KITCHEN KITCHEN & COOKING

10 Best Can Openers of 2026

The best can opener in 2026 is the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener. We compared top manual, electric, and smooth-edge safety can openers to find the 10 best options for every kitchen and budget.

By WiseBuyAI Editorial Team•Updated March 10, 2026•10 Products Reviewed

OUR #1 PICK

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener

The gold standard of manual can openers.

OUR TOP PICKS

#1

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener

$15.99$17.99
SEE PRICE
#2

OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener

$18.99$21.99
SEE PRICE
#3

Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

$25.99$29.99
SEE PRICE

Quick Comparison

#ProductBadgeRatingPriceVerdict
1OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can OpenerBEST OVERALL4.6/5$15.99The gold standard of manual can openers.
2OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can OpenerBEST SAFETY4.5/5$18.99Cuts below the rim for completely smooth, safe edges.
3Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can OpenerBEST ELECTRIC (HANDHELD)4.5/5$25.99One-button operation and smooth-edge cutting make this the easiest can opener to use.
4EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can OpenerBEST DURABILITY4.6/5$11.99Heavy-gauge American-made steel that outlasts everything else.
5Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can OpenerBEST COUNTERTOP4.5/5$29.99A reliable countertop electric opener with a strong magnet and hands-free operation.
6Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter Can OpenerSAFEST MANUAL4.3/5$22.99Side-cut design leaves perfectly smooth edges, and the built-in lid lifter keeps fingers completely away from sharp m...
7Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can OpenerBEST VALUE ELECTRIC4.4/5$24.99Side-cut design eliminates sharp edges, and the easy push-down lever makes operation effortless.
8Zyliss Lock N' Lift Can Opener4.3/5$14.99The locking mechanism grips the can securely so you can pour without removing the lid.
9KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener4.5/5$10.99A no-frills manual opener with a sharp stainless steel wheel and built-in bottle opener.
10Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Smooth Edge Can OpenerBEST BUDGET4.4/5$9.99A smooth-edge manual opener at a budget price.

FULL RANKINGS

BEST OVERALL
#1WiseBuy #1 Pick
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener - image 11/5

OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener

4.6(32,000)
$15.99$17.99

The gold standard of manual can openers. Comfortable cushioned handles, a sharp cutting wheel, and a built-in bottle opener make this a kitchen essential that lasts for years.

Pros

  • Soft, cushioned handles reduce hand strain
  • Sharp stainless steel cutting wheel
  • Built-in bottle opener
  • Extremely durable construction

Cons

  • Top-cut design leaves sharp lid edges
  • Requires some hand strength to turn
  • No locking mechanism
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST SAFETY
#2
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener - image 11/5

OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener

4.5(8,500)
$18.99$21.99

Cuts below the rim for completely smooth, safe edges. The lid pops off cleanly and can even be placed back on for storage.

Pros

  • No sharp edges on can or lid
  • Lid can be reused to cover leftovers
  • Built-in pliers for touch-free lid removal
  • Blade never contacts food

Cons

  • Takes practice to align correctly
  • Slightly more expensive than top-cut models
  • Can slip on dented cans
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST ELECTRIC (HANDHELD)
#3
Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener - image 11/5

Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

4.5(87,000)
$25.99$29.99

One-button operation and smooth-edge cutting make this the easiest can opener to use. Perfect for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength.

Pros

  • One-touch hands-free operation
  • Smooth edge cut with no sharp edges
  • Battery powered and portable
  • Over 87,000 Amazon reviews

Cons

  • Requires 2 AA batteries (not included)
  • Can struggle with dented cans
  • Plastic build feels lightweight
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST DURABILITY
#4
EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener

EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener

4.6(18,000)
$11.99$14.99

Heavy-gauge American-made steel that outlasts everything else. This old-school opener cuts cleanly every time with zero fuss.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty steel construction
  • Made in the USA
  • Sharp carbon steel cutter
  • Very affordable price

Cons

  • No cushioned grips on handles
  • Chrome plating can wear over time
  • Top-cut leaves sharp edges
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST COUNTERTOP
#5
Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener - image 11/5

Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener

4.5(14,000)
$29.99$34.99

A reliable countertop electric opener with a strong magnet and hands-free operation. Just press the lever and walk away.

