What is the best can opener?

The absolute best can opener overall is the [OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/oxo-soft-can-opener/) , according to top testing authorities like America's Test Kitchen . It features a large, cushioned grip and an oversized knob that turns smoothly with very little effort.

Because everyone has different kitchen preferences, the best choices are organized below by category:

Traditional Manual Openers (Cuts Top of Can)

• Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($20). Unmatched comfort, razor-sharp stainless steel blade, and zero hand strain.
• Most Durable: [EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.reviewed.com/cooking/best-right-now/the-best-manual-can-openers) ($17). A "Buy It For Life" classic built with heavy-duty carbon steel that lasts for decades.

Safety Manual Openers (Cuts Side for Smooth Edges)

• Best Safety Opener: [OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-manual-can-openers-4175443) ($25). Safely slices the side of the rim, leaving completely dull, touchable edges on both the can and lid.
• Best Splurge: Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Lid Lifter Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($29). Highly praised by Wirecutter , featuring an ambidextrous top-mounted knob and integrated mini-pliers to cleanly lift lids away.

Electric Openers (Hands-Free / Arthritis Friendly)

Add to listBest Countertop Electric: [Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item.](https://www.google.com/search?ibp=oshop&prds=pvt:hg,pvo:29,mid:576462870688144413,imageDocid:735434955897365809,gpcid:9855450872326548854,headlineOfferDocid:15693296987948121171,catalogid:15067570091884947554,productDocid:2574352423383852668,rds:PC_9855450872326548854%7CPROD_PC_9855450872326548854&q=product&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi775XkncaWAxUnrysGHQofPGwQxa4PeggIAggBCCQQDw) ($40). Combines the ease of a plug-in electric appliance with side-cut safety technology, ensuring smooth lid edges without requiring any grip strength.

Add to listBest Budget Electric: [Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item.](https://www.google.com/search?ibp=oshop&prds=pvt:hg,pvo:29,mid:576462728223299645,imageDocid:2643346989300819881,gpcid:7122137354714231482,headlineOfferDocid:3721108049726466747,catalogid:2030251260615023916,productDocid:9036863516093546552,rds:PC_7122137354714231482%7CPROD_PC_7122137354714231482&q=product&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi775XkncaWAxUnrysGHQofPGwQxa4PeggIAggBCCQQJA) ($20). A space-saving countertop unit with single-touch automatic operation and a powerful magnetic lid holder.

To help pick the ideal model, do you prefer a manual or electric opener, and is leaving a sharp edge on the lid a concern for you?

For most kitchens, the best can opener is the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener. It’s comfortable, reliable, easy to turn, and a good balance of price and durability. Multiple testing roundups rank OXO models among the top choices for overall performance.

• OXO SoftWorks Stainless Steel Can Opener with Soft Non-Slip Handles - $16.97 (Walmart)
• Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener - $31.95 (Walmart - eKitchenWorld)
• KitchenAid Stainless Steel Manual Can Opener with Locking Handles - $12.19 (Walmart)

My top picks

• Best overall: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener

• Great grip and oversized knob

• Smooth, dependable cutting

• Built-in bottle opener

• Best choice for everyday use

• Best if you want safer edges: Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Can Opener

• Side-cut design leaves a smoother lid edge

• Good for households where sharp metal edges are a concern

• Best durable “buy it once” style: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener

• Simple all-metal construction

• Excellent for people who prefer a traditional manual opener

• Best electric option: Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener

• Good if hand strength or arthritis makes manual opening difficult

• Takes more counter space and has more parts that can fail

Bottom line:

• Buy the OXO Good Grips for the best all-around choice.
• Buy the Kuhn Rikon if smooth, safer edges matter most.
• Buy the EZ-DUZ-IT if you value maximum simplicity and longevity.

If you want one can opener that’s easy, safe, and comfortable, I’d buy the **

**.

• OXO SoftWorks Smooth Edge Can Opener - $24.97 (Walmart)

Why it’s my top pick

• Leaves smooth edges rather than razor-sharp lid edges—safer when handling the lid.
• Large, cushioned handles and knob make it noticeably easier on your hands.
• Built-in lid grabber lets you remove the lid without fishing it out of the can.
• It costs around $20–25, so you don't have to spend much for a substantial upgrade.

If you want maximum durability instead

The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe is the old-school choice. It's an all-metal, traditional top-cut opener and is exceptionally sturdy, but it leaves a sharp lid edge.

