What is the best can opener?

If you want one can opener for most kitchens, I’d buy the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener. It consistently ranks near the top in recent testing, and its large cushioned handles and oversized knob make it especially easy and comfortable to use.

• OXO Soft-Handled Can Opener - $16.97 (Walmart)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled — about $17; comfortable, reliable, easy to turn, and includes a bottle opener.

• 🛡️ Best for a smooth, non-sharp edge: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge — cuts below the rim rather than through the lid, leaving much safer edges.

• 💪 Best for maximum durability: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe — heavy-duty, all-metal construction and excellent cutting performance; a great choice if you want something that can last for years.

• ⚡ Best electric: Cuisinart Deluxe — single-touch operation and very little hand effort.

• OXO Soft-Handled Can Opener - $16.97 (Walmart)

• OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener - $24.95 (Williams-Sonoma)

• EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener - $23.98 (Walmart - Lehman Hardware and Appliances, Inc.)

• Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener - $29.95 (Abt Electronics, Inc.)

Bottom line: Get the OXO Soft-Handled unless you specifically want smooth/safe edges, in which case get the OXO Smooth Edge.

The best can opener depends on whether you prefer a traditional manual tool, a safety model that avoids sharp edges, or an effortless electric appliance. According to professional tests by platforms like Serious Eats , top performers excel in specific categories:

Manual Can Openers

• Standout Feature : Celebrated as the most comfortable option, it has an oversized, cushioned knob that turns smoothly with minimal effort.

• Construction : Sharp stainless steel cutting wheel with a built-in bottle opener.

• Standout Feature : Best for heavy-duty use, tough cans, and long-term durability.

• Construction : Hardened carbon steel gears built for maximum torque, though it cuts a traditional sharp lid. [1][2]

Safety (Smooth-Edge) Can Openers

• Standout Feature : Top-rated for safety. It slices through the side of the can rim rather than the top, leaving entirely smooth, touchable edges on both the lid and the can.
• Hygiene : The cutting wheel never touches the food, and it features integrated mini-pliers for hands-free lid removal. [1][2][3]

Electric Can Openers

• Standout Feature : Ideal countertop machine that utilizes side-cutting technology so you don't have to deal with razor-sharp metal lids.

• Operation : Uses an ergonomic, light-touch push lever that requires virtually zero hand strength.

• Standout Feature : A highly stable, traditional top-cut electric option equipped with a powerful magnetic lid holder.

• Design : Features a sturdy, wide base to prevent tipping and a detachable activation lever for easy cleaning.[1][2][3]

To help pick the perfect match, let me know:

• Do you have a preference between manual or electric?
• Are you looking for something that is easy on arthritic hands or wrists?
• Is space saving (like storing it in a drawer) a major factor for you?

If you want one can opener that will last and work well, I’d pick the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener for most kitchens. It’s a simple, all-metal manual opener with strong gears, good leverage, and a reputation for lasting many years. Multiple testing roundups rate it among the best manual openers, especially for durability.

• OXO SoftWorks Soft-Handled Can Opener - $16.97 (Walmart)
• Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener - $39.95 (Walmart)
• OXO Steel Can Opener - $27.99 (Target)

Best picks by need

• Best overall (durability): EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener

• Best if you want a “buy it once” tool.

• Heavy-duty metal construction.

• Downside: it leaves a sharp lid edge because it cuts from the top.

• Best safer manual option: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener

• Cuts around the side of the can, leaving smoother edges.

• Better choice if you dislike sharp lids or have hand-strength concerns.

• Best electric: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

• Good for frequent use or anyone who wants one-touch opening.

• Side-cut design helps avoid sharp edges.

• Best budget/simple alternative: OXO SoftWorks Soft-Handled Can Opener

• Comfortable grip, large turning knob, easy everyday use.

My short recommendation:

• Most people: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe
• Safety/comfort priority: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge
• Arthritis or limited grip strength: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch electric

I’d avoid very cheap plastic manual openers; the gears and cutting wheels are usually where they fail first.

The best can opener depends heavily on whether you prefer a traditional manual twist, a safe smooth-edge cut, or a hands-free electric model. Across major industry tests from Wirecutter and America's Test Kitchen , the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener is widely considered the best overall traditional can opener for its comfortable, slip-resistant grip and incredibly smooth cranking mechanism.

The Top Picks by Category

Traditional vs. Safety Can Openers

• Traditional Openers (like OXO Good Grips Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or EZ-DUZ-IT Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) cut through the top of the lid. They are faster and offer immediate tactical feedback, but leave a sharp, jagged edge and can drop the lid into your food.
• Safety Openers (like Kuhn Rikon or OXO Smooth Edge Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) unseal the can from the outer side of the rim. This completely eliminates sharp edges and allows you to reuse the lid like a cap, though they require a few more turns to cut through.

To narrow this down, let me know:

• Do you prefer a manual tool or an electric one?
• Are sharp edges a major concern for your household?
• Do you or anyone using it have limited hand strength or arthritis?

I can point you directly to the exact model that will fit your kitchen best.

The best can opener depends heavily on whether you prefer a traditional manual twist, a safe smooth-edge cut, or a hands-free electric model. Across major industry tests from Wirecutter and America's Test Kitchen , the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener is widely considered the best overall traditional can opener for its comfortable, slip-resistant grip and incredibly smooth cranking mechanism.

