For most people, the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe is the best traditional can opener. It is simple, sturdy, and was the top manual choice in testing by both Reviewed and TechGearLab. If you prefer push-button operation, choose the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch. For a safety-edge design with several extra functions, the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master is the more specialized pick.
There is no single best can opener for every kitchen. Manual, countertop-electric, battery-powered, top-cut, and side-cut models make different trade-offs in hand effort, storage, power dependence, lid safety, and performance on unusually large cans. This guide separates those use cases instead of treating every opener as interchangeable.
Our picks at a glance
| Can opener | Best for | Opening method | Power | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe | Best traditional manual opener | Top-cut | None | The cut lid can have sharp edges |
| Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606Z/76606ZA | Best electric overall | Smooth-edge side cut | Countertop outlet | Requires counter space and electricity |
| Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener | Best compact hand-saver | Battery-powered electric | Batteries | Battery maintenance and variable can compatibility |
| Cuisinart Deluxe CCO-50BKN | Best-value countertop electric | Countertop electric | Countertop outlet | Still takes more space than a manual opener |
| Joseph Joseph Can-Do Compact | Best for small kitchens and ambidextrous use | Manual compact design | None | Published testing found it less capable on larger cans |
| Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master | Best multifunction safety opener | Side-cut safety design | None | Has a learning curve and can be awkward on some cans |
| Zyliss Lock N’ Lift | Best locking manual opener | Locking manual cutter | None | Extra lid-removal features are not equally useful to everyone |
Prices, stock, colors, model suffixes, and retailer availability change. Check the current listing before buying.
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How the can openers were evaluated
The rankings in this guide are based on published hands-on comparisons from TechGearLab and Reviewed’s manual-opener testing, supplemented with current manufacturer information. TechGearLab tested nine models and named the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch its best overall electric opener and the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe its best overall manual opener. Reviewed evaluated ten manual openers and also selected the EZ-DUZ-IT for most people.
Important distinction: these are recommendations based on those outlets’ testing, not claims that we personally tested the products.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTIFUNCTION OPENER — One stainless steel opener that handles standard cans and bottles with smooth, controlled precision. (Item Dimension: Length 8.5 in x Wdith 2.5 inch, Weight: 341g)
- HEAVY-GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL — Crafted from durable heavy-gauge stainless steel for long-lasting performance, this piece is built to resist rust, corrosion, and bending, ensuring reliable strength and structural integrity.
- LARGE 360° KNOB — Full-rotation knob allows smooth, controlled movement along the can's edge for clean, burr-free opening on most standard can sizes Use it as your everyday Kitchen Can Opener for stovetop, oven, or prep work.
- MULTIFUNCTION CAN AND BOTTLE OPENER — One stainless steel opener that handles standard cans and bottles with precision and minimal effort Ideal Metal Can Opener for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
- DISHWASHER SAFE — Designed for quick and efficient cleanup, perfect for handling everyday cooking tasks with minimal effort. Ideal Manual Can Opener for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
The useful comparison points are:
- Cut type: Traditional top-cut openers cut through the lid near its rim. Side-cut or smooth-edge models cut below the rim and are designed to leave a less sharp lid edge.
- Hand effort: Electric models remove most squeezing and turning. Locking manual models reduce the need to maintain pressure, while ordinary manual openers require repeated hand motion.
- Can-size performance: Most models handle ordinary cans, but testing identified larger-can limitations for the Joseph Joseph and Kuhn Rikon.
- Storage: Battery-powered and compact manual openers fit drawers more easily than countertop appliances.
- Power dependence: Electric openers are convenient but unusable during an outage unless you also keep a manual backup.
- Cleaning: Follow the product’s own care instructions rather than assuming a cutter is dishwasher-safe.
1. EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe can opener: best traditional manual opener
Best for: Shoppers who want a straightforward, durable-feeling manual opener with no batteries, cord, or learning curve.
The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe is the strongest all-around choice if you want the familiar kind of opener that clamps onto the top of a can and turns with a side handle. Reviewed chose it as its favorite manual opener after considering speed, comfort, durability, and safety. TechGearLab also ranked it first among the manual models it tested and described it as heavy-duty and uncomplicated.
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The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe can opener is a good fit for a kitchen that values mechanical simplicity. It needs no outlet or batteries, takes little storage space, and is easy to keep as an emergency backup even if your main opener is electric. The manufacturer describes the Deluxe as USA-made, steel-bodied, and fitted with non-slip grips.
The compromise is the cutting style. A conventional top-cut opener can leave a sharp metal edge on the lid, so handle the lid carefully and keep it away from children. It also requires more squeezing and repeated turning than an electric opener. The manufacturer’s product page provides limited technical detail, so claims about exact materials, warranty coverage, or long-term lifespan should not be inferred beyond the available information.
2. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606Z/76606ZA: best electric overall
Best for: Frequent canned-food use, push-button convenience, and people who want less hand effort.
