Do you enjoy the convenience of eating canned foods? A can opener is a simple but indispensable tool for any kitchen.
Whether you buy canned soup, fruit, or baked beans for your home, camping trip, or stocking up for a doomsday scenario, a can opener is the perfect cooking companion.
Fast, Efficient and Easy Can-opening Solutions
With research showing that 90% of Americans use canned food as part of their daily diet, it is no surprise that the can opener is in high demand. This basic but revolutionary tool is a fast, efficient and easy can opening solution for any cook.
Small, medium and large-sized cans will be opened in a flash so you can get back to what is truly important – making amazing culinary creations.
The 10 Best Can Openers
- EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener
- Made in USA Can Opener
- Zyliss 20362 Lock N’ Lift Can Opener
- OXO Good Grips Can Opener
- Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Can Opener (Our Top Pick)
- US Shelby Co P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener
- Hamilton Beach (76606ZA) Electric Automatic Can Opener
- Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener
- Proctor Silex 75224F Electric Automatic Can Opener
- Kitchen Mama Automatic Electric Can Opener
Our Top Pick for the Best Can Opener
Our top pick for the best can opener is the KUHN RIKON Can Opener.
This ultra-efficient can opener is the total package deal for any cook. Its superb Swiss design, smooth cutting performance, and incredible functionality
How to Choose the Best Can Opener
Finding the right type of can opener will make all the difference to your food preparation tasks, especially if you are working in or exploring the wild and wonderful outdoors.
Our buying guide highlights important product features that will help you choose the perfect can opener for your lifestyle needs.
Manual Can Opener
A hand-held manual can opener is the perfect gadget for opening the occasional standard sized soup, vegetable, tuna or fruit can. Some manual style openers are super small and are especially useful for survival, military, or camping situations, like the US Shelby Co P-38/P-51 Can Opener.
Manual openers usually have a non-serrated wheel-style blade that pierces the can and a serrated blade that cuts through a can’s lid. The sharp metal blade should cut smoothly and quickly without jamming, cutting your fingers, or requiring a lot of hand strength.
A compact opener will fit easily in your kitchen drawer or in the pocket of your backpack if you are going camping.
This type of opener may not work the best with cans that have a thicker groove on the rim. But if it does get stuck, lubricate the cutting wheel with a bit of olive oil for a smoother cutting action.
A manual can opener is a must have for emergency situations where you might be stuck without power, such as a winter storm.
Electric Can Opener
Electric can openers are specially suited for opening a lot of cans. This type of opener is powerful, super fast, effective and its strong, sharp cutting wheel blade starts cutting automatically as soon as you attach a can.
Electric Can Opener Smart Features
An electric can opener has extra smart features like a magnetic lid holder, a detachable locking lever and a cord-storage facility like the Cuisinart CCO-50BKN.
It may offer you bonus features such as kitchen scissors and
The downside of using an electric opener is that you will have to free up counter space and it may be a little loud in a small area. But fortunately, most electric models have a compact design and they are quiet operators.
Hands-free Electric Can Opener
What about a hands-free electric can opener? The amazing Kitchen Mama Can Opener offers you an innovative approach to can-opening tasks. Just place it on top of the can and it whizzes around and cuts open the lid in seconds.
Side-cutter Can Opener
A side-cutter opener, like the EZ-DUZ-IT is the most effective tool for opening most cans. It cuts along the edge of the lid and provides a smoother cut without any jagged edges.
The side cutter also offers you a more sanitary approach to can-opening as the blade never makes contact with the food inside the can. But it may be hard to see when the lid has separated from the can.
Also, if you cut around the can more than once, a manual opener may create small sharp metal slivers that can fall into your food or cut your fingers.
Top-cutter Can Opener
Top-cutter can openers are designed to be placed on the top of a can and as you turn the knob, the cutting wheel blade slices off the lid. The main advantage of using a top-cutter is that you may not have to apply a lot of force as you turn the knob.
Even though a top cutter may leave jagged edges or cause a can to bend with a larger sized can, the Kuhn Rikon Can Opener offers
Small, Medium, or Large Can Size
One of the reasons why a can opener may not always function properly is because it is not used with the right sized can.
A manual opener is well suited for most standard sized cans, such as small tuna cans, or medium-sized tomato-paste or baked beans cans. Larger cans like a 28-ounce fruit can may require more time and effort to complete the task.