Pros

  • Hands-free one-touch operation
  • Strong magnet holds lid after cutting
  • Detachable cutting lever for easy cleaning
  • Stable non-slip base

Cons

  • Takes up counter space
  • Requires outlet access
  • Can be loud during operation
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
SAFEST MANUAL
#6
Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter Can Opener - image 11/5

Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter Can Opener

4.3(5,200)
$22.99$27.99

Side-cut design leaves perfectly smooth edges, and the built-in lid lifter keeps fingers completely away from sharp metal. Excellent for households with kids.

Pros

  • Smooth side-cut leaves no sharp edges
  • Built-in lid lifter for safe removal
  • Works on most standard can sizes
  • Compact, lightweight design

Cons

  • Learning curve with side-cut technique
  • Can be difficult on very small cans
  • Higher price for a manual opener
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST VALUE ELECTRIC
#7
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener - image 11/5

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

4.4(36,000)
$24.99$29.99

Side-cut design eliminates sharp edges, and the easy push-down lever makes operation effortless. Excellent value for a countertop electric.

Pros

  • Smooth-edge side cut for safety
  • Easy push-down lever operation
  • Opens all standard and pop-top cans
  • Extra-tall design fits large cans

Cons

  • Cord storage could be better
  • No built-in knife sharpener
  • Magnet occasionally drops lids
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#8
Zyliss Lock N' Lift Can Opener - image 11/5

Zyliss Lock N' Lift Can Opener

4.3(9,800)
$14.99$18.99

The locking mechanism grips the can securely so you can pour without removing the lid. Magnet lifts and releases the lid safely.

Pros

  • Locking mechanism holds can securely
  • Magnetic lid lifter for safe disposal
  • Smooth, easy-turn handle
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Alignment can be tricky at first
  • Not ideal for very large cans
  • Plastic parts may wear over time
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#9
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener - image 11/5

KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener

4.5(11,500)
$10.99$12.99

A no-frills manual opener with a sharp stainless steel wheel and built-in bottle opener. KitchenAid reliability at a budget price.

Pros

  • Sharp stainless steel cutting wheel
  • Built-in bottle opener
  • Ergonomic soft-grip handles
  • Available in many colors

Cons

  • Top-cut leaves sharp edges
  • Knob is smaller than OXO's
  • No locking mechanism
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST BUDGET
#10
Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Smooth Edge Can Opener - image 11/5

Gorilla Grip Heavy Duty Smooth Edge Can Opener

4.4(7,200)
$9.99$12.99

A smooth-edge manual opener at a budget price. Oversized turning knob and stainless steel construction punch above its weight class.

Pros

  • Smooth edge cut for safety
  • Oversized comfortable turning knob
  • Built-in bottle opener
  • Under $10

Cons

  • Not as durable as OXO or EZ-DUZ-IT
  • Hand wash only
  • Can slip on larger cans
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Manual vs. Electric

Manual can openers are cheaper, more portable, and never need batteries or an outlet. Electric openers are ideal if you open cans frequently or have limited hand strength due to arthritis or injury.

Top-Cut vs. Side-Cut (Smooth Edge)

Top-cut openers slice through the lid from above, leaving sharp edges on both the can and lid. Side-cut openers remove the entire lid by cutting below the rim, leaving smooth, safe edges and letting you reuse the lid as a cover.

Comfort and Grip

Look for cushioned, non-slip handles and an oversized turning knob. These features reduce hand fatigue significantly, especially if you open multiple cans in one cooking session.

Durability and Materials

Stainless steel or carbon steel cutting wheels stay sharp longest. Avoid openers with thin plastic gears, as they strip out quickly. A good manual opener should last 5-10 years minimum.

HOW WE CHOSE

We evaluated over 25 can openers across manual, electric, and safety categories, analyzing tens of thousands of verified customer reviews and cross-referencing expert picks from Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, and Food Network. Products were ranked on cutting performance, ease of use, safety, durability, and value.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are smooth-edge can openers worth it?

Yes. They leave no sharp edges on the can or lid, making them much safer, especially in households with children. The only tradeoff is a slight learning curve when first aligning the opener.

How long do manual can openers last?

A quality manual can opener with a stainless steel cutting wheel typically lasts 5-10 years with regular use. Budget models with softer metal wheels may dull within 1-2 years.

Do electric can openers work on all can sizes?

Most countertop and handheld electric openers handle standard can sizes from small to large. Check the product specs if you frequently open oversized or very small specialty cans.

What is the best can opener for someone with arthritis?

A battery-powered handheld electric opener like the Kitchen Mama is the best choice. One button press does all the work with zero twisting or gripping required.

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