The Best Can Openers

KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener

The opening line

This classic can opener from KitchenAid slices through tin cans like they're made of butter.

Best Overall

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KitchenAid is a big name in the world of kitchen tools, which is why we were pleased to discover they also make the best can openers. Available in a variety of color options, this can opener is made out of stainless steel for strength and durability. The blade comes sharp and ready to go, so turning the knob easily is a breeze. As a bonus, this can opener also sports a bottle opener on top to help save you precious space in your kitchen drawers.

Pros:

• Perfect size for opening almost any can
• Super strong and heft design
• Surprisingly inexpensive
• Reputable company with quality customer service

Cons:

• It can get damaged in a dishwasher, so make sure to handwash only

Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Electric Can Opener

For the modern kitchen

If you find yourself opening cans frequently, you might want to secure this electric can opener.

Best Electric

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Known for their quality kitchen products, Cuisinart does not disappoint with their electric can opener. This beauty features a powerful stainless steel blade and a lengthy power cord, so you can open cans quickly and without the hassle. You can open basically any standard can in this machine, which requires just the lift and press of a lever. Sturdy, affordable, and efficient, this electric can opener is an example of Cuisinart’s knack for top-tier engineering.

Pros:

• You don’t need to hold the can while the opener is operating
• A great option for those shopping on a budget
• The fairly small footprint doesn’t take up unnecessary space on the counter

Cons:

• Many components are plastic, so don’t expect the whole thing to be made out of stainless steel

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric

The smooth operator

From Hamilton Beach comes the simplest and most efficient electric can opener on the market.

Easiest Operation

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The whole idea behind the electric can opener is the ease of use. It should be simple to start and operate and should do the job (so your hands don’t have to). Hamilton Beach’s Smooth Touch has all of this in spades. Designed with an easy-opening lever that allows can-opening with one hand, the Smooth Touch opens the can along the side, creating a smooth lid that never cuts. In fact, you can open both “pop-top” and regular can lids with this device, so you never have to touch a messy lid again. Best of all, the Hamilton Beach is durable, built with a permanently-lubricated motor that never needs maintenance.

Pros:

• Available with a bottle-opening tool
• Sleek chrome and black design
• Includes convenient scissors for boxes and bags

Cons:

• Takes up counter space
• Short 9-inch power cord

Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener

Open cans on the fly

This battery-operated can opener fits easily in your hand, as well as in a travel bag.

Best Portable

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Space can be hard to come by in a small kitchen, so compact and portable devices are key to making the most out of your limited space. This can opener might be electric, but it is still small enough to fit in a drawer or a travel bag. It operates using four AA batteries (not included) and requires just the press of a button to start cracking those cans. Another easy-to-operate electric can opener, this one proves that great things come in small sizes.

Pros:

• Doesn’t leave sharp or jagged edges
• Opens cans quickly and smoothly
• Available in several different color options
• A great option for those with limited hand strength

Cons:

• Not the cheapest

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener

Simplicity at its best

For those looking for a classic-style can opener without any bells and whistles, we recommend this option from OXO.

Best Classic

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Can openers don’t have to be complicated. This simple and affordable can opener comes at a bargain of a price point yet features premium materials and a sturdy build. The knob turns smoothly and easily and the handles have a nonslip grippy surface that’s easy to grab a hold of. Better yet, there’s a built-in bottle opener on the side.

Pros:

• Hefty and solid feel
• The sharp stainless steel cutting wheel doesn’t require a lot of strength to turn
• The handles are grippy even when wet

Cons:

• It may rust if put into the dishwasher, so make sure to wash it by hand

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does canned food last after you open it?

After you open a can of food, treat it like any other fresh food. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it should last a couple of days or more. However, it’s imperative you don’t store the food in the can. Iron from the can may seep into food and affect the flavor, and in some cases, cause detrimental health effects. Some cans are now made with a food-grade plastic interior lining, making them adequate for food storage, but unless it says so directly on the label, don’t risk it by storing your food in open cans.

Are tin cans recyclable?

As a matter of fact, yes. Though it often seems like aluminum is the only recyclable type of can, tin cans, steel cans, and bi-metal cans are also recyclable. Check with your local community’s recycling regulations first, but for the most part, just throw any cans you’ve got into the recycling bin.

I’m left-handed, and it seems like can openers are not designed for people like me in mind. Anything I can do?

Unfortunately, this may be a “trial-and-error” situation. Most can openers will cut through a can lid regardless of the way you turn them, so the question becomes, which turning mechanism seems like it will be the most comfortable. If you’re not sure, then just be careful to order your first can opener from a company that offers free returns or exchanges. That way, you can experiment until you find the can opener that’s most comfortable for you.