Perhaps the humblest of kitchen gadgets, the manual can opener is also one of the clunkiest and toughest to use. Using one can slow you down, whether breaking out beans for your five-alarm chili or trying to get your pets’ food in their dishes while they hungrily complain.
The solution is a sleek, efficient electric can opener in the style that suits your needs and budget. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a quality electric can opener and find out why any one of the following models might be an asset in your kitchen.
- BEST OVERALL: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Automatic Can Opener
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Proctor Silex Power Electric Can Opener
- UPGRADE PICK: Oster Stainless Steel Electric Can Opener
- EASIEST TO USE: Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener
- BEST PUSH-BUTTON: Kitchen Mama No Sharp Edge Electric Can Opener
- BEST DESIGN: Bella Electric Can Opener and Knife Sharpener
- BEST RECHARGEABLE: Hamilton Beach Walk ‘n Cut Electric Can Opener
- MOST VERSATILE: Black+Decker EasyCut Extra-Tall Can Opener
How We Chose the Best Electric Can Openers
The best electric can openers are a hassle-free way to open soup cans, dog food, and even soda cans without the manual work of hand cranking. Many of the above picks were selected for their safety measures, cut type, design, size, and special features.
With safety being the most important consideration for opening cans, each of these can openers ensures safe operation through one-touch or hands-free control. Many of the above picks also include magnetic lid lifters to safely dispose of sharp-edged lids and an auto shut-off feature to avoid unnecessary cutting.
The above selection predominantly incorporates stainless steel cutters for durability and long-term effectiveness. The size of the above picks is also a factor as many are small enough to store in a kitchen or do not take up ample counter space. Finally, some of the electric can openers above come with additional tools like bottle openers, knife sharpeners, and scissors for added convenience.
Kitchen design expert Moe Soloff from Fabuwood.com based in Newark, New Jersey, has some valuable insights about can openers, too: “Customers often look for can openers that are user-friendly, especially for those with limited hand strength or dexterity. Models with a one-touch operation and easy-to-handle designs are highly sought after.”
Our Top Picks
From countertop can openers to models that tuck into a drawer, one of the following picks may be the next handy addition to your kitchen.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Side cut
- Design: Upright
- Power source: Plug-in
Pros
- Sleek black and chrome model features easy 1-touch operation
- Extra tall for large cans; has side cutting to leave smooth edges
- Includes a pair of scissors in a convenient slot in the back
Cons
- The cutting mechanism is fixed so it cannot be removed for cleaning
Here’s an electric can opener that handles most cans effectively and safely, and looks good while doing it. The Hamilton Beach electric can opener has a streamlined chrome and black finish that’s attractive enough to leave out on kitchen counters, and its extra-tall design means it can handle even larger cans with ease.
Using it is a breeze: Just position the can underneath the cutting assembly, touch the lever, and the device will take it from there, locking the can in place while the cutting blade does its work. This is a safety can opener, so the blade slices from the side, freeing the entire top of the can without any sharp lid edges left behind. In the back of the unit is a small compartment where the included scissors can be stowed.
Get the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch electric can opener at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Top cut
- Design: Upright
- Power source: Plug-in
Pros
- A budget-friendly option that offers a surprisingly comprehensive feature set
- The cutting mechanism is detachable for easy cleaning and is dishwasher-safe
- Other benefits include automatic shutoff and an integrated knife sharpener
Cons
- The mainly plastic construction leaves some concern over long-term durability
This affordable Proctor Silex can opener is a top-cut model with a stainless steel cutting wheel that slices through can lids with the simple press of a lever. The opener also features automatic shutoff so users can stir a pot or cut out biscuits without worrying about the opener continuing to run after the can’s lid is separated.
This model boasts an integrated knife sharpener on the back side and a detachable cutting assembly that can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Get the Proctor Silex electric can opener at Amazon or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Top cut
- Design: Upright
- Power source: Plug-in
Pros
- Power piercing and magnetic lid holder provides almost completely hands-free operation
- Has auto shutoff feature once the cut is finished, plus retractable cord storage
- Useful extras include a bottle opener and a knife sharpener on the back
Cons
- It’s expensive, and it takes up more counter space than some
For fast, reliable can opening, check out this upright Oster model. The opener offers hands-free operation—just position the can under the rotating wheel, lower the lever to lock the can in place, and start the cutting process.
