Best of
The Best Can Openers (2026)
The best can openers of 2026: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch and Classic Chrome, Cuisinart Deluxe, Kitchen Mama Auto and Orbit One, Amazon Basics 3-in-1, OXO Smooth Edge and Soft-Handled, EZ-DUZ-IT, and Kuhn Rikon LidLifter, compared on cut, lid safety, and grip.
Our top picks at a glance
Best overall
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener 76606ZAMost kitchens, and anyone who wants smooth lids, pop-top cans, and one-handed opening without sharp edges.
Best classic electric
Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener CCO-50BKNEveryday kitchens that want a proven countertop electric opener at a low cost, with a magnet that keeps the lid out of the food.
Best budget electric
Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener 76388RBuyers who want a countertop electric opener for the least money, and kitchens that open large cans often.
For most buyers, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606ZA is the pick: a tall electric opener that side-cuts cans for smooth, safe lids with one easy push of a lever. The Cuisinart Deluxe CCO-50BKN is the classic countertop electric for less money, the Kitchen Mama Auto Sky Blue is the pick for a drawer, and the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge is the pick for a manual opener with safe lids.
The picks, ranked
Best overall
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener 76606ZA
The pick for most people: a tall electric opener that side-cuts cans for smooth, safe lids with one easy push of a lever.
Strengths
- The side-cut mechanism cuts around the rim instead of through the lid, so lids come off smooth and safe to handle and can be reused as covers.
- The easy push-down lever opens cans with one hand and very little effort, which suits weaker hands and busy cooking.
- It opens pop-top cans as well as standard cans, and the extra-tall frame takes large cans without tipping.
Limitations
- It is a tall countertop appliance that takes permanent counter space and is heavy to move and store.
- It can struggle with dented or bent rims, where the side-cut wheel cannot seat cleanly on the can.
- The cutting assembly needs wiping after sticky cans, and it is not a tool to leave uncleaned between uses.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the side cut leaves lids smooth enough to handle safely
- Many like opening pop-top cans without wrestling the ring pull
- Buyers praise the one-hand lever for easy use with limited grip
Common complaints
- Some find the opener tall and heavy on the counter
- A few say it struggles with dented or bent rims
- Some note the cutting wheel needs a wipe after sticky cans
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Automatic, push-down lever |
|---|---|
| Cut | Side-cut, smooth edge |
| Cans | Standard-size and pop-top |
| Colour | Black and chrome |
| Dimensions | 4.67 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 3.1 lb |
Best for: Most kitchens, and anyone who wants smooth lids, pop-top cans, and one-handed opening without sharp edges.
Skip if: You want a manual opener, or you need a compact tool that fits in a drawer.
Best classic electric
Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener CCO-50BKN
The classic electric: a single-touch Cuisinart with a Power Cut blade, a magnetic lid holder, and an automatic stop.
Strengths
- Single-touch operation starts the cut and stops automatically when the cut is done, so both hands stay free.
- The magnetic lid holder keeps the lid clear of the food instead of letting it drop into the can.
- The extra-wide base keeps tall cans steady, and the removable lever washes clean in the sink.
Limitations
- It cuts through the top of the lid, so the lid it leaves is sharp to handle and cannot go back on the can.
- The lever and blade assembly need hand washing after use, and the gears will rust if left wet.
- The motor is audible in a quiet kitchen, and the cord is short for some counter layouts.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the single touch starts and stops the cut on its own
- Many like the magnet holding the lid clear of the food
- Buyers praise the wide base for keeping tall cans steady
Common complaints
- Some say the lid comes off with a sharp edge
- A few say the lever and blade need hand washing after use
- Some note the motor sounds loud in a quiet kitchen
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Single-touch automatic |
|---|---|
| Power | 60 watts |
| Blade | Power Cut stainless steel |
| Lid holder | Magnetic |
| Dimensions | 5.9 x 6 x 10.9 inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Best for: Everyday kitchens that want a proven countertop electric opener at a low cost, with a magnet that keeps the lid out of the food.
Skip if: You need smooth lids, or you want an opener that fits in a drawer.
Best budget electric
Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener 76388R
The budget electric: a red and chrome extra-tall opener with automatic shutoff that takes large cans without tipping.
Strengths
- The extra-tall frame takes large cans without tipping, which is the main reason to buy this model over shorter electrics.
