The best can opener for most people is the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge — it cuts the lid off from the side, leaving no sharp edges to catch a finger. A good can opener grips, cuts cleanly, and turns smoothly without slipping or leaving jagged metal. Below are the best can openers we’d actually use, manual and electric, from a $19 classic to a hands-free countertop model — every one confirmed in stock.
How we chose the best can openers
Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:
- Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
- Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
- Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
- Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.
Can openers: the 6 best, compared
The 6 best can openers, ranked
1OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Best overall
Cuts along the SIDE of the can below the rim, so the lid lifts off with no sharp edges on the lid or the can — and built-in pliers pop the lid free without touching it. Cushioned handles and an oversized turning knob make it effortless. Safe, smooth, and comfortable. The can opener most kitchens should buy.
- Easily opens cans without creating sharp edges on can or lid
- Oversized side-wind mechanism moves smoothly
- Soft-grip knob and non-slip handles
- Sharp stainless steel cutting wheel doesn't touch can contents
- Built-in pliers allow for contact-free lid removal
2OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Best classic value
The traditional top-cutting OXO — large cushioned handles that absorb pressure, a sharp hardened stainless cutting wheel, and a big easy-turn knob, for around twenty dollars. Fast, familiar, and comfortable for anyone. The value pick if you like the classic style and want it done well.
- Large, comfortable handles take the pain out of opening cans
- Features big, cushioned handles for a non slip grip, even when wet
- Oversized knob turns easily to take the hard work out of opening cans
- Sharp cutting wheel is made of sturdy stainless steel
- Includes a built in bottle opener
3Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter Best premium manual
Swiss-engineered to cut along the outside edge for a smooth, safe lid, with a built-in LidLifter that grips and lifts the lid without touching the food — and an advanced gear system so easy that limited hand strength is no obstacle. The pick for the smoothest, most effortless manual opening.
- ✓ Safe smooth-edge cutting – Side-cut design opens cans cleanly and leaves a safe, smooth rim without sharp edges.
- ✓ Hygienic touch-free lid removal – Patented LidLifter grips and lifts lids without touching food or sharp metal.
- ✓ Effortless turning motion – Ergonomic knob and precision gears make opening cans easy with less strain.
- ✓ Built-in ring-pull tool – Opens pull-tab lids safely and easily without hurting fingers.
- ✓ Swiss-engineered durability – Trusted design and materials built to last through years of everyday kitchen use.
4Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Best electric
Hands-free opening with a light push of the lever — it handles standard, extra-tall, and pop-top cans, cuts a smooth edge, and even includes a bottle opener and a built-in knife sharpener. From the #1 can-opener brand in the US. The pick for effortless, one-touch opening with handy extras.
- ELIMINATES SHARP LID EDGES — This electric can opener cuts cans along the side for smooth, touchable lids. The lids can be reused to store leftover canned food in the refrigerator.
- CONVENIENT KITCHEN TOOLS INCLUDED: A built-in knife sharpener on the back of the can opener keeps your kitchen knives sharp, while the removable bottle opener stores in the base of the can opener so it's easy to find when you need to remove bottle caps.
- EASILY ALIGN AND OPEN CANS: The ergonomic push-down lever on the Hamilton Beach can opener makes it simple to align and open cans with one smooth action. Just hold the lever down until the blade has made a full rotation around the can.
- EXTRA-TALL DESIGN OPENS SMALL TO LARGE POP-TOP AND REGULAR CANS: No need to struggle with messy pop-top lids anymore. You get smooth lids when opening pop-top and regular cans with this automatic can opener. It's also designed to fit taller cans.
- CORD STORAGE: Excess cord stores neatly in the base of the can opener to reduce countertop clutter and for easy storage.
5Cuisinart Electric One-Touch Best value electric
One-touch automatic opening with a magnetic lid holder (so the lid doesn’t drop in), a nonslip base, and a detachable lever for easy cleaning — backed by a 3-year warranty, for around twenty dollars. Great for anyone who finds manual openers hard. The value pick for hands-free convenience.
- Easy One-Touch Operation: Thisone touch can openermakes opening cans simple with just the press of a button. TheCuisinart electric can openeris designed for convenience, making it a reliablekitchen can openerfor quick, hands-free use.
- Reliable Automatic Performance: The Cuisinart automatic electric can openerdelivers consistent results for cans of various sizes. with smooth operation. This dependableCuisinart can openeris built with a wide non-slip base for stability.
- Ideal for Seniors & Easy Handling: Designed as one of the most practicalcan openers for seniors, thiseasy can openereliminates the need for manual twisting. Theauto can opener function helps reduce strain, making it perfect for everyday use.
- Designed for Every Home Kitchen: Built for convenience, this home kitchen can openeris a must-havekitchen can opener for daily meal prep and cooking tasks. The durable design and simple controls make it aneasy can opener for any kitchen setup.
- Trusted Quality fromCuisinart: Known for innovative home and kitchen appliances and cookware, Cuisinart has been helping home cooks and professionals create exceptional meals with reliable performance and thoughtful design for decades.
6Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch (Classic) Best simple electric
The straightforward Smooth Touch — align the can, press the lever, and it opens all standard and pop-top cans hands-free, leaving a smooth, safe lid. No frills, just reliable one-hand operation from America’s best-selling can-opener brand. The pick for simple, dependable electric opening.
- ELIMINATES SHARP LID EDGES — This electric can opener cuts cans along the side for smooth, touchable lids;The lid can be re-used to store leftover canned food in the refrigerator
- OPENS POP-TOP AND REGULAR CANS: No need to struggle with or handle sharp and messy pop-top lids any longer; You get smooth lids when opening pop-top and regular cans with this automatic can opener
- EASILY OPEN CANS WITH ONE HAND: Designed with an easy-touch opening lever, this Hamilton Beach can opener easily opens cans with a light touch using one hand; Just align the can and lightly press the lever
- SLEEK CHROME AND BLACK DESIGN; The stylish design looks great on the countertop and complements any décor
- #1 BRAND IN CAN OPENERS IN THE U.S.*: Consumers love our can openers. We are the best-selling can opener brand in America.
Can openers: buyer’s guide & FAQ
Manual or electric can opener — which should I get?
What is a smooth-edge (side-cutting) can opener?
Why do cheap can openers stop working?
Are can openers dishwasher safe?
Which can opener is best for arthritis or weak hands?
More kitchen gear, ranked
I’ve spent years writing about and recommending the products people actually live with — the kitchen gear, home goods, and beauty finds that earn their place on a shelf. At Golden’s List I lead editorial across Home, Kitchen, Beauty, and Fitness, digging through reviews, specs, and real owner feedback to separate the genuinely great from the merely popular — and making sure every pick is in stock with a live price before it makes a list. Meet the whole team →