Best Electric Can Openers
One of life’s affordable little luxuries has to be the electric can opener. I mean, for a modest investment you have a slick, multi-purpose appliance that will open any number of cans quickly, cleanly, and without missing a beat. Its perfect for large families and the one-touch start feature, makes it ideal for older hands that lack strength or suffer from arthritis. But there’s more, because today’s designs have evolved and many now include bottle openers, knife sharpeners, and even jar openers. Yes, the gunk-encrusted can opener of past is now streamlined, with stainless-steel, chrome finishes, and fully removable blades for deep-down cleaning. Our 5 design choices offer a range of features and price points sure to not only impress, but make you wonder how you ever managed without one.
Our Favorite Electric Can Openers
Hamilton Beach Multi-Purpose Electric Can Opener: For Those Who Want an Appliance That Does Double Duty
Overview:
Type: Electric
Material: Stainless-steel
Open Style: Top Opener
Special Features: Knife sharpener in base
Warranty: 1 year
With today’s modern kitchen aesthetics, no one wants bulky, ugly appliances cluttering their beautiful granite surfaces. That’s where Hamilton Beach’s sleek, stainless-steel can opener steps in. Not only does it look great, but at less than 5 inches deep, it takes up minimal space and tucks nicely into a corner. What I love is the cord storage in its base that can minimize those messy cables famous for claiming precious counterspace. For large families or production cooks that need a quick and reliable can opener, this unit is your dream appliance. Why? Because, the last thing you need is a blade that fails to puncture and requires multiple restarts. Constructed from long-lasting stainless-steel, the powerful blade opens as many cans as you can throw its way – on the first go-round. And its not only reliable, it’s versatile. In addition to opening any standard sized can, it sharpens knives and tackles zip-top cans that can be a challenge for tired or arthritic fingers. Best of all, it’s an affordable option for those who are searching for a reliable unit that respects their budget. And you just have to love that the removable stainless-steel head can be rinsed clean after every use.
Pros:
- Slim-line with brushed steel finish
- Stainless-steel blade for no-fail opening
- Cord storage
- Removable blade head for easy cleaning
- Sharpens knives
Cons:
- Minimal extra features
If you’re working to a budget and need a quality can opener that won’t let you down, this slim-line, multi-functional unit is a perfect choice.
Cuisinart Electric Can Opener: For Those Who Want an Appliance That Works as Great as it Looks
Overview:
Type: Electric
Material: Brushed stainless-steel
Open Style: Top Opener
Special Features: Fully removable cutting mechanism for cleaning
Warranty: 3 years
Let’s be honest. When it comes to investing in any kitchen appliance, brand names count. We want manufacturers we can rely on to deliver a quality product and back that product with a great warranty. And that’s why this beautiful, brushed stainless-steel Cuisinart electric can opener made our top 5 list of all-time favorites. Known for delivering superior grade construction at an affordable price, Cuisinart didn’t skimp when it came to designing this top-quality unit. Like most brands, it offers one-touch operation and a magnetic lid grabber for mess-free operation. But unlike other models, this can opener features a Power Cut blade that not only punctures lids in a single motion, but slices through any standard sized can in mere seconds. No need to keep re-setting the can – this opener nails it on the first try. And for those of us who are put off by the build up of gunk and debris around the blade, you’ll love that the entire cutting mechanism is removable for a deeper clean after every use. If your cooking requirements include opening larger cans, the wider, extra-stable base prevents tipping and means you never have to steady the unit during operation. Simply a top-quality product.