TechGearLab named the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch its best overall electric can opener after testing it against competing models. The outlet reported that it was easy to attach to cans of different sizes and produced smooth results. Consumer Reports has also identified the Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch as a favorite among electric models.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe relevant product family is commonly identified by model numbers 76606Z or 76606ZA, so check the model number carefully: Hamilton Beach sells several electric can openers with similar names. The manufacturer documentation for Hamilton Beach’s electric-opener line describes automatic shutoff behavior, but the exact controls and features should be confirmed for the model you purchase.
This is the best choice when reducing hand motion matters more than saving counter space. It is less attractive for a minimalist kitchen, travel, camping, or power outages because it occupies a dedicated footprint and needs electricity. If it is your household’s only opener, keep a manual model available for emergencies.
Rank #2
- 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.
3. Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener: best compact hand-saver
Best for: Users who want low-effort opening in a smaller, cordless format.
TechGearLab gave the Kitchen Mama its “Best Hand Saver” distinction and rated it highly for its compact footprint and convenient operation. Unlike a countertop electric opener, it is battery-powered and can be stored in a drawer, making it a practical middle ground between a conventional manual opener and a full-size appliance.
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Its main benefit is reduced squeezing and turning: place it on the can, operate it as directed, and let the motor do the work. That may be easier for users with limited hand strength, but it should not be treated as a guarantee of medical or accessibility results.
Battery-powered convenience has costs. You must maintain compatible batteries, and performance can vary with can shape, lid size, and battery condition. TechGearLab’s results support the low-effort positioning but do not establish that it will work equally well on every can design. It is also sensible to keep a manual backup if you regularly rely on canned food.
4. Cuisinart Deluxe CCO-50BKN: best-value countertop electric alternative
Best for: Buyers who want a traditional countertop electric opener without treating premium styling as a priority.
TechGearLab named the Cuisinart Deluxe CCO-50 a strong value electric model and found it simple to operate. Consumer Reports described the stainless-steel Cuisinart Deluxe as the best-looking electric model in its comparison and noted automatic stopping and lid-holding behavior.
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Cuisinart currently lists the product under the CCO-50BKN model family. Confirm the suffix and included features at the time of purchase because product listings can change.
The Cuisinart is a reasonable countertop alternative to the Hamilton Beach: it offers powered operation and a conventional appliance format, often with an emphasis on appearance and convenience. It is not automatically the better choice overall. Both countertop models require dedicated space and an outlet, and the available evidence does not support broad claims that this Cuisinart is universally quieter, faster, or more durable.
Rank #3
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: One stainless steel can opener
- FOOD PREP MADE EASY: Handy kitchen gadgets such as this stainless steel can opener are perfect for everyday food prep.
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Offers long-lasting durability, lustrous shine, and versatility. The oversized knob allows for an easy-twist, full-range operation when in use.
- LIGHWEIGHT BUT STURDY: Comfortable handles offer a safe grip to ensure ease of use and better control.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Hand wash only
5. Joseph Joseph Can-Do Compact: best for small kitchens and ambidextrous use
Best for: Drawer storage, compact kitchens, and shoppers who want a design that does not strongly favor one hand.
TechGearLab awarded the Joseph Joseph Can-Do Compact its “Space Saving and Ambidextrous Option” distinction. Its small footprint is the central reason to choose it: it is easier to store than a countertop appliance and less bulky than many full-size manual openers.
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For ordinary cans and tight storage, however, the Joseph Joseph offers a useful combination of compactness and flexible handling. Think of it as a space-saving specialist, not the strongest universal performer.
6. Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master: best multifunction safety opener
Best for: People who prioritize a side-cut safety design and want bottle, pull-tab, soda-tab, and screw-top tools in the same device.
The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master uses a side-cut mechanism intended to avoid the sharp edge associated with traditional top-cut openers. Kuhn Rikon says the cutter does not cut through the top in the conventional manner and does not contact the can’s contents. TechGearLab included it in its nine-model comparison and credited it with five additional functions.
The operating technique takes practice. After cutting, the lid may not look as though it has been opened in the usual way; you must release or lift it using the tool’s mechanism. Kuhn Rikon specifically warns against over-turning because doing so can create sharp slivers. A safety-edge design is not a reason to skip the instructions: inspect the lid and cut edge, and avoid touching exposed metal unnecessarily.
Testing also found trade-offs. TechGearLab noted that the extra lid-removal features could create more trouble than they solved and that some safety models struggled on larger cans. Choose this opener for its combination of safety-oriented cutting and multifunction utility, not because it is guaranteed to be the fastest or easiest on every can.
Rank #4
- DURABLE BLADE: This handheld can opener features a heat-treated zinc-coated stainless-steel blade that offers rugged reliability and strength
- STAINLESS-STEEL HANDLES: The handles on the can opener provide a secure grip, allowing easy use for both home cooks and professional chefs.
- QUICK OPERATION: Efficiently remove tops from metal fruit, vegetable, and soup cans
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Simply hand wash after use for longevity. Supported by a 1-year limited warranty
Kuhn Rikon specifies hand washing for the Auto Safety Master. Do not put it in the dishwasher unless the current product instructions explicitly allow it. See the manufacturer’s product information for current operating and care guidance.
