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Many seniors experience the effects of arthritis or other age-related conditions in their hands. Symptoms include a loss of strength and dexterity along with difficulty in gripping or grasping objects. The best can opener for seniors’ arthritic hands minimizes the requirements for strong pressure and precise manipulation.
This guide investigates automatic and ergonomic can openers that help ensure seniors’ safety and self-reliance in the kitchen. Keep reading to discover the best can openers for seniors; this list includes electric and non-electric models with helpful features for older cooks.
- BEST OVERALL: Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics Electric Can Opener
- BEST HANDHELD MANUAL: Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener with Lid Lifter Magnet
- BEST COUNTERTOP ELECTRIC: Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Can Opener
- BEST HANDHELD ELECTRIC: Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener
- BEST ERGONOMIC GRIP: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
- BEST SMOOTH EDGE: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
- BEST DISHWASHER-SAFE: Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener
How We Chose the Best Can Openers for Seniors
To help bolster our research for our top recommendations, we reached out to Dr. Logan DuBose, the co-founder of Olera Care, a nationwide community platform for connecting family caregivers to service providers in the senior care industry, funded by the National Institute on Aging. He says, “The aging process inevitably alters dexterity, grip strength, and fine motor skills. Arthritis, a common condition for older adults, often leads to hand stiffness and discomfort, presenting challenges in manipulating intricate objects like traditional can openers.”
He goes on to say that it’s important to prioritize both ease of use and safety when selecting kitchen tools for seniors. “Exploring devices designed to be less demanding for individuals with limited hand function, such as electric can openers, can significantly enhance their kitchen experience.” With this expert advice in mind, we made sure to include can openers that are suitable options, focusing on quality, durability, and ease of use.
Next, we read the product descriptions for more than 15 can openers. Because seniors have a variety of needs and preferences, we looked for various types of can openers, including electric models for kitchen countertops as well as handheld battery-operated units. Additionally, we investigated non-electric, manual models that offer ergonomically designed gripping surfaces for comfortable manipulation.
Our Top Picks
In this list, we recommend some of the best can openers on the market, with special attention to features that aid seniors, such as ergonomic design. We include automatic and manual operating mechanisms manufactured by well-known, reliable brands.
Best Overall
Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 9.75 inches high by 4.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- One-touch operation for complete hands-free use
- Power Cut blade provides effective cutting power
- Stainless steel construction provides long-term use and durability
- Removable arm integrated for very easy cleanup
Cons
- Requires electricity from a standard outlet
- Will not operate during a power outage
The trademarked Cuisinart Power Cut blade makes quick, clean work of removing lids from standard-size cans. This countertop electric can opener offers one-touch operation. A strong magnet secures the lid of any standard-size can. Moreover, the appliance has an extra-wide base to prevent tipping over.
Made from brushed stainless steel in a sleek design, this can opener looks attractive on a countertop. The activation arm is designed for easy removal, making cleanup a cinch. All parts of this appliance are free from bisphenol A, a potentially harmful chemical.
Get the Cuisinart can opener at Amazon, Walmart, or Cuisinart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Amazon Basics Electric Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 8.04 inches high by 4.4 inches wide by 4.4 inches deep
- Weight: 2.03 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel blade with stainless steel and plastic body
Pros
- Stainless steel blade provides effective and long-term use
- Wide, nonslip base keeps the unit in place while in use; will not rotate or fall during operation
- Magnetic lid lifter keeps both the can and lid separate after cutting
- Automatic stop, on-off, and release/locking mechanisms
Cons
- Requires electricity from a standard outlet
- Not tall enough for large cans
For an easy-to-use and effective can opener for a senior cook’s kitchen at a budget price, this countertop electric model from Amazon Basics has a stainless steel blade that cuts smoothly through standard-size can lids without snagging. The strong magnet secures the lid to prevent it from falling into the can.
The sleek design of this appliance is made of stainless steel and black plastic to blend with most kitchen decor. Its wide base with a nonslip coating helps prevent tipping or sliding during operation.
This can opener features automatic safety systems, including auto-stop, on-off, and release-locking mechanisms.
Get the Amazon Basics can opener at Amazon.
Best Handheld Manual
Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener with Lid Lifter Magnet
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7 inches long
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel blade with nylon and thermoplastic elastomers body
Pros
- Large turning handle with a soft touch construction provides comfortable grip
- Magnet locks onto the can and holds it in place, and the easy-release button releases the lid
- Comes in several colors to suit the multiple preferences
Cons
- Requires hand operation; may not be ideal for those who have arthritis
A handheld, manual can opener that requires no electricity or batteries, this model from Zyliss operates efficiently on cans of all sizes.
