Electric can openers save your hand and wrist from doing all the work when you need to open a can of soup, sauce, vegetables, or other ingredients for meals. Electric can openers come in battery-powered and corded versions, both of which use their power to turn the can and work the blade quickly around the lid to open the can in a convenient, hands-free way. We reviewed dozens of electric can openers to identify the best of the best. In our search, we looked for can openers that are super easy to use, safe, and provide good value with their features.
Our top pick is the Hamilton Beach Heavyweight Can Opener, which has a heavy-duty design that stays in place for safety purposes and can cut through most cans quickly. The blade assembly is also easily removable to make it easy to wash between uses.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Electric Can Openers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hamilton Beach Heavyweight Can Opener | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | Proctor Silex Power Electric Can Opener | 3.7 |
| Best Budget Buy | Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener | 4.4 |
| Best Handheld Electric Can Opener | MiToo Electric Can Opener | 4.4 |
| Best Under Cabinet Electric Can Opener | BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker | 3.0 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Hamilton Beach Heavyweight Can Opener
The Hamilton Beach Heavyweight Can Opener is an extra-tall unit that can accommodate cans of various sizes while using its SureCut technology to make sure each can opens easily. The sharp blade and its unique design ensure a clean can opening every time without having to re-cut sticking lids. And, the can opener’s heavyweight design keeps it in place to prevent the opener from shifting unsafely while it works. In addition to its can opening perks, the Hamilton Beach Heavyweight Can Opener includes extra benefits in the kitchen. You’ll find a knife sharpener on its backside to keep small and large knives ready to cut foods, a storage area to tuck the power cord out of sight, and an easily removable blade assembly that you can wash between uses. More than 3,000 Amazon reviewers have given this can opener a 4.4 average rating, with many of them mentioning that they love the quietness and easy operation of this unit.
Hamilton Beach Heavyweight Can Opener Key Features:
- Convenient cord storage
- Tall design to open large cans
- Auto shut-off
- Black or red design
- Removable blade system
Our Runner Up Pick: Proctor Silex Power Electric Can Opener
The Proctor Silex Power Electric Can Opener is an electric can opener with some of the same perks as our top pick, like a rear knife sharpener and a cord storage area. The main difference with this unit is that its cutting blade assembly is partly made with plastic rather than full steel, but this could be a good option for you if you prefer a more monotone look. You can also remove the blade assembly from this can opener to hand wash it to prevent buildup between uses. The Proctor Silex unit is the size of a standard electric can opener, so it will work best with standard-sized cans. Several Amazon reviewers mention that this can opener makes opening most cans a breeze and saves unnecessary wear and tear on their hands and wrists that they get from a hand can opener.
Proctor Silex Power Electric Can Opener Key Features:
- Hands-free operation
- Shuts off automatically after it opens a can
- White or black options
- Included knife sharpener
Best Budget Pick: Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener
The Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener is a good alternative to our top picks if you’re looking for something slightly lower in price and still want a few bells and whistles. This can opener is designed with a wide base to keep it stable when opening cans of various weights and sizes, yet its narrow design can fit into small spaces in the kitchen. A precision cutting blade makes sure that your cans open without unsafe jagged edges. This can opener works best with standard can sizes. To operate it, you just need to push down gently on the lever and the can opener will continue taking off the lid, stopping automatically when it’s done. You can remove the lever and blade assembly easily to keep the unit clean when it’s not in use. With its lightweight design, this opener is also easy to move around the kitchen.
Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener Key Features:
- Removable lever for cleaning
- Meets electrical standards for North American households
- One-touch activation
- Magnetic lid holder
Best Handheld Electric Can Opener: MiToo Electric Can Opener
The MiToo Electric Can Opener is a conveniently-sized electric opener that could fit in your pocket if you wanted to bring it with you to open a can of soup for lunch. This small can opener runs on batteries, so its automatic operation won’t leave your hand and wrist feeling tired like a traditional handheld opener. With the push of a button, the MiToo can opener turns the can and removes the lid along the side of the can, leaving only a smooth edge behind. Perhaps the most significant benefit of this handheld can opener is that its blade mechanism sits on the underside of the opener, keeping it away from your fingers during operation. Since the opener also has a magnet to hold the lid, you won’t have to worry about fishing it off the can yourself.
MiToo Electric Can Opener Key Features:
- One-touch button operation
- Easy-open battery compartment
- Long-lasting battery life
- Smooth edge cutting
Best Under Cabinet Electric Can Opener: BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker
The BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker mounts underneath a kitchen cabinet to save space in your kitchen and keep the clutter off your countertops. This electric can opener can handle cans of almost any size, yet its compact dimensions keep it from looking overwhelming in your kitchen. The BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker is designed to keep your hands away from the blades during operation. Place the can under the blade assembly, push down on the handle, and the electric can opener will automatically turn the can and cut the lid. A magnetized lid holder grabs the lid until you’re ready to throw it way. The side of this can opener also features a built-in knife sharpener, while the bottom of the Spacemaker has a lid opener for jars, so it’s like having three tools in one convenient spot in your kitchen.
BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker Key Features:
- Multi-functional tool
- Mounts easily under cabinets
- Small size
- Hands-free operation
Who Should Buy an Electric Can Opener
Electric can openers might not be something you think you need in your kitchen, but they can definitely have advantages over hand-operated, or manual, can openers. An electric can opener tends to be pricier than a manual can opener, but they come in a variety of price points to fit your budget. If you have weak hands or wrists due to an injury, arthritis, or another condition, an electric can opener may benefit you. Most electric can openers offer hands-free operation that only requires you to place a can near the blade and push a button or lever to begin the cutting process. You don’t have to hold or turn the can or a lever to keep it cutting, which can save a lot of wear and tear on your sensitive hands and wrists. Another reason to consider an electric can opener is that it can save you time. Manual can openers can be tricky to operate and can take longer to open a lid, especially with large cans. If you open cans frequently or open several at a time, then an electric can opener can make your meal preparation much faster.
Important Features to Consider
An electric can opener should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting an electric can opener for your kitchen:
- Safety features. Modern electric can openers often include safety-focused features for owners, like a gripped bottom to keep the can opener in place and an easy-to-remove blade for safe cleaning. A side-cutting feature cuts the lid on the side so that it won’t have sharp edges that could cut you.
- Stainless steel blades. Low-budget electric can openers may come with metal blades that rust or dull easily, which could pose a hazard to your food or your hands. It’s best to look for devices with stainless steel blades, which outlast most other types and won’t rust.
- Materials. Electric can openers are designed with a variety of materials, from plastic to stainless steel. Plastic can openers can range in color to fit your kitchen design, but they’re also not as durable as stainless steel or carbon-infused models. Heavier materials also make the can opener heavier, which can hold it in place better when opening large cans.
- Type of power. Some electric can openers have a power cord while others operate by batteries. Power cords can get in the way and be hazardous in the kitchen, but batteries will need to be replaced occasionally, so you’ll need to consider which type is more beneficial for you.
- Size. A taller, larger can opener can accommodate cans larger than the standard size, but it will also take up more space in the kitchen. Be sure to check a can opener’s dimensions and the can sizes it accommodates before making a choice.
- Hands-free operation. Most electric can openers have a hands-free operating design that doesn’t require you to hold or move the can or blade assembly during operation. This perk can prevent fatigue in your hands, wrists, and arms and potential safety issues.
- Extra tools. Can openers that come with extra tools, like jar lid openers or knife sharpeners, can save you money and add convenience in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electric can opener and how does it work?
An electric can opener is one that’s powered using electricity through a power cord or batteries. Unlike a manual can opener, an electric can opener uses its power to automatically turn a can as it opens the lid, preventing you from having to hold it and turn the cutting mechanism. When you push the can opener’s lever down near the blade assembly, a gear will turn the can while the blade cuts into the lid. Then, a magnetized arm holds onto the lid to prevent it from falling into the can once it’s removed.
What is a smooth edge can opener?
A smooth edge can opener is also known as a safety can opener because it opens the can on the lid by cutting underneath the lip of the can rather than inside it like a traditional can opener. The result is a smooth-edged lid with a much lower risk of cutting your fingers when you remove it. Smooth edge can openers also usually have a magnetized piece to hold the lid once you’re done cutting it.
How do you clean an electric can opener?
Electric can openers need to be cleaned routinely to maintain their look, performance, and safety – ideally, after each use. First, unplug the can opener. Then, you can usually lift up on the lever that connects to the blade to guide the assembly out of its position. Carefully hand-wash the assembly with warm water, soap, and a dishtowel, or place it in a bowl of warm water with soap for several minutes. You can then wipe down the can opener using a dishtowel with warm water and soap or antibacterial wipes. Be sure to check your can opener’s instruction manual for tips for washing your exact model, since some materials require specific washing instructions.
Are electric can openers better for people with arthritis?
Electric can openers can be better than manual can openers for people with arthritis, who often have pain and weakness in their fingers, hands, and wrists. However, this is usually only true if the can opener has an automatic turning and cutting feature that doesn’t require you to hold or turn the can or keep the lever pressed to operate the can opener. The automatic feature will do these tasks for you for hands-free operation.
Other Electric Can Openers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other electric can openers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best electric can openers list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kitchen. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Smooth Edge Electric Can Openers
- Handheld Electric Can Openers
- Multi-Function Electric Can Openers
- Stainless Steel Electric Can Openers
Smooth Edge Electric Can Openers
The battery-operated motor of this smooth edge can opener triggers the uniquely-designed blade to cut under the can’s rim to leave a smooth, safe edge.
