Best Can Openers That Actually Work (2026)

What We Tested

We opened over 200 cans across three weeks using manual can openers at different price points. Each opener was tested on ease of use, edge safety, durability, handle comfort, and consistency across different can sizes from small tomato paste tins to large cans of crushed tomatoes.

A can opener is one of those tools you use without thinking until you use a bad one. The right one glides through lids effortlessly and safely.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: KitchenAid Classic Multifunction

The KitchenAid Classic is a no-nonsense can opener that does exactly what you need. The stainless steel cutting wheel powered through every can we tested without slipping or jamming, and the oversized turning knob makes smooth, easy rotations. A built-in bottle opener adds a handy bonus.

This is a traditional top-cut design, which means the lid edges are sharp. Handle with care, but the cutting mechanism itself is the smoothest and most reliable we tested.

Best Safety: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge

The OXO Smooth Edge cuts from below the rim rather than through the top, leaving both the lid and the can with dull, safe edges. If you have kids in the kitchen or simply want to avoid the risk of nicked fingers, this is the opener to buy.

The cushioned handles are genuinely comfortable during extended use. The only learning curve is aligning the cutting mechanism on the first turn, which takes a few uses to feel natural.

Best Design: Kuhn Rikon Lidlifter

The Kuhn Rikon is a clever piece of Swiss engineering. It cuts below the rim like the OXO, but adds an automatic lid-lifting feature that grips the severed lid so you never have to fish it out of the can. The edges are completely smooth and safe to handle.

There is a learning curve. The alignment technique is different from a traditional can opener and takes a few tries to master. Once you get it, though, it is the most elegant can-opening experience we found.

The Bottom Line

The KitchenAid Classic is the reliable workhorse that handles any can with ease. The OXO Smooth Edge is the best choice for safe, smooth cuts and comfortable handles. The Kuhn Rikon is for those who appreciate clever design and do not mind a brief learning period.