For many years, canned food has made way for the invention of can openers. Due to this, they can be commonly found in all kitchens.
The variety of can openers available in the market is vast, but there are many such products which don’t do their job effectively. However, by doing some research, you can find a device that is user friendly and durable, and above all, does its job as specified! This list of 12 best can openers will serve all of your kitchen needs.
We spent 48 hours in performing an in-depth research on different kinds of can openers. We checked them on various attributes including design and performance, and rated them on the basis of their cutting ability, features, and affordability. After thoroughly testing these openers, we have picked the top rated Best Can Openers which will look attractive on your kitchen counters. Read our detailed review of these can openers to know which one suits you the best. These openers have been given an excellent rating by the Amazon customers. So, you can trust them without a doubt!
What are the types of can openers available in the market?
There are two types of can openers available in the market namely, electric and manual. The electric requires no effort from your end if you wish to open a can, whereas you need to operate the manual opener to get it working. Once you have decided which opener to choose, you can then do an in-depth study of their features to know which one suits you the best.
Top 12 Best Can Openers Review
1. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606ZA – Best Feature Loaded Electric Can Opener
The Hamilton Beach Touch Can opener may be bigger in size when compared to its counterparts, but it is one of the best electric gadgets which opens the can with ease.
The appliance does slice through the lid of the can smoothly and forms neat edges, which is a hygienic way of opening a can. Thereby, the sliced pieces won’t fall into the food. Most suitable to open cans which weigh up to 32 ounces. The best part of the Hamilton Beach can Opener is its side- cutting feature which facilitates the easy opening of pop up cans, and it also ensures that the lid does not fall into the food.
To operate the can opener, you can press down the level till your whole can has rotated around it. This kitchen accessory is 10 inches tall and the base is 5 inches square.
The product receives many positive reviews everywhere which makes Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch top our list of best can openers. This can opener has received very good ratings from various review sites as it comprises of the SureCut technology, which will ensure that the can opens effectively in one attempt.
The device has a magnet that keeps the can in place to ensure a uniform cut. The cord of the opener is 25 inches long and the best part is that it can be stored within the unit. To use it completely, you will have to pull it out.
Best Features:
- Side Cutting Technology available.
- Huge Lever for Easy Cutting.
- Attractive design that adds to the accessories of the kitchen.
- 1 Year Warranty Offered.
- Affordable Pricing.
Pros:
- Hamilton Beach 76606Z does not come in contact with the food as blades might cause contamination.
- The can is cut cleanly without the presence of metal scraps.
- Equipped to open cans of all sizes.
- Hamilton Beach 76606Z also cuts cans with peel-off lids.
- Safe to use by people of all ages.
Cons:
- Few users have claimed that the can opener opens all types of cans a bit slowly.
- Electricity is required which will test your purse every month.
2. EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener – Durability at its Best
The next can opener we have reviewed is the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener that is gear driven and is made of solid Chrome steel. The handles of this can opener are rubberized for a comfortable grip.
Measuring 7 inches in length, this manual can opener can be used to open cans of all sizes. Made in USA, EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener utilizes a simple swing mechanism which allows to exert maximum pressure, thereby resulting in sharp and neat cuts.
Crafted using the heavy duty steel, the gears of this can opening device are interlocked with its blades, which does not require too much human force to open a can. Turning the knob lightly does the trick! Since it is made of sturdy steel, the can opener will not break when you are using it.
The EZ-DUZ-IT can opener is certainly bigger when compared to many other can openers available in the market. The size of the can opener gives the product a good cutting power and makes it long lasting as well. If you are expecting some fancy features and modern design, then this is not the right can opener for you. It is a simple conventional can opener that can open cans of all sizes.
The EZ- DUZ-IT is the best tool for those who prefer functionality over a modern and fancy design. This can opener is made in USA and is great for those people who experience frequent power cuts. Unlike an electric can opener, this will work without electricity and will also work on all cans with ease.
A downside of using the EZ-DUZ-IT is that it cuts into the can, thereby leaving sharp edges that will have to be handled cautiously from your side.
Best Features:
- Created using sturdy chromed steel.
- Made in USA.
- Has rubberized handles that offer a strong grip.
- Sharp cutting blades made of Carbon Steel.
- Comprises of Gears and cutting blades.
- Easy to clean, can be washed with warm and light soap water.
Pros:
- Good quality material used in manufacturing this product.
- Value for your Money.
- One of the best manual can openers available in the market.
- Low maintenance required and easy to clean.
Cons:
- A few buyers have complained that the edges being too sharp, causing it to cut too much into the can sometimes.
