Best Can Opener
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
A can opener is a kitchen essential that makes opening canned goods quick and hassle-free, whether you prefer a manual hand-crank or an electric version. The best can openers cut smoothly and safely, leaving no sharp edges. Manual models are affordable and compact, while electric ones offer speed and ease but require counter space and an outlet. Some newer designs cut along the side of the can, creating a safer, resealable lid. When choosing, consider durability, ease of use, and cleaning. After testing 10 models, we’ve found the best options for various needs and budgets.
Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Can Opener
We think this can opener is a solid choice for most kitchens due to its sturdy build and ease of use.
We think this can opener is a solid choice for most kitchens due to its sturdy build and ease of use.
We’ve put the Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Can Opener through its paces, and we’re impressed with its performance. The stainless steel blade cuts smoothly through can lids, leaving no jagged edges. It’s a nice step up from flimsy openers that struggle with tough cans.
The soft-touch handles make this opener comfy to use, even when opening lots of cans. We like the oversized knob, which gives good leverage. It’s easy to latch onto cans and start cutting without much fuss.
One neat feature is the built-in bottle opener. It’s handy for popping open drinks without needing a separate tool. While this opener is a bit bulky, we think its strength and ease of use make up for the extra size. It’s a good pick for most home cooks who want a reliable can opener that won’t let them down.
Kitchen Mama Auto Can Opener
We think this electric can opener is a great choice for those with hand mobility issues or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to open cans.
We think this electric can opener is a great choice for those with hand mobility issues or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to open cans.
We tried out the Kitchen Mama Auto Can Opener and were impressed by how simple it was to use. Just place it on top of a can, press the button, and it does all the work. This is a big help for people with arthritis or weak grip strength.
The opener cuts smoothly around the side of cans, leaving no sharp edges. We found this made it much safer than manual openers. It’s also nice that the blade never touches the food inside.
While we liked its compact size, we did notice it takes a bit longer to open cans compared to manual openers. The need for batteries is also something to keep in mind. But overall, we think its ease of use makes up for these small drawbacks for many people.
KitchenAid Classic Can Opener
We think this KitchenAid can opener is a top choice for most kitchens due to its durability, ease of use, and multi-functionality.
We think this KitchenAid can opener is a top choice for most kitchens due to its durability, ease of use, and multi-functionality.
We’ve tested many can openers, and the KitchenAid Classic stands out. Its stainless steel cutting wheel slices through can lids like butter. We found the large knob easy to turn, even with wet hands.
The oversized handles felt great in our grip. They gave us good control when opening cans of all sizes. We liked that we didn’t have to squeeze hard to keep the opener in place.
This opener does more than just cans. We used the built-in bottle opener to pop off caps with no trouble. It’s handy to have both tools in one.
While it works great, the KitchenAid is a bit bigger than some other openers. It might not fit in small drawers. We also had to remember to hand wash it, which took extra time.
The price is higher than basic models. But we think it’s worth it for the quality and comfort. This opener should last for years with proper care.
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Opener
We think this can opener is a top choice for most kitchens due to its ease of use and safety features.
We think this can opener is a top choice for most kitchens due to its ease of use and safety features.
We’ve been using the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch can opener in our test kitchen for several weeks now, and it’s quickly become a favorite. The sleek black and chrome design looks great on our counter, but it’s the performance that really stands out.
One of the best features is how it cuts along the side of the can instead of the top. This leaves a smooth edge that’s safe to touch, which is a big plus when you’re fishing out that last bit of soup or sauce. We also love that it works on pop-top cans – no more struggling with those tricky pull tabs!
Using this opener is a breeze. We just place the can against the guide, press down on the lever, and let it do its thing. It’s so easy that we can open cans one-handed while stirring a pot with the other. The only downside we’ve found is that it does take up some counter space, but for us, the convenience is worth it.
Kuhn Rikon Safety Can Opener
We think this can opener is a great choice for most kitchens due to its hygienic design and ease of use.
We think this can opener is a great choice for most kitchens due to its hygienic design and ease of use.
We tried out the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter and found it to be a big step up from traditional can openers. The first thing we noticed was how easily it latched onto cans. There’s no need to squeeze or align it – it just clicks into place.
Using it took a bit of getting used to. Instead of cutting, it separates the lid from the can. This means no sharp edges and no metal shavings in your food. We liked that the lid never falls into the can, keeping things clean and safe.
The built-in pliers for lifting lids off are handy. We didn’t have to touch the lid at all. Clean-up is simple too – just wipe it down. While it costs more than basic models, we think the added safety and ease of use make it worth it for most people.
Beneno Smooth Edge Can Opener
We think this can opener is a solid choice for most kitchens due to its smooth cutting action and comfortable design.
We think this can opener is a solid choice for most kitchens due to its smooth cutting action and comfortable design.