The Oster top-cut can opener features an automatic shutoff, so users can multitask while the opener is working. It comes with a magnetic lid lifter that holds the lid in place when removing the can and a heavy-duty stainless steel handle. There’s also a bonus bottle opener integrated on the front of the unit. Its retractable cord storage eliminates the need to tuck a long, unwieldy cord out of sight.
Get the Oster electric can opener at Amazon or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Top cut
- Design: Upright
- Power source: Plug-in
Pros
- Notable for its 1-button ease of use and magnetic lid lifter
- Benefits from a nonslip base and stainless steel cutting wheel
- Available in black, silver, and white so it can suit different kitchen decors
Cons
- Although popular and usually reliable, a few breakdowns have been reported
The Cuisinart Deluxe has great value for its price. The nonslip base keeps it firmly in place while operating. This upright top-cut opener comes with a sharp stainless steel cutting wheel that powers through can lids with just a push of a lever.
The Cuisinart opener is dependable and easy to use, featuring a magnetic lid lifter that holds the lid when users remove the open can from the unit. The lever on this opener is removable for easier cleaning.
Get the Cuisinart electric can opener at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Side cut
- Design: Handheld
- Power source: AA batteries
Pros
- Super simple push-button operation works on all shapes and sizes of can
- Works around the edge unaided and leaves no sharp edges behind
- Simple to store; available in a host of colors to match decor
Cons
- We always find it frustrating when the necessary batteries are not included
The Kitchen Mama electric can opener cuts away can lids with just the simple push of a button. Simply position the Kitchen Mama on the top of the can, tap the button twice, watch it cut all the way around the can’s side, and then tap again to stop the cutting process.
The Kitchen Mama electric opener is a side-cut opener, so it won’t leave a sharp edge on the lid, which is a plus when there are kid cooks in the kitchen. The opener runs on four AA batteries (not included), and users can stow it out of sight in a kitchen drawer.
Get the Kitchen Mama electric can opener at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Top cut
- Design: Upright
- Power source: Plug-in
Pros
- A smart, well thought-out design that also comes with a budget-friendly price tag
- Useful features include auto turn, knife sharpener, and hidden cord storage
- Available in 7 different colors to match other kitchen accessories
Cons
- Some reports of breakdowns, and it can topple if not held when opening large cans
Good design is often a combination of appearance and function. The Bella electric can opener fulfills both those aims, and is also very inexpensive. Auto turn makes operation simple: Just hold the button down while the stainless steel blade cuts. A magnetic lid holder keeps the top out of the way until it can be disposed of, and the cutting lever can be removed for effective cleaning.
The Bella electric can opener comes in a choice of seven colors, so it can be easy to match with other kitchen appliances and accessories. There is a useful knife sharpener hidden around the back and neat storage so the cord doesn’t trail across the workspace.
Get the Bella electric can opener at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Top cut
- Design: Portable
- Power source: Rechargeable
Pros
- Compact and lightweight rechargeable; great for home, RV, or camping use
- Hands-free operation with auto-stop feature at end of cut
- Opens cans up to 48 ounces, and cutting head is removable for cleaning
Cons
- No charge indication, and some fail to recharge, so it will only work if plugged in
This is the second can opener Hamilton Beach offers to make our list, underlining their strength in this market. The Walk ’n Cut electric can opener is rechargeable. While it’s useful at home, it can also be a great device for RVing or camping trips. It’s light and compact too, so it is easy to store.
The Walk ’n Cut has hands-free operation and is capable of opening cans of any size up to 48 ounces. There’s an auto stop function, and strong magnets hold the lid to prevent it dropping into the can. The cutter assembly can be removed and run under a faucet for fast, efficient cleaning.
Get the Hamilton Beach Walk ‘n Cut electric can opener at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Type: Top cut
- Design: Upright
- Power source: Plug-in
Pros
- Extra-tall stabilized body safely opens the vast majority of can sizes
- Includes a removable bottle opener and a built-in knife sharpener
- 1-piece cutting assembly is both efficient and easy to clean
Cons
- Most seem reliable but fault reports suggest that quality control is inconsistent
We looked at a number of electric can openers that incorporate a bottle opener or a knife sharpener, but few offer both like the Black+Decker EasyCut. Conveniently, the knife sharpener can be used right- or left-handed, and the bottle opener also has a lever for pop-top cans. It is removable for easy use where fixed alternatives can sometimes be awkward.
The Black+Decker electric can opener’s versatility extends to the range of cans it can open. The extra height means it can accept virtually all sizes, and the base is stabilized to prevent tipping. The one-piece cutting assembly means there are fewer parts to go wrong, and fewer places for dirt to hide. It can be lifted off for rinsing.