- Can start rusting after a few months, but the price does justice for the duration it lasts.
3. OXO Good Grips Opener – Smooth Can Opening Experience
The problem with most can openers is that their blades aren’t sharp enough to cut through the can properly, and the lids drop into the food. Many openers are made of steel due to which, they can rust after few months. Their blades usually leave sharp and uneven edges which can cause unexpected cuts to your hands. The OXO can opener have been created to combat all these concerns, as it is a smooth edged can opener.
The OXO Good Grips can opener is a grip locking product which opens the can smoothly. The design is completely black, and it has a stylish appearance which makes it an excellent product to use in your kitchen counters. For added safety and security, the inbuilt pliers of the can ensure that the lid is separated as soon as it completes opening the can.
This feature is comfortable to use, and it is convenient for lifting lids due to which you will never have to touch the lid and stain your hands with the food present in the can. This mechanism also reduces clean up time as nothing drips out from the can.
OXO Good Grips can opener has also been rated by Wall Street Journal as a top kitchen appliance. Oxo also provides its buyers with a refund or a replacement, if it does not meet their expectations.
The company is well known for designing its equipments keeping the safety of the user in mind. The design of the Oxo Goo Grips Can opener has been created to make opening a can extremely easy. It allows you to place the opener on top of the can so that you can cut into the lid efficiently. By doing so, you can cut through and into the can, and avoid sharp edges that causes cuts and bruises.
The best features of this kitchen accessory include a side wind mechanism which makes turning extremely easy, and good quality handles that enables you to grip the product well. The cutting gear is made using stainless steel and it does not touch the food, which ensures that there is no contamination. Easy to clean, it is dishwasher safe as well. This can opener is also best suited for picnic or camping trips.
Best Features:
- Side Wind mechanism helps you achieve a smooth cutting.
- In Built Pliers to Lift the Lid from the Can without touching the food.
- Non-slip handles for better grip and soft knob for easy turning.
Pros:
- Does not leave any sharp edges in the can.
- Lid is lifted as soon as the can is opened.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Price is slightly steep for a manual opener when electronic options are available cheaply.
4. Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master – Best Multipurpose Can Opener
Know how to operate this can opener by watching this video.
Safety Master Opener is a multipurpose can opener which is efficient at opening jars, bottles, pop up cans, peel off cans, and cans of all kind. Available in three colors namely, Black, Red, and Green. The design of this opener is sleek and modern. This opener comprises of a side cutting technology which does not touch the food contents.
The can opener has two half circles which are placed on the can’s rim when you place it on top of the lid. When you twist the knob located on the can opener, it will grab the lid and lift it. After the whole circle is completed, the push button can be pressed to lift the lid.
Make sure that you do not go over the lid again with this opener as it can generate metal scrapings. Rated as one of the best can openers in the market, Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener has received many positive reviews on Amazon. People who have problems like arthritis, shaky hands, and other injuries, have benefited greatly from this opener.
Factors like how smoothly it opens cans and the simplicity of the design makes this one of the best openers in the market.
Best Features:
- Can be used as a bottle, and can opener.
- Lid Can be removed without touching it.
- It is dishwasher Safe.
- Cutting wheel does not touch food contents.
Pros:
- It is handy in performing various tasks such as opening jars, bottles, and pull-tab cans.
- Leaves the can’s edges smooth.
- Push Button mechanism makes opening cans easier.
- Can opener locks itself on the can and cuts from the side to leave the rim smooth.
Cons:
- Knob is hard to turn.
5. P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener – Best for Outdoor Trips and Camping
If you are an adventure junkie, then the p-38 and p51 can openers are the best options for you. Originally crafted for soldiers, these can openers are the best for hiking, camping, and fishing trips. These openers are light weight and is reportedly used by US Army. The p-38 is 38 millimeters long whereas the P-51 is 51 millimeters long.
Apart from opening cans, they can be used for other functions including cleaning grooves, screw drivers, cleaning finger nails, cutting things, and opening seams. The design of this opener is extremely simplistic which makes this opener easy to use.
You can comfortably attach these can openers to the keychains and carry them in your pocket. To open a can, direct the blade of the opener on the can and rotate with the other hand to cut equally. These set of can openers are often used commercially to open huge cans as well.
These openers have been titled as best survivalist can openers. Many users also use them as additional tool for cutting strings and light weight ropes. Another good thing about these openers is that it is rust proof, and which is one attribute that many other expensive openers do not have.
Overall, these can openers do not have too many fancy features and they leave sharp edges. However, due to their 75-year solid track record and durability, they are worth a try.
Best Features:
- Rust Proof/Rust Resistant.