The turning handle is coated with a soft, easy-to-grip material that provides comfortable operation for seniors with arthritic hands. The turning handle is large enough to facilitate ease of use by those who cannot grip small objects due to arthritis pain and stiffness.
The lock-and-lift mechanism locks the can opener on the can. When the lid is fully disengaged, the magnet lifts the lid from the can. Then, the user presses the release button so the lid can fall into a trash can. As an added bonus, this can opener comes in several colors to suit the preferences of many different users.
Get the Zyliss can opener at Amazon or Zyliss.
Best Countertop Electric
Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 10.2 inches high by 4.67 inches wide by 5.01 inches deep
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel blade with metal and plastic body
Pros
- One-touch operation for complete hands-free use
- Side-cutting action eliminates sharp edges on the can lid to prevent injury
- Stainless steel blade for long-term and effective use
- Magnet action secures the lid before the user disposes of it
Cons
- Requires electricity from a standard outlet
- Will not operate during a power outage
This BPA-free countertop electric can opener from Hamilton Beach presents a realistic can-opening solution for seniors who have arthritis. It features one-hand operation and requires minimal strength. To promote safe operation, this can opener eliminates sharp edges by cutting along the sides of cans to disengage the lid with edges that are smooth, not sharp.
The side-cutting mechanism reduces the blade’s contact with food. The lid remains in contact with the can until the lid is lifted off, minimizing leakage from the can.
Get the Hamilton Beach can opener at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Handheld Electric
Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 8.54 inches long by 4.33 inches wide by 2.72 inches deep
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel blade with metal components
Pros
- Battery power facilitates operation during a power outage
- Compact construction makes it easy to store in kitchen drawers
- Side-cutting action to eliminate sharp edges on the can; prevents injury
- Easy-to-use push-button operation
Cons
- Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
For older cooks who don’t want to clutter their countertop, this Kitchen Mama battery-powered can opener is compact, portable, and easy to use. It can be stored neatly in a drawer or cabinet.
Operating on four AA batteries, this handheld model doesn’t have a handle. At the touch of a button, the stainless steel blade cuts along the side of the can slightly below the lid. Hit the button once to start the cutting action. After the blade completes one rotation around the can, push the button again to stop.
The side-cutting action prevents sharp edges on the detached lid. Moreover, the broad, rounded surfaces provide an ergonomically correct user experience for seniors with arthritis.
Get the Kitchen Mama can opener at Amazon, Walmart, or Kitchen Mama.
Best Ergonomic Grip
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7 inches long by 3 inches wide by 2 inches deep
- Weight: 0.55 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel blade with plastic body
Pros
- Large cushioned handles provide comfort and grip while in use
- The oversize turning knob is easy to grab onto
- The stainless steel rotary cutting wheel is durable and long-lasting
- Built-in bottle opener provides added versatility and convenience
Cons
- Manual operation; may not be ideal for some users
- Doesn’t eliminate sharp edges on the lid
This OXO Good Grips soft-handled can opener is designed for ergonomic use by those with arthritic hands. The oversize turning knob helps eliminate the problem of grasping a small object. Moreover, the handles are large and cushioned to facilitate easy gripping.
Simply squeeze the handles together to lock the blade onto the top of a can. Then, hold the handles with one hand and turn the oversized knob with the other hand. After one rotation around the can, release the detached lid. This can opener doesn’t have a magnet to hold the lid.
The sharp cutting wheel is made of stainless steel, while other parts are stainless steel and plastic. Plus, it has
. OXO recommends hand-washing the can opener.
Get the OXO Good Grips soft-handled can opener at Amazon or Wayfair.
Best Smooth Edge
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 7.5 inches long by 4.5 inches wide by 2.25 inches deep
- Weight: 0.91 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel blade with plastic body
Pros
- Leaves smooth edges on can lids to prevent injury upon disposal
- Lid pliers integrated for hands-free removal
- Easy-to-grasp turning knob and handles provide comfort while in use
Cons
- Manual operation; may not be ideal for some users
While traditional can openers leave sharp edges on can lids, OXO’s patented side-wind mechanism features a side-cutting action that results in smooth edges.
This can opener doesn’t have a magnet to hold the can lid; instead, the opener features pliers to lift the lid from the can for hands-free lid disposal.
OXO Good Grips has a reputation for producing ergonomically designed kitchen implements that minimize stress on cooks’ hands. The large turning knob is easy to grasp, even for users with arthritis. Additionally, the handles are wide and rounded to present an easy-gripping surface.
Get the OXO Good Grips smooth edge can opener at Amazon, Walmart, or OXO.