Pros:
- Sleek, stainless-steel finish
- Wider base prevents tipping
- Power Cut blade for fast opening
- Entire cutting mechanism is removable for cleaning
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Not multi-function
If you’re looking for a top-quality electric can opener that works great and doesn’t necessarily have a lot of bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener with Easy Push Down Lever: For Those with Hand Fatigue
Overview:
Type: Electric
Material: Chrome and plastic
Open Style: Side Opener
Special Features: Easy push-down lever at top of unit
Warranty: 1 year
If you’re working with hands that are stiff from arthritis, injury or simply over-work, this Hamilton Beach electric can opener is about to become your new best friend. It features an extra-large push-down lever that instantly activates the cutting process when depressed with the palm of your hand. So, you never have to deal with small, fussy levers that can require more pressure or dexterity than is comfortable for you. But that’s just the start, because this unit not only opens standard-sized cans but those awkward zip-top designs that are so often found with soups, stews, or fruit cups. My favorite benefit is that you no longer have to deal with sharp edges – this can opener cuts along the side of the can, not the top. What this means for you is that you never end up with a razor-sharp lid hanging off a magnet and dripping food. And when its finished cutting, the can remains closed until you remove the lid – which now has a safe, smooth edge to it. And because the blades rarely come into contact with foodstuffs, you simply wipe them clean after each use. Plus, the contemporary chrome-black finish looks great in any kitchen.
Pros:
- Easy-touch activation lever
- Side-cutting action for safer operation
- Attractive chrome and black design
- Cuts through standard and zip-top cans
- Cleaner, neater cutting process
Cons:
- Lever must be held while opening cans
- Blade mechanism not removable for cleaning
If you don’t have the strength or dexterity for the small levers on most electric can openers, this push down lever design is the perfect solution.
Oster Electric Can Opener with Built-In Bottle Opener: For The Busy Entertainer
Overview:
Type: Electric
Material: Brushed stainless-steel
Open Style: Top Opener
Special Features: Bottle opener and knife sharpener
Warranty: 1 year
If you’re looking for a can opener that makes sense for your busy household, this Oster electric model is just the ticket. Why you may ask? Well, first off, it features hands-free operation so you just hit the lever and get back to other things. You don’t have to monitor or stabilize cans regardless of their size. And when the cutting process is complete, the unit stops. You never have to run back to prevent it from going round and round, and possibly losing its grip on a full can of food. Next, it includes a bottle opener in the front of the unit, so its easy access and doesn’t require your kids or guests to pick it up to locate this feature. But there’s more because it also includes a knife-sharpener – perfect for when you’re busy cooking up a storm, and suddenly realize you need a sharper tool. Appealing to many of us is that the cutting blade is easy to remove for quick cleaning after each use and optimal hygiene. I’m a big fan of anything that can hide cords and this electric can opener allows you to stash excess cord length in the back of the base.
Pros:
- One touch operation
- Front-facing bottle opener
- Attractive chrome and black design
- Built-in knife sharpener
- Cord storage in back
Cons:
- Not suitable for over-sized cans
If you love the idea of an electric can opener that features a front-facing bottle opener for those times when you’re entertaining, this is a model you’ll want to check out.
Kitchen Mama Battery-Operated Can Opener: For Those Who Need to Open Over-sized Cans Quickly and Easily
Overview:
Type: Battery-operated
Material: Plastic cover, stainless-steel blade
Open Style: Side Opener
Special Features: Opens any size can
Warranty: 1 year
If you want to get the kids involved in cooking. If you crave the comforts of home while camping. If you suffer from arthritis or hand fatigue. If you do a lot of production cooking. If any of these descriptions fit your lifestyle, you need to check out this Kitchen Mama, Yes You Can battery-operated can opener. First off, it opens from the side versus the top, so its perfect for when little ones want to help. When complete, the lid simply lifts off and fingers are never exposed to a sharp safety-hazard. And with one-touch operation, its an ideal option for those living with arthritis because you simply affix the opener to the can ridge and shit a button. No twisting or turning – the unit runs along the top as it cuts. And that’s why it’s also perfect for those super-sized cans that won’t fit on a standard electric opener – you won’t have to resort to a hand-held opener with this nifty little gadget. Better still, it also works on rectangular tops as well as zip-top cans. No cords mean you save counter space while for campers, its sure to become an essential part of your gear.
Pros:
- One-touch activation
- Opens any size or shape of can
- Perfect for seniors, kids, production cooking
- Lightweight, space-saving size
- Cleaner, neater cutting process
Cons:
- Requires 4 AA batteries to operate
If you find manual can openers awkward to hold and electric can openers impossible to use on bulk-style cans, you’re going to love this little problem solver.
