated customers don’t stick around.

We also checked whether insurers charged reasonable prices for similar coverage in different areas. Beyond where you live, think about your commute to work and whether you want to bundle other insurance like renters coverage or roadside assistance. Do you need medical expense coverage? What limits make sense for personal injury protection? The more you understand your insurance needs upfront, the easier it becomes to shop around for the best premium prices and the right deductible.

We discovered that choosing a higher deductible is the best way to lower your premiums. A high deductible means you pay more out of pocket if something happens, but there are still ways to cut costs without sacrificing coverage. Many drivers choose full collision and comprehensive coverage, for example. This gives you maximum protection for your car if there’s an accident, though it won’t cover your medical costs or vehicle damage. If you get legal coverage instead, you might want to add collision and comprehensive to your policy to bring your premiums down even more.

Raising your deductible is another smart way to save money on premiums. When you increase your deductible, you lower your overall insurance costs since you’re agreeing to pay more if an accident happens. Yes, you’ll pay more out of pocket after a crash, but it can still cost less than expensive vehicle repairs.

Your agent can tell you about discounts you might qualify for. If you have a clean driving history without accidents or tickets, some insurers will cut your rates. Many also offer discounts to good students. These can seriously reduce your premiums. To qualify for some discounts, you might need to take a defensive driving course or complete an advanced driving program.

Some insurers require drivers to pass a more thorough safety assessment before they’re eligible for coverage. If this applies to you, definitely ask your insurance agent how you can lower your rates. Most insurers will require you to take a defensive driving class, complete a basic safety course, or get a driver’s license to qualify for this discount. To get the discounts, you must finish the courses and tests on schedule. Keep in mind that discounts for these courses aren’t always easy to get, so make sure you’re punctual and practice safe driving habits.

How much umbrella coverage do I need? If you own an umbrella, you know protecting your investment matters, and getting the right amount of insurance coverage makes sense. Let me walk you through some factors that can help you figure out how much coverage your umbrella actually needs.

Start by thinking about what kind of protection you actually need. If you’re just worried about wind damage, the manufacturer’s basic specifications might be enough. But if you have pets running around or other hazards in your yard, you’ll probably want more coverage. This goes double if you have a storm shelter or use any kind of seasonal shelter like a cabin or vacation house.

Your liability coverage deserves a closer look too. Here’s something that catches people off guard: liability coverage doesn’t actually protect your umbrella itself. It only covers damage if someone gets hurt on your property because of a third party incident. You can get separate property damage coverage for your umbrella, which pays for repairs if something gets damaged while it’s on your property.

You’ll also want to think about each type of umbrella you own differently. Say you have a retractable shade that you take down every night when you head inside. That might need more coverage than a basic umbrella. But if you’re planning to take an umbrella camping, you might actually want less coverage than you’d get for everyday umbrellas. Campers spend most of their time outdoors, and if someone slips on a wet umbrella during a storm, injuries can happen.

Got kids? You should probably look into extra coverage for them too. Most policies include some umbrella coverage for children, especially if they live at home. Make sure the umbrella works for your kids’ ages and sizes so they can actually handle it when it’s windy. There are tons of different models you can buy that fit various frame sizes and come with safety features like sturdy frames and protective canopies.

Once you know how much coverage you need, it’s time to figure out what you can actually afford for each umbrella you’ve bought. Obviously, bigger umbrellas cost more to insure. But it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here’s where you can save some money: buying multiple policies often gets you discounts, and so does purchasing larger quantities. You might also catch a break if you bundle two or three policies with the same company. Insurance companies often offer discounts based on how long you’ve had your umbrella policy and what type of umbrella you’re covering. Some even offer lifetime umbrella coverage discounts.

Finally, shop around and ask about available discounts. Different companies offer deals you might not find elsewhere. If you think you might qualify for pet or child-related discounts, definitely ask your insurance agent about those options.