The 8 Best Can Openers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Other Options We Tested

• Swing-A-Way Easy-Crank Can Opener: This is a classic can opener with a large crank-style handle. Although the handle is convenient for neat cuts on cans, our tester noted that it's not as effective on smaller cans. It's a lot better suited for larger and bulk-sized cans.
  

How We Tested

We sent seven can openers to our experienced home chefs and product testers, who tried each out with different-sized cans containing dolmas, coconut milk, tuna, soda, and more, to determine which can openers are the very best. Each can opener was rated on design, performance, ease of use, cleaning, and overall value. Our testers then offered additional insights on each can opener's strengths and weaknesses.

What to Look for When Buying a Can Opener

By Sara Tane

Size

Most manual can openers are small enough to fit in a basic utensil drawer, making it a seamless addition to any home kitchen. Electric can openers are much larger—about the size of a box grater—so make sure you have enough cabinet or counter space to hold the device. What’s great about both manual and electric models is that regardless of the size of the device, it is still quite easy to open a can of any size.

If you want a small, compact device that you can use for camping or fishing, you can always look into a small cutter. While these can openers do not have the twisting feature that manual can openers have, they have a sharp edge that can easily pierce a can, and they use a gentle rocking motion that will cut through the rest of the lid. If you are opening a large can, it will take longer with a compact can opener. It’s not ideal for a home kitchen, but it's a great small item for situations where you’re extremely tight on space.

Ease of Use

The ease of use of a can opener mostly boils down to whether it’s manual or electric. If it’s manual, you will need to twist around the circumference of the can in order to release the lid. If it’s electric, you can simply place your can near the blade and watch the magic happen. One thing to note before purchasing a can opener is that most manual openers are designed for right-handed people. If you are left-handed, consider purchasing a model that’s designed for a lefty.

Price

A new can opener can run anywhere from $10 to $40, so understanding what you want out of this tool is important before buying one. For starters, manual can openers are typically much cheaper than electric. At an approachable $10, a basic manual can opener can last decades. However, if you want an electric model that takes the hassle out of twisting and potentially subjecting yourself to sharp tin blades, then paying a little bit more for these added features might be worth it. Because this kitchen gadget is such an affordable item, most models do not come with a warranty; however, you really shouldn’t need one.

Types of Can Openers

Manual

The most common type of a can opener is the classic manual version. With these models, the opener clasps onto the outside of a tin can, and by twisting a knob, you are able to slice through the circumference of the lid. Some models have metal handles and others have plastic, which is a little less durable. For added convenience, a lot of models are also equipped with a bottle opener. 

If you have sensitive wrists, this twisting action can be slightly difficult, even if the blade is super sharp and can easily slice through the lid without applying a ton of pressure. Two common complaints with manual openers are that sometimes the lid can fall into the can after it is cut off and that the edges of the lid can be sharp. To avoid slicing your hand on the rough, sharp edge of the lid, practice caution and use a butter knife to pop a lid off. You can also leave a small part of the lid attached to the can to act as a hinge.

Electric

If you want to avoid any twisting action, then an electric model is your best bet. Though an electric can opener is a bit larger than a manual one (it won’t fit in a utensil drawer, so plan to keep it in a cabinet or on your counter), it is definitely a huge perk to not have to fuss around with the latter. It electric opener will cost more than a manual one, but not so much that it would be an irresponsible purchase. Just like a manual opener, it can open cans of all sizes. Additionally, most electric models are built with a safety feature that uses pressure to remove the lid, which ensures the edges of the lid are sharp. It’s also worth noting that it will require an outlet and is a little bit more involved to clean because you need to be cautious of the plug and motor.

Wall-Mounted

If you’re especially tight on space, you can always save room inside your utensil drawer or cabinets by opting for a wall-mounted opener. Most wall-mounted models include all of the tools necessary to easily install the opener into your kitchen wall. A large crank operates the cutter, ensuring you have enough leverage to open cans of all sizes. It is not the most stylish kitchen accessory but is certainly a useful one, so if the overall aesthetic and look of your kitchen isn’t super important to you, this is a great, practical option.

Safety Can Opener

This category includes both electric or manual models. What makes an opener a “safety” can opener is if it offers features that ensure smooth edges on the lid (to avoid accidental cuts), and if it uses pressure to safely pop the lid off. Instead of cutting directly into the lid, the opener's metal wheel goes under the lid's outer edge, so that the entire top of the can safely lifts up and off.

Maintenance

The best way to maintain a can opener is to clean it after each use to prevent any risk of cross-contamination. Most manual can openers are not dishwasher safe, so rinse yours by hand with hot, soapy water and a sponge. Clean it dry with a kitchen towel. If you need to clean an electric model, ensure it is unplugged before cleaning, and use a warm, damp cloth, getting in the nooks and crannies to make sure nothing is left behind. Never submerge it in water. Should your can opener develop any rust, simply soak the gears in white vinegar overnight and use a small brush to scrub the rust away. Rinse it with hot water and dry thoroughly.

FAQs

Where should you store your can opener?

The style of can opener determines where you store it. A freestanding electric can opener needs counter space or perhaps cupboard room if you use it infrequently. Manual can openers often fit in a utensils drawer, but some may find a home in a countertop utensils holder or, if it has a stainless steel body, on a magnetic knife strip. To keep a can opener clean and sharp, store it away from food and moisture in a place that protects the cutting blade.

How do you sharpen a can opener?

Before you attempt to sharpen your can opener, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some companies advise against sharpening openers yourself, some styles have replaceable cutting blades, and some don’t even need oiling. Before sharpening, clean the opener by soaking the gears in vinegar and scrubbing away any rust, then wipe it with a little mineral oil. That may be enough to get the can opener working smoothly.

If it’s still dull, it may be possible to sharpen the cutting blade with a diamond file, bit of sandpaper, or even long strip of aluminum foil. Fold the sandpaper or foil several times until it is about as thick as a can lid, then run it through the gears for several full rotations. Test the can opener on a can, and repeat the process as needed until it penetrates a can lid easily.

Are can openers designed for right- and left-handed use?

Most manual can openers are designed for right-handed use. If some of your family members are left-handed, an electric opener or a one-handed manual opener that can be used with either hand may be the most versatile. Some openers are designed just for left-handed users, but they can be harder to find and more expensive than right-handed or ambidextrous models.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and published her first cookbook, "The Complete Guide to Pickling," in 2020. She reaches for a favorite opener every time she needs to pop open a jar of home-canned pickles, a bottle of home-pressed cider, or a can of store-bought black beans to mix with homemade salsa. Julie opened stacks of tin cans to personally test six of the can openers for this roundup.