- Fits on all Keychains.
- Inexpensive models.
- Multipurpose usage.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight.
- Have been in the market for 75 years.
- Affordably Priced.
- Fits in your pocket with ease.
- Long lasting lifespan.
Cons:
- Leaves sharp edges.
6. Made in USA Can Opener – Pocket Friendly Price
If you are ever looking for a budget friendly can opening equipment, this is an ultimate choice for you. Made in USA can opener is being sold since 1954. Created by the brand that produces EZ-Duz-It, it comprises of gears, skid resistant feed wheel, and a cutter which is coated with zinc. It is a conventional manual can opener which can be used by pressing the blade on top of the rim of the can and moving it till it completes a full rotation. You can then tip the lid of the opener using a knife as there are no magnets or pliers present in this equipment.
The handles of this opener come in 4 colors namely red, blue, white, and black. The best thing about using a Made in USA Can Opener is that it can open cans of all sizes.
This model does not rust, and the best part is that the company claims that they can replace any openers which has any kind of defects from them, irrespective of when they were purchased.
Made in USA Can Opener does not have any special features like lid lifting magnets or pliers, but the replacement guarantee makes up for the price. This can opener is easy to maintain, and you can clean it with warm water and a soap or white vinegar.
As far as its performance is concerned, the can opener has received good ratings and users have reported that it glides smoothly through the lid.
Best Features:
- Comfortable Handle Pads.
- Handles Made of 1008 Carbon Steel.
- Zinc plated cutter and gears.
- Best customer service provided.
Pros:
- Durable and reliable.
- Can be used for a long time.
- Coated with zinc for better performance.
Cons:
- Using this can opener results in jagged edges.
7. Zyliss Lock and Lift Opener- User Friendly Manual Can Opener
Can openers are usually hard to use as you require a lot of force. The Zyliss manual can opener solves this concern and makes opening cans extremely easy. This Manual can opener is shaped like a scissor which allows you to cut into the can in an up and down motion.
Due to this scissoring motion, you can cut the lid of the can, thereby leaving an extremely smooth edge. Once you open the handles and place the opener on the can, you have an option of locking it so that it doesn’t shake when you are using it. The cutting blades are made of stainless steel that prevents rust forming on it. The handles are soft and padded with rubber which gives comfort to the hand and makes it easier to grip and use.
The highlight of this can opener is that it has a magnet which grasps the lid. When you start opening the can, the magnet attaches with the lid. After you have cut off the lid completely, the magnet automatically lifts itself and separates it from the can. You can just shake it off into the trash bin to avoid the mess and unwanted cuts falling into your food. You will never have to touch the food with your fingers or the can opener which makes it very hygienic.
The knob of the opener is made from plastic, that is slip resistant due to which you can grip it effectively when you are turning it. The blade cuts through and into the side of the can so that you can cut the lid without touching it. This is a best can opener which makes can opening experience as easy as enjoying a cool breeze for you.
Best Features:
- 5 Years Guarantee is provided from Zyliss.
- Comfortable to Hold due to the rubber grip.
- Stainless Steel Cutting Mechanism available.
- Automatic Lock so that your food can doesn’t move..
Pros:
- Large handle that makes gripping easier.
- Knob locks with ease.
- Comprises of stainless steel blades which eliminates the need for extra strength.
- You do not have to touch the can due to the presence of magnet and lever.
- Can be used to open cans of any size.
- Budget friendly price.
Cons:
- With prolonged use, the magnet becomes weak and does not pick up the lid.
8. Good Cook Classic Safe Opener – Compact Yet Powerful
If you are looking for a can opener that brings convenience and portability, then your search ends with the Good Cook Classic Safe Opener. This opener is small and is easy to take along with you wherever you go. It is a perfect amalgamation of design and functionality. The Good Cook Classic can opener’s cutting wheel does not touch the food contents, leaving no space for contamination.
You do not have to exert any kind of pressure on the handles as touching them gently will help you in cutting through the can. The design of this can opener is worth a mention as it does not have double handles like all other can openers do. Good Cook Classic Safe Cut opener has a single body with handles and blades built into a single location.
To use it, you can simply place the blade on the rim of the can and tilt it and twist the knob till the can is open. The Good Cook Classic Safe Cut opener has received raving reviews all over the web. Due to the price and service it offers, it is being ranked as one of the best-selling can openers.
The best thing about this can opener is that even though the size is compact, there is no compromise on its quality and ability to open various sizes of cans. It is being created using chrome metal, this equipment is quite sturdy and can be used to cut through huge cans as well. It leaves the lid smooth without the presence of metal shavings. Even though it is big on performance, it is quite a lightweight product and can be carried anywhere.