The Top Picks by Category

Traditional vs. Safety Can Openers

• Traditional Openers (like OXO Good Grips Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or EZ-DUZ-IT Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) cut through the top of the lid. They are faster and offer immediate tactical feedback, but leave a sharp, jagged edge and can drop the lid into your food.
• Safety Openers (like Kuhn Rikon or OXO Smooth Edge Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) unseal the can from the outer side of the rim. This completely eliminates sharp edges and allows you to reuse the lid like a cap, though they require a few more turns to cut through.

To narrow this down, let me know:

• Do you prefer a manual tool or an electric one?
• Are sharp edges a major concern for your household?
• Do you or anyone using it have limited hand strength or arthritis?

I can point you directly to the exact model that will fit your kitchen best.

Best can opener overall: OXO Good Grips

If you want one recommendation for most kitchens, I’d get the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener. Multiple 2026 tests rank OXO at or near the top, particularly for comfortable handling and clean, safe cuts.

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

Why I like it:

• Smooth-edge cutting: cuts from the side rather than leaving a razor-sharp lid edge.
• Very comfortable handles and an easy-to-turn knob.
• Good choice if you open cans frequently or want to minimize hand strain.
• Around $20–25 depending on the retailer.

If you prioritize durability

• EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener - $17.90 (Walmart - Buckeye Nation Sales)

The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe is my pick if you want a simple, old-school opener that is built like a tank. Its all-metal construction is exceptionally durable, though it leaves sharp edges because it uses a traditional top-cut design.

If you want the easiest/safest manual opener

• Zyliss Lock & Lift Can Opener - $19.96 (Zyliss Kitchen)

The Zyliss Lock & Lift locks onto the can and uses a magnet to lift the lid, making it particularly convenient if you dislike handling the detached lid. Zyliss also gives it a five-year guarantee.

My verdict: OXO Smooth Edge for most people; EZ-DUZ-IT for maximum durability; Zyliss Lock & Lift for convenience and lid handling.

Best can opener overall

• OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener - $16.97 (Walmart)

My pick: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener. It’s the best choice for most people: comfortable cushioned handles, a large easy-turn knob, a stainless-steel cutting wheel, and a built-in bottle opener. Food Network’s 2026 testing also named it Best Overall, noting that it opened cans smoothly with relatively little effort.

If you want a different type

• Safest / no sharp edges:

• OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener - $24.99 (Target)

— cuts around the side of the can rather than through the lid, leaving a smooth rim.

• Best locking design:

• Zyliss Lock & Lift Can Opener - $24.95 (Zyliss Kitchen)

— locks onto the can, making it particularly secure and easy to control.

• Budget pick:

• GoodCook Pro Can Opener - $6.73 (Walmart)

— inexpensive while retaining a conventional gear-driven design.

• Electric: The Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic is a strong choice if you want essentially hands-free opening; Food Network named it its best electric model.

Bottom line: If you just want to buy one and be done, get the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled. If you particularly hate sharp can lids, spend a little more for the OXO Smooth Edge.

The absolute best choices depend on your preference for a classic manual crank, a smooth-edge safety cut, or a completely hands-free electric model. According to expert reviews and rigorous testing by culinary publications like Serious Eats , the EZ-DUZ-IT Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. stands out as the overall best traditional manual option for its uncompromised durability, while the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. leads the safety category, and the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener 76606Z Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the top-rated electric choice.

Best Manual Can Openers

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• Best Overall : Highly praised by reviewers for its heavy-duty, gear-driven construction that glides smoothly without skipping.
• Key Specs : Made in the USA from heavy-gauge chromed steel with hardened carbon steel blades.[1]

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• Best Ergonomics : Features an oversized, easy-to-turn knob and exceptionally comfortable, cushioned non-slip handles.
• Standout Feature : Includes a built-in bottle opener tip and is ideal for users with limited hand strength.[1]

Best Safety & Smooth-Edge Openers

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• Best Safety Opener : Slices cleanly through the side of the can below the rim.
• Key Considerations : Leaves no sharp, dangerous metal edges on the lid or the can itself.
• Standout Feature : Features integrated mini-pliers for hygienic, contact-free lid removal. [1][2]

Best Electric Can Openers

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• Best Electric Countertop : Consistently named a consumer favorite by Consumer Reports for effortless, one-handed operation.
• Key Specs : Features a side-cutting mechanism to completely eliminate sharp metal edges. [1][2]

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• Best Heavy-Duty Electric : Built with a sturdy, extra-wide base that prevents tipping when opening large, heavy cans.
• Standout Feature : Equipped with a powerful magnetic lid holder and a removable arm assembly for easy cleaning.[1]

If you are looking for a specific type of kitchen workspace set up, let me know if you prefer a space-saving drawer tool or a countertop appliance , and if anyone using it has limited hand strength.

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. [1][2]

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. [1][2]

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. ($40). Combines the ease of a plug-in electric appliance with side-cut safety technology, ensuring smooth lid edges without requiring any grip strength. [1][2]

Add to listBest Budget Electric: Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($20). A space-saving countertop unit with single-touch automatic operation and a powerful magnetic lid holder.[1]

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.