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Can openers are an essential part of every kitchen. Yet, from your dollar store find to high-end options at department stores, there are a lot of terrible can openers on the market. Fortunately, with a little bit of research, you can find the best can openers that are durable, sanitary, and simple to use.
We chose our top picks based on their track record of accurate cutting, reliable performance, and price. Most can openers also function as bottle cap openers; some even open large jars. Our favorite can opener is the OXO Steel Can Opener because of the oversize and rubberized knob that makes opening any can a breeze. If you're looking for a device that will serve a variety of purposes, the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener works with cans, vacuum-sealed jars, beer bottles, and more.
Best electric: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener — See at Amazon
Best value: Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener — See at Amazon
Best for camping: P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener — See at Amazon
Best overall
What sets the OXO SteeL Can Opener apart from the other models on this list is the large, soft turning knob. The large size makes it more ergonomic than other manual can openers, and the grips are helpful if you're operating the opener with wet hands, too. This is a top can opener for seniors or those with less hand strength.
The opener is made of sleek stainless steel. The blade is sharp and makes cutting easy to manage, and there is also a handy built-in bottle cap opener.
Best electric
The best electric can opener is a good option for those who need one that requires little effort. This one from Hamilton Beach operates with just the press of a button.
To operate, you just press the large ergonomic lever until the can has made a complete rotation. The magnet holds the can in place as it cuts along the sides instead of the top, so the lid won't fall into the food. The cut leaves smooth edges, and the blade of the opener, which can collect harmful microbes if you don't wash your cans, doesn't make contact with the food, either.
Best value
The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener opens pop-tops, cans, pull-tops, jars, and bottles. Like the Hamilton Beach model, this device is a side cutter that does not contact the can's contents. It's our pick for the best value can opener because it incorporates many tools in one gadget.
To use this opener, place the tool on top of the can with the two half circles lined up with the can's rim. Once you twist the knob, the opener will grip the lid and cut. You will feel less resistance after a full circle. Stop at this point and remove the top using the mini-pliers push button. If you try to do more than one revolution, you may get slivers or burrs of metal in your food.
Best for camping
Though it is not an official US Army-issued item, the P-38 and P-51 can openers have been used by our armed forces since they were first introduced in 1942. Nicknamed the "John Wayne" and manufactured by the US Shelby Co. in the United States, these can openers get their name for how long they are. The P-38 is 38 millimeters long, and the P-51 is 51 millimeters (or about 2 inches).
To open a can, rotate the cutting edge 90 degrees from the stowed position. Then, hold the can opener with the blade directed downward and rotate the can with your other hand as you cut the lid off.
The P-38 takes about twice as long to open cans as their cranking counterparts, and there appears to be a little bit of a learning curve and a need for elbow grease. Yet, once you get the hang of using this can opener, you'll appreciate its simple but useful design.
FAQs
How should I clean my can opener?
Keeping your can opener clean and free of rust is imperative as a dirty or rusty opener can create unsafe food conditions. We recommend wiping your can opener down with a cloth and hot water or vinegar to clean it. It is best practice to clean your can opener immediately after using it.
What should I look for in a can opener?
With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick a can opener that is both easy to use and good quality. First, we recommend assessing your kitchen counter space. If your counters are cramped, your best bet will be a manual can opener that can fit nicely into a utensil drawer. If you have more space and prefer a more hands-off approach, an electric can opener is a great option. Many can openers have multiple functions, such as being able to open jars and other items, so it can also be helpful to think about what you would like to use your can opener for before purchasing.
When using manual openers, a good grip ensures that you can open cans quickly and efficiently. The handle grips on your can opener should always be comfortable to use, even if you have to open several cans at once. So when looking to purchase a new can opener, make sure that the handle grips feel comfortable in your hands.
