The 5 Best Electric Can Openers That Leave Behind No Jagged Edges

Whether you keep canned soup around for lazy weeknight meals or you make homemade marinara every week, opening cans is a central part of any kitchen routine. While manual openers get the job done, the best electric can openers make the essential task faster and easier. And for those with arthritis or other wrist mobility issues—or new parents who are still mastering the art of cooking dinner with one hand while holding a baby in the other—electric can openers can be as essential as a sharp chef’s knife or durable cutting board.

Some of the best electric can openers come from Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart and Black + Decker.

Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers

For its ease of use, our top pick overall is the Hamilton Beach Smooth Edge Electric Can Opener, which slices lids cleanly (no jagged edges here) and comes with a functional pair of scissor. That said, another opener might better fit your needs. Some top models are battery-powered; you also have to consider whether you want something freestanding or handheld. Below, here are the best electric can openers that suit a variety of preferences.

Best Electric Can Opener Overall

An Intuitive Pick That Comes With Scissors

Amazon

Hamilton Beach Smooth Edge Electric Can Opener

Hamilton Beach’s electric can opener cuts along the side of cans, eliminating any contact between the blade and the food inside. The result: smooth, scratch-free lids and edges. The easy-touch opening lever lets you open cans with one hand and minimal effort, and the opener works equally well with regular cans and those with pop tops. The best part? This opener also comes with a pair of useful kitchen scissors for opening boxes and bags that, when not in use, tucks neatly in the back of the device.

Pros:

• Smooth edges
• Easy-touch operation
• Includes scissors

Cons:

• Does not shut off automatically

Best Value Electric Can Opener

An Affordable Pick That Come With A Multi-tool

Amazon

Black + Decker Extra Tall Can Opener

Many electric can openers are reasonably priced, but this model by Black + Decker delivers high quality results on the lower end of the price range. The standalone opener has a sharp, durable blade that cuts through virtually every type of can while remaining stable on the counter. Adding to its overall value, the device comes with a multi-tool that works as a bottle opener, pop top remover and manual knife sharpener.

Pros: 

• Reasonably priced
• Multipurpose 
• Shuts off automatically

Cons:

• Can be challenging to attach the can

Best Battery-Operated Electric Can Opener

A Petite Yet Mighty Can Opener

Amazon

W-Dragon Free Your Hands Electric Can Opener

Two AA batteries is all it takes to operate this petite yet powerful electric can opener. Thanks to its ergonomic design, the device is comfortable to hold, and it works even better: The stainless steel blade cuts along the side of the lid, eliminating any jagged edges. Once the can is fully open, the blade stops automatically while a magnet in the top of the opener grabs onto the lid for touch-free removal. 

Pros:

• Hands-free operation
• Smooth edges

Cons:

• Relatively noisy to operate
• Two AA batteries not included

Best Handheld Electric Can Opener

A Small, Hands-Free Device

Amazon

Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener

If straightforward, hands-free can opening is your goal, Kitchen Mama’s handheld electric can opener deserves a spot in your kitchen. To use the device, all you have to do is place the opener on top of virtually any metal can (sloped soda cans excluded) and press a single button to start. The opener cuts along the side of the lid, leaving a clean, smooth edge, ensuring that the blade never touches the food in the can. The only downside is that the can opener requires four AA batteries (not included) to operate, rather than the standard two.

Pros:

• Hands-free operation
• Smooth edges
• No contact between blade and food

Cons:

• Four AA batteries not included

Easiest-To-Clean Electric Can Opener

A Sturdy Opener With A Removable Blade

Amazon

Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener

The Cuisinart can opener is as simple to thoroughly clean as it is to use. The opener’s magnetic lid holder can secure any standard-size can in place while its wide base prevents tipping, lessening the likelihood of spills or drips while you open that can of crushed tomatoes. After you’re finished using it, the blade can be removed for easy washing.

Pros:

• Sturdy and stable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Relatively large

Is An Electric Can Opener Worth It?

If you frequently cook with canned ingredients and hate using a manual can opener, or you suffer from wrist mobility or arthritis, an electric can opener is absolutely worth it. While they typically cost more than manual openers, electric models do the work for you, resulting in a process that’s quicker and safer. Just keep in mind that some electric openers require batteries to operate, adding to the overall cost.

Is An Electric Can Opener Better Than Manual?

Electric openers aren’t objectively better than manual ones, but rather, they’re better for certain home cooks—notably, those with strength and mobility issues in the hand and wrist. You also have to consider the actual quality of the model; a poorly constructed electric opener won’t be as effective at cleanly opening cans as a top-of-the-line manual tool. That said, operating an electric can opener is typically easier than a traditional one.

How Long Does An Electric Can Opener Last?

As it the case with virtually any kitchen tool, from knives to waffle makers, the longevity of an electric can opener largely depends on how often you use it and how well you care for it. (And again, the quality of the device factors in.) If you invest in a well-made opener that you use semi-frequently, you can expect it to remain functional for about five years, though it may last longer.