Electric can openers are perfect for most standard sized cans but they may not work with larger cans. If you are looking for an appliance that works with tall cans, consider the Proctor Silex Plus 76370P Extra Tall Can Opener which is specifically designed for this purpose.
Heavy-duty Steel Cutting Mechanism
The cutting wheel/blade mechanism must be made from heavy-duty, strong and sharp stainless-steel or high-carbon steel. Both of these types of steel are highly effective but high carbon steel will rust if you do not dry the blade immediately after use.
Like many knives that are made from high carbon steel, a high-carbon steel cutting mechanism will last a lifetime if you take good care of it.
Handle
The handles and cranking knob should be comfortable to hold and the knob should turn easily. A large padded or rubberized non-slip grip also helps you to operate the can opener safely.
Best Can Opener Reviews
1. EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener
The EZ-DUZ-IT deluxe manual side-cutter can opener is fast, efficient, ergonomic, and so easy to use.
Built to last, the USA-made can opener is tagged as the ‘Worlds Greatest Can Opener‘ and it definitely lives up to this claim.
It is made from solid, heavy gauge steel with durable chrome plated carbon steel handles. The efficient gear driven swing design together with the large crank handle gives you good leverage and powerful torque action.
An ultra-sharpened and hardened carbon steel blade pierces and cuts smoothly through most standard sized cans. Thick ergonomic rubberized handles allow for a comfortable grip.
The compact can opener measures 7.25-inches in length so it will fit into most kitchen drawers. You will have to wash the gadget by hand with warm, soapy water, but remember to dry it as the carbon steel can rust.
EZ-DUZ-IT offers the can opener in three colors: black, blue, and red.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Made in the USA
- Heavy duty swing design
- Efficient gear design
- Smooth easy operation
- Heavy gauge chrome plated handles
- Ultra-sharpened and hardened carbon steel cutting blade
- Large crank handle provides good leverage and powerful torque
- Comfortable thick rubberized handles
- Easy to clean
- Available in black, red, or blue
Cons
- Blade can rust easily
- Can leave gaps in the cut with thicker lids
- May cause larger cans to bend
- Not designed for left-handed people
- A little bulky for small drawer
2. Made in USA Can Opener
The Made in USA Can Opener is sturdy, strong, efficient, and extremely affordable.
Cutting open any type of can is effortless with this sturdy gear operated side-cutter. It features a sharpened, hardened and skid-resistant zinc coated feed wheel and cutter blade which slices through metal like butter in one smooth rotation.
The large crank handle has plenty of torque power for fast cutting action. Once the lid is ready to be removed, you can safely lift up the lid with the strong hooked edge on the top of the opener. This versatile gadget also functions as a bottle opener.
The extra big high carbon steel handles have cushioned rubberized grips for safe and comfortable use.
To keep the opener in optimal condition, you can clean it with warm water and soap and dry by hand.
Made in USA offer a 100% replacement guarantee on the can opener.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for any sized can
- Sharpened, hardened and skid-resistant zinc coated feed wheel and cutter blade
- Sturdy gears
- Big comfortable cushioned high carbon steel handles
- Strong hooked edge is designed to lift up a lid safely
- Can be used as a bottle opener
- Easy to clean
- 100% replacement guarantee
Cons
- May create jagged edges on larger cans
- High carbon steel may rust
3. Zyliss 20362 Lock N’ Lift Can Opener
With an efficient and ergonomic Swiss design, the Zyliss 20362 Can Opener is a great kitchen gadget for opening all types of cans.
Zyliss has created an innovative Lock N’ Lift design that allows for safe and effortless operation. Once you position the sharp stainless-steel cutting mechanism on the side of the rim of the can, it will tightly grip onto the can.
Switch the red locking lever to securely lock the gadget into place. With just a few turns of the easy-turning crank handle, the smooth turning mechanism will open the can in seconds.
Once the lid has been cut, simply release the locking mechanism button and you can safely remove the gadget from the can. The strong magnet attaches to the lid so you can dispose of the lid in the bin without having to touch it.
Ergonomic design features include soft touch non grips on the handles and the cranking lever which makes the opener comfortable to hold and use, especially for arthritis sufferers. The can opener is very easy to keep clean but it is not dishwasher safe.
The can opener is available in white or grey.