If you want the easiest possible manual opener

The **

** locks onto the can while you turn it, reducing the need to hold the opener in place.

My verdict: OXO Smooth Edge for most people. If you've ever cut yourself on a can lid, I'd choose it without hesitation.

The best overall can opener is the Beneno Manual Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , praised by Serious Eats for its effortless puncturing, smooth rotational glide, and affordable pricing.

Industry testing and expert reviews from outlets like Wirecutter and Food Network highlight the top manual, safety, and electric models categorized below.

Best Manual & Traditional Openers

Add to list

• Features ultra-comfortable, grippy handles that absorb hand pressure.
• Slices lids off effortlessly without slipping off track.

Add to list

• Features thick, cushioned, oversized rubber handles to maximize gripping power.
• Equipped with a large, fluid rotary dial that prevents painful finger strain.

Add to list

• Built using heavy-duty chromed steel parts for a true buy-it-for-life construction.
• Cuts cleanly through rigid commercial cans and tiny paste containers with high torque.

Best Safety & Smooth-Edge Openers

Add to list

• Slices horizontally directly under the outer rim to avoid producing hazardous metal slivers.
• Uses an ergonomic top-mounted dial that functions natively for left- and right-handed cooks.

Add to list

• Integrates three distinct functions including a built-in safety opener, bottle cap lever, and jar opener.
• Employs a flat-lying guiding shelf that allows users with hand weakness to operate it safely.

Best Electric & Hands-Free Openers

Add to list

• Employs an automated, motor-driven side-cutting blade that removes the outer seal completely hands-free.
• Eliminates sharp lid edges completely so they can be re-applied to food cans.

Add to list

• Runs on battery power with a compact profile that fits neatly into flat kitchen drawers.
• Features automated shut-off logic that instantly stops the device when a cycle finishes.

To help narrow this down, please let me know:

• Do you prefer a manual turn or an electric/hands-free model?
• Do you or anyone in your home have arthritis or limited hand strength?
• Are you looking for a safety/smooth-edge cut or a traditional top-cut?

Best overall: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge

• OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener - $24.99 (Dillards)

For most people, the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge is the one I'd buy. It cuts around the side of the can rather than through the lid, leaving smooth edges instead of sharp metal, and its large cushioned handles make it easy to turn. Current 2026 testing also ranks it highly for safety and ease of use.

If you want something different

• Best for durability:

— a heavy-duty, traditional design that testers consistently praise for durability. The tradeoff is a sharp lid edge.

• Best if you have limited hand strength:

— one-touch operation and side-cutting that avoids sharp lid edges.

• Best traditional OXO:

— about $17 currently, with an oversized knob and comfortable handles. Food Network and Bon Appétit both rate it highly.

My pick: Get the OXO Smooth Edge if safety matters; get the EZ-DUZ-IT if you prioritize maximum durability and don't mind sharp edges.

The absolute best overall can opener depends on whether you prefer a traditional manual tool, a smooth-edge safety model, or a hands-free electric device.

Best Manual Can Openers

Widely praised by experts and reviewers as the most comfortable manual option. It features an extra-large, smooth-turning knob and heavily cushioned grips that minimize wrist fatigue.

Noted by rigorous testing sites like Serious Eats as the top budget-friendly choice under $20. It punctures tough cans easily and slices off lids with minimal friction.

A classic "Buy It For Life" contender built with durable carbon steel. It offers maximum torque, making it the top choice for cracking open heavy or thick commercial-sized cans.

Best Smooth-Edge (Safety) Can Openers

These safety openers cut along the outside rim of the can rather than into the top, completely eliminating razor-sharp metal edges.

Highly regarded as the top-performing safety opener on the market. It features an oversized side-wind mechanism and built-in mini pliers to lift the sliced lid off hands-free.

A premium alternative that uses a convenient, push-button claw to pinch and remove the lid cleanly without exposing your fingers to the metal.

Best Electric Can Openers

Ideal for seniors, individuals dealing with arthritis, or anyone looking to speed up meal prep.

The gold standard for electric countertop appliances. It combines the convenience of an automatic, push-down lever with side-cutting safety technology to deliver smooth, touchable lids.

A popular, battery-operated handheld model that walks itself completely around the top of the can at the push of a button, stopping safely on its own.

To help you choose the right style, let me know if you prefer a space-saving manual opener or a hands-free electric model , and if avoiding sharp edges is a top priority for your kitchen safety.

The absolute best can openers are the OXO Stainless Steel Soft Handle Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for traditional top-cutting, the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for safety side-cutting, and the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for electric ease.

Best Manual Can Openers

Best overall traditional choice.

