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can openers

The 6 Best Can Openers of 2026: Manual, Safety-Edge and Electric Picks

Food Network’s 2026 picks span soft-grip rotary, side-cut safety-style and electric openers. Compare their reported strengths, limitations and care needs before choosing.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 5 min read

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For a comfortable everyday manual opener, Food Network’s 2026 guide names the OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener its best overall; its best-value pick is the PAKITNER Safe-Cut. The right choice depends on the edge you want, how much turning effort you can manage, and whether you prefer a drawer-friendly manual tool or a powered model. These are publisher-tested recommendations, not independent test results from this article.

How the six picks compare

The recommendations below are Food Network’s categories and findings, not universal rankings. Its guide reports testing each opener on a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk and a six-ounce can of tomato paste, assessing edge quality, slips or bumps, ease, efficiency, storage and cleaning. That is a narrower can-size range than Reviewed’s manual-opener testing, which it says covered dozens and dozens of cans, from four-ounce tuna cans to 48-ounce broth cans. Different methods and product pools can produce different winners.

Food Network pick Type and reported strength Tradeoff or care detail
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Top-cut rotary manual opener; Food Network reports comfortable soft grips, a bottle opener, easy opening and a smoother edge than some top-cut competitors. It still cuts from the top and can leave a jagged edge; Food Network says a small thread can sometimes remain. Hand wash only, according to the guide.
PAKITNER Safe-Cut Manual Compact side-cut manual opener; Food Network calls it a value pick and reports a cleaner edge. Plastic and stainless steel construction; hand wash only, according to the guide.
Kitchen Mama One-Touch Electric Battery-powered, hands-free side-cut opener; Food Network describes it as portable and producing a smooth-to-touch edge. It needs working batteries. Check the exact model and availability before buying.
Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Compact manual side-cut design for either hand; combines can, bottle and jar opening functions. Food Network notes a learning curve and recommends wiping it clean.
Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Countertop electric opener with blade sharpener, cord storage, automatic stop and a removable dishwasher-safe cutting assembly, as listed by Food Network. The guide calls it bulky and says it may leave a jagged can edge.
Korin Fixed Manual Fixed manual option in Food Network’s comparison; a possible fit for buyers seeking a simple tool. The guide’s available detail does not establish its operation, user fit or care instructions. Verify those for the exact item before purchase.

Choose by cut style and edge

Top-cut rotary: familiar, but inspect the edge

A traditional rotary opener cuts into the lid from above. That approach can leave sharp edges. Food Network’s OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled pick is a top-cut model: its soft handles may help with grip, but they do not change how it cuts. The guide reports a smoother edge than some competing top-cut models, not a reliably smooth or harmless one.

Side-cut: a smoother-edge design, not a risk-free one

A side-cut opener cuts near the can’s upper side and is designed to separate the lid with a smoother edge. Reviewed ranks the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge first overall among the manual models in its guide; it is a different product from Food Network’s Good Grips Soft-Handled top-cut pick. OXO’s manual describes the Smooth Edge as cutting below the can edge and includes lid pliers for handling the lid. That design may suit someone especially concerned about sharp edges, but do not treat “safety” in a product name as a guarantee that handling a lid carries no risk.

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#1 Best Overall
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener and Bottle Opener Easy to Use, Razor Sharp Stainless Steel Cutting Wheel, Soft Ergonomic Handles, Black
  • EASY, SMOOTH OPENING EVERY TIME: Equipped with a durable, razor sharp stainless steel cutting wheel, this can opener pierces cans easily and slices smoothly for a hassle free experience.
  • EFFORTLESS TURNING KNOB: The oversized, easy to turn knob offers a secure grip, allowing you to open cans with minimal effort and maximum control, ideal for users with limited hand strength.
  • SOFT, ERGONOMIC HANDLES FOR COMFORT: Designed with oversized, ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable and secure grip, minimizing hand strain and making it easy to open cans of any size.
  • 2 IN 1 MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOL: This tool is equipped with a built in bottle opener, allowing you to easily remove caps in one convenient design, saving space in your kitchen.
  • VERSATILE FOR EVERYDAY USE: Suitable for a wide range of can and bottle sizes, this opener is designed to be a reliable, go to tool in any kitchen, whether you’re opening soup cans or beverage bottles.

