Others say...

"looks good but just doesn't 'cut' it"
I bought this can opener because I wanted one in black and a stand-up electric that take up less counter space and is for tall cans. We've had a few problems with misfires. The unit would not grip the can and we had to re-align it. It also needs a little more power. The magnet that is supposed to grip the lid is not strong enough. The unit gets two stars, one for the color and one for the shape.

"Junk after 1-2 years"
As others have stated the gears are plastic and will fail after 1 to 2 years, and no replacement parts to fix, so the can opener has to trashed.

"Two thumbs down."
Please read David Maces's review. I bought mine about two years ago and just today the plastic part mentioned by Mr. Mace failed. A sturdy, sleek can opener is now going to the trash permaturely because Hamilton Beach does not provide a replacement part.

"I concur with David Mace's review"
Once that plastic part breaks ... its over.
I can not find a replacement part for it.
Otherwise nice can opener.

"Great opener"
I've purchased a few electric openers over the past years and none were worth the bother until I got this Hamilton Beach Heavyweight with removable washing unit. My thumb has little strength so after years of not using an electric opener, I bought another electric opener thinking they had improved. After a couple of times of use, the thing most times refused to grip and cut the can. So I returned it. I read the reviews here and saw this unit in a store so I purchased it and, yes, it cuts first time every time. Love it. I wish I could have purchased it for my mother...

Update 7/29/2007

My original post above was done on 11/16/2005. I forgot exactly when I purchased the opener but I'd had it for some time before posting. I still rate it a 5-star and would give it 10 if possible. For those mechanically inept (like my husband), someone may have to show you how to position the round magnet dead center on top of the can, then align the cutting blade in the rim of the can so that the "positioning" blade lies on the top rim of the can. Sounds complicated but it takes all of one or two seconds at the most to do this (like flip, flip). Large cans may take a second longer to position. It opens any size can I give it. It has NEVER dropped a can until I physically remove the can. It opens cleanly and evenly so that I no longer have to worry about cutting a finger on the opened can or lid. I also like how the cord can be pushed all the way into the opener itself so no visible cord left dangling if not in use. Should this can opener malfunction today, Lord willing I'd immediately replace it with the same opener. Had it only lasted a year or two, I would have gladly replaced it with the same product. One of my better buys, and I'm picky with a champaignless budget. Incidentally, I could not find an opener with "Portfolio" at Target or the Walmart where I got it, but this looks exactly like it and is heavyweight.

Update 9/21/2008

Still going strong. A pleasure to use.