The Best Electric Can Openers | by the Spruce Eats

We sent some of the top-rated options to our experienced at-home testers , who evaluated each on ease of use, design, ease of cleaning, performance, and value. Dozens of cans ranging in size from 8 to 28 ounces, containing beans, tuna, and more were opened to make sure these options are the best. We also tested the openers on dented cans to really asses the efficacy and strength of these gadgets.

We’ve all been there: Struggling to open a can with a rusty manual can opener that can barely pierce the metal anymore. It’s usually not until these moments that we realize we need a can opener upgrade. The problem is that many can openers have a short lifespan—they’re great until suddenly they aren’t. But the best electric can openers solve these issues and make opening cans the easy kitchen task it should be.

The Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener is our top pick because it looks sleek on a countertop and can cut different types of cans (including pop tops), leaving a smooth edge every time. Our budget winner, on the other hand, is the Handy Can Opener for its reliable performance and ergonomic design.

“On my first test, I thought it had not actually cut the can because I could not see a seam. But then I realized it was cut, it was just so perfect it was hard to tell.”

This electric can opener is small but mighty. Fitting comfortably into one hand, it needs only a push of a button to quickly and cleanly slice open the lids of cans. It doesn’t leave behind any rough or jagged edges, making this a safe tool for any age. Our tester highlighted how easy this can opener was to use—it required no effort and worked smoothly, even on dented cans. One thing she noted was that the device does not stop itself automatically once it’s done going around the lid. She had to press the button again to get it to stop. This certainly is not a dealbreaker, as the can opener still remains a reliable and quick-working tool, complete with a compact size that is easy to stow away.

“I think this is for anyone that wants an everyday electric can opener for opening mid-sized cans. It has longevity and is useful sitting on your countertop.”

When put to the test, this can opener performed well. It created seamless cuts and the auto start and off feature is an added perk. One caveat our tester noticed is that some liquid spilled from the can when removing the can from the device. Thankfully, cleanup is quite easy—a simple wipe and it was good as new. Plus, with this can opener’s included knife sharpener and bottle opener, it is a 3-in-1 value that can’t be beaten.

For an effortless and versatile tool that hardly takes up any counter space, look no further than this sleek model here. Its got a small footprint, handy extra features, and convenient cord storage that’s easy to figure out. Plus, it comes in pretty colors like sage green and spring yellow that you’ll be proud to display on your countertops.

“The can opener is designed well and it has a clean look to it. I think the extra features make this of a more investment buy.”

We like that the cutting unit itself is removable to make for easy cleaning every time. Our tester did find that this opener has some issues with heavier cans—when trying a 28-ounce, the gadget couldn’t handle the weight and required a hand to stabilize it and keep it upright. Overall, testing confirmed that this can opener made a smooth job of opening cans and beyond, making it an ideal all-in-one kitchen essential.

This slim powerhouse of a can opener is actually a few different tools in one. Aside from seamlessly opening cans, it can open jars and bottles and cut through hard plastic packaging. The nonslip jar opener is stored on top of the can opener and the handy little multitool fits perfectly into the base of this gadget.

“You rest the can on the countertop, and the opener glides across it to open, rather than the can floating in the air. It was able to seamlessly open the cans.”

During testing, we found that its performance was powerful and fast, opening all sorts of cans in a matter of seconds and without a mess. Another standout feature: the cutting blade is removable, so it’s easier to clean than other handheld models. One downside is that, because of the way the magnet is positioned, it doesn’t work well on pop-top cans. Our tester also noted that this opener could get loud at times, so keep that in mind during use.

The Hamilton Beach Walk ‘n Cut Can Opener combines the best of both worlds. It operates on a battery, so you don’t have to plug it in, but that battery is rechargeable, so it doesn’t need replacing. The rechargeable battery is also smaller than the AA batteries that the other handheld models use, so this can opener is considerably lighter than some of the other handhelds. However, we were expecting it to be a bit smaller than it is. We wouldn’t necessarily call it “compact” as the listing states, but because this is a walk and cut model, you don’t have to hold it while it’s cutting.

“Rather than cutting into the top of the can, it removes the lid from the rimmed edge.”

Electric can openers aren’t especially cheap, but the Handy One Touch is a budget-friendly option with impressive performance for the price. While it struggled a little on dented cans during our testing, it was able to produce clean cuts most of the time. Another handy (pun intended) feature, is that the can opener attaches to the can with a magnet, so the lid stays put when it’s cut and you can just lift it right off without having to dig into the can. It also has an automatic timer so you just have to push the button, rather than hold it down as it goes. Once the can is open, the blade will stop on its own. And, of all the handheld models, this one fit in our hand most comfortably. Our tester also noted that this opener was a bit harder to wipe clean than others due to the nooks and crannies, but thankfully it did not tend to get dirty very easily.

“The can opener worked like a charm. It quickly, cleanly, and easily cut through cans (hands-free) of any size.”

Our tester emphasized how easy it was to align the can and clamp it into place. It doesn’t require you to hold onto the can, this device will hold onto it securely for you and makes clean smooth cuts. Even with a dented can, this opener handled with ease and had no issues. And it holds any size can, too. We tested 6-ounce tomato paste cans all the way up to 28-ounce crushed tomato cans and the results were consistent each time.