Best Features:
- 9 x 4 x 2 inches.
- Cutting Wheel that does not touch food contents.
- Built using Heavy duty chrome metal.
- Lightweight and Compact.
Pros:
- Lasts for quite a long time.
- Easy to Grip and use.
- Leaves edges smooth after opening a can.
Cons:
- If you don’t lock properly, it can slip.
9. West Bend 77203 Electric Can Opener – Luxury Electric Can Opener with Sleek Body
Crafted using aluminum, chrome, and plastic, West Bend 77203 is a multipurpose can opener which is capable of opening cans that are extremely tall. This stunning can opener has some very good features and is fully automatic, and doesn’t require any additional support when it is working. You can also use it as a bottle opener and to sharpen knives, which makes it a valuable product for your money. At the price of one, you get three appliances.
West comes in two colors namely black and metallic blue, which makes the opener look nice on your kitchen top, and you can even add this product to your home appliance collection. This electric can opener has cutting tools which are dish washer safe as well.
Comprising of 70 watts of power, this kitchen accessory is user friendly and comes with a year of warranty. The West Bend Electric Can Opener is easy to store due to the cord storage and it does not acquire too much space on the kitchen top, as it is extremely compact and slender in nature. Maintaining this opener is extremely easy as its parts can be detached and washed with ease.
Best Features:
- Countertop opener made of chrome, plastic, and aluminium material.
- 70-watt power.
- Tall design fits all types of cans.
- Automatic shutoff feature available.
- Measurement is 5 by 9 inches.
- Comes with 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Value for Money as it has 3 equipments in 1 price.
- Can be purchased in two different colors.
- Cuts can in no time without exerting much effort.
- Durable and reliable can opener.
- Slim body fits even in smallest spaces.
- Easy to maintain as this can opener can be washed in dishwasher liquid.
Cons:
- Comes with plastic lever which can break off anytime.
- Can leave sharp edges at times.
10. Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener
The Cuisinart CCO-50BKN is a great option when you want to deal with canned food in a stress-free manner. It is built to comply with the north American electrical standards, that means it needs to work smooth and safe. There are several good features available in this product.
This model comes with a magnetic lid holder as well as a convenient activation lever. The device stops automatically after opening the can. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Best features:
- Press-and-release lever for easily opening any standard-size can.
- Extra-wide base prevents sliding/tipping.
- Easy to clean design.
Pros:
- Electric can opener with precision Power Cut blade.
- Stops automatically after opening the can.
- Has a magnetic lid holder and a removable activation lever.
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem to be durable.
- Sometimes, leaves sharp edges.
11. BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker Multi-Purpose Can Opener – Space Saving Can Opener
Black and Decker has made it to our list of best can openers as it saves substantial space in your kitchen. You can easily mount it on the wall to operate it. If you wish to open overtly large cans, then this can opener is the best for you.
Appearing to be a plastic black box, this opener can also be used as a knife sharpener, bag cutter, bottle opener and it comes with a flip open door that conceals it all. Containing a pierce cutter, this opener opens tough cans as well.
The best part about this cutter is that it leaves extremely smooth edges after cutting the can and also opens every type of bottle in a few split second. The protectant covering of the cutter ensures that the parts are not exposed to the outside air. This will prevent any moisture to seep into the device.
The equipment has a base which is spread evenly so that it remains stable and does not fall off from the table. Black and Decker Multipurpose Can Opener is easy to maintain as you can simply wipe it with a soft cloth. Made of stainless steel, the can opener comes with an automatic shut off feature which comes handy when you have your hands full and cannot manually turn off the equipment.
Best Features:
- Automatic shut off available.
- Has a power pierce cutter.
- Lifetime money back guaranty.
- Serrated cutting-edge wheel.
Pros:
- Cover prevents moisture and dust seeping into the device.
- Saves counter space in your kitchen.
- Easy installation.
- Can be installed anywhere in the kitchen, even behind cabinets.
- Shuts down automatically.
Cons:
- Tends to leave sharp edges at times.
- Needs to be installed which can be viewed as a nuisance by some users.
- Can be noisy.
- The cutting blade is irreplaceable.
12. Hamilton Beach 76380Z Classic Chrome – Best Budget Electric Can Opener
Hamilton Beach 76380Z Classic Chrome comes with a removable cutter that makes maintaining it easier. The classy black color and tall design makes this can opener extremely attractive to the eyes, and perfect for those who like to have contemporary looking equipment in their kitchen. It also comes with a few extra components including a knife sharpening unit and a cord storing place. Opening tall cans becomes as easy as enjoying a cool breeze with this can opener.
