In-depth review
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606ZA Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606ZA: side-cut safety, one-hand lever, pop-top cans, and who should buy it.
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.
Our verdict
The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606ZA is the best can opener for most buyers, because it solves the one problem that matters most: the lid. The side cut leaves lids smooth and safe to handle, the push-down lever opens cans with one hand, and the extra-tall frame takes pop-top and large cans. It is a tall countertop appliance that needs permanent space, and it can struggle with dented rims, but for everyday kitchens it is the pick.
What we like
- 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.
What to watch out for
- 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.
Who it is for
Most kitchens, and anyone who wants smooth lids, pop-top cans, and one-handed opening without sharp edges.
The side cut is the point
The Smooth Touch cuts around the side of the rim instead of through the top of the lid, so the lid comes off with a smooth, touchable edge that can be reused as a cover for storage in the fridge. That is the whole reason to buy it over the cheaper top-cut electrics: no sharp lid to handle, no sharp rim on the can, and no need to fish a lid out of the food. The easy push-down lever opens the can with a light touch and one hand, which suits weaker hands and anyone cooking with one hand free.
What it cannot do
It cannot hide its size. At over 10 inches tall it is a permanent countertop appliance, and it is heavy to move and store. It can also struggle with dented or bent rims, where the side-cut wheel cannot seat cleanly on the can, and it needs a wipe after sticky cans, since the cutting assembly sits close to the food. Buyers with a small kitchen or a crowded counter should measure first, and buyers who open dented cans often should keep a manual opener as a backup.
How it stacks up
Against the Cuisinart Deluxe CCO-50BKN, the Hamilton Beach wins on lid safety and pop-top cans, while the Cuisinart wins on cost and a smaller footprint. Against the Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 76388R, the Smooth Touch wins on smooth lids, while the Classic wins on cost. Against the Kitchen Mama Auto Sky Blue, the Smooth Touch wins on speed and large cans, while the Kitchen Mama wins on drawer storage and portability.
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.
Key specifications
- 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
Also consider
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.
- Operation: Single-touch automatic
- Power: 60 watts
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.
- Operation: One-touch automatic
- Power: 4 x AA batteries, not included
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does it really leave smooth lids?
Yes. It cuts around the side of the rim, so the lid comes off with a smooth edge that is safe to handle and can be reused as a cover. That is the defining feature of the opener, and it is why it leads this guide.
Can it open pop-top cans?
Yes. It is made to open pop-top and standard cans, which is a real advantage over top-cut electrics that are made for standard cans with rims. Dented pop-top cans can still be tricky, so check the rim before starting the cut.
How do I clean it?
Wipe the cutting assembly with a damp cloth after use and let it dry. The lever detaches for washing, and the body wipes clean. Do not soak the opener, and keep the cutting wheel free of sticky residue, since build-up makes the next cut harder.