Hamilton Beach has a narrow lead over Cuisinart for electric can openers. The supplied question set does not identify a situation where another brand is recommended most.
After checking current 2026 testing and available models, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch is my top pick for most people. Good Housekeeping named it the best model for smooth edges, while TechGearLab also rated it its best overall electric opener.
Why I’d buy it
Smooth-edge cutting: It cuts around the side of the can rather than through the top, leaving a much safer, non-jagged lid edge.
Very easy to operate: Put the can in place and push the large lever down—particularly good if you don't want to wrestle with a manual opener.
Handles tall cans: Its extra-tall design accommodates both regular and larger cans.
Cuisinart Deluxe — Choose this if you prioritize one-touch automatic operation and a sturdy countertop base over smooth-edge cutting. Good Housekeeping's testing found it exceptionally fast and capable of handling heavy cans.
Hamilton Beach FlexCut — Interesting if you want rechargeable/cordless convenience while retaining a countertop base. It's currently around $38.
Bottom line: I'd get the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch. The side-cut design is the biggest advantage: you get easy electric operation without the sharp lid edges that conventional openers produce.
If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $25, $40, or $60), I can narrow it down to the best deal available right now.
When looking for the best electric can opener, performance usually comes down to whether you prefer a traditional freestanding countertop model or a modern, cordless, hands-free gadget.
The top-rated electric can openers categorized by style and functionality include:
Why it’s great: Recommended widely by The New York Times - Wirecutter , this model cuts along the side of the can rather than the top. This leaves a smooth, safe edge with no sharp metal burrs. It uses a large, ergonomic lever that is very easy to press down, making it ideal for anyone with hand strength issues or arthritis, and its freestanding design means you don't have to hold the can while it spins.
Why it’s great: If you want to save counter space, this battery-operated, mouse-shaped gadget sits right on top of the can. You press a single button, and it walks itself around the perimeter of the can automatically, stopping on its own when finished . Like the Hamilton Beach, it creates a smooth edge and is completely portable.
The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch and the Kitchen Mama Auto Can Opener are the top-rated electric can openers, praised by major culinary reviewers and consumer feedback for their safety, ease of use, and smooth-edge cutting mechanisms.[](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-electric-can-openers-7973705)
Watch this video overview comparing popular bestselling hands-free and electric can openers to see how they perform in real-world testing:
Key Features: Uses a side-cutting system that slices along the side of the can rather than through the top, leaving a safe, smooth-touchable edge. It operates with an ergonomic, easy-touch push-down lever suitable for standard and pop-top cans.
Why it's top-rated: Highlighted by expert testers like *Serious Eats * for its fast, reliable stand-up performance and clean edge cut that allows lids to be reused.
Type: Handheld, battery-operated cordless model (uses 4 AA batteries)
Key Features: One-touch operation—you place it on top of the can, press the button to start, and press again to stop. It also cuts along the side to eliminate sharp, jagged lid edges.
Why it's top-rated: Massively popular with over one hundred thousand consumer ratings for its compact, portable design and accessibility benefits for users with arthritis or reduced grip strength.
Type: Traditional blade-style stand-up countertop model
Key Features: Features a heavy-duty stainless steel blade, magnetic lid holder, and single-touch operation with a stable base.
Why it's top-rated: A classic budget-friendly choice that handles traditional top-cutting powerfully and quickly, favored by everyday users looking for a sturdy, no-nonsense countertop appliance.[](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-electric-can-openers-7973705)[2][3][4]
If you'd like to narrow down your choice, let me know:
Do you prefer a countertop stand model or a handheld cordless device?
Are you looking for a smooth-edge cut or a traditional cut?
Based on recent expert testing, current product ratings, and available prices, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch and Cuisinart Deluxe are two of the strongest countertop choices, while Kitchen Mama is a standout if you want a compact, hands-free opener.
Here are the top-rated options worth considering right now, with picks for different budgets and kitchen needs.
Top picks at a glance
(Best for smooth edges)
1. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener
4.6/5 · 7,533 reviews
$39.96
Cuts around the side of the lid to leave a smooth edge. Works with regular and pull-tab cans, and is a favorite of independent product testers.
Best for safer lid handling. Requires counter space and continuous lever pressure.
Shop at Walmart
(Best countertop all-rounder)
2. Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener
Typical price: around $30–$40
One-touch operation, automatic shutoff, a magnetic lid holder, and a sturdy base. Expert testing praised its speed and ability to handle large cans.
Best for frequent use. Takes up counter space, and the lid magnet can sometimes cause splashing.
A handheld, one-touch opener that cuts along the side of the can, leaving a smooth edge. Small enough to store in a drawer.
Best for limited storage or reduced hand strength. It is slower than many countertop models.
Shop Kitchen Mama
(Best value cordless)
4. Proctor Silex Smooth Edge Cordless Electric Can Opener
Typical price: around $20–$30
A compact, rechargeable opener that travels around the rim automatically and leaves a smooth cut. Good Housekeeping named it its best-value pick in its 2026 testing.
Best for smaller kitchens and occasional use. It takes longer to open larger cans and needs recharging.
An affordable upright model with automatic alignment, a tall design, and a removable multi-tool for added kitchen utility.
Best if you want a traditional plug-in opener without paying premium prices.
Shop at Walmart
Which one should you buy?
If your priority is…
My pick
Smooth, less-sharp lid edges
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch
Fast, everyday countertop use
Cuisinart Deluxe
Compact storage and portability
Kitchen Mama
Affordable cordless convenience
Proctor Silex
Low-cost countertop reliability
Hamilton Beach SureCut
One important distinction: smooth-edge models cut from the side, leaving a lid without the usual sharp rim. Traditional top-cut models can be faster, but their lids may have sharp edges.
Prices and ratings can change, and retailer ratings aren't directly comparable because review counts and testing methods differ.
My overall recommendation: I'd choose the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch for its smooth-edge cutting and strong testing results. If you'd rather have automatic shutoff and hands-free operation, the Cuisinart Deluxe is the better fit.