Zyliss offers a 5-year guarantee on the can opener.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Efficient Swiss design
- Ideal for cans of all sizes
- Smooth turning, sharp stainless-steel cutting mechanism
- Innovative Lock N’ Lift red button
- Comfortable, soft touch grip handles and crank handle
- Ergonomic design eliminates hand fatigue
- Great for arthritis sufferers
- Strong magnet lift and release lid for easy disposal
- Available in white or grey
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- The locking latch mechanism can be a bit stiff to operate in the beginning
- Plastic parts feel a little flimsy
- Not dishwasher-safe
4. OXO Good Grips Can Opener
Stylish, efficient, and functional, the OXO Good Grips Can Opener is an essential gadget for all your can opening tasks.
The can opener features a durable plastic design and a strong, sharp stainless steel cutting wheel that quickly, easily, and cleanly cuts open a can of any size.
It cuts smoothly around the side of a can, so any sharp edges are eliminated and the cutting wheel does not touch the food inside the can. You can also use the opener to remove bottle caps.
An over-sized black knob and soft cushioned non-slip black handles give you extra leverage to pierce a can, absorb any pressure, reduce any hand fatigue, and allow for a comfortable grip even when wet. The gadget is also ideal for right and left-handed cooks.
Its safe locking design holds the can securely while you turn the cranking knob. When you have finished cutting, press the lock open with your thumb and it springs open to release the can.
The window in the top of the gadget helps you to quickly align the opener to the rim of a can. You can also use it to monitor the cutting progress so you know when the lid is ready to be removed. A strong magnet allows for hands-free disposal and ensures that a lid does not fall back inside the can.
Cleaning the gadget is very easy as it can go straight into the dishwasher.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- High functionality
- Opens any type of can
- Sleek and stylish
- Durable plastic design
- Big, cushioned black soft handles for a non-slip grip, even when wet
- Good leverage
- Over-sized knob turns easily
- Ideal for left-handed cooks
- Sharp, sturdy, and effective stainless-steel cutting wheel
- Strong magnet for easy lid removal
- Smooth can opening performance
- Side cutting design leaves no sharp edges
- Blade does not touch the can’s contents
- Innovative locking design
- Window in the top of the opener
- Built-in bottle opener
- Dishwasher safe
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- The big handle may be a bit awkward for small hands
- The plastic part of the bottom handle tends to slide off a bit
- May leave sharp edges on larger cans
5. Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Can Opener
The KUHN RIKON Auto Safety Master Can Opener is the ultimate tool for your kitchen as it offers you 5-in-1 functionality.
Featuring an ingenious Swiss design, the Kuhn Rikon is a simple, smart, mess-free, effortless, and fun way to open any sized can. It is made from strong thick plastic and the comfortable large handle and knob is perfect for right or left-handed cooks.
Place the gadget on top of the can. Twist the easy-gripping knob clockwise and the gadget automatically grips the metal. The sharp stainless-steel cutting mechanism cuts smoothly around the can without any sharp edges.
After cutting in a full circle, you will feel less resistance, which means the can is open. Use the mini-pliers push button to lift the lid up with no mess The extra strong Lid Lifter clamps down onto the lid to remove it from the can. Turn the knob counter-clockwise to release the lid into the trash.
You can use the built-in Church key to open bottles that have a crown cap or screw-top as well as screw-top lids and ring pull lids.
Although the can opener is dishwasher safe, it is best to hand-wash it to keep blade in optimal working order. As the Kuhn Rikon operates a bit differently to other traditional openers, it is a good idea to read the instructions first.
The Kuhn Rikon can opener comes in two colors: red or black.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Safe, effortless, mess-free, and fun to use
- Ingenious Swiss design
- Side cutter can opener automatically attaches itself to cans
- Ideal for opening all can sizes
- Strong, durable plastic
- Sharp stainless-steel cutting mechanism
- Cuts from the outside and leaves no jagged edges
- Extra strong Lid Lifter jaws
- Mini-pliers push-button control lifts lids easily and cleanly
- Ultra-functional 5-in-one design
- Church key acts as a classic bottle opener
- Also opens crown-top bottles, screw-top bottle lids, screw-on jar lids, and ring pull lids
- Hygienic opener never touches the contents of the can
- Comfortable handle and knob
- Perfect for right and left-handed cooks
- Available in red and black
- Dishwasher- safe
Cons
- Lid lifter does not feel very durable
- Cutting more than a full circle can create burrs or slivers that could cause injury
- For domestic use only
- Bottle opener may not fit all types of bottle caps
- Best to hand-wash the gadget
6. US Shelby Co P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener
Highly versatile, the US Shelby Co P38 and the P51 can openers can also be used as cutting edges, groove cleaners, screwdrivers, fingernail cleaners, and to open seams.