Food Network’s side-cut options among its six are the PAKITNER, Kitchen Mama and Bartelli. Reviewed’s general comparison says traditional openers cut thinner metal and are generally more efficient and durable, while side-cut designs are useful when sharp edges are a particular concern. That is a broad comparison from Reviewed, not a guarantee about every opener or every can.

Choose by effort, hand comfort and handedness

Soft grips and a larger turning knob can be more comfortable than narrow handles for some users, but the sources do not establish that a particular manual opener works for every hand size or strength level. Food Network describes the OXO Soft-Handled model’s grips as comfortable. The Bartelli is explicitly described as ambidextrous; Reviewed says its traditional pick, the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe, is oriented for right-handed use.

Rank #2
GORILLA GRIP Upgraded Model Stainless Steel Manual Can Opener, Black
  • Strong and Powerful Stainless Steel Blade: finally, a more powerful can opener; sharp and durable 100 percent stainless steel cutting wheel will easily puncture all types of cans; rust resistant for long lasting use
  • Heavy Duty Construction for Easier Opening: effortless can opening is here; the can opener features an extra large turn knob that allows you to easily open the can with little effort, so you work with the motion instead of against it; also includes stainless steel construction for a seamless cut and oversized handles that make for an easier grip
  • Soft Touch Grip: two slip resistant handles provide a soft touch and more comfortable experience; handles work to provide you with a cushioned grip; plus, they are extra large to absorb more pressure and tension so you can open the can with ease
  • Extra Smooth Cut: the can opener easily latches to the lip of your cans and locks securely in place to help provide a clean, smooth continuous cut; no more jagged edges
  • Round Cans, Square Cans, and Bottles: features a built in bottle opener so you can easily pop open your favorite beverages with ease and save space in your drawers; also great for opening cans of all shapes and sizes; opener measures seven inches long and is an ideal size for most; after each use, hand wash only and dry completely

If repeated turning is difficult, an electric opener avoids that manual motion. Reviewed notes that electric models may be useful for people with hand-use difficulties or arthritis; that is a practical consideration, not a medical recommendation. The Kitchen Mama is battery-operated and hands-free according to Food Network, while the Hamilton Beach is a countertop electric option.

Manual, battery or countertop electric?

Power type Examples in these guides What to weigh
Manual OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled, PAKITNER Safe-Cut, Bartelli, Korin; Reviewed also recommends OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge and EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe. Works without electricity and can fit in a drawer, but requires hand operation.
Battery Kitchen Mama One-Touch Electric. Portable and hands-free, but it stops when its batteries run out and needs replacements.
Plug-in countertop electric Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic; Reviewed also evaluates the Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric. Reduces manual turning, but occupies counter or cabinet space and needs power.

Storage and power are practical constraints, not minor extras: a manual opener is easy to keep in a drawer, whereas a countertop model needs a place to live. A battery-operated model offers portability without a cord, but only while its batteries work.

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Rank #3
Sale
Zulay Kitchen Manual Can Opener Heavy Duty Patented Stainless Steel, Black
  • STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The stainless steel blades of the bottle opener are made to last, tested with rigorous quality controls; You can be certain you are getting a product that works well
  • RESISTANT HANDLES: This can opener manual has soft, slip-resistant handles that give you control without the strain
  • BUILT-IN BOTTLE OPENER: The top doubles as a powerful jar opener, making it a quick and reliable can opener for seniors
  • EASY TO USE: Struggle no more with poor manual can openers that take a ton of strength to open. This one is easy to use
  • CARE: For long-lasting performance of this hand can opener, we recommend hand washing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Other useful picks from Reviewed

OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge

Reviewed ranks this side-cut model first overall among the manual openers in its guide. OXO’s manual describes the below-the-edge cut, smooth edges and lid pliers. Choose it as a distinct option from the top-cut OXO Soft-Handled model.

EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe

Reviewed names this its traditional rotary pick, citing all-metal construction and durability as strengths. Its drawbacks in that guide are sharp-edged lids and right-handed orientation.

Rank #4
Sale
Safring Can Opener Manual, Heavy Duty Handheld Strong Can Opener with Soft Touch Handle, Sharp Blade Smooth Edge, Can Openers with Multifunctional Bottle Opener, Black
  • 【Excellent Quality】Our handheld can opener is made of high quality materials for increased durability and longevity. Food grade stainless steel cutting wheels ensures 100% food safe to you.
  • 【Safring's Improvement of Manual Can Opener】We use high carbon steel blades instead of ordinary blades. The sharp blades and precision gears are perfectly matched, and the blades cut through the lids smoothly with each revolution. Two slip resistant handles provide a soft touch and more comfortable experience.
  • 【Heavy Duty Effective】The can opener features an extra large turn knob that allows you to easily open the can with little effort. The ergonomic handle fits any size hand. Can easily open large cans. It is also very friendly to the seniors, women and people with arthritis.
  • 【All-in-One Design】Equipped with a built-in bottle opener designed for beer soda and other bottles with lids, our can opener meets all your needs for celebratory beer and bottle drinks that can be simply pried open with a hook. Fits any standard size bottle. Specially designed for home kitchens, bake rooms, camping, outdoor picnics, bars and restaurants.
  • 【Easy To Store And Clean】Our can opener is designed with an opening at the bottom so that it can be hung on the kitchen wall with a hook. After use, it is recommended to wash immediately by hand with warm water and mild detergent, and then dry immediately.

Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric

Reviewed’s electric guide, updated July 26, 2025, praises its hands-free operation, strong magnet and stability. It also notes a larger footprint, plastic parts, durability concerns and sharp edges. Because that guide predates Food Network’s 2026 comparison, treat it as a separate, older benchmark rather than a current head-to-head result.

Best Value
Can Opener,Professional 3-In-1 Multifunctional Manual Can Openers Bottle Opener,Kitchen Durable Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Can Opener Smooth Edge for Kitchen Seniors Friendly
  • Multifunctional can opener, can be used as a can opener, lever, bottle opener, suitable for all kinds of cans and bottles in the kitchen,which can meet the various needs of your daily life at the same time.
  • The can opener is made of stainless steel, sturdy and durable, not easy to break, and can be safely in direct contact with food. It will not rust after long-term use.
  • The sharp metal blade is easy to insert into the can lid. The edge of the can after trimming is smooth and sleek. No scratches, no burrs and sharp gears. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about being cut by sharp edges when you take out food from the can.
  • After opening the can with the can opener, the sharp cutting blade will not touch the food in the can, so it is easy to clean. After use, it can be washed in the sink or dishwasher.
  • Lightweight and convenient design, when you are not using it, you can hang the hole on the wall or store it in a dry cupboard to save space. It is lighter than the traditional large corkscrew, easy to carry, and convenient for outdoor use. It is an indispensable choice for homes and kitchens.

Check fit and care before ordering

  • Confirm the cut: “OXO Good Grips” alone is not enough to identify a side-cut opener; the Soft-Handled and Smooth Edge are distinct models.
  • Consider lid handling: The OXO Smooth Edge manual describes lid pliers. Do not assume other models retain or remove lids in the same way.
  • Check cleaning instructions: Food Network specifies hand washing for its OXO Soft-Handled and PAKITNER picks, wiping the Bartelli, and a removable dishwasher-safe cutting assembly for the Hamilton Beach. Follow the exact product’s instructions for other parts.
  • Verify the listing: Prices, stock and exact model versions can change. Food Network’s displayed example prices are not durable price guidance.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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