- Automatic shutoff finishes the cut for you, so there is no need to watch the can or time the stop.
- The SureCut cutting mechanism and heavyweight base keep the can steady through the cut, and the red and chrome finish suits the counter.
Limitations
- It cuts through the top of the lid, so the lid stays sharp to the touch and cannot be reused as a cover.
- The built-in knife sharpener is awkward to use and gives uneven results on some blades.
- It is a tall countertop appliance, so it needs permanent counter space and is not a drawer tool.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the tall frame takes large cans without tipping
- Many like the automatic shutoff finishing the cut for them
- Buyers praise the chrome and red finish for suiting the counter
Common complaints
- Some find the cut leaves the lid sharp to the touch
- A few say the knife sharpener is awkward to use
- Some note the cord is short for some counter layouts
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Automatic with shutoff |
|---|---|
| Power | 60 watts |
| Colour | Red and chrome |
| Dimensions | 5.9 x 10.24 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 lb |
| Model | 76388R |
Best for: Buyers who want a countertop electric opener for the least money, and kitchens that open large cans often.
Skip if: You need smooth lids, or you want a compact opener for a small kitchen.
Best handheld electric
Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener Sky Blue
The handheld electric: a battery-powered opener that walks round the can on its own and lives in a drawer.
Strengths
- One press starts the cut and the opener walks round the can on its own, so no turning, squeezing, or holding is needed.
- The smooth-edge cut leaves lids safe to handle, which suits households with children and anyone wary of sharp lids.
- It fits in a drawer and needs no counter space, plug socket, or cord, so it suits small kitchens, caravans, and picnics.
Limitations
- It is slower than a countertop electric opener, and a full round of a large can takes its time.
- Small cans can be hard for it to grip, and it may need a second try to seat cleanly on a narrow rim.
- It runs on four AA batteries, which are not included, and regular use eats through them.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say it walks round the can on its own after one press
- Many like keeping it in a drawer instead of on the counter
- Buyers praise the smooth edge for safe lids with children around
Common complaints
- Some find it slow beside a countertop electric opener
- A few say small cans are hard for it to grip
- Some note it eats through AA batteries with regular use
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | One-touch automatic |
|---|---|
| Power | 4 x AA batteries, not included |
| Cut | Smooth edge |
| Colour | Sky blue |
| Length | About 7 inches |
Best for: Small kitchens, drawers, and anyone who wants electric opening without a countertop appliance.
Skip if: You open cans every day in volume, or you want the fastest cut in the list.
Best rechargeable
Kitchen Mama Orbit One Rechargeable Electric Can Opener White
The rechargeable handheld: USB-C charging, a storage box, and a smooth-edge cut with no batteries to buy.
Strengths
- USB-C charging ends the hunt for spare AA batteries, and the maker rates the battery at over 150 cans per charge.
- The storage box keeps the opener, the blade, and the cable together in one place, which suits tidy drawers.
- The smooth-edge cut and automatic stop make it safe and hands-free, and it handles large cans and pop-top cans as well as standard ones.
Limitations
- It costs more than the battery-powered Kitchen Mama Auto, and the premium buys charging rather than a faster cut.
- It is heavy for its small size, so it feels dense in the hand next to a manual opener.
- It will not take very large or odd-shaped cans, and it needs a full charge before the first use.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the USB-C charging ends the hunt for spare batteries
- Many like the storage box keeping the opener and cable together
- Buyers praise the smooth edge for lids that lift off cleanly
Common complaints
- Some find the opener heavy for its small size
- A few say it will not take very large or odd-shaped cans
- Some note charging takes a while before the first use
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | One-touch automatic |
|---|---|
| Battery | 2900 mAh rechargeable |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Cans per charge | Over 150, maker stated |
| Colour | White |
| Model | CO5600-R |
Best for: Buyers who like the handheld form but hate buying AA batteries, and anyone who wants a tidy storage box.
Skip if: Your budget stops at the battery handheld, or you open very large or odd-shaped cans.
Best multi-function
Amazon Basics 3-in-1 Electric Can Opener, Bottle Opener and Knife Sharpener
The multi-function pick: a black countertop electric that opens cans, opens bottles, and sharpens knives in one body.
Strengths
- Three tools in one body, a can opener, a bottle opener, and a knife sharpener, save drawer and counter space.
- The magnetic lid holder keeps the lid out of the food, and the stainless steel blade cuts standard cans cleanly.
