Buying guide for best electric can openers
Electric can openers have become increasingly popular in kitchens because they open cans quickly and safely without requiring much effort. Compared to manual can openers, many electric models eliminate any jagged or sharp metal edges and so produce an opened can that’s safer to handle. They deliver more consistent results because the devices are easier to use and harder to misuse than manual openers.
An electric can opener is a handy tool for cooks who need to open many cans at once. This time-saving appliance is a smart investment for anyone who has difficulty using a manual can opener, such as those with arthritis or other conditions that limit mobility.
We’ve selected the top electric can openers based on their ability to open cans of different sizes and styles, ease of operation and cleaning as well as durability of the components. As a notably versatile kitchen appliance, some models also come with attractive extras such as a built-in bottle opener or knife sharpener, which adds to the overall value of the appliance.
Our top pick is the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener, which combines durability, valuable safety features and a sleek appearance. We also tested the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener and found its unique design to be the ideal option for a small kitchen or on-the-go use.
Best electric can openers
A sleek, modern design and unmatched ease of use come together in this automatic can opener from Hamilton Beach. Its trademark Smooth Touch technology eliminates any jagged edges or leftover metal shavings from the opened can. This not only leaves a safer can but also greatly reduces the risk of cuts or injuries. This appliance starts and stops automatically when the can is engaged and the top lever is pressed. We found the can opener’s operation to be intuitive and easy on the hands.
At only 5 inches wide and 9 inches tall, this device won’t take up too much counter space, making it ideal for kitchens that are small or have limited free space. Overall, this model takes our top spot for its reliability, user-friendly operation, compact size and safety-minded design.
Cuisinart’s Deluxe Electric Can Opener is a simple yet stylish option that comes at a great price. One of the standout features of this model is its powerful motor, which can handle most cans with ease. Thanks to the durable power-cut blade, this model quickly and precisely opens cans without leaving a dangerous jagged edge. A magnetic lid holder keeps the loose lid from making a mess on your counter. This model’s height of nearly 11 inches means it works on nearly any can. We like the added convenience of the retractable cord, which makes this model especially easy to store.
Measuring 10.24 inches high, this striking red Hamilton Beach can opener can tackle taller cans. The SureCut technology aligns cans with the sharp and precise cutting blade, removing lids efficiently and safely without much effort from the user. The automatic shutoff is great for when you’re multitasking in the kitchen. The dishwasher-safe cutting unit is removable, which makes it easy to clean. This can opener also includes a built-in knife sharpener, eliminating the need for yet another tool. Cord storage in the back of the unit makes this model small-space friendly.
A simple and effective design makes this electric can opener great for budget-minded buyers. Amazon Basics proves its ability to compete with the functionality of more expensive models. It features an impressive stainless steel blade mechanism that smoothly and safely opens cans. This appliance is ideal for kitchens with limited space. It boasts a sturdy, nonslip base, automatic shutoff and a magnetic lid holder that keeps your hands free while you’re busy in the kitchen. Measuring just over 8 inches high, this model can only open standard-size or smaller cans.
The smallest option on our list, this battery-operated can opener is great for use on the go. Bring it along while camping or store it away in a drawer. Designed to comfortably fit in the hand, the Kitchen Mama option attaches to the top of a can and does all the work for you at the press of a button.
In our testing, we found this can opener smoothly opens cans and does not leave a dangerous jagged edge. While many electric can openers sit on a counter and require a power outlet, this model is cordless and portable. We like this opener for its unique portability, hands-free operation and compact design. Note that it runs on four AA batteries, which are not included.
The Belle Electric Can Opener quickly opens cans, but unlike many other models, you can choose from seven colors to complement your kitchen décor. Simple and straightforward to use, this can opener is activated by pressing a lever on top of the unit and automatically shuts off when the can is fully open. The housing is easy to wipe down, and the cutting blade is removable for deeper cleaning. This multifunctional appliance also has a knife sharpener built into the back. This model is 7.87 inches high, best for opening small or standard-size cans.
