In-depth review
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener Review (2026)
In-depth review of the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener: side-cut safety, grip, knob, and who should buy it.
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.
Our verdict
The OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge is the best smooth-edge manual can opener, because it brings the safe-lid cut to a simple hand tool: a side cut that leaves lids smooth enough to reuse as covers, soft handles that stay comfortable, and an oversized knob that gives steady control. It costs more than most manuals and needs a firm grip to start the cut, but for buyers who want safe lids without a motor, it is the pick.
What we like
- 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.
What to watch out for
- 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.
Who it is for
Buyers who want a manual opener with safe lids, and anyone who prefers a tool with no motor, cord, or batteries.
Safe lids without a motor
The Smooth Edge cuts around the side of the rim, so the lid comes off with a smooth edge that is safe to handle and can be put back on the can as a cover for storage. The stainless steel cutting wheel cuts cleanly without touching the food, which keeps the cut hygienic, and the soft non-slip handles and oversized side-wind knob give steady control with little strain. It is the manual answer to the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch, and it needs no counter space, plug socket, or battery.
The limits are honest ones
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, where the wheel has little rim to bite. It must be washed by hand, since the soft handles and knob do not suit the dishwasher, and buyers who want the fastest manual cut should look at the EZ-DUZ-IT instead.
How it stacks up
Against the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter, the OXO wins on grip and ease of use, while the Kuhn Rikon wins on the lid-lifting pliers and the ring-pull tool. Against the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener, the Smooth Edge wins on lid safety, while the Soft-Handled wins on cost and simplicity. Against the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe, the OXO wins on smooth lids, while the EZ-DUZ-IT wins on leverage and heavy daily use.
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.
Key specifications
- Operation
- Manual, side-wind knob
- Blade
- Stainless steel
- Cut
- Smooth edge
- Handles
- Soft non-slip
- Model
- 1049953
- Care
- Hand wash
Also consider
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.
- Operation: Manual, side-cut
- Length: About 8 inches
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.
- Operation: Manual turn knob
- Material: Stainless steel
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can the lid really go back on the can?
Yes. The side cut leaves the lid with a smooth edge and the rim intact, so the lid sits back on the can as a cover for storage in the fridge. It is not a seal, so it suits short storage rather than long keeping.
Is it hard to turn?
No, for most hands. The oversized side-wind knob and soft handles give good leverage, and the wheel turns smoothly once the cut starts. Very weak hands may still prefer an electric opener, since any manual needs some grip and turning.
How do I clean it?
Wash it by hand with warm soapy water and dry it fully before storing. Do not put it in the dishwasher, since the heat and detergent can degrade the soft handles and the knob. A quick wipe after each use keeps the wheel clean.