Even though it may require a bit of effort for opening larger sized cans, this two-pack is essential for opening a can of soup, fruit, or baked beans in the middle of nowhere.
To use the ultra-small P38 or the larger P51, swing the gadget open and hook the notch under the can’s rim to make a puncture in the lid, and twist while pulling the opener slightly towards yourself. In just seconds,
Strong, durable and sturdy, the metal can openers are great for the rough outdoors. Compact and lightweight at .032-ounces, you can store them in the pocket of your backpack or your tactical pants. Each can opener has a lanyard hole so you can also attach it to your keychain.
The can openers are proudly made in the USA but make sure they are stamped US Shelby which guarantees their authenticity.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Excellent price
- Made in the USA
- Combo 2-Pack contains a small and larger sized can opener
- Ideal for soldiers, backpackers, campers, survivalists
- Can open standard sized cans
- Great versatility and practicality
- Works as a can opener, cutting edge, groove cleaner, screw drive, clean
finger nails , and to open seams - Strong, durable and sturdy metal
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Compact and lightweight
- Lanyard hole for attachment to a key chain
Cons
- Not suited for people with weak wrists
- Takes longer than traditional can openers
- Larger 51 size is easier for larger cans than the P-38
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Make sure they are stamped US Shelby to guarantee authenticity
7. Hamilton Beach (76606ZA) Electric Automatic Can Opener
Stylish and ultra-functional, the Hamilton Beach 7660ZA Smooth Touch Automatic Can Opener is a fantastic appliance for any kitchen.
Unlike other can openers, the efficient Hamilton Beach cuts along the side of the can. This minimizes the blades contact with food and prevents any splashing or seeping out from the top since the can remains closed until you lift the lid.
The result is a mess-free, amazingly smooth cut without any dangerous sharp edges.
The large ergonomic lever requires minimal grip strength so it is perfect for anyone to use, especially arthritis sufferers. Just place a pop-top or regular soup or vegetable can under the sharp, precise metal cutting mechanism and its magnet holds a can securely in place.
Lightly hold down the lever until the blade has made a full rotation around the can. Once the appliance has finished, remove the lid by simply lifting up the top of the can.
Its sleek matte black and chrome design make a classic addition to your kitchen. As the Hamilton Beach has a compact 5 x 4 x 9 inches design, it is just right for small countertops. A smart cord storage facility underneath the sturdy base houses the 26-inch power cord.
Hamilton Beach also includes a pair of bonus stainless-steel kitchen scissors and a convenient scissors storage slot at the back of the unit.
Hamilton Beach offers a 1-year warranty on the can opener.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Fast, safe and efficient performance
- Easy to use
- Opens pop-top lids and regular lids
- Side-cutting system leaves a smooth edge
- Sharp precise metal cutting mechanism
- Light easy-touch opening lever depresses easily
- Strong magnet
- Large easy-gripping ergonomic handle
- Ideal for arthritis sufferers
- Sturdy base
- Classic matte black and chrome design
- Compact
- Cord storage facility in the base
- Easy to clean
- Stainless-steel kitchen scissors and storage slot included
- 1-Year warranty
Cons
- Only allow one full rotation as the blade can cause small metal slivers to come off the can
- Does not stop automatically
- Cutting mechanism can jam if it is not cleaned properly
- Only one of the units comes with scissors
8. Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener
With a perfect combination of style, effortless convenience, and power, the
Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener is must-have gadget for canned food lovers.
The strong Cuisinart-quality engineered motor system delivers the power you need for opening most standard-sized cans. For operator safety with larger cans, the extra-wide solid plastic base prevents sliding or tipping.
Operating the gadget is very easy. Press the single-touch power button. Lift the lever and place a can underneath. Lock down the lever and the sharp, precision Power Cut wheel-blade automatically cuts along the edge of the lid in one smooth rotation.
Once the unit has finished, the magnetic lid holder stays attached to the lid until you are ready to remove it.
Cleaning the unit is simple as the Power Cut blade and magnetic lid holder are attached to the detachable lever for fast cleanup.
With beautiful black chrome accents and elegant contours, the black can opener will make a stylish addition to your kitchen. It has a sleek, compact design so it will not take up a lot of room on your countertop. The smart power cord storage slot simply slides into the base.