Cuisinart pulled out all the stops with its Deluxe Electric Can Opener. This countertop model has a sleek, slim design that takes up minimal space and a brushed stainless steel finish that makes it the best-looking option on this list (in our opinion). Of course, looks aren’t everything but it gets high marks in performance too. During our testing, this can opener produced precise, even cuts, even on cans that were slightly dented. It has a one-touch operation and a magnet that holds cans in place, so you just have to set the can up and press the lever, and it will do the work even if you walk away.

“This would be a great electric can opener for someone who does a lot of cooking and meal prep with canned goods.”

This can opener is a proven workhorse, our tester found it was able to open up both small and large cans well—however, a word of warning: there were issues with the device tipping when working with oversized cans. We advise holding the base of the device steady with your hands when opening larger cans. That said, we love how clean the cuts are, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to use for people with arthritis or stiffness in their hands.

This heavyweight can opener from Hamilton Beach is a top seller because of its durability and overall performance. It features SureCut patented technology that makes sure the can opens on the first try, every time. Besides opening cans, it also has a knife-sharpening feature. The opener plugs into the wall, but has cord storage to keep it tidy and out of sight when you’re not using it. When it’s time to clean up, you can conveniently remove the cutting unit to wash it.

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener because it’s durable, easy to use, and performs well every time. For a top-performing, budget-friendly pick, we recommend the Handy Can Opener.

How We Tested

We sent several electric can openers to our team of editors and writers, who tried each out with different-sized cans containing tomato sauce, beans, tuna, and more, to determine which were the very best. Each electric can opener was rated on ease of use, design, ease of cleaning, performance, and overall value. Our testers then offered additional insights on each electric can opener’s strengths and weaknesses.

What to Look for in an Electric Can Opener

Power Source

When shopping for an electric can opener, power source is an important consideration.

Plug-in can openers are always ready to be used, so you’ll have to deal with dead batteries. But the downside is that you’re limited as to where you can use them since you’ll need to be close to an electrical outlet. This also limits travel capabilities. If you’re solely using the electric can opener at home, it’s not an issue. But if you like to go camping, a plug-in model can limit you.

The other option is a battery-operated can opener. They’re very portable, since they don’t require a separate power source, and they’re handy when the power goes out. The downside, of course, is that you’ll have to replace the batteries occasionally.

Size/Storage

On a related note, you’ll want to think about the size and where you’ll be storing the can opener when it’s not in use. If you don’t open a lot of cans, you might want to store your can opener in a drawer or in a cabinet, so it’s handy when you need it and hidden when you don’t. The other option is a countertop model that stays on your kitchen counter, even when you’re not using it. 

This is when size becomes an important factor. If you want to stow your can opener away in a drawer, you’ll need a smaller, handheld model. If you’re okay with giving up some counter space, a plug-in model will work for you.

The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers

Type of Cut

There are two ways electric can openers cut into a can: on the side or into the top. Side-cut openers cut below the can’s rim, unsealing the top and leaving a smooth, safe edge. This also creates a lid that you can use to cover the can temporarily, and prevents you from having to dig the piece of metal out of the can.

Conversely, traditional can openers cut the lid just inside the rim, leaving a circle of metal with sharp edges. This type of cut can be handy when you’re draining the liquid from the can. And while manual can openers drop the lid into the top of the can, electric can openers typically have a magnet that holds onto it so you can carefully remove and discard it.

FAQs

How do you operate an electric can opener?

All electric can openers are slightly different, but the method of operation is similar. When using an electric can opener, the first step is lining up the lid of the can with the blade and gear assembly. With handheld models, the next step is to engage the opener by pushing the power button. Standing models usually have a lever that you clamp down to signal the can opener to start.

Once the can opener is started, the blade will cut along the can and until the lid is completely removed. Both types of electric can openers typically have a magnet that securely holds onto the lid so you can then safely discard it without having to dig around in the can to grab it.

How do you clean an electric can opener?

Unlike manual can openers that you can submerge in a water and vinegar solution, electric can openers require more focused care. Every time you use the can opener, wipe down the body and the blade with a clean cloth to remove debris. This helps prevent buildup and ensures the can opener is ready for its next use.

If your can opener needs a deeper clean, you can use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to get into hard-to-reach areas. Soak the cotton swab in vinegar and carefully clean the blade and assembly, or use mild dish soap and hot water with a toothbrush to scrub away any buildup.

If the blade or assembly is removable, you can (carefully) take it off, soak it in a 1:1 water and vinegar solution, or some hot water with mild dish soap, for a few minutes then dry it off completely before reassembling the can opener. 

No matter how you clean, always make sure the blade is completely dry after. This will help prevent rust from forming.

The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers

Does an electric can opener need to be sharpened?

Like any other blade, an electric can opener can eventually go dull, but there’s an easy trick you can use to sharpen it. Tear off a strip of aluminum foil and fold it over on itself twice to quadruple the thickness. Carefully run the aluminum foil along the blade, turning the blade as you go to make sure the entire thing is covered. Repeat two to three times and test the blade. If necessary, repeat the process until the blade sharpens. 

If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the can opener instead. In some cases, it’s possible to order replacement parts, but it may be more cost effective to simply buy a new one.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Lindsay Boyers is a functional nutritionist and recipe developer who’s personally tried practically every kitchen tool out there. She tested most of the options on this list herself, and relied on customer reviews and feedback to make informed decisions about which electric can openers to recommend. She uses the Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener in her kitchen.

Taylor Rock is an associate commerce editor for The Spruce Eats. She constantly has her eye on the market for new launches and updates content accordingly. Freelance food writer Jenny Kellerhals contributed additional research and text for this piece. As a recipe developer, she knows the importance of a reliable can opener.