5 ms·

Maybe because cuboids are harder to open with a can opener? All the cuboid cans I've seen have tabs on top and thus don't require can openers. It's conceivable

Maybe because cuboids are harder to open with a can opener? All the cuboid cans I've seen have tabs on top and thus don't require can openers. It's conceivable that tab-opened cans are more expensive, don't preserve food as well, or something like that.

curiousgeorgio 12y ago
You mean our tools that are designed specifically for cylindrical cans wouldn't work as well for cuboids? :) I agree, but if cuboids were the norm, I'm sure we'd come up with a better tool for them. Expense may very well be a factor, but if that's the case, I'd expect an article like this to mention it.
- dragonwriter 12y ago
  > if cuboids were the norm, I'm sure we'd come up with a better tool for them. Cylindrical cans are a natural fit for a fairly simple tool; I doubt there is anything really comparable for a cuboid.
  - johngalt 12y ago
    Have you ever used a key for a sardine can? IMHO easier and simpler. http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/14389354/2/stock-photo-14389354-empty-sardine-can.jpg http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/14389354/2/sto...
    - dragonwriter 12y ago
      Sure, but it still requires the same kind of prescored lid; even with a key, I don't think that general design approach scales up very far while still not being too much of a hassle for consumers to bother with if there are competing products that are more convenient to open.