If you have an old can opener in the kitchen drawer — the one with the handle that’s hard to turn and the wheel blade that no longer cuts it — toss the thing. Kuhn Rikon last year put out the Ratchet Safety LidLifter, a cleverly designed opener that easily grips a can and has a ratchet handle you pump back and forth, instead of turn (about $20). Much easier on the hands. The tool spins around the can and cuts the outside rim, instead of the top, so there’s no sharp edge. A mini plier lifts the lid so it can be thrown straight into the trash without having to touch it. For cans with pop tabs, there’s even a small hook that slides under the loop. Available — in red, white, or black — at Kitchenwitch, 671 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-6800, kitchenwitchjp.tumblr.com; KitchenWares by Blackstones, 215 Newbury St., Boston, 857-366-4237, www.kitchenwaresboston.com; EuroStoves, 45 Enon St., Beverly, 978-232-0007, www.eurostoves.com; Newburyport Olive Oil Company, 50 Water St., Newburyport, 978-462-7700, www.newburyportolive oil.com; or go to wwwkuhnrikonshop.com. ANN TRIEGER KURLAND

Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at atrieger@comcast.net.