Best Can Openers

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Canned food has an excellent shelf-life, and we can all benefit from storing things like beans, fruit, and other items in our cupboards. Many tin manufacturers have shifted to a simple ring-pull design for the lids, which greatly improves accessibility. However, plenty still has the traditional sealed top that requires force and cutting to prise open. Enter the trusty can opener. Where would we be without these superb appliances? These tools make short work of tin lids, and we have hand-picked seven of the best options for your benefit below.

How We Compared Can Openers

To find the right can openers, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Mechanism
• Size
• Style
• Maintenance

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Can Opener Reviews

Kenwood CAP70.A0WH (Editor’s Choice)

The 3-in-1 functionality of this device makes it a brilliant can opener and a versatile tool for your kitchen. It has an electric cutting feature, a removable bottle opener at the base of the unit, and a manual knife sharpener on the rear.

The Kenwood CAP70.A0WH Can Opener looks excellent and is finished with a brilliant white casing that should fit any kitchen decor. Additionally, the electric system cuts through tin lids and has an automatic start and stop feature for improved safety.

We like that the blade is simple to remove, too – this enables you to replace it if dull and clean it quickly. Plus, the mechanism has a magnet inside, so the lid stays in place safely while you remove the can from underneath.

RÖSLE 12757 (Luxury Choice)

If you want a durable product that will last a lifetime, the solid stainless steel build of this device is ideal. It feels well-built, and all the parts are made from the same materials, including the handles, clamp, and turning knob.

The RÖSLE 12757 Can Opener has dual chunky handles and is thus easy to grip. It is complemented by the curved twisting knob, which enables you to apply as much force as needed to open your tins. There is also a hanging loop, so you can secure it to a utensil rack.

Alternatively, it is just 7-inches long and thus could easily fit into your kitchen drawers. Once you have cut the lid, the device includes a useful clamp to remove the lid safely. Additionally, the metal surfaces are simple to clean with a damp cloth.

Lantana 2-in-1 Safety (Best Value)

The stylish, ergonomic body and brilliant functionality of this can opener give you a device that looks great but is also fit for purpose. It’s made from a combination of stainless steel and plastic and has a matte black finish that adds a contemporary look to your utensil range.

The Lantana Can Opener benefits from a clever opening mechanism. It cuts in such a way that there should be no sharp edges while also removing the lid safely. The blade also has a durable metal guard to prevent accidental injuries from slips.

In terms of size, it can comfortably fit inside a kitchen drawer, but there is a hanging loop if you want it more visible. Aside from the main can function, the end is equipped with a bottle opener, improving this device’s usability.

Kitchen Mama Electric (Best for Practicality)

The small, handheld design of this electric device is highly practical and allows you to operate it one-handed. To power the automatic mechanism, it requires 4x AA batteries, so there is no mess and potential trip hazards from trailing cables.

The Kitchen Mama Electric Tin Opener has an upgraded V2 blade that cuts through virtually any can shape. We like the simple operation too – clamp it into the item and press the start button on top. For safety, the blade works in such a way that it gives a clean cut to prevent injuries.

If you want to match your other appliances and utensils, this device is available in ten vibrant colour options. It should also easily fit inside your kitchen drawers due to its compact size.

OXO Smooth Edge (Best for Ergonomics)

If you have hand problems or struggle to maintain a tight grip, the smooth, ergonomic handle of this device is perfect. It is chunky and shaped in a way that gives you a superior hold – regardless of your strength. Moreover, the turning knob is large too and simple to twist.

The OXO Can Opener is made from stainless steel, nylon, and polypropylene and is finished in a sleek black colour. It looks great and can fit comfortably in most kitchen drawers.

For cutting, it works in such a way that no sharp edges are left. Moreover, it trims from the side and has lid pliers that allow you to safely remove the lid without it getting dipped in the food contents. Additionally, the hardened blades should have excellent longevity.

Morphy Richards 46718 (Best for Sturdiness)

The sturdy design and robust chassis of this electric model are ideal if you regularly use tins and want something to keep out on your kitchen worktop. Despite the robustness, it has dishwasher-safe parts, and the black exterior can be cleaned easily by wiping.

The Morphy Richards 46718 Can Opener has multiple functionalities. Additionally, a removable top also works as a jar opener and another detachable part that can be used to prise ring pulls.

We like the simple operation of the electric can opener – just place the tin underneath the unit and press down on the lever. It is held in place and rotates automatically until finished.

Leifheit Safety Pro (Best Design)

This is an excellent option if you want a can opener that looks fantastic and has a simple, no-fuss operation. For cutting, it benefits from a traditional twisting knob and cog that latches onto the tin. With the single handle, you can operate it one-handed too.

The Leifheit Safety Pro Can Opener combines stainless steel and black plastic, making it durable and long-lasting. Moreover, it is compact for easy storage, but there is also a loop hook on the end of the handle if you want to hang it from a wall.

The way that the item cuts means that there should be no sharp edges left on your cans. It trims from the side and allows the lid to come away freely without getting dipped into the contents of your tins.

How to Choose a Can Opener

While all these devices do exactly the same thing, there is a mind-boggling array of different designs and mechanisms. As a result, choosing the best can opener can be tricky. If you are struggling, don’t worry – we have listed the main consideration in the below-buying guide.

Mechanism

The first thing to consider is the mechanism. Traditionally there are two types of can opener – electric or manual and both have their pros and cons.

Electric models use a powered motor and gears combined with a cutting blade to prise open lids without any manual effort. The benefit is that you do not need to use your hands and potentially hurt yourself. On the downside, these products are usually much larger and require more space in your kitchen. Furthermore, you have to operate them near a power outlet.

In contrast, manual can openers typically have a twisting mechanic that you turn with your hands. This grinds the blade or cog and thus cuts the lid. These are much simpler to use and often quicker. However, they can be more dangerous and might not be practical for those with conditions like arthritis.

Size

Next, look at the size of the can opener and what storage space you have in your kitchen. Usually, manual devices are much smaller and more convenient. Therefore, you can place them inside your drawers when not in use.

In contrast, electrical products often have a free-standing tabletop design. As a result, they usually need to be stored upright, thus taking up much more room. You may not be able to fit these items in a cupboard and instead might have to keep them on your worktops. Consider if you have space for such a device or if a smaller object would be better suited.

Style

The style of your instruments is also something to look at. Perhaps you like a particular colour of the appliance, or you like them to have a certain finish, like metal. Therefore, look at the can openers and see which ones appeal to you visually and would complement your existing utensils.

Maintenance

Lastly, how easy is the can opener to clean and maintain? Both manual and electric models can have fiddly parts and gears that are difficult to wipe properly. Furthermore, cleaning the powered items could be tricky due to the electrical components. Think about the design of the appliance and how quickly and conveniently you think you could maintain it.

Summary

Our top pick is the Kenwood CAP70.A0WH due to its versatility, excellent electrical cutting, and 3-in-1 functionality. Not only is this a can opener, but it also has a knife sharpener on the rear as well as a bottle opener insert that slides out from the base. The mechanism has automatic start-stop features for prising open tins, which are much safer. Additionally, the blade is removable, and this is easy to clean and replace if dull. We also like the magnet fitted into the device that keeps the lid in place once removed so you can safely dispose of it.