The 6 Best Can Openers, Tested and Reviewed by a Food Editor

The Bottom Line: The Best Can Opener

For its smooth operation and clever design, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener (view at Amazon) was far and away my favorite of the bunch. It operates efficiently, is easy to use and avoids the hazards of sharp edges entirely. For a manual option, the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener (view at Amazon) is very easy to turn and comfortable to hold, eliminating most of my objections to manual can openers.

Choosing a Can Opener

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a can opener:

Type of Can Opener

When you’re shopping for a can opener, one of the first decisions to make is whether to choose an electric or a manual model. Manual can openers are typically more affordable, compact and easy to store, making them ideal for small kitchens or places where you might not have easy access to an electrical outlet (when camping, for example). They require a bit more physical effort but offer greater control.

Electric can openers, on the other hand, provide convenience and ease of use, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. They often come with additional features like knife sharpeners (though we have other suggestions for keeping your chef’s knives in top shape) or bottle openers. However, the tradeoff is that they also take up more counter space and tend to be pricier.

Ease of Cleaning

How easy your can opener is to clean should play a big part in your decision. Can openers, especially electric ones (folks just don’t think to clean the blades often enough) can harbor food particles and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Look for models with removable cutting arms that are either dishwasher-safe or easy to rinse under your faucet. Stainless steel options are generally more resistant to rust and easier to sanitize. Regardless of what model you choose, a regular cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and extend the lifespan of your can opener.

Safety Features

Safety is another factor to consider when choosing a can opener. Sharp edges on both the lid and the can itself can pose a risk of cuts. Many modern can openers come with safety features designed to minimize this risk (the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener and the Good Cook Can Opener are prime examples). Additionally, some models include magnetic lid lifters, preventing the lid from falling into the can (and preventing you from digging around sharp edges to retrieve it). 

Our Can Opener Tests

For our tests, I noted details such as how long it took to open a can with each can opener (or how many rotations were needed, if using a manual can opener). I tested each with different-sized lids and cans to better understand what limitations each can opener may have, and if it left sharp, jagged edges or created a smooth cut. In addition, I analyzed what other attributes each model had, whether it had any useful extras that made using it more safe or convenient, and how easy each can opener was to clean, whether I was opening something watery or oily (like cans of tuna) or something that might stain (like canned beets).

And for those worrying about food waste (I opened a lot of cans of chickpeas), fear not: I made enough hummus to last for months (it freezes very well, FYI). 

We Also Considered

Kitchen Mama (Automatic) Electric Can Opener ($35 at Amazon): While I can see the advantages of having a battery-operated option, neither this nor the Kitchen Mama Auto 2.0 Electric Can Opener ($40 at Amazon) impressed me. Both were noisy; neither cut through the can cleanly. In fact, I had to resort to using a manual can opener to finish the job both times. For the price, I wasn’t impressed.

Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Manual Can Opener ($16 at Amazon): This is a well-made, sturdy can opener. It was slightly more difficult to clamp onto a can than the OXO, meaning it just missed making my best-of list, but I truly had no issues with it, and still consider it a solid option.

Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener ($25 at Amazon): This was another can opener that I ultimately enjoyed using; it’s quiet and fast, and the cutting arm is removable and easy to clean. Had it left a smooth edge, it would’ve made the list. Still, if a perfectly smooth cut isn’t a dealbreaker, this is still a great choice.

Common Questions

Are electric can openers worth it?

Yes, electric can openers can absolutely be worth it, especially if you struggle with manual can openers due to arthritis, limited hand strength or coordination issues. They offer convenience and ease of use, and usually all you need to do is press lightly down on a lever to open cans quickly and with minimal effort. Additionally, many electric can openers come with added features such as built-in knife sharpeners and bottle openers, adding to their versatility.

That doesn’t mean they don’t have some downsides, however. Electric can openers take up more counter space and usually need to be plugged in, which can be inconvenient in small kitchens. Not to mention, a power outage will render all but the battery-operated models useless. They also tend to be more expensive than manual can openers, and can be more difficult to clean. Whether or not an electric can opener is worth it to you depends on your needs and preferences.

How do you clean a manual can opener versus cleaning an electric can opener?

Cleaning an electric can opener is a chore we often neglect (myself included), but it’s an important step if you want to ensure your can opener lasts a long time and to avoid cross-contamination with other food (think about how that blade dips into the interior of a can with each use). You’ll want to start by unplugging your can opener. Most electric can openers have a detachable cutting mechanism that you can remove for easier cleaning. Wash all removable parts with warm, soapy water, and use a soft brush to dislodge any stubborn food particles. You can wipe down the body of the can opener with a damp cloth, but be careful not to let water seep into the motor housing. You may also want to consider applying a few drops of food-grade mineral oil to the cutting wheels or trigger mechanism if your electric can opener isn’t moving as smoothly as it used to.

While cleaning a manual can opener is a little more straightforward, it’s just as crucial for preventing bacterial buildup. After each use, rinse the can opener under hot water to remove any food residue. Use a small brush or toothbrush (one dedicated to cleaning things other than your teeth, obviously) to scrub the cutting wheel and gears. Dry your can opener thoroughly to prevent rust. 

Cleaning these kitchen tools isn’t exactly a thrilling pursuit, but it’s much better than letting them collect gunk, rust away or even spread bacteria around your kitchen. A little proper care will go a long way towards ensuring your can openers last for years.

What is the best can opener for seniors?

When shopping for a can opener for a senior in your life (or even yourself), ease of use, safety and required effort should be your top considerations. Electric can openers are usually preferable, as they require minimal strength to operate. Models that feature smooth-edge cutting mechanisms are also a great idea, as they reduce the risk of cutting yourself on a sharp edge. Regardless of whether or not you’re a senior, if you suffer from arthritis or limited hand strength, an electric can opener can be a huge help during meal prep.

Still, some folks may prefer a manual can opener (and it’s not a bad idea to have one on hand in case your power goes out). In that case, look for a manual can opener with cushioned, non-slip handles and a large turning knob. Both these qualities can help reduce strain on your wrists and generally make it easier to operate. 

How do you sharpen a can opener?

Through inevitable wear and tear, chances are your can opener will gradually lose its sharpness. If you find your can opener seems to struggle more with opening cans than it did in the past, you can consider sharpening it.

The secret to sharpening your can opener lies in a common household item: aluminum foil. Fold a piece of foil several times to create a thick strip. Run your can opener over the foil several times, as if you were opening a can. This method works for both electric and manual models, but some electric models have the added advantage of allowing you to buy replacement parts. Doing this as part of your regular maintenance is just another way to ensure your can opener remains efficient and operates safely. 

Our Trusted Expertise

This article was written by Katie Tuttle, who tested each of these can openers for this article. In addition to contributing to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, she has been testing meal delivery services and kitchen tools for the past two years.