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Best Can Openers

Updated January 2023
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
OXO Good Grips Smooth-Edge Can Opener
OXO
Good Grips Smooth-Edge Can Opener
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Innovative Design
Bottom Line

The generous size, soft grip, side knob, and smooth-edge action make this a go-to manual can opener.

Pros

Smooth-edge opener cuts beneath the rim of the can, doing away with jagged edges. Large, soft-grip handles and side-winding knob emphasize hand comfort. Built-in pliers to lift lid without touching food.

Cons

Takes getting used to. Best to hand-wash. A little bulky.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kuhn Rikon Auto Master Smooth Touch Can Opener
Kuhn Rikon
Auto Master Smooth Touch Can Opener
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

The versatility of this multifunction tool makes it worth a little learning curve.

Pros

Opens standard cans, pull-tab cans, bottle caps, screw tops, and jar lids. Smooth-edge opening to eliminate jagged edges. Auto-attach design does away with clamping. Built-in mini pliers remove lids.

Cons

Not dishwasher-safe. Takes a little getting used to.

Farberware Professional Can Opener
Farberware
Professional Can Opener
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Simple & Straightforward
Bottom Line

A solid version of the classic-design can opener with a comfortable knob.

Pros

Tried and true iconic design. Compact' won't crowd an equipment drawer. Easy-turn knob provides good grip and control. Heat-resistant and safe near hot surfaces. Includes bottle opener.

Cons

Leaves jagged edges on lids. Hand-washing recommended.

Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener
Kitchen Mama
Electric Can Opener
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

In our tests, this compact and convenient automatic can opener worked well, if a bit slowly.

Pros

Battery-powered electric can opener opens cans with a button. Ergonomic use for slippery hands. Makes smooth edges for maximum safety. Compact design stores easily in small kitchens and RVs.

Cons

This can opener is slower than plug-in models.

Amazon Basics Safe Cut Can Opener
Amazon Basics
Safe Cut Can Opener
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Easy to Grip
Bottom Line

The grippy rubber finish of this manual can opener really stood out in our user testing.

Pros

Rubber texture was easier to grip than comparable manual can openers in our testing. Made neat cuts. Takes up less space than electric can openers. Easy to clean. Can lid stays locked in place until disposed of.

Cons

We wish the knob were easier to turn when cutting through the can.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32
Models
Considered
128
Consumers
Consulted
16
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best can openers

A can opener is one of those kitchen tools that you don’t really think about until you need it. But if you’re caught without one, you realize how essential it is to cooking. Though the manual can opener isn’t high tech or flashy, it plays a vital role in the kitchen.

Many can openers can do more than remove lids. Some include corkscrews, bottle openers, and levers that can make life easier when you’re in a hurry. While the basics are pretty much the same from model to model, there are some can openers that come with a few perks and have superior functionality. And with so many can openers on the market, you might not be sure where to start your search.

You’ve come to the right place. At BestReviews, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to find the best products out there. To get you started, we’ve provided this shopping guide with an in-depth look at what makes a great can opener. Sit back, relax, and know that we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.

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Look at the size and variety of cans you open most often. If you have a large family and open a lot of #10 cans (109 ounces), you might want a wall-mounted model built for larger cans.

Types of manual can openers

Handheld can openers are pretty self-explanatory. You place the blade of the can opener on the lip of the can and squeeze both handles with one hand until it punctures the lid. Then you turn the blade crank with the other hand. Comfort and ease of use depend on the quality of the blade and the make of the handles. These can openers can be stored in a drawer or hung for easy access.

Wall-mounted can openers are a permanent addition to your kitchen. These models work well for larger cans. The blade crank is usually longer than on a handheld model, which makes it easier to turn. If you often cook for a crowd, a wall-mounted can opener might be the right choice for you.

Can opener features to consider

Blade/cut position

You’ve got two options when it comes to the blade position: top or side. Both positions have pros and cons.

  • The blade of side-cut can openers makes little to no contact with food, which keeps the blade cleaner.

  • Top-cut can openers work better if you like to use the can lid to drain liquid out of the can. However, these models need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly to prevent rust and bacteria from forming on the blade.