Cuisinart offers a 3-year limited warranty on the electric can opener.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Stylish black design
- Beautiful chrome accents and elegant contours
- Powerful Cuisinart-quality engineered motor system
- Extra wide solid and sturdy plastic base
- Sharp precision Power Cut blade
- Single-touch power button
- Effortless, efficient and sooth operation
- Press-and-release lever
- Magnetic lid holder
- Detachable lever
- Ideal for standard size cans
- Quiet
- Easy to clean
- Compact
- Easy slide cord storage facility
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for large, heavy cans
- May not be able to grip cans with a narrow rim
9. Proctor Silex 75224F Electric Automatic Can Opener
Sleek and stylish, the Proctor Silex 75224F Electric Automatic Can Opener offers you a fast, efficient, and mess-free solution for opening different sized cans.
Its strong and sharp wheel blade opens a lid in one smooth rotation. The powerful magnetic holder will not drop the lid into the can or mess up your kitchen counter top. An automatic shut-off system allows for easy, hands-free operation.
This can opener is very practical and is tall enough to open small to large-sized cans up to 7-inches.
Proctor Silex also includes a bonus built-in manual knife sharpener that is located on the back of the unit, which gives you the convenience of two tools in one.
This compact appliance takes up minimal space on the counter top. You can choose from two designs gleaming white or matt black, which will add a special touch to any modern kitchen.
Cleaning and storing the sturdy plastic appliance is very easy as the cutting lever detaches from the unit. The 24-inch cord can be hidden away in the sturdy plastic base until you are ready for fast can-opening action.
Proctor Silex offers a 1-year limited warranty on the can opener.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Powerful magnetic lid holder
- Strong and sharp metal blade
- Fast, efficient, quiet, and mess-free operation
- Opens cans with one smooth rotation
- Tall height fits small and tall cans
- Built-in manual knife sharpener
- Detachable cutting lever
- Easy to clean
- Sleek, compact and stylish white modern design
- Sturdy plastic housing and base
- Cord storage facility
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Can be difficult to line up larger cans with the blade
- Does not grip narrow rims very well
10. Kitchen Mama Automatic Electric Can Opener
This cute, compact, and efficient Kitchen Mama Yes You Can Automatic Electric Can Opener is a safe, quick, and easy way to open your cans.
The strong 2HP motor powers the super sharp blade that cuts open most standard sized cans super fast.
Featuring a hygienic operating design, the blade cuts smoothly along the outside of the can and on the top, so it never touches the food. Best of all, you do not have to worry about any sharp, jagged edges cutting your fingers.
The ergonomic smooth oblong shape fits comfortably in your hand and it is quite lightweight at 8.5-ounces. You can easily store the gadget in a kitchen drawer due to its compact 7-inch long x 2 1/2-inch wide x 1 1/2-inch thick design.
Ultra-portable, the Kitchen Mama can opener is battery operated (4 AA alkaline batteries are not included), so you can use it anywhere, anytime.
Open a can of soup, fruit, tuna or baked beans in the kitchen, the backyard, at the campsite, on a picnic, at the beach, in the wilderness, at college, or at work.
The fun looking red and white can opener is perfect for anyone to use, especially elderly people, arthritis suffers, and it is 100% safe for your kids to use (with adult supervision of course). In just 3 easy steps, a can will be opened in a flash. You can even use this amazing device hands-free!
How to Use the Amazing Kitchen Mama
- Lay the can opener flat on top of the can. Make sure the blade and the metal gear is aligned between the edge of the can.
- Push the Start button and watch as it whirls around the can. Once it is done, press the button again to stop.
- Lift up the can opener with the lid attached to it and you’re done!
The Kitchen Mama Can Opener can be cleaned with a damp towel, but do not submerge or clean it under running water or put it in the dishwasher.
Kitchen Mama
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Fast and efficient motor
- Sharp metal blade
- Smart hands-free design
- Smooth side-cutting action leaves no sharp edges
- Ergonomic oblong size fits well in your hand
- Compact and lightweight
- 100% safe and easy to use
- Ideal for seniors, arthritis suffers, and kids
- Fun red and white colors
- Ultra-portable battery-operated design
- Easy to store
- 1-Year warranty
Cons
- A bit loud
- Must not be submerged or cleaned under running water
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Four AA alkaline batteries are not included
- May not be ideal for large sized cans
Our Top Pick for the Best Can Opener
Our top pick for the best can opener is the KUHN RIKON Can Opener.
This ultra-efficient can opener is the total package deal for any cook. Its superb Swiss design, smooth cutting performance, and incredible functionality
