Best Can Opener: 6 Manual & Electric Picks for 2026

The best can opener cuts cleanly every time with a comfortable grip, because a dull or awkward one skips, leaves sharp edges, and turns a five-second job into a fight. I replaced a rusty old opener that kept slipping and immediately wondered why I’d suffered so long. The choice comes down to manual versus electric, plus the cut style: a smooth-edge opener cuts the side seam so there are no sharp lids, while a traditional wheel cuts the top. The keys are clean cutting, a comfortable non-slip grip, durable stainless parts, and value. We ranked six can openers on all of that. Here’s the one to buy.

Last updated: August 16, 2026. Product availability re-checked.

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What to Look for in the Best Can Opener

Four things separate a can opener you’ll keep from one you’ll toss:

• Clean cutting. A sharp stainless cutting wheel that bites in on the first turn and cuts smoothly is the core job. Skipping or double-cutting means a dull or misaligned blade.
• Smooth-edge vs top-cut. Smooth-edge openers cut the side seam, leaving no sharp edges on the can or lid, which is safer. Traditional openers cut the top faster but leave a sharp rim.
• Comfortable grip. Soft, non-slip handles and an oversized turning knob reduce hand strain, which matters if you open cans often or have arthritis.
• Manual or electric. Manual openers are compact and reliable; electric ones open cans hands-free at the touch of a button. Pick for your needs and counter space.

1. OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener

This is the can opener I’d recommend to most people. The OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge easily opens cans without creating sharp edges on the can or lid, since it cuts the side seam rather than the top, so the lid lifts off safely and you can even reuse it as a cover. An oversized side-wind mechanism moves smoothly for easy turning, and OXO’s signature cushioned grip is comfortable even with wet hands. It’s the safest, most comfortable opener from a brand known for thoughtful tools. It costs more than basic openers and earns it. Between the no-sharp-edges cut, the smooth mechanism, and OXO’s comfort, I think it’s the clear starting point.

Pros:
– Smooth-edge cut, no sharp lids
– Lid lifts off safely and reusable
– Smooth oversized side-wind knob
– Comfortable cushioned grip
– Trusted OXO quality

Cons:
– Priciest on the list
– Side-cut takes a moment to learn

2. KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener

For the best value from a trusted brand, the KitchenAid Classic is my pick. It’s equipped with a durable, razor-sharp stainless steel cutting wheel for easy, smooth opening every time, and an oversized, easy-to-turn knob gives a secure grip so you can open cans without straining. As a multifunction tool it also works as a bottle opener, covering two jobs in one. KitchenAid’s reputation for solid kitchen gear carries over. It sits at a low price well below the OXO. If you want a dependable, sharp, comfortable manual opener from a familiar brand without spending much, this is the one I’d choose. The bottle-opener bonus is handy.

Pros:
– Razor-sharp stainless cutting wheel
– Oversized easy-turn knob
– Doubles as a bottle opener
– Trusted KitchenAid brand
– Great value

Cons:
– Top-cut leaves a sharp rim
– No lid-lifting magnet

3. Cuisinart Electric Can Opener

If you want hands-free opening, the Cuisinart Electric is my pick. Its easy one-touch operation opens cans with just the press of a button, and the automatic performance delivers consistent results without any twisting or gripping, which is a real help for anyone with arthritis or hand weakness. It handles cans of different sizes and shuts off on its own. Cuisinart is a trusted name in countertop appliances. It sits at a fair mid price. If you open a lot of cans, struggle with manual openers, or just want push-button convenience, this is the one I’d choose. The hands-free operation is genuinely valuable for accessibility.

