The Best Electric Can Openers

The Best Electric Can Openers

You may not realize how often you use it to open everything from canned veggies to pet foods. Most manual options are clunky and they get hard to turn over time, so they often end up getting stuck. Or, even worse, you encounter sharp edges where there should be none. A great alternative that eliminates these problems is the electric can opener. It's easier to use, it lasts longer, and it's never going to stab you in the finger. To help you find one that fits your needs and style, we've created this list of the best electric can openers on the market today.

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

High-quality cutting

Easy to use and handsome in design, this option from Hamilton Beach scores big.
Best Overall

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If you’re already familiar with Hamilton Beach, it should come as no surprise that their electric can opener made the top of our list. This powerful kitchen gadget is as effective as it is beautiful. Not only does it open standard and pop-top cans with ease, but it leaves them free of sharp edges. The operation is intuitive and easy as well. Ideal for those on the hunt for something quiet, easy, and built to last, Hamilton Beach’s electric can opener is a no-brainer.

Pros:

  • Requires little force to secure a can into the cutter, so it’s a great option for those with arthritis or other handicaps
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Cuts cans high up, minimizing spills

Cons:

  • You need to hold the lever down while it cuts the can, though it isn’t hard to do

Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener

Lightweight and durable

This pick from Kitchen Mama is a great on-the-go option for picnics and family get-togethers.
Best Portable

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If you travel often, then you know it can be a challenge to eat well on the road – and that’s putting it lightly. Even if you just like to go for picnics now and again with your family, it ain’t easy to find ways to prep and store food. If this sounds like a problem you’ve run into, canned goods are part of the solution for achieving good eats on the go. The Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener is an awesome choice, particularly because it is lightweight and cord-free.

This small, handheld electric can opener is powered by four regular AAs, so you’ll never need to worry about cords or finding odd-sized batteries. What’s more, operating it is simple. You simply put it in place, tap the “on” button once to get it started, and then tap it again to shut it off once your can’s lid has successfully been opened. It cuts right along the outer edge without ever touching the food, and the cuts are smooth as silk (okay, not literally) to prevent injury. Overall, we really love the no-frills approach this one takes.

Pros:

  • This portable can opener can be thrown in your bag, purse, or picnic basket for easy transportation
  • It is very easy to use, making it ideal for anyone with joint problems or small hands
  • Available in several colors to match your style
  • It won’t leave sharp edges behind that can hurt you or your family
  • The price is affordable

Cons:

  • Sometimes you need to let it go around the can twice to open it

Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener

The price is right

Considering the bargain price and the supreme craftsmanship of this option from Cuisinart, it's a high-quality can opener that can't be overlooked.
Highest Quality

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Normally, you have to pay the big bucks for a quality kitchen appliance. This can opener from Cuisinart is an exception to the norm. Modestly-priced and effortlessly effective, this deluxe can opener is a no-frills workhorse that features a premium Power Cut blade. Better yet, it’s a single-touch operation that makes opening cans a breeze, even for those with arthritis and other hand issues. Heck, it even cleans up nicely. The lever detaches easily for quick cleanups.

Pros:

  • The base prevents the can opener from shifting around while in use
  • The simple design fits in with any decor
  • The price is affordable

Cons:

  • Most of the body is made out of plastic

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use an electric can opener instead of a manual one?

Manual can openers require you to use manual labor to get them to work. You have to position them just right, squeeze until the blade pops through the top, and then turn the knob until your can is open. More often than not, over time, the knob may loosen or the blades may shift, ultimately causing the can opener to stop working. Electric can openers are much easier to use, and they’re usually much more durable, too.

What difference does the height of a can opener make?

A compact can opener, although great for standard and small cans, will not be able to open large cans. When you have kids, you’ll often need to get the larger versions of different canned foods, so a small can opener probably isn’t going to cut it. If you only have one kid, then you may want to opt for a space-saving, more compact option.