Elderly Mum and Fray Bentos pie tins....

Padz_2

Hi all,

My Mum loves Fray Bentos Steak and Kidney pies but has difficulty opening the tins. Sometimes I'm there to help but we're looking for a solution to help her when I'm not around.

Does anyone mind sharing info on what kind of can openers the elderly folk you know use?

We've tried a Magican one that slices the tops off tins (doesn't work)and the normal just cheapo metal one but that is tough to use and tends to miss out bits as well as mangling part of the lid.

I'm just worried she'll cut herself badly one day or give up enjoying the pies.

All advice gratefully received.

Cheers,
Padz

Errata

What about an electric one? I had one after a wrist op meant I couldn't use a manual can spanner and it was ok.

jfdi

Or could you open a couple when you're there (or someone else who's capable), and your Mum could wrap them up (clingfilm?) and pop them in the freezer until she wants one?

Savvy_Sue

They've both pinched my ideas ...

There are various sorts of electric ones, I believe. Some have a magnet which 'grabs' the top as you take it off, that would be worth it, I think.

But the freezer option would work well too, leave them in the tin with the lid off, then experiment a bit with how long to put in the oven from frozen. I'd start with an extra 10 minutes on whatever the tin says, but the Old Style people will probably know for sure ...

Padz_2

Thanks for the ideas folks I'll share them with her later.

Farway

I think the FB tins are just darned hard to open, I am fully fit and capable, but I find the "normal" tin openers, like Magican, just do not work with FB pie tins, no idea why, reckon it is poor design of the tins

I think it will be trial & error on different design of opener, I have had to resort to the old stab it in type we all used years ago, does not help the pastry though

McKneff

There is an electric one called 'one touch' you put it on the tin, press the button and it does it all itself.

abut £14 but well worth it in the long run.

You can also get chicken pies and mince and onion one,

They are sold at the Cheapie shops for 99p/ £1, pound shops, wilco, home bargains.

Personally dont like them but each to their own.

dzug1

If she doesn't want to cook from frozen, defrost in the fridge overnight

beedeedee

Totally agree that they have become far too hard to open (a design change from the original)? - but they have become all the rage lately - especially the "just steak" one.

We and our friends and neighbours are all struggling to open them cleanly - no matter which opener is used. Perhaps we should send a petition to the company?

Padz_2

Thanks for the replies folks.

I have also emailed Premier Foods (they make the FB stuff) to highlight the problem and ask what they suggest. I'll post on here when/if I get a reply.

border_collie

Our old magican wouldn't open them but a new culinaire magican auto was a breeze last night. :j