This extra-tall Black + Decker can opener is not only a powerful countertop appliance, but it’s also a tool that tackles multiple needs in the kitchen. In addition to a built-in knife sharpener, an included bottle opener slides into a slot in the back of the unit. The one-touch lever is easy and intuitive to activate, and a sharp blade efficiently opens cans with precision. Measuring 10 inches high, this model has a wide nonslip base and works for small, medium and tall cans.
How we tested
We kept the following considerations in mind when testing the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener.
Safety features
- Blade precision: We paid close attention to any sharp or jagged edges or metal shavings left by the cutting blade. Some models are designed with safety in mind and eliminate any sharp edges completely.
- Hands-free functionality: Sharp blades near the hands can pose a risk for injury, while hands-free operation keeps fingers safely clear of danger.
Ease of use
- Intuitive design: We evaluated whether the user needs additional instructions when using the can opener for the first time and how well the device performs without much manipulation by the user.
- Ergonomic design: Electric can openers are especially useful for seniors or those with arthritis, injuries or other conditions that affect mobility. We noted whether the can opener fits comfortably in the hands and is activated without strain.
- Minimal clean-up: Magnetic lid holders and smooth housing can lessen the possibility of spills or messes. We determined whether the can opener operates cleanly and is easy to sanitize after use.
Multifunctional appliance
- Compatibility: Aluminum cans come in many shapes and sizes, so we noted whether the model could tackle a wide range of can styles.
- Built-in additional features: Many electric can opener models have a built-in knife sharpener or bottle opener, eliminating the need for more than one kitchen tool.
What to know before buying an electric can opener
Selecting the right can opener for your kitchen might seem like a simple task, but there are a few questions to answer before you buy one.
Placement
There are two choices with most electric can openers: you can mount the appliance under a cabinet, or you can leave it on the counter as a freestanding unit. Under-cabinet can openers save space, but unless you have the type that folds out, you might be restricted to cans of a certain height due to clearance issues. Freestanding can openers offer the freedom to place them wherever, but they take up counter space, can get lost among other appliances or wind up in the back of a kitchen pantry or closet.
Lid removal
Many electric can openers have a magnet that grabs the lid of the can and holds it once the job is done. The cut lid can have a jagged edge, which makes it dangerous to handle. A far more useful option is a smooth-edge can opener that cuts the lid in such a way that it can snap back onto the can, allowing it to seal up leftovers and unused contents.
Power
Electric can openers have a motor that enables the appliance to rotate and cut the can. But not all of them need to be plugged into a wall. A wide range of portable can openers run on battery power. If you choose one of these, make sure you have spare batteries on hand.
Tall cans
If you tend to buy lots of tall cans, check the measurement from the magnet that holds the lid in place to the base. You might have trouble opening cans taller than that distance. Yes, you could try positioning the can opener on the edge of the counter, with the can hanging over the side, but the end result could be messy and inconvenient.
Tips for keeping your electric can opener clean
- Never immerse an electric can opener in water. Be sure to unplug the device before cleaning it.
- Use warm soapy water and a sponge to clean your can opener between uses.
- Remove the cutting wheel and lid holder for cleaning. Clean these parts occasionally by soaking them in hot sudsy water.
- Remove caked-on food with a toothbrush and warm soapy water.
FAQ
Q. How much can I expect to spend on an electric can opener?
A. You shouldn’t have to spend more than $20 to $35 for a good-quality electric can opener. There are many choices in this range, including battery-operated models. Beyond the basic style, you can also find some extra-tall models that are able to open large as well as small cans. In addition, many models in this price range include extras like a knife sharpener or bottle opener.
Q. When was the first electric can opener developed?
A. The first patent granted for an electric can opener was to Preston Westin in 1931, but the device wasn’t common in American kitchens until the late 1950s.
Q. What is the slot in the back of my electric can opener?
A. The slot in the back is for sharpening knives. Just run the blade of the knife through the slot a few times.
