What is the best electric can opener?

Best electric can opener: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch

• Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener - $39.96 (The Home Depot)

My pick for most people is the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch. It consistently comes out near the top in hands-on testing, largely because its side-cutting design leaves smooth, touchable edges rather than the sharp rim you get from conventional top-cut openers. Good Housekeeping also found it particularly fast and stable with large cans.

Why I'd buy it

• Very easy: press the lever and let it do the work.
• Safer edges: side-cutting avoids jagged metal edges.
• Handles large cans: its extra-tall design accommodates them.
• Works with pop-top and regular cans.
• Currently around $40, depending on retailer.

Two good alternatives

• Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener SCO-60 - $59.99 (Target)

• Kitchen Mama Auto 2.0 Electric Can Opener - $34.99 (Target)

• Hamilton Beach FlexCut Electric Can Opener - $38.49 (Target)

• Cuisinart SCO-60: Better if you want a more substantial, traditional countertop appliance. Good Housekeeping named it its best overall and found it stable with cans up to 48 ounces.

• Kitchen Mama Auto 2.0: Best if you want a small cordless handheld opener. It's especially convenient if counter space is limited.

• Hamilton Beach FlexCut: Interesting middle ground if you want rechargeable cordless operation plus a countertop base.

Bottom line: If you just want the one I'd buy, get the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch. The smooth-edge side cut is the feature that makes the biggest practical difference.

The best electric can opener depends on whether you prefer a traditional countertop appliance or a compact, hands-free cordless device . Across major expert testing and consumer reviews, three specific models stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and cutting precision.

Top Electric Can Openers

• Named a top favorite by reviewers at Consumer Reports and Serious Eats for its seamless side-cutting mechanism.

• Eliminates sharp, dangerous edges by cutting along the side of the rim instead of piercing the top lid.

• Features an easy-to-use, ergonomic push-down lever that requires minimal finger strength, making it excellent for anyone with arthritis.

• Easily opens both standard and pop-top cans.

• Celebrated as a reliable powerhouse for traditional, top-cut opening, often cited as a top hands-free winner by product testers.

• Uses a precision Power Cut blade and an extra-wide, sturdy base to prevent the unit from slipping or tipping.

• Equipped with a strong magnetic lid holder that cleanly lifts the top off so it doesn't sink into your food.

• Features a removable activation lever that pops off effortlessly for fast and easy cleaning.

• Recognized by Serious Eats as the best handheld, cordless option for those looking to save kitchen counter space.

• Offers true hands-free, one-touch operation; you simply place it on the can, press a button, and watch it walk itself around the rim.

• Utilizes a side-cut gear system to ensure the separated lid features perfectly smooth, food-safe edges.

• Runs on batteries, meaning it stores neatly in a drawer rather than taking up permanent real estate on your work surface.

Key Features to Consider

• Cut Style : Side-cut models cut around the outside rim to eliminate sharp metal hazards. Top-cut models pierce the lid directly, which can sometimes create jagged edges or let the lid drop into the food if the magnet fails.
• Power Source : Countertop models require a plug but deliver strong, consistent motor power. Cordless small-profile models rely on batteries or USB recharging, offering total portability.
• Stability : Taller countertop units need a heavy, wide base so they don't tip forward when holding up larger or heavier cans.

If you would like to narrow this down, please let me know:

• Do you prefer a countertop or a drawer-stored cordless model?
• Is a smooth-edge safety cut a high priority for your household?
• Are you looking for any bonus features, like a built-in knife sharpener or bottle opener?

The best electric can opener depends on whether you prefer a traditional countertop appliance or a compact, hands-free cordless device . Across major expert testing and consumer reviews, three specific models stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and cutting precision.

Top Electric Can Openers

• Named a top favorite by reviewers at Consumer Reports and Serious Eats for its seamless side-cutting mechanism.

• Eliminates sharp, dangerous edges by cutting along the side of the rim instead of piercing the top lid.

• Features an easy-to-use, ergonomic push-down lever that requires minimal finger strength, making it excellent for anyone with arthritis.

• Easily opens both standard and pop-top cans.

• Celebrated as a reliable powerhouse for traditional, top-cut opening, often cited as a top hands-free winner by product testers.

• Uses a precision Power Cut blade and an extra-wide, sturdy base to prevent the unit from slipping or tipping.

• Equipped with a strong magnetic lid holder that cleanly lifts the top off so it doesn't sink into your food.

• Features a removable activation lever that pops off effortlessly for fast and easy cleaning.

• Recognized by Serious Eats as the best handheld, cordless option for those looking to save kitchen counter space.

• Offers true hands-free, one-touch operation; you simply place it on the can, press a button, and watch it walk itself around the rim.

• Utilizes a side-cut gear system to ensure the separated lid features perfectly smooth, food-safe edges.

• Runs on batteries, meaning it stores neatly in a drawer rather than taking up permanent real estate on your work surface.