Once you have hooked the can in proper position, you do not have to touch it or press down any handle to cut the can. The can opener shuts down automatically after the can has opened so that you know when to remove the can.
Yet another masterpiece from Hamilton Beach, this can opener has a cutter that can be removed from the body and washed in the dishwasher. The material it is made from is special and it does not cause any rusting even after you have used it for many years. The dish washable feature of the can opener makes cleaning the device extremely convenient.
Hamilton Beach 76380Z Classic Chrome has been formulated using a Sure Cut technology which makes sure that the can is cut properly every time and there no jagged edges left in the can.
Due to its extra tall design, it works with an array of can sizes and shapes and does not tip off when you are using it. A few Arthritis foundation’s have rated this to be one of the best electric can opener for people who have arthritis.
Best features:
- SureCut patented technology.
- Removable, washable cutting unit.
- It is a multi-tasking product.
Pros:
- Requires no knob turning or holding the equipment.
- Automatic shut off feature available.
- Can also be used as a knife sharpener.
- The cutter can be detached from the body of the can opener and be washed in dishwasher.
- Cuts toughest of cans with ease.
Cons:
- Some cans needs support although it has some really good features.
- Magnet falls off when encounters with too much water.
Read more:
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Buyers guide:
Why is a can opener important in a kitchen?
Can openers are kitchen gadgets that may not be used every day, but they are certainly essential and useful in the kitchen. If you frequently consume sauce, soup, stock, and other canned foods then choosing a good can opener is important.
Even high end can openers cost less than 50 dollars, you can choose from a plethora of options available. A can opener makes things easy for people who suffer from weak wrists, hands, or conditions like arthritis which can cause pain or soreness since it gets difficult for them to use peel off cans and other gadgets.
If you cook in large quantities or have injured your hands temporarily, opening a can with an opener will help save your hands from pain and strain.
What are the features to look for in a can opener?
- Blade material: Chrome and Stainless-steel blades are the best materials to buy when you are purchasing can openers.
- Non-Slip Rubber Grip. If you are choosing manual can openers, choose the ones that are slip proof or have rubber grips.
- Adequate size. Can openers must be in the right size for you to feel comfortable in opening a can. If you are opting for an Electric Model, then they should be adequate in height to accommodate large cans as well. On the other hand, manual openers should be able to fit into a drawer.
- Easy to Maintain: A few can openers only cuts the side of the can which do not directly contact with the food contents. Due to this, food stays hygienic. Electric can openers which cuts the top of the can should have removable blades so that they can be cleaned with a dishwasher. You should make sure that a can opener is dishwasher safe as well.
- Durable and Sturdy. Can openers should not be light since they can topple down with the weight of the can. In case of manual openers, if they are sturdy they can be used for years together.
- Flawless performance. Openers which take time to lock into the can shakes midway or has a knob that is difficult to turn should be avoided. Can openers which work smoothly and flawlessly should be bought.
- Pliers or magnets. When you are done cutting the lid, you want something that will lift off the lid for you, so that you do not have to touch it and create a mess. In this case, openers that have magnets and pliers come handy.
- Price of the can opener: Price is another important factor that needs to be considered while choosing a can opener. Different can openers have different features. Therefore; their prices need to be compared to know if they are offering value for the hard earned money.
What are the different Types of Best Can Openers available in the market?
Apart from the two simple sub categories namely Electric and Manual, can openers have many other types that are available based on its functionality and performance. To help you choose the best one for your kitchen, we have made a list of the same below: –
- Countertop openers: This is an electric can opener type and as the name suggests, it is placed like a separate appliance on the kitchen counter. To operate this, you can simply place the can in position and press down the lever or button to open the can
- Side-cutting can openers: Can openers can also be categorized according to the position it cuts the can at. In this category of openers, the can is cut sideways below the top part of the can. Look for this technology in an opener while purchasing one as it leaves edges smoother and eliminates chances of getting hurt.
- Top cutting can openers: Top cutting openers cuts through lids of cans from the topmost area of the can. This opener type can be slightly messy which is why you should ensure that the opener has a lid removal feature.
Here is a video that explains the beginner steps in using a can opener.
Final Words:
While all the above-mentioned openers are best in their own way, our pick in the manual and electronic can opener category are the Hamilton Beach 76606Z and OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Opener. Both these openers will give value for your money and have been rated as the best can openers recently. We’ve given you the best can openers available in the market through this article. We’ve just presented an amazing list of can openers after our extensive research. Select one from this list which fulfills your needs and fits into your budget, and enjoy your food!