Every cook knows that there are essential utensils that you will need at some point, even though you don’t use them every day. Such is the case of can openers. Imagine you wish to open canned vegetables; this wouldn’t be possible without the best opener money can buy. As a result, we’ll be sharing with you some of the best can opener options currently on the market.
Can openers are great tools to have in the kitchen; these are efficient, and you can always count on them to get the job done. You certainly wouldn’t want to hack at your black bean can with a paring knife in a moment of desperation. With that thought in mind, make sure you have a can opener sitting in a drawer.
There’s no shame in admitting you have used a rusty can opener in the past. Most tend to take their can openers for granted and get a cheap one. That said, nowadays, brands put just as much design attention into can openers as they do to significant cooking equipment. Check out below some of the best can opener alternatives and get rid of your old can opener for good.
Best Can Opener FAQ’s
Why do can openers not work anymore?
The main cause, be they cheap or otherwise, is the non-forced roller cog (not the one attached to the twister, but the one that sits below the circular blade) sizes up with rust. A strong blast with an old toothbrush, then undo the Phillips screw and remove.
Which is better, electric or manual can opener?
As a general rule, an electric can opener is much easier to use than a manual model, as the machine supplies the pressure and the coordination to keep the can rotating while the blade slices through the lid.
What are the two categories of manual can openers?
Manual can openers fall into two basic categories: those that cut the can’s lid just inside the rim of the can and those that unseal the outside edge of the can. Those in the first category allow you to leave the lid in place and use it to hold back the food when you want to drain the liquid. Those in the second category enable the lids to be placed on the can for temporary storage, although the lids don’t snap on, so grabbing the can from the top can result in a mess if you’re not careful.
Things to keep in mind when buying a can opener:
- Features. Most people focus on ergonomics; soft grips and larger handles can help people with limited dexterity and arthritis turn or crank a can opener more easily.
- Safety. There are now can openers made with a smooth cut feature to prevent slicing your hand when you lift the edge of a metal lid.
Some can openers have incorporated magnets that hold and then release the lid for a complete hands-free opening. This feature also helps curb messes with liquid, such as tomato juice splatters. - Durability. Typically, cheap can openers aren’t dishwasher safe either, and it’s a significant pain to hand wash a can opener every time you use it. Also, the metals in these cheaper options likely aren’t pro-grade, such as stainless steel, and will rust over time.
Best Can Opener
Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
The Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener makes short work of any standard size can with one touch.
The precision Power Cut blade effortlessly slices through cans, held in place by the handy magnetic lid holder.
Cuisinart designed the arm to be removable, making cleanup effortless. The freestanding can opener has an extra-wide base to prevent tipping, while the clean lines of the brushed stainless steel complement any other premium countertop appliances for a luxury chef’s kitchen.
Features:
- Stainless steel construction
- Power Cut blade
- One-touch operation
- Opens any standard size can
Deluxe Can Opener with Grips
The Black EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener with Grips is a welcome addition to your kitchen drawer. It’s very simple to use for preparing meals for your family.
The EZ-DUZ-IT can opener has soft material on the handle that makes it easy to hold. It has a heavy-duty swing design. Use this steel can opener to remove the top from soup cans, vegetables, fruit, and more.
It helps prepare meals faster, and the best part is that it rinses clean with soap and water; it is also easy to store in a drawer when not in use.
Features:
- Heavy-duty swing design
- Made of heavy-gauge chromed steel
- Soft grips for a sure hold
Good Cook Can Opener, Safe Cut Manual Can Opener
One way to prevent knicks and slices is with a can opener specially designed to create smooth edges. True to its name, the Good Cook Safe-Cut Manual Can Opener is engineered to cut metal lids with incredible precision.
No jagged edges or surprise metal spikes. If you have a kid sous-chef in the kitchen, this is one of the safest manuals can openers on the market.
This can opener offers to prevent cross-contamination and leave no sharp edges. All you need to do is simply rotate the turn knob to release the lid from the opener.
Features:
- The patented design leaves smooth, safe edges after cutting
- The cutting wheel never touches food
- Heavy-duty chrome construction
- Safe and easy to use
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
By cutting on the side of the can below the edge, the Smooth Edge Can Opener leaves no sharp edges on the can or lid.
The sharp, hardened stainless steel cutting wheel stays clean, avoiding contact with can contents, while the lid pliers allow for no-touch lid removal.
Effortlessly opens cans without creating sharp edges on the can or lid. The oversized side-wind mechanism moves smoothly, made with a soft-grip knob and non-slip handles.
Features:
- Soft-grip knob
- Non-slip handles
- Stainless Steel
Rosle Stainless Steel Can Opener
It is manufactured entirely from stainless steel. It opens any can smoothly and easily. It leaves no sharp edges behind and does not come into contact with contents.
It is made of durable and hygienic 18/10 stainless steel. Easy positioning pliers that grip onto the top of the can lift the lid from the can and never contact the food.
Ergonomically shaped thumbscrew for smooth and effortless turning. Also, with a safe lateral cutting wheel that avoids sharp edges along the rim and lid of the can.
Features:
- Stainless Steel
- 7-inch
- Hanging Ring for easy storage
Swing-A-Way Easy-Crank Can Opener with Folding Crank
This can opener is one you can rely on to get through tough can tops effortlessly. The body is constructed out of highly durable steel.
The Swing-A-Way Can Opener features an extra-long crank handle for a better grip, helping take the strain and pain from your hands when in use. The crank folds down, making storage easy.
There are extra-long soft cushion grips for comfortable handling; the ergonomic handles fit any size of hands.
Features:
- All-steel construction
- Comfortable handle
- Cushion grip
Along with a can opener, other kitchen utensils you should consider are grain mills, colanders, and an immersion blender; we gather the best of them all!