Key Features to Consider

• Cut Style : Side-cut models cut around the outside rim to eliminate sharp metal hazards. Top-cut models pierce the lid directly, which can sometimes create jagged edges or let the lid drop into the food if the magnet fails.
• Power Source : Countertop models require a plug but deliver strong, consistent motor power. Cordless small-profile models rely on batteries or USB recharging, offering total portability.
• Stability : Taller countertop units need a heavy, wide base so they don't tip forward when holding up larger or heavier cans.

If you would like to narrow this down, please let me know:

• Do you prefer a countertop or a drawer-stored cordless model?
• Is a smooth-edge safety cut a high priority for your household?
• Are you looking for any bonus features, like a built-in knife sharpener or bottle opener?

If you want the best overall electric can opener for most kitchens, I’d pick:

• Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener - $39.95 (Walmart)
• Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Electric Can Opener SCO-60 - $59.99 (Target)
• Hamilton Beach FlexCut Rechargeable Electric Can Opener - $38.49 (Target)
• Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener - $29.99 (Walmart - Kitchen Mama)

Best overall:

Why it stands out:

• Cuts around the side of the lid, leaving a smooth edge instead of a sharp metal rim
• Very easy one-handed operation
• Handles standard and pop-top cans
• Good balance of price, reliability, and safety

Best for: everyday home use, seniors, anyone who dislikes sharp lids.

Best premium countertop model:

Pros:

• Sturdy countertop design
• Strong motor and magnetic lid holder
• Classic “place can, press lever, done” operation

Best for: people who want a traditional, durable appliance that stays on the counter.

Best cordless option:

Pros:

• Rechargeable
• Can be used detached from its base
• More flexible for small kitchens or occasional use

Best for: portability and avoiding another cord on the counter.

Best small/handheld option:

Pros:

• Compact and easy to store
• Battery powered
• Simple push-button operation

Best for: apartments, RVs, or people who only open cans occasionally.

My recommendation:

• Most people: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch
• Heavy daily use: Cuisinart Deluxe
• Limited counter space: Kitchen Mama
• Want cordless: Hamilton Beach FlexCut

I’d avoid very cheap electric openers that only sit on top of cans unless storage space is your main concern—they tend to be less stable and less satisfying for frequent use.

The best electric can opener for most people is the Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener (SCO-60/CCO series). It’s a reliable countertop model with one-touch operation, a strong motor, automatic shutoff, and a magnetic lid holder. Multiple kitchen-product tests have ranked it among the top overall electric can openers for speed and ease of use.

Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener - Stainless Steel SCO-60

$59.99

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

$39.95

Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

$29.99

My top picks by need

🏆 Best overall: Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener - Stainless Steel SCO-60

• Best balance of speed, durability, and ease of use
• Handles standard and larger household cans well
• One-touch operation with automatic stopping
• Good choice if it will live on your counter
  

🥫 Best for smooth, safer edges: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

• Side-cut design leaves a smoother edge than traditional top-cut models
• Good for people who dislike sharp lids
• Stable and easy to operate
  

🖐️ Best handheld/cordless: Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

• Compact and easy to store
• Runs hands-free after pressing a button
• Good option if you don’t want another countertop appliance
  

💰 Best budget countertop option: Proctor Silex Electric Can Opener

• Simple, inexpensive, and gets the job done
• Better for occasional use than heavy daily use
  

My recommendation:

• If you open cans several times a week → Cuisinart Deluxe
• If you want the safest-feeling lid edge → Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch
• If storage space matters → Kitchen Mama

For a typical home kitchen, I’d choose the Cuisinart Deluxe. It’s the least fussy “buy it and use it for years” option.

The "best" electric can opener depends on whether you prefer a classic countertop machine or a modern, space-saving handheld gadget . Top-rated models from expert kitchen tests fall into distinct categories:

A long-time favorite of major review sites like the NYT Wirecutter , this countertop model cuts along the side of the can rather than the top. It leaves a smooth, safe edge with no jagged metal, features an easy-push lever, and uses a magnet to hold the lid.

If you prefer a traditional top-cutting blade, Cuisinart’s brushed stainless steel/chrome models are powerful, stable, and feature an extra-wide base that prevents tipping. It includes a single-touch operation and a removable activation lever for easy cleaning.

The top pick for a cordless, battery-operated option. You simply place it on top of the can, press the button to start, and it walks around the can on its own, stopping automatically. It cuts from the side for a smooth edge and is an absolute favorite for people with arthritis or limited hand strength.

If you'd like to narrow it down, let me know:

• Do you prefer a countertop plugged-in model or a portable/battery-operated handheld one?
• Are you looking for a smooth-edge safety cut or a traditional top-cut?

If you want the best electric can opener overall, I’d go with the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch.

Hamilton Beach Smooth Edge Electric Can Opener

$39.95

Why it’s my top pick

• Smooth, safe edges: It cuts around the side of the can rather than through the top, leaving a much less dangerous lid edge.
• Very easy to use: Just press the lever down; it handles regular and pop-top cans.
• Good with large cans: Testing found it stable even with 32-oz cans, and it can handle cans up to roughly 6 inches tall.
• Excellent owner feedback: The model has around 4.7–4.8/5 across major retailers, with particularly strong marks for ease of use.
• Reasonable price: About $40 currently.

