This can crusher is very easy to use, it is operated by foot, just open the top crushing plate, insert an empty can into the crusher, close the top plate and step on it. The crusher will help to crush aluminum cans much more easier than you could by just stepping on an empty can. This Kitchen Craft crusher is able to compress both aluminum and steel cans so you can use it not only to compress your empty soda and beer cans but also empty steel food cans such as soup cans, and can also be used for dog and cat food cans. This is one of the few crushers that can compress not only aluminum but also steel food and drink cans.