Pros:
– One-touch hands-free operation
– Great for arthritis or hand weakness
– Consistent automatic results
– Handles various can sizes
– Trusted Cuisinart brand

Cons:
– Takes up counter space
– Needs an outlet

4. Beneno Heavy Duty Manual Can Opener

For a heavy-duty manual opener with a lid magnet, the Beneno is my pick. It uses a gear-driven cutting wheel for smooth, reliable cutting, and Beneno’s improvements add soft non-slip rubber on both the handle and turn knob for a comfortable, secure grip. A built-in magnet lifts the cut lid away so you don’t have to fish it out or touch the sharp edge. That combination of a comfortable grip and a lid magnet makes it genuinely user-friendly. It sits at a fair mid price. If you want a sturdy manual opener with a magnet and a comfortable grip, this is the one I’d point you to. The magnet is a small but appreciated touch.

Pros:
– Smooth gear-driven cutting
– Soft non-slip rubber grip
– Magnet lifts the lid safely
– Heavy-duty build
– Comfortable to turn

Cons:
– Top-cut leaves a sharp rim
– Lesser-known brand

5. Graceliving Heavy Duty Can Opener

The Graceliving is my budget pick and a lot of opener for under ten dollars. It’s built from rust-resistant INOXCORE stainless steel with precision gears and an ultra-sharp blade, and it’s lab-tested for 300-plus uses, rated three times more durable than standard openers. A built-in magnet handles the cut lid. Getting commercial-grade materials and a lid magnet at the lowest price here is the real draw. It’s a sturdy, no-nonsense everyday opener. If you want a durable, sharp can opener with a magnet for the least money, this is where I’d start. The durability rating is reassuring at this price.

Pros:
– Lowest price on the list
– Rust-resistant INOXCORE stainless
– Ultra-sharp blade and precision gears
– Lab-tested for 300+ uses
– Includes a lid magnet

Cons:
– Lesser-known brand
– Top-cut style

6. Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Can Opener

The Zulay Kitchen opener rounds out the list as a comfort-focused value pick. Its stainless steel blades are made to last and tested with rigorous quality controls, so you can count on clean cuts, and soft, slip-resistant handles give you control without the strain of a hard plastic grip. It’s a straightforward, sturdy manual opener from a brand known for affordable, well-made kitchen tools. At under ten dollars it’s one of the cheapest here. That comfortable grip plus durable blades is the appeal. If you want an easy-gripping, dependable can opener for a low price, this is the one I’d choose. The soft handles really do reduce hand fatigue.

Pros:
– Durable, quality-tested stainless blades
– Soft slip-resistant handles
– Comfortable, low-strain grip
– Trusted Zulay value brand
– Very affordable

Cons:
– Top-cut leaves a sharp rim
– No lid magnet

Which Can Opener Should You Buy?

For most people I’d start with the OXO Smooth Edge at #1: it cuts the side seam for no sharp edges, turns smoothly, and has OXO’s comfortable grip. Want a value manual, hands-free electric, or the lowest price? The KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Graceliving cover those. Whatever you pick, keep the cutting wheel clean and dry so it stays sharp and rust-free. For the rest of your kitchen tools, see our best colander and best mixing bowls guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smooth-edge can opener?

A smooth-edge, or side-cut, can opener cuts along the side seam of the can rather than the top lid. This leaves no sharp edges on either the can or the lid, so it’s safer to handle and the lid can often be pressed back on as a cover. The OXO here is a smooth-edge model.

Are manual or electric can openers better?

Manual openers are compact, reliable, need no power, and cost less, which suits most kitchens. Electric openers open cans hands-free at the push of a button, which is a big help for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength. Choose electric for accessibility and convenience, manual for simplicity.

How do you keep a can opener from rusting?

Wash it promptly, then dry it thoroughly rather than leaving it wet, since trapped moisture in the gears and blade causes rust. Rust-resistant stainless steel openers hold up best. Many are top-rack dishwasher safe, but hand washing and drying the cutting wheel extends the life of any opener.

Why does my can opener skip or not cut?

Usually the cutting wheel is dull, gunked up with dried food, or misaligned, so it doesn’t bite through the lid on the first turn. Clean the wheel and gears, make sure you’re clamping it fully onto the rim, and if it still skips, the blade is worn out and it’s time to replace the opener.