One drawback

It isn't completely hands-off: you hold the lever down while it cuts, and it doesn't have automatic shutoff on the standard Smooth Touch model.

Runner-up: The Cuisinart Deluxe is better if you prioritize a more traditional one-touch, magnetic-lid design and automatic operation. Good Housekeeping named the Cuisinart its overall winner in its 2026 testing, while also naming the Hamilton Beach best specifically for smooth edges.

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch — Best Overall

$39.95

Cuisinart Deluxe — Best One-Touch

$59.99

Hamilton Beach FlexCut — Best Cordless

$38.49

My choice: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch. If you're buying one primarily because you want something that is easy, safe, and dependable, that's the one I'd get.

The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely regarded by professional testers at Serious Eats and Consumer Reports as the overall best countertop electric can opener. It excels due to its innovative side-cutting mechanism that leaves a completely smooth, touchable lid edge.

Top Recommended Electric Can Openers

• Slices along the side of the can rather than into the top to eliminate dangerously sharp lid rims.

• Features a highly responsive, ergonomic, easy-touch push-down lever requiring minimal finger strength.

• Accommodates both regular and pop-top cans across a wide variety of heights.

• Comes equipped with convenient extra kitchen features including an integrated knife sharpener and a set of scissors.

• Ideal cordless choice for those with severe arthritis or limited hand dexterity due to its single-button, entirely hands-free automatic operation.

• Rides along the top of the container, utilizing a patented tilted blade to achieve smooth, food-safe edges.

• Operates on 4 AA alkaline batteries, providing a highly compact layout that nests easily inside kitchen drawers.

• Opens almost any round container shape including small tomato paste cylinders and sloped soda cans.

• Heavy-duty alternative built with an extra-wide, sturdy base designed to prevent tipping when processing massive 28-ounce cans.

• Equipped with a premium Power Cut blade that cleanly glides through thick metal in under 10 seconds.

• Features a strong magnetic lid holder that firmly grabs the cut top so it won't drop into your food.

• Designed with a sleek, polished aluminum housing and a detachable lever arm for rapid, straightforward cleanup.

Key Differences to Consider

If you have a preference, let me know:

• Do you prefer a plug-in countertop unit or a drawer-friendly cordless device?
• Are you buying this to help with arthritis or hand joint pain?
• Do you regularly open extra-large or non-standard cans?

I can narrow down the perfect match for your kitchen setup.

If you want the best electric can opener overall, I’d pick the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch.

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

$39.96

Why it’s my top pick

• Smooth-edge cutting: It cuts around the side of the can rather than leaving a razor-sharp lid edge.
• Very easy to use: Put the can in place and press the lever—little to no hand strength required.
• Excellent track record: Food Network's 2026 testing named a Hamilton Beach electric model its best electric can opener, while Serious Eats' extensive testing chose the Smooth Touch as its best stand-up model.
• Good value: It's currently around $40, and customer ratings are exceptionally strong.
• Particularly good if you dislike sharp can edges or want something easy for someone with limited hand strength.

Two alternatives worth considering

Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

$29.99

Best handheld: Kitchen Mama Auto. It's cordless, compact, and uses a side-cutting mechanism. Food Network selected the Kitchen Mama One-Touch as its best battery-operated opener.

Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener

$59.99

Best if you want a more premium-looking countertop model: Cuisinart Deluxe. It's stainless steel, has one-touch operation and a magnetic lid holder, but I don't think it's worth paying extra over the Hamilton Beach for most people.

Bottom line: Get the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch unless you specifically want a small cordless handheld—then get the Kitchen Mama.

When looking for the best electric can opener, top picks depend on whether you want a traditional countertop machine or a modern, space-saving handheld gadget . Testing across major product review publications highlights the following top options:

• Best Countertop / Safe-Edge: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (approx. $40 on Amazon ). This model cuts along the side of the can rather than down through the top, leaving a smooth, touchable edge with no sharp lid hazards. It is widely recommended by experts at Wirecutter and Consumer Reports for anyone who struggles with dexterity or opens a lot of cans.
• Best Traditional Countertop Value: Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (approx. $20 - $30 on Amazon ). A staple countertop choice with a classic look, single-touch operation, a sturdy base that prevents tipping, and a removable activation lever for easy cleaning.
• Best Handheld / Battery-Operated: Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (approx. $30 - $35 on Amazon ). If you don't want an appliance taking up counter space, this popular one-touch, hands-free gadget sits right on top of the can, walks around the side automatically, and stops on its own. It's a massive favorite for users with arthritis.

To help narrow down which one fits your kitchen best, do you prefer a traditional countertop model that plugs in, or a compact handheld/battery-operated one? Also, let me know if you have any specific hand strength or dexterity considerations.