7. Zyliss Lock N’ Lift: best locking manual opener
Best for: People who want a manual opener that locks onto the can and lifts the lid with a magnet.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Zyliss Lock N’ Lift clamps its cutting wheel onto the can, uses a stainless-steel wheel, and includes a magnet intended to lift the lid without requiring direct contact. Zyliss says the locking mechanism is designed to reduce strain and lists a five-year guarantee for the product.
That locking action makes it a better ergonomic manual option than a basic opener for some users: once attached, it stays in position while you turn. The magnet is also useful when you do not want to pry a freshly cut lid out of the can by hand.
It is not the automatic overall winner, though. TechGearLab found that some of the Lock N’ Lift’s additional lid-removal features were less helpful than expected. It is best understood as a locking, magnetic-lid alternative for shoppers who prefer manual control, rather than as a replacement for a one-button electric model. Zyliss’s U.S. collection includes several opener variants, and prices and stock can vary by color and listing; check the current Zyliss collection before ordering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Manual versus electric: which type should you buy?
Choose manual if you want simplicity and outage readiness
A manual opener is usually the better choice when you have limited counter space, want to avoid batteries, travel frequently, or want a dependable backup. The EZ-DUZ-IT is the strongest conventional choice, while the Zyliss adds a locking mechanism and magnetic lid lifting. The Joseph Joseph is the storage-oriented option.
The disadvantages are repeated squeezing and turning, plus the sharper lid edge produced by many top-cut designs. If hand effort is a concern, a locking or electric model may be more comfortable to operate.
Choose countertop electric if you open cans frequently
Countertop electric models minimize manual work and are convenient for regular canned-food preparation. Hamilton Beach is the more strongly supported overall electric recommendation; Cuisinart is the value-oriented alternative. Both require an outlet and a permanent or semi-permanent storage location.
Best Value
- 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
Electric operation is not a substitute for a backup opener. During a power outage, a manual can opener is immediately more useful than a countertop appliance.
Choose battery-powered electric for a smaller low-effort solution
The Kitchen Mama is the specialist choice when you want less hand motion without dedicating as much counter space as a countertop appliance. Remember to keep fresh, compatible batteries available and do not assume it will perform identically on unusually shaped or oversized cans.
Choose side-cut safety designs for a less sharp lid edge
Side-cut models such as the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch and Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master are designed to avoid the sharp top edge associated with conventional cutters. “Safety edge” does not mean “no risk”: follow the manufacturer’s technique, inspect the lid, and handle any detached metal carefully.
Safe use and cleaning
- Read the model-specific instructions. Similar-looking openers can use different attachment, release, and lid-removal methods.
- Do not force a jammed cutter. Stop, release the opener according to its instructions, and remove the can only when the cutting wheel is disengaged.
- Handle conventional lids by the edge only. Top-cut lids may be sharp even when the cut looks clean.
- Do not over-turn safety openers. Kuhn Rikon warns that excessive turning can create sharp slivers.
- Keep water away from powered parts. Unplug countertop models before cleaning and follow the manual for removable components.
- Do not assume dishwasher safety. The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master is specified for hand washing; use each electric opener’s own care instructions.
- Inspect the cut. If the lid is jagged, incompletely separated, or leaves metal fragments, discard the contents rather than risking contamination or injury.
Which one should you buy?
- Best conventional choice: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe.
- Best electric choice: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch 76606Z/76606ZA.
- Best compact low-effort choice: Kitchen Mama Electric.
- Best countertop alternative: Cuisinart Deluxe CCO-50BKN.
- Best for limited storage or ambidextrous use: Joseph Joseph Can-Do Compact.
- Best safety-and-tools combination: Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master.
- Best locking manual design: Zyliss Lock N’ Lift.
If you are uncertain, buy according to the constraint that matters most. Choose the EZ-DUZ-IT for simplicity, Hamilton Beach for push-button convenience, Kuhn Rikon for a side-cut multifunction design, or Kitchen Mama when compact low-effort operation is the priority. No matter which powered model you select, a basic manual opener remains a sensible backup.
Disclosure
This article may contain links that generate revenue for the site if you buy through them. Product recommendations are based on the published testing and manufacturer information cited above; the products were not personally tested for this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best can opener for most people?
The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe is the best conventional manual choice based on both Reviewed’s and TechGearLab’s published testing. It is simple and requires no power, but its top-cut design can leave a sharper lid edge.
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The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch, commonly listed as model 76606Z or 76606ZA, is the strongest overall electric pick in TechGearLab’s comparison. It offers push-button operation and smooth-edge results, but needs counter space and an outlet.
Are side-cut can openers safer?
Side-cut models are designed to avoid the sharp top edge produced by many traditional openers. They still require careful operation, and users should follow the instructions and inspect the cut lid for slivers or jagged metal.
Should I keep a manual can opener if I own an electric one?
Yes. Countertop and battery-powered openers depend on electricity or charged batteries. A manual opener remains useful during outages, while traveling, or if the powered opener fails.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Buy the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe for the best straightforward manual experience, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch for countertop-electric convenience, or the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master if a side-cut design and extra opening tools matter most. Match the opener to your storage, hand-effort, safety, and power requirements rather than looking for one universal winner.
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Quick Recap
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.