Best Dishwasher-Safe
Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 10.24 inches high by 5.12 inches wide by 6.9 inches deep
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
- Material: Aluminum and plastic
Pros
- Comes with SureCut technology for complete hands-free use; automatically shuts off when it is done cutting
- The aluminum cutting unit is detachable and dishwasher-safe
- Works for both small and large cans with its extra-tall construction
- Comes with cord storage and a small knife sharpener at the back of the unit
Cons
- Some users report that the plastic parts of the unit are slippery and provide little durability
Most electric can openers cannot offer the convenience of being dishwasher-safe. This option from Hamilton Beach, however, can. Made with aluminum and plastic, this can opener works with SureCut technology, which provides hands-free use, and the aluminum cutting unit is completely dishwasher-safe.
For added user-friendliness, this can opener can accommodate small and large cans with its extra-tall design and automatically shuts off when cutting is complete. It comes with cord storage at the back of the unit, and it even has a small built-in knife sharpener. Finally, this can opener comes in either black or red to meet multiple users’ preferences.
Get the Hamilton Beach can opener at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Can Opener for Seniors
To find suitable can openers for seniors, shoppers may want to consider several factors. Based on individual needs and preferences, it might be advantageous to select an automatic device that runs on the household electrical current or on batteries. Alternatively, manufacturers offer nonautomatic can openers that provide ergonomically designed features for users with arthritic hands. Ahead, find a summary of relevant shopping considerations.
Manual vs. Automatic
When arthritis or other health conditions cause pain, stiffness, and a loss of strength in the hands, seniors often struggle to perform daily tasks. Although opening cans often presents challenges, several types of can openers make the job easier for seniors.
Automatic electric can openers that operate on standard household current or batteries minimize the need for gripping and manipulating the implements by hand. Many automatic countertop can openers feature a one-touch operating procedure activated by light pressure on a lever. Some handheld can openers use batteries.
Other handheld, nonautomatic can openers exhibit special features to accommodate seniors’ needs. The best manual can openers offer cushioned handles and oversized turning knobs to facilitate use by seniors with arthritic hands.
Oversized Features and Ergonomic Design
Many people notice a significant decline in manual dexterity and gripping strength as they age. They may find it difficult to exert pressure through their hands, grasp small objects, or make small, manipulative actions. A can opener with ergonomically designed features offers a suitable solution for seniors who have trouble operating a regular can opener.
Ergonomically designed can openers feature broad, rounded edges for easy grasping. Their turning knobs are large, and their handles are cushioned and coated with nonslip material for easy gripping.
Minimum-Touch Requirements
Many openers offer one-touch operation, which users activate by exerting downward pressure on a lever. Release the lever to stop the device.
Many can openers solve the additional problem of grasping and disposing of the detached can lids by incorporating a magnet that holds the lid in place until it’s removed. Some models release the lid with the touch of a button, while others have small attached pliers for lid removal.
Safety
Safety is an important factor when selecting any kitchen utensil or implement. In can openers, the sharp edges on the detached lids of the cans present a safety hazard. To alleviate this problem, some can openers include strong magnets that hold the lids until the user releases them. Magnets appear on both automatic and manually operated can openers. Because they remove the need to touch the detached lids, push-button releases and built-in pliers are safer.
Some can openers eliminate the problem of sharp edges with a side-cutting action. The rotary cutting blades slice into the side of a can just below the lid. When the lid is released, its sides are smooth, not sharp.
Additional Features
High-quality can openers feature stainless steel cutting blades, which are designed like rotary cutting wheels. The housings and other moving parts are made of stainless steel, metal, and plastic.
To clean a non-electric can opener, wipe it with a soft cloth or rinse it under running water and dry it by hand. Never submerge an electric can opener in water. Most can openers, even the non-electric types, are not dishwasher safe. Manufacturers recommend hand-washing only.
FAQs
Many seniors experience a loss of strength in their hands along with pain and stiffness, which often leads to difficulties with daily tasks such as opening cans. Fortunately, several available types of can openers have features that make it easier for seniors to use them. In this section, we answer frequently asked questions about the best can openers for seniors.
Q. Are electric can openers worth it?
Yes. Electric can openers are easier to use than manual models; however, you may want to keep a manual can opener in case of a power outage.
Q. What are the best can openers for disabled hands?
Electric countertop can openers offer one-touch operation that’s activated by pressing a lever. Cooks with disabled hands may prefer a battery-operated handheld can opener or a unit with easy-to-grip handles.
Q. How do you open cans with one hand?
Some countertop electric can openers provide easy operation by simply pressing a lever. Some battery-powered handheld can openers may be operated with one hand.
Q. How do you open cans with arthritis?
Those with arthritis and other mobility issues can use countertop electric can openers or handheld models that operate on batteries. Alternatively, look for manual can openers with easy-to-grasp handles and knobs.