What Do You Really Want from an Electric Can Opener?
For some of us, the ease of simply depressing a lever to open a can, is enough to convert us over from the often-awkward hand held units. But there are times when having a bottle opener at your fingertips versus rummaging through a kitchen drawer, makes this countertop appliance a time saver worth having. And who hasn’t struggled to open a tightly sealed jar? While you may never have connected the dots, solutions to all three of these needs can be found on many of today’s electric can opener designs. And because manufacturers know how important sleek design is, they’ve kept them minimalist, with contemporary finishes and a space-saving footprint. Whether you’ve decided that just opening cans is enough, or you can see the need for an opener that offers more features, your lifestyle is what dictates the product and your budget will decide on the brand.
Are Electric Can Openers Less Hygienic Than Hand-Held Designs?
With a hand-held can opener, it’s easy to give the unit a quick rinse under hot water after every use. While it may be over-kill, it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution. With an electric can opener, it requires a little more effort to disassemble the blade or cutting mechanism from the unit for washing. Which may cause family members to hold off on washing until say, you’re loading up the dishwasher and decide to toss it in. The mistake here, is that your blades do build up with food debris, and bacteria. It probably has a little of the cat’s food mixed in with the tin of spaghetti sauce, and possibly that can of soup you just ate. You get the picture. Everything leaves a little trace on the top-cut models, so best to get in the habit of removing and rinsing. With the side openers, it’s a slightly different picture because the blade doesn’t actually come into contact with the food. You don’t get the same gunky build-up, but there will still be tiny amounts. So, a good wipe down of the blade with a damp rag after use, is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between a Top-Cut and Side-Cut?
Many electric-can openers use a top-cut format whereby the blade punctures the top surface of the can and then cuts around. When you remove the opened can, you’re left with a sharp-edge top that dangles from a magnetic holder. With the side-cut or smooth-edge design, the opener punctures the top outer edge of the can and then proceeds to cut around, producing a lid that can be safely removed and also placed back onto the can to preserve unused contents. While either works well at opening cans, the side-cut is safer for households with children.
What is The Benefit to Battery Powered vs Electric?
Battery powered can openers sit atop virtually any size or shape of can and cut their way around the outer edge. This makes them perfect for opening large-format cans that won’t fit on a regular electric can opener and can be daunting for a hand-held opener. The Kitchen Mama we featured also cuts rectangular lids (think canned meats) and the zip-top variety often found with soups, stews, puddings, and fruit cups.
What’s the Best Way to Clean the Blades?
While most electric can openers include a sharp, stainless-steel blade that should be a snap to clean up, not all make it easy to remove the blade. Ideally, you should be able to lift the blades out of the electric base for a full cleaning. With the Cuisinart model we profiled, you can actually remove the entire cutting mechanism for a more through clean.
Which Design is Best for Opening Large Format Cans?
Electric can openers are designed for most standard sized cans, but can’t handle the over-sized versions purchased at wholesale stores. The best option is one of the battery powered designs that doesn’t work with a base but simply latches onto the top rim of the can and works it way around. Just one-touch and it gets the job done
Conclusion
In today’s busy households, its hard to imagine how we ever got by without the convenience of an electric can opener. It’s no longer the plastic, counter cluttering appliance that seldom, if ever, worked properly. Today’s designs are super efficient with powerful blade cutting action that means no time is lost to re-centering cans or dealing with partial cuts when the unit quits halfway through the process. Best of all, manufacturers have found a way to build in those small conveniences that we never knew we needed. From knife sharpeners to bottle openers and even jar openers – everything to make the simple can opener a friend indeed to moms, seniors, and those in a hurry. If you love production cooking – think cooking up batches of food for freezing or serving up to a hungry crowd – having a powerful electric can opener that you can rely on is an absolute necessity. The 5 designs we’ve selected may look relatively similar, but each offers a unique feature or features that will make it the ideal addition to your arsenal of kitchen tools.