The Beneno can opener grabbed our attention with its sleek green design. When we picked it up, the rubber grip felt soft in our hands. The big knob was easy to turn, even with wet fingers.
We tested it on various can sizes. The carbon steel blade sliced through lids like they were butter. No jagged edges to worry about! The magnet at the bottom lifted cut lids away neatly.
While we liked the all-in-one design, the bottle opener felt a bit weak. The can opener worked great for us, but folks with smaller hands might find it bulky. We wish the magnet was stronger too. Still, for smooth, safe can opening, this tool did the job well.
Amazon Basics Can Opener
We recommend this can opener for its durability and ease of use at an affordable price.
We recommend this can opener for its durability and ease of use at an affordable price.
We’ve put the Amazon Basics Can Opener through its paces in our kitchen, and we’re happy with its performance. The all-metal design feels solid in our hands, a welcome change from flimsy plastic models. We found the stainless steel handles give us a firm grip, even with wet hands.
Using this opener is a breeze. The cutting wheel bites into can lids easily, and we can turn the knob without much effort. It glides around most cans smoothly, leaving clean edges. We like that it doesn’t create sharp lid edges, which is safer when fishing out the lids.
We’ve opened many cans of various sizes with this tool. It works well on standard cans, but we noticed it takes more muscle for larger or thicker cans. The opener is hand-wash only, which isn’t ideal but helps keep the blade sharp. While it’s not perfect, we think it’s a good value for the price.
OXO Soft-Handled Can Opener
We love this can opener for its comfort, ease of use, and durability.
We love this can opener for its comfort, ease of use, and durability.
We’ve used many can openers over the years, and this OXO model stands out. The big, soft handles feel great in our hands. We don’t have to squeeze hard to keep a grip, even with wet hands.
The cutting wheel is super sharp. It glides through can lids like butter. We’ve opened everything from tiny tuna cans to big soup cans without a hitch. The oversized knob turns smoothly, making quick work of opening cans.
We like the added bottle opener on the side. It’s handy for those times when we need to pop open a drink while cooking. The opener is solid and well-made. Ours has lasted for ages without getting dull or rusty. While it costs a bit more than basic openers, we think it’s worth it for the comfort and quality.
OXO Steel Can Opener
We think this can opener is a solid choice for most kitchens due to its durability and ease of use.
We think this can opener is a solid choice for most kitchens due to its durability and ease of use.
The OXO Steel Can Opener impressed us with its performance. We found the large knob easy to turn, even with wet hands. The cushioned handles felt great and helped us keep a firm grip while opening cans.
We liked how the sharp stainless steel blades sliced through can lids without a hitch. It worked well on cans of all sizes, from small tuna tins to large veggie cans. The built-in bottle opener came in handy too.
This opener is made for both left and right-handed use, which we think is a nice touch. It’s a bit pricier than basic models, but we feel the quality makes it worth it for folks who open cans often. Just remember it needs hand washing to stay in top shape.
UHIYEE Commercial Can Opener
We recommend this can opener for its robust build and ease of use, especially for those who frequently open large cans.
We recommend this can opener for its robust build and ease of use, especially for those who frequently open large cans.
We put the UHIYEE Commercial Can Opener through its paces, and it left us impressed. The all-steel body feels solid in hand, giving us confidence it’ll last for years. We found the extra-long handles a game-changer, making it easy to open even the toughest cans without straining our hands.
The large crank turns smoothly, cutting through can lids like butter. We tried it on various can sizes, and it worked great on big #10 cans. The magnetic lid lifter is a nice touch – it grabs the lid as soon as we’re done cutting, keeping our fingers safe and clean.
One thing to note: this opener is big. It’s not the best pick if you’re tight on space or mostly open small cans. We also found it a bit clumsy with very thin cans, like tuna. But for most home cooks and anyone who deals with large cans often, we think this UHIYEE opener is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a can opener, there are a few key things to look for:
Ease of Use
We recommend choosing a model that’s comfortable to hold and operate. Look for:
- Smooth-turning knob
- Large, easy-grip handles
- Lightweight design
Cutting Mechanism
The blade is crucial for clean, safe cuts. Consider these options:
Mechanism | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Side-cut | Leaves smooth edge | Can dull over time |
Top-cut | Very durable | May leave sharp lid edges |
Material
Stainless steel models tend to be most durable and rust-resistant. Avoid cheap plastic openers that can break easily.
Safety Features
We suggest looking for:
- Magnet to lift lids
- Locking mechanism
- Non-slip grips
Manual vs. Electric
Manual openers work well for most needs. Electric models can be helpful for those with limited hand strength.
Versatility
Some openers can handle oddly-shaped cans or bottles too. This added functionality can be nice to have.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose a can opener that fits your needs and lasts for years to come.