- At this position it is the cheapest countertop electric in the list, and it suits first kitchens and rentals well.
Limitations
- It cuts through the top of the lid, so the rim can feel rough after opening and the lid cannot go back on the can.
- The knife sharpener gives uneven results, so it is a backup sharpener rather than a proper one.
- The motor strains on heavier cans, and it only takes standard-size cans from 2 to 4 inches across.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the three tools in one body save drawer space
- Many like the magnetic lid holder keeping lids out of the food
- Buyers praise the low cost for a countertop electric opener
Common complaints
- Some note the rim can feel rough after opening
- A few say the knife sharpener gives uneven results
- Some note the motor strains on heavier cans
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Power | 50 watts |
| Functions | Can opener, bottle opener, knife sharpener |
| Can diameter | 2 to 4 inches |
| Colour | Black |
| Lid holder | Magnetic |
Best for: Small kitchens that want three tools in one body, and buyers who want a countertop electric for the least money.
Skip if: You need smooth lids, or you open heavy cans every day.
Best smooth-edge manual
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
The smooth-edge manual: a side-cut opener with soft handles and an oversized knob that leaves lids safe to handle.
Strengths
- The smooth-edge side cut leaves lids safe to handle, and the lid can be reused as a cover for storage in the fridge.
- The soft non-slip handles and oversized side-wind knob give steady control with little strain on the hands.
- The stainless steel cutting wheel cuts cleanly without touching the food, which keeps the cut hygienic.
Limitations
- It costs more than most manual openers, and the premium buys the smooth-edge cut rather than extra features.
- It needs a firm grip to start the cut, and it can be awkward on very small cans.
- It must be washed by hand, since the soft handles and knob do not suit the dishwasher.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the soft handles stay comfortable through a full turn
- Many like the side wind knob for steady control
- Buyers praise the smooth lids for safe handling and reuse as covers
Common complaints
- Some find it needs a firm grip to start the cut
- A few say it is awkward on very small cans
- Some note the opener must be washed by hand
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Manual, side-wind knob |
|---|---|
| Blade | Stainless steel |
| Cut | Smooth edge |
| Handles | Soft non-slip |
| Model | 1049953 |
| Care | Hand wash |
Best for: Buyers who want a manual opener with safe lids, and anyone who prefers a tool with no motor, cord, or batteries.
Skip if: Your budget stops at the basic manuals, or you need an electric opener for weak hands.
Best simple manual
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener
The simple manual: a stainless steel opener with cushioned handles and a turn knob that just works.
Strengths
- The cushioned soft handles suit sore hands and give a secure grip without squeezing hard.
- The simple turn knob has no learning curve: clamp, turn, and the lid comes off.
- The stainless steel build is sturdy for daily use, and the built-in bottle opener earns its place in the drawer.
Limitations
- It cuts through the top of the lid, so the lid edge needs care after cutting.
- The turn knob is small for very large hands, and long sessions can tire the wrist.
- The finish can spot if the opener is left damp, so it needs drying after washing.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the cushioned handles suit sore hands
- Many like the simple turn knob with no learning curve
- Buyers praise the sturdy steel build for daily use
Common complaints
- Some say the lid edge needs care after cutting
- A few say the knob is small for very large hands
- Some note the finish can spot if left damp
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Manual turn knob |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Handles | Soft cushioned |
| Extras | Bottle opener |
| Model | 28081 |
Best for: Everyday kitchens that want a reliable manual opener, and buyers with sore hands who need a cushioned grip.
Skip if: You need smooth lids, or you want an electric opener.
Best heavy-duty manual
EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener with Red Grips
The heavy-duty manual: a made-in-USA steel opener with a big knob and red grips that turns with very little effort.
Strengths
- The heavy-gauge chromed steel body and carbon steel blade feel built to last, and the design has a long track record in home and professional kitchens.
- The large metal knob gives good leverage and turns with very little effort, which suits weak hands better than small-knob openers.
- The thick red rubberised grips stay put in wet hands, and the opener is made in the USA.
Limitations
- It is heavy beside lighter manual openers, and the weight is noticeable in a travel kit or a small drawer.
- It needs hand washing and drying after use, since the steel will rust if left wet.