• Slices quickly from the top with a hardened stainless steel wheel.
• Features a very large, easy-to-turn knob that provides massive wrist relief.
• Equipped with thick, cushioned, non-slip handles that stay secure even when wet.

Best safe, no-sharp-edges model.

• Cuts from the side below the rim so both the can and lid stay completely smooth.
• Avoids touching the liquid inside, which keeps the tool entirely hygienic.
• Includes integrated mini-pliers to lift the cut lid away hands-free.

Best heavy-duty budget pick.

• Built entirely of tough, durable steel meant to last for years.
• Utilizes a highly efficient, skip-proof gear system for incredibly smooth rotations.
• Upgraded with soft ergonomic grips that cushion your hands during use.

Best Electric Can Openers

Best countertop model.

• Eliminates sharp lid risks by executing a safe side-cut automatically.
• Requires only a light touch on the ergonomic push-down lever to start.
• Safely opens both standard cans and pop-top varieties without any slipping.

Best multipurpose option.

• Features one-touch auto-turn cutting along with a handy magnetic lid catcher.
• Includes a built-in knife sharpener and an integrated bottle opener on the back.
• Built with a sturdy, no-tilt base and an easy-to-clean removable lever.

To narrow down your search, let me know: Do you prefer a manual tool or an electric appliance? Also, are you looking for a traditional top-cut or a smooth-edge safety cut?

If you want one can opener that’s easy, comfortable, and reliable, I’d get the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener. It’s the current top pick from multiple recent tests, and OXO’s large cushioned handles and oversized knob make it especially easy to use.

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener

$19.99

My picks

• 🥇 Best for most people: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled — about $20. Smooth operation, comfortable grip, excellent everyday choice.
• 🏆 Best for maximum durability: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe — heavy-duty, made in the USA, all-metal construction. It should last for years, but it leaves the traditional sharp lid edge.
• 🛡️ Best if you hate sharp can edges: OXO Smooth Edge — cuts around the side rather than through the top, leaving a much safer, smooth edge.

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled

$19.99

EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe

$19.99

OXO Smooth Edge

$24.99

Bottom line: I'd buy the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled unless avoiding sharp edges is your priority—in that case, get the OXO Smooth Edge.

If you want one can opener that’s easy, reliable, and comfortable, I’d get the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener. It’s the current top overall pick in multiple 2026 tests, with a comfortable grip, easy-turn knob, and consistently clean cutting.

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener

$16.97

But there’s one upgrade I'd consider

If you hate sharp/jagged can lids, get the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge instead. It cuts around the side of the can rather than through the top, leaving a smooth edge on both the can and lid.

OXO SoftWorks Smooth Edge Can Opener

$24.97

Zyliss MagiCan

$12.95

Zyliss Lock N' Lift Can Opener

$24.99

My pick:

• 🥇 Best for most people: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled
• 🛡️ Best/safest design: OXO Smooth Edge
• 💪 If you want a locking mechanism: Zyliss Lock N' Lift

If you tell me whether you care more about durability, smooth edges, or easiest operation, I can narrow it to one.

The best overall can opener is the Beneno Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , widely praised by reviewers at Serious Eats for its heavy-duty construction, smooth top-cut mechanism, and large effort-saving knob.

Because the "absolute best" option depends entirely on whether you prefer a traditional manual tool, a safety-focused model, or a hands-free electric appliance, the top-rated models are categorized below by style.

The Best Can Openers Across Styles

Key Product Details

This manual tool slices cleanly through metal with its razor-sharp carbon steel blade. Testers highlight that it grabs onto cans firmly and rarely slips or misaligns mid-turn.

An essential tool for those with limited hand strength. The oversized turning knob handles thick can rims comfortably and includes a built-in bottle opener. Note that the manufacturer OXO recommends hand washing it to preserve the cutting wheel.

The top pick by Wirecutter , this lightweight tool rests flat on top of the can. It breaks the factory seal from the outer edge, ensuring the lid never falls down into your food.

A premium plug-in countertop appliance that requires just a light touch of the lever to activate. It unseals both standard and pop-top cans from the side, leaving an entirely smooth rim so you can safely reuse the lid for storage.

A compact, battery-powered gadget that walks its way around the rim completely hands-free. It is highly recommended for seniors or anyone looking to speed through meal prep without manual twisting.

To help narrow down your choice, do you prefer a manual model to save drawer space, or an electric model to minimize hand strain? Let me know if you are dealing with any specific hand mobility issues like arthritis.