Handle comfort

The design of the handles makes a big difference for those with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. You’ll also want to note the handle size if your hands are smaller than average. Models with nonslip or rubber grips are less slippery than metal models and easier to hold while cutting.

Ease of cleaning

Side-cut can openers are easier to keep clean than top-cut models. However, there are top-cut can openers that can be taken apart and washed in the dishwasher. Regular cleaning helps keep food from building up on the blade, reducing the chances of bacteria contaminating food.

"Be sure to wipe down the can before opening it to prevent dust or debris from entering the contents. You also want to keep your can opener clean so that bacteria can’t contaminate the blade."
STAFF
BestReviews

Ease of use

There are a couple of features that make a difference in how easy a can opener is to use. First is how smoothly the blade cuts. Sharp blades set at the correct angle make cutting a breeze. The second feature that enhances performance is the ease with which the can opener attaches to, grips, and punctures the lid. It should be effortless to attach your can opener to the lid. You shouldn’t have to fight the angle of the blade to get a good cut or struggle to get the blade positioned correctly. A good can opener will snap into place automatically and cut without a second trip around the lid.

Lid magnet or pliers

Some top-cut can openers have lid magnets. A lid magnet saves you from having to pry the lid out of the can, which can be dangerous due to the lid’s sharp edges. The magnet attaches to and holds the lid after you’ve opened the can. You can then remove the lid and throw it away. Some side-cut can openers have lid pliers or tweezers to aid in lid removal, enabling you to remove the lid without having to touch it.

Other tools

Many manual can openers also include a bottle opener, lid hole puncher, and/or a lever on the head of the can opener. These add-ons add multiple functions to the can opener.

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Did you know?
Stainless-steel can opener blades are the most durable and rust-resistant option available, maintaining a sharp edge through years of use.
STAFF
BestReviews

Can opener prices

You can expect to pay from about $10 to $50 for a manual can opener.

Inexpensive: For less than $10, you can find an inexpensive stainless-steel can opener. These basic top-cut models may or may not have rubberized grips and don’t usually include any multi-purpose tools.

Mid-range: Between $10 and $25, you’ll find both side-cut and top-cut models made of stainless steel with varying handle and grip styles. These models often include a few extra multi-purpose tools like a lid magnet or lever and offer a good balance of performance and price.

Expensive: From $25 to $50, you’ll find the top-of-the-line manual can openers. These models advertise ergonomic design along with better functionality. However, many of them have the same features as models that cost less. You’ll find some can openers that come as part of a set. The second tool might be a corkscrew or a can opener of a different size.

Tips

  • People with young children might want to look for a can opener that leaves a smooth edge. Children are less likely to get injured, and they might even be able to use the can opener on their own.

  • You might be tempted by a bargain-priced can opener, but keep in mind that higher-quality materials will enable the tool to cut smoothly and evenly for years.

  • Some can openers are harder to work than others. If you’ve never used a side-cut model before, there could be a bit of a learning curve before you get used to how it works.

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If you have children who might be using the can opener, a smooth edge after cutting is important. Jagged edges are a hazard for everyone but especially for children and anyone with limited eyesight or hand functionality.

FAQ

Q. I have arthritis in my hands. Are there manual can openers that will work for me?

A. Can openers with ergonomic handles are designed to be easier to use. Definitely look for models with nonslip or rubber handles to help you get a better grip. You’ll also want to take a good look at the crank handle. It should be easy to use and cut smoothly without a great amount of force on your part. The can opener should keep a firm grip on the can itself. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to apply greater force to hold it in place.

Q. Do lid magnets hold the lid while you cut or do they remove the lid after?

A. It depends on the design. Some magnets are designed to catch the lid as it starts to lift from the can, while others are only meant to remove the lid after it’s been completely separated.

Q. Do I need a special can opener if I’m left-handed?

A. If you plan to run the can opener crank with your left hand, you will need a left-handed model. These can be found, but some cost slightly more. However, if you have the dexterity to hold the can opener with your left hand and run the crank with your right, you should be fine with a right-handed model.

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