A can opener is mandatory for every kitchen. Whether you’re a student living in a dorm, a world-class chef in a 5-star restaurant, or somewhere in between—you need the best can opener, an easy, reliable way to open a can. That’s about as basic as life gets. Why has something so simple as opening a can of food become such a challenge?

Bit of History

The year was 1810. Peter Durand took food preservation to new levels with his patenting of the tin can. Sadly, those first cans were so thick they had to be hammered open, eliminating all hopes of practicality for home use.

It took a few decades, but finally in 1858, just as our friend Peter was coming up with thinner cans, Ezra Warren patented the first can opener. As primitive as that first opener was, it worked! And that’s a lot more than we can say for most can openers 166 years later.

Severe Case of Angst

Can’t anyone make a can opener that’s easy to use, does a great job, and doesn’t turn into absolute junk in a matter of months? An opener that will latch on easily, twist smoothly, and give a clean, continuous cut every time? Is that too much to ask?

Perhaps you detect my severe case of angst when it comes to can openers. I’m pretty sure that through the years, I’ve owned all of them. Most work, at first. But then in what seems like no time, they begin to slip causing hits and misses. The gear parts rust causing the rotating parts to seize up. Is there anything more frustrating than a can opener that refuses to open a can?

Today, I bring you good news. Finally, I am confident that I have indeed found the best can openers in a number of categories, that are reliable—because they work well.

 

 

 

Best Inexpensive

It was EC Reader Tara, whose comment sent me back onto the Best Inexpensive Can Opener trail. I’d never heard of this brand, assuming it must be a Canadian or European item. With very little research I found it online.

Within 48 hours I had my own little Starfrit in hand and it’s been in my kitchen utensil drawer ever since. From the moment Starfrit landed in my kitchen, I have not used any other opener. It’s what I instinctively reach for.

Little Starfrit is lightweight, smooth, and easy to pick up and use. It’s mostly plastic—only the blade and its housing are metal. Operating Starfrit is effortless—it’s one smooth operator!

Tara tells us she’s had hers for 30 years and it’s still working like a champ. I can believe it. And here’s the best part: Starfrit is the least expensive of all options. This is the Best Inexpensive manual can opener out there. Available in  black, red, and white

 

Why we like it

• Super lightweight
• Sits on top of the can, separates the can’s lid from its body
• Smooth edges
• Fool-proof operation
• Left- and right-handed operation
• Holds lid securely until released
• The price!

With the Starfrit can opener, you’ll never have to touch another lid. Its Swiss-patented mechanism holds removed lids to prevent them from falling into the food, which makes this can opener both convenient and hygienic. Soft-grip handles and ambidextrous design mean it’s comfortable and easy to use for right and left-handed chefs alike.

 

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Best Heavy Duty

Here it is, the best heavy duty manual can opener made in the USA. With its vinyl-coated grips, it is simple and functional. It grips cans securely and cuts smoothly every time, producing a top with traditionally sharp edges. This model requires a bit of effort to run around the top of the can, but for most, the task is relatively easy. If you want a reliable economical can opener that is still made in the USA, EZ-DUZ-IT Manual Can Opener fills the bill.

Why we like it

• Heavy-duty can opener; made of heavy gauge chromed steel
• Features carbon steel cutting blade and thick rubberized deluxe handles for easy grip
• Gear-driven design allows for smooth, easy operation
• Made in the USA!
• Offers many years of service when washed by hand with warm soapy water.
  

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Best Electric

Hamilton Beach (76606ZA) Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener with Easy Push Down Lever, Opens All Standard-Size and Pop-Top Cans, Extra Tall, Black and Chrome

This smooth touch, electric can opener with the easy push-down lever, is ideal for anyone who enjoys a beautiful appliance sitting out on the counter, but especially for seniors with arthritic hands or other challenges that make a manual opener problematic.

Easy to operate, this opener opens all standard-size and pop-top cans. This Hamilton Beach Automatic Can Opener cuts along the side of the can, producing smooth, “touchable,” safe lids.

Why we like it

• Eliminates sharp lid edges: This electric can opener cuts cans along the sides for smooth, touchable lids.
• The price!
• A manually retractable cord.
• Opens pop-top and regular cans: No need to struggle with or handle sharp and messy pop-top lids any longer.
• Easily open cans with one hand, designed with an easy-touch opening lever makes this the perfect option for anyone with physical challenges or conditions.
• Sleek chrome and black design: the stylish design of the Hamilton Beach can opener looks great on the countertop and complements any décor.
• 1-year warranty, provided you never put any part of it in the dishwasher!

 

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Best Luxury Safety

This beautiful stainless steel manual luxury model can opener sits on top of the can, rather than the more traditional “hanging” from the side approach of other can openers. In this way, the can opener separates the lid from its body, so there are no sharp edges.

The beautiful Rosle Safety Can Opener with pliers-style grips is smooth and feels great in the hand. Super smooth operation! Wow! And the lid, once removed from the can, can be re-used to store the can’s contents. Gorgeous!

Why we like it

• Made of durable and hygienic 18/10 Stainless Steel
• Easy positioning pliers that grip onto the top of the can, lift the lid from the can so your hands never come into contact with the food.
• Suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
• Ergonomically shaped thumbscrew for smooth and effortless turning
• Safe, lateral cutting wheel which avoids sharp edges along the rim and lid of the can by separating it from the can.
• Can lid can be reused to store the can’s contents.
• 20-year warranty with Rosle, when washed by hand!

 

Published 1-25-23; Updated and Republished: 1-15-24

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