- The gears can stiffen if the opener is left unused for a long time, so it needs an occasional turn to stay free.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the heavy steel body feels built to last
- Many like the big knob for easy turning with weak hands
- Buyers praise the red grips for a secure hold when wet
Common complaints
- Some find the opener heavy beside lighter models
- A few say it needs hand washing and drying to avoid rust
- Some note the gears can stiffen if left unused
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Manual turn knob |
|---|---|
| Length | 7.25 inches |
| Material | Heavy-gauge chromed steel |
| Blade | Carbon steel |
| Grips | Red rubberised |
| Made | Made in USA |
Best for: Buyers who want one manual opener to last for years, and kitchens that open cans daily.
Skip if: You want smooth lids, or you need a light opener for a travel kit.
Best lid-lifter
Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter Can Opener with Ring Pull Black
The lid-lifter: a Swiss side-cut opener with built-in pliers that lifts the lid off without touching it.
Strengths
- The side cut leaves a smooth edge that is safe to handle and lets the lid go back on the can as a cover.
- The built-in mini-pliers grip the lid and lift it off, so fingers never touch the cut edge.
- The ring-pull tool opens stubborn pop-top cans, and the large turning knob gives good leverage.
Limitations
- It takes practice to seat the opener correctly on the rim, and the first few cans can feel fiddly.
- It struggles with dented rims, where the side-cut wheel cannot grip the bead cleanly.
- It costs more than most manual openers, and the premium buys the lid-lifting design rather than speed.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the side cut leaves lids smooth enough to put back on the can
- Many like the pliers lifting the lid without touching it
- Buyers praise the ring pull tool for stubborn pop tops
Common complaints
- Some find the opener takes practice to seat correctly
- A few say it struggles with dented rims
- Some note the cost is high for a manual opener
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Operation | Manual, side-cut |
|---|---|
| Length | About 8 inches |
| Cut | Side-cut, smooth edge |
| Extras | Ring-pull tool and lid-lifting pliers |
| Colour | Black |
| Model | 2240 |
Best for: Buyers who want the safest possible lid, and anyone who reuses lids as covers for pet food and coffee cans.
Skip if: Your budget stops at the basic manuals, or you want the fastest manual cut in the list.
How we chose
Cut style first, brand second
We sorted openers by cut style before comparing anything else, because a side cut and a top cut leave different lids. Side-cut openers cut around the rim and leave smooth lids that are safe to handle and can be reused as covers. Top-cut openers slice through the lid and leave a sharp edge. A buyer who wants safe lids should start with the side-cut shortlist, and a buyer who does not mind sharp lids can save money on a top-cut electric.
Electric against manual is a real choice
Electric openers do the work for you and suit weak hands, large cans, and daily use, but they need counter space, a plug socket, or batteries. Manual openers cost less, fit in a drawer, and never need charging, but they need grip and a turn of the wrist. We kept both kinds in the list and said plainly which buyer each kind suits, rather than ranking one kind above the other.
Grip and leverage decide the manual shortlist
A manual opener that slips or needs a hard squeeze is a hazard, so we compared handles, knobs, and leverage: soft non-slip handles, oversized side-wind knobs, big metal knobs, and lid-lifting pliers. The best grip depends on the hands using it, and we said which grip suits which buyer rather than ranking one grip above all others.
Honest lids and honest limits
We said where each opener leaves a sharp lid, where it struggles with dented rims or small cans, and where a feature is a backup rather than a proper tool, such as the knife sharpener on the budget electrics. An opener bought for the wrong job will either leave sharp lids where safe ones were wanted, or sit unused in a drawer because it is too big for the kitchen.
Questions, answered
What is the best can opener for most people?
The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606ZA. It is a tall electric opener that side-cuts cans for smooth, safe lids, opens pop-top and standard cans, and works with one easy push of a lever. It suits most kitchens and most hands. Choose the Cuisinart Deluxe if you want a classic electric for less money and do not mind sharp lids.
What is the difference between a smooth-edge and a regular can opener?
A smooth-edge opener cuts around the side of the rim instead of through the top of the lid, so the lid comes off with a smooth edge that is safe to handle and can be reused as a cover. A regular top-cut opener slices through the lid and leaves a sharp, wavy edge that can cut a finger and cannot go back on the can.
Are electric can openers better than manual ones?
For weak hands and daily use, yes: an electric opener does the turning for you and opens large cans without effort. For occasional use, small kitchens, and travel, a manual opener is better: it costs less, fits in a drawer, and never needs power. The best choice is the one that fits your hands, your kitchen, and how often you open cans.