The 10 Best Can Openers of 2026: Electric & Manual, Tested and Reviewed

A reliable can opener is one of the most-used tools in any kitchen, yet it is easy to overlook until you are wrestling with a slipping blade or a dangerously sharp lid edge. After cross-referencing recommendations from Wirecutter ^[1], Food Network Kitchen ^[2], Good Housekeeping ^[3], Serious Eats ^[4], and America's Test Kitchen ^[6], we compiled the definitive list of the 10 best can openers of 2026 - covering manual, electric, safe-cut, and under-cabinet solutions for every household type. Standouts include OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener for all-around excellence, Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener with Easy Push Down Le for one-touch electric convenience, and EZ-DUZ-IT 3028 Deluxe Can Opener with Grips, Black for buyers who want unbeatable durability on a tight budget.

The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter/Can Opener with Ring Pull, 8 x 2.5 x 2.75 inche slices along the outer seam of the lid rather than cutting through the metal top, leaving both the can and the lid completely touch-safe ^[3]. Wirecutter has praised this side-cutting approach as the safest design available in a manual can opener, specifically recommending it for households with young children ^[1]. At $24.00, it asks a modest premium over traditional openers but delivers meaningful safety improvements that matter every single day.

At $39.95, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener with Easy Push Down Le delivers single-touch operation and a smooth-edge cut that rivals openers costing twice as much ^[4]. Serious Eats testers noted its ability to handle standard, large, and slightly irregular cans without adjustment or repositioning ^[4]. The removable cutting assembly goes directly into the dishwasher - a practical hygiene advantage that hand-wash-only manual openers simply cannot match.

The Black & Decker CO100WM SpaceMaker Under-the-Cabinet Can Opener - White permanently mounts beneath cabinets, keeping countertops completely clear - a major daily advantage in galley kitchens and compact apartment setups ^[2]. Food Network Kitchen recommends under-cabinet openers specifically for frequent cooks who prioritize an uncluttered workspace ^[2]. Its $164.75 price is substantially higher than the other openers on this list, but for buyers committed to the under-cabinet lifestyle, the investment pays off in long-term usability.

The EZ-DUZ-IT 3028 Deluxe Can Opener with Grips, Black has been a commercial kitchen staple for generations, valued for all-steel construction that shrugs off the wear that destroys cheaper openers within months ^[6]. America's Test Kitchen has repeatedly highlighted it as the strongest budget performer in its category, noting that its gear action rivals openers costing three times as much ^[6]. At $14.43, it is the most cost-effective quality opener available - the right choice for anyone who wants a no-frills tool that simply works every time.

The Swing-A-Way Comfort Comfort Grip Can Opener - All-Steel Construction, Smooth - E has been a kitchen staple since the 1930s, and its longevity reflects genuine quality rather than marketing nostalgia ^[5]. Consumer Reports testing consistently shows Swing-A-Way cutting wheels retaining their sharpness longer than many modern competitors - a key advantage for buyers who resent replacing tools ^[5]. At $16.07, it is an excellent backup opener, a dependable primary tool, and one of the most practical kitchen gifts you can give.

The KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener and Bottle Opener Easy to Use, Razor stands out among manual openers for combining a can opener, bottle opener, and jar grip in one streamlined package - eliminating three separate drawer tools ^[3]. Good Housekeeping Institute testers appreciated its heavier, more premium feel compared to cheaper all-plastic manual openers, noting that the lid magnet adds a meaningful layer of convenience during cleanup ^[3]. At $13.69, it is surprisingly affordable given the KitchenAid brand reputation and the breadth of daily utility it provides.

The Cuisinart CCO-55 Deluxe, Chrome Electric Can Opener, Silver is the most feature-rich electric opener under $25, adding a built-in knife sharpener and bottle opener to its core can-opening function - essentially replacing three separate counter tools ^[4]. Serious Eats reviewers found its chrome housing durable and easy to wipe clean, and specifically highlighted the removable cutting lever as a practical hygiene advantage that most competitors lack at this price ^[4]. For buyers who want a real electric opener without spending $40 or more, the Cuisinart CCO-55 is the clear answer.

Recommended by the Arthritis Foundation for kitchen accessibility, the Hamilton Beach Walk 'n Cut Electric Can Opener for Kitchen, Use On Any Size, Aut requires no twisting, squeezing, or manual guidance - simply place it on the can rim and press the button ^[7]. Its automatic stop feature prevents accidents and eliminates the risk of the lid dropping into food, making it one of the safest electric options for users with limited dexterity or grip strength ^[7]. At $32.31, it fills a specific and underserved niche in accessible kitchen tools extremely well.

The Zyliss Lock N' Lift Manual Can Opener with Lid Lifter Magnet - Heavy-Duty & Hand solves one of the most consistent can-opening frustrations: the lid plunging into the food the moment the cut completes. Its integrated magnet grabs the lid immediately upon release, keeping it entirely clear of the can contents ^[3]. Reviewed.com named it among the best compact safety openers available, specifically citing its combination of smooth-edge cutting, magnetic lid capture, and foldable storage as uniquely practical for everyday kitchen use ^[8]. At $24.95, it is excellent value for a feature-rich safety opener.

The OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener tops the rankings at Wirecutter, Serious Eats, and Good Housekeeping simultaneously - a rare convergence that speaks to genuine, category-defining quality ^[1]. Its smooth-edge cutting wheel slices along the side of the lid rather than through the top, leaving zero sharp edges on either the can or the lid - a meaningful safety upgrade over traditional openers that most households will appreciate immediately ^[4]. The ergonomic soft-grip handles are specifically designed to reduce hand fatigue across grip strengths, and OXO's stainless-steel mechanism is built to outlast most kitchen renovations ^[3]. At $24.95, the OXO Smooth Edge represents the strongest combination of safety, comfort, and durability available in a manual can opener today.