Get the Black+Decker electric can opener at Amazon or Walmart.
What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Can Opener
All the best electric can openers are easy to use and won’t take up a lot of countertop space, but several different factors and features may make one type better suited to a particular kitchen and lifestyle.
Types of Electric Can Openers
The first electric can openers debuted in the 1930s, but they didn’t catch on until improved versions appeared in the ‘60s. Today’s models have come a long way and primarily fit into two main categories: top-cut and side-cut openers.
Top Cut
The most common type of can opener, a top-cut model, features a sharp rotary wheel with a blade that cuts along the inside of the can’s top rim. This style of opener usually includes a magnet to hold the lid in place and keep it from falling into the can once it’s severed. While many cooks rely on this tried-and-true can opener style, it does leave a razor-sharp edge on the lid.
Side Cut
As a safer alternative to the top-cut can opener’s sharp lid, consider a side-cut model. It works by cutting away the lid just under its rim, resulting in a smooth edge that cannot cut fingers. Unfortunately, side cut can openers don’t work on cans with reinforced rims that are designed to hold plastic lids, such as coffee cans.
Design
There are both electric upright versions and handheld models available.
- Upright versions plug into a standard household outlet and are usually kept on the countertop, pushed toward the back until needed. If countertop real estate is at a premium, however, consider a handheld model. Upright electric can openers are available in both top-cut and side-cut models.
- Handheld models are gaining in popularity because all users need to do is position the small device on the top edge of the can, push a button, and let it work its way around the can. Handheld models are most often battery operated, requiring either AA, AAA, or 9-volt batteries, although it’s possible to find an occasional plug-in model.
Battery-operated handheld electric can openers are easy to stow out of sight in a drawer. The downside to these devices is the chance that the battery could die right when the opener is most needed , so consider keeping backup batteries on hand.
Cutting Mechanism
Top-cut electric openers punch a hole in the top of the can and then cut away the lid with a sharp rotating blade. The can is held in place by the cutting mechanism itself through pressure. This works well for removing most standard can lids, but if a can is extra hefty, the opener may not be able to support its weight while cutting.
The cutting mechanism on a side-cut model works similarly by attaching to the can’s rim and holding it securely while cutting around the side. Handheld models are more likely to feature side-cutting mechanisms, while upright openers are more likely to feature top-cutting mechanisms.
Durability
Electric openers vary in quality, and parts on the least expensive ones may not be as durable as more expensive models made from higher-quality materials. For example, a stainless steel lever on an upright electric can opener will likely outlast a plastic lever on a similar type of opener. Handheld models have a reputation for not being quite as durable as uprights.
Ease of Use
The handles on some manual can openers can be difficult to hold, and the crank can be a challenge to twist. Electric can openers avoid these issues, making them well suited for those who have arthritis and find a manual opener difficult.
Many of today’s upright electric can openers come with an automatic shutoff that stops the cutting process when the lid is severed. This is a handy feature for busy cooks because they can stir a pot or take cookies out of the oven rather than monitor the progress of the can opener.
Special Features
Though all of the above features are important to the functionality of a can opener, some also include special additives to make the cooking process easier and efficient.
- Lid lifters are incorporated in some upright can openers. This tool lifts the removed lid from the can after opening so it can be disposed of safely.
- Automatic shutoff stops the cutting process once the can has been opened. Found mostly on top-cut upright models, this feature ends cutting when complete for safety in homes with young children.
- Additional kitchen tools like handheld can openers, bottle openers, multi-tools, knife sharpeners, and scissors are included on the body of the can opener or in attached compartments.
FAQs
Electric can openers are among the handiest of all kitchen power tools, and once you have one, you may never go back to a manual opener. If this is the first time you’ve shopped for an electric model, you may want some more info, so check out the answers to these common questions.
Q. What is the easiest can opener to use?
Electric can openers are much simpler to use than manual openers because they don’t require wrist agility and hand strength to cut away a can lid.
Q. How long does an electric can opener usually last?
The useful life of an electric can opener depends on the quality of the tool. In general, you can expect a good-quality opener to last 5 years or longer.
Q. Do electric can openers need to be washed?
The cutting assembly on an electric can opener can become gunked up with food residue from the cans’ contents. The cutting assembly is removable for easy cleaning on many openers, but if it isn’t, wipe the assembly clean with a damp rag.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