Key Features:
- One-touch operation
- Easy to hold
- Small and portable
Cost: $17
Bartelli Soft Edge Automatic Can Opener
Not only will this can opener leave your edges smooth, but it will also cut the lid in a way that you can put it back on the can to save some of its contents for later.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Creates a re-sealable can lid
- Hands-free operation
Cost: $10
Chef’s Star Smooth Edge Electric Can Opener
Place this can opener on a can, press the button, and your can will open with a smooth edge in just a few seconds.
Key Features:
- Includes two AA batteries
- Fast operation
- Works on any can size
Cost: $15
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener
This smooth edge looks just like a regular electric can opener, but without leaving behind the jagged, sharp edges that most models do.
Key Features:
- Sleek design
- Easy-push lever
- Also opens pop-top cans
Cost: $30
Kitchen Mama Portable Electric Can Opener
This Kitchen Mama can opener runs along the side of a can with the push of a button and hands-free operation to give you a safe lid removal.
Key Features:
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
- Hands-free operation
Cost: $20
Handheld Electric Can Openers
Farberware Hands-Free Automatic Can Opener
This handheld and smooth edge can opener is a convenient size to hold and store, and it saves your hands from doing all the work with its one-button operation.
Key Features:
- Compact design
- Leaves a smooth edge
- Opens cans of any size
Cost: $13
Handy Can Opener One Touch Can Opener
This battery-operated can opener automatically moves around the can once you start it, stops when it’s done, and will safely take the lid off for you.
Key Features:
- Comes with two can openers
- Automatic shut-off
- Lifts lid after opening
Cost: $19
If you have arthritis or pain in your hands, fingers, or wrists, this egg-shaped can opener might help you feel more comfortable opening cans in the kitchen.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Finger grips
- Opens any can size
Cost: $18
Kitchen Mama Mini Electric Can Opener
Are you looking for a small can opener that won’t feel bulky in your hands? Try this one from Kitchen Mama, which is best for small to standard size cans.
Key Features:
- Super compact
- Easy to clean
- Leaves a smooth edge
Cost: $25
One of the few handheld can openers with no blades, the Krups Open Master removes lids safely without cutting them.
Key Features:
- Opens cans safely and blade-free
- Easy-to-hold handle design
- One-year limited warranty
Cost: $56
This computer mouse-shaped can opener can be a good choice for people who suffer from hand or finger pain.
Key Features:
- Smooth edge design
- Automatically operates after starting
- Lifts lid off safely
Cost: $20
Place this Zyliss can opener on any can, press the button, and watch it go to work. Your can and lid will have smooth, safe edges.
Key Features:
- Two-year guarantee
- Cuts cans of any size
- Smooth edge cutting
Cost: $17
Multi-Function Electric Can Openers
BLACK+DECKER Compact Can Opener
Not only does this can opener open almost any size can, but it also has a knife sharpener, bottle opener, and pop-top lid opener included on its body.
Key Features:
- Black or white design
- Removable cutting assembly for easy cleaning
- Tall design for large cans
Cost: $20
Elite Cuisine Deluxe Can Opener
This Elite Cuisine can opener boasts a scissors and knife sharpener on its back to help it serve multiple uses in the kitchen.
Key Features:
- Cord storage
- One-touch operation
- Wide base for sturdiness
Cost: $20
As its name suggests, the OpenStation helps you open everything in the kitchen, including regular cans, pop-top cans, jars, and bottles.
Key Features:
- All extra tools store conveniently inside and on the can opener
- SureCut technology for reliable cutting
- Washable blade assembly
Cost: $16
With its built-in knife sharpener, this electric can opener can help you eliminate an extra kitchen tool.
Key Features:
- Extra strong lid magnet
- Slim design
- Built-in cord storage
Cost: $27
Proctor Silex Plus Extra Tall Can Opener
Not only is this electric can opener tall enough to accommodate almost any can size, but it also has a built-in knife sharpener for added convenience in the kitchen.
Key Features:
- Detachable cutting assembly
- Sleek black finish
- Smooth operation
Cost: $50
Stainless Steel Electric Can Openers
Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
This electric can opener from Cuisinart looks like it’s straight out of a retro diner, yet includes modern technology that opens cans quickly and safely.
Key Features:
- Retro design
- Removable lever and cutting assembly for washing
- Extra-wide base for stability
Cost: $35
Hamilton Beach Brushed Stainless Steel Can Opener
With this can opener, you’ll get the look, feel, and durability of stainless steel with convenient features like a removable blade assembly and a built-in knife sharpener.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Wide base
- Automatic shut-off
Cost: $25
This uniquely designed can opener is compact, but sturdy enough to handle opening large cans with ease.
Key Features:
- Built-in cord storage unit
- Easy to clean
- Powerful lid magnet
Cost: $27
