Many of us use canned goods in our day to day cooking and eating, from canned tomatoes to peaches to beans. If you struggle to hold the handles of a standard can opener, or squeeze them tight enough to pierce the can, you should consider buying an electric can opener. Even if you don’t struggle with standard can openers, electric models are still quicker and more convenient, saving you the hassle, especially if you get through a large number of canned foods.
We reviewed dozens of electric can openers to identify the best of the best. We considered a range of features and factors, such as handheld versus countertop, smooth edge capability, ease of use, power source, and reviews from people who’ve bought and used each product.
After examining a wide range of electric can openers, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener stood out as the clear best overall. It only takes a light touch to use and leaves you with smooth edges so you don’t risk cutting yourself on your open can.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Electric Can Openers
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Electric Can Opener Overall | Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener | 4.7 |
Best Handheld Electric Can Opener | Bangrui One Touch Electric Can Opener | 4.1 |
Best Budget Electric Can Opener | AmazonBasics Electric Can Opener | 4.1 |
Best Smooth Edge Electric Can Opener | POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener | 4.8 |
Best Vintage Electric Can Opener | Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Electric Can Opener | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Electric Can Opener Overall: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener
Consumers want electric can openers that are effective, easy to operate, and easy on the eyes, and the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener ticks all these boxes and more. The lever at the top sets the can opener running with very little force, which is great for anyone who suffers from arthritis or other issues that affect hand dexterity. It can open both regular cans and pop-top cans, which is helpful if you struggle with ring pulls. Whatever can you open with this electric can opener, it leaves smooth edges that you can’t cut yourself on.
In addition to all its can-opening features, this handy appliance comes with scissors that are stored in a small compartment at the back, so you’ll always have kitchen scissors to hand when you need them. The whole unit is black and chrome in color, which looks stylish and works with almost any type of kitchen decor. Retailing at around $35, this is one of the pricier electric can openers out there, but its overall quality makes it absolutely worth spending a little extra on.
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener Key Features:
- Extremely easy to use at the light press of a lever
- Plugs into a standard power outlet
- Relatively compact size
Best Handheld Electric Can Opener: Bangrui One Touch Electric Can Opener
Measuring roughly 4.75 inches long and 3 inches wide, the Bangrui One Touch Electric Can Opener is a compact option that will fit neatly in any utensil drawer, so there’s no need to take up precious counter space. In fact, it’s not much larger than an average manual can opener. It’s completely cordless, running on 4 AA batteries (you’ll need to buy these separately), making it highly convenient to use. Simply press the button on the top of this electric can opener and it gets to work.
The Bangrui is easy to clean; you just need to wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth should it get dirty. It costs almost $30, which is more than some large countertop models, but you’re paying out for its small size and convenience, even if it might not last as long as a quality countertop electric can opener. That said, it does feel solid and should last several years, at least.
Bangrui One Touch Electric Can Opener Key Features:
- Leaves a smooth edge when opening cans
- Three color options to choose from
- Magnet on underside attracts lid so you don’t have to lift it off manually
Best Budget Electric Can Opener: AmazonBasics Electric Can Opener
You get a lot for your money with the AmazonBasics Electric Can Opener, which costs just $18 for a full-size countertop model. It doesn’t cut back on the basics to offer such a low price, either. We love the attention to detail, such as the wide, non-slip base that stops the appliance from moving while it works, or the magnetic lid holder that prevents the lid from falling into the can once it’s been successfully opened. It also features an integrated bottle opener, though its design is slightly flawed, since it’s a little shorter than most bottles, so you’ll need to tilt the bottle or the can opener to use it.
All in all, however, this is an excellent electric can opener, especially considering the low price point. It’s easy to operate and accommodates cans of most sizes. Plus, it has automatic stop, lock, and release functions that take the stress out of using it. If you don’t have much to spend on an electric can opener, this should be high on your list.
AmazonBasics Electric Can Opener Key Features:
- Comes in black or red
- No snagging thanks to the precision blade
- Knife sharpener on the back
Best Smooth Edge Electric Can Opener: POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener
It might not have the brand recognition of some of our top five, but the POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smooth edge machine, and is manufactured to strict Swiss quality standards. This electric opener cuts cans along the sides to completely eliminate any sharp edges, so you don’t need to worry about potentially cutting yourself on a can.
This is really a 3-in-1 electric can opener, because not only does it open cans, it also features a manual bottle opener and knife sharpener, to meet more of your kitchen needs. It doesn’t take up much countertop space and has built-in cord storage to keep things neat and tidy. What’s more, it costs just $20, which is a real bargain considering all its functions and its overall quality.
POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener Key Features:
- Cutting lever is detachable so you can clean the blades
- Lever is easy to push down
- Wide base keeps the unit stable
Best Vintage Electric Can Opener: Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener
Don’t be fooled by the chunky curved shape with bold chrome on either black or bright red, the Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener isn’t from the ’50s or ’60s, it’s a brand new model. As such, this electric can opener pairs vintage charm with the effectiveness of a new appliance. Thanks to the patented Sure Cut technology, it opens cans on the first try, every time, so there’s no messing about. It’s heavyweight, so it will stay put as you use it, and is extra-tall to accommodate larger-than-average cans.
If you’re worried about cleanup, the cutting unit is removable and dishwasher safe, making your life easier. It’s simple to use and shuts off automatically for hands-free operation. All this will cost you around $38, which admittedly isn’t cheap but we love this product and most buyers believe it offers value for money.
Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener Key Features:
- Built-in manual knife sharpener
- Available in red and chrome, or black and chrome
- Attractive vintage appearance
Who Should Buy an Electric Can Opener
For anyone who’s unable to work a manual can opener for any reason (such as an injury or medical condition), an electric can opener can allow you greater independence in the kitchen and is therefore a real must-have item.
However, even those who can physically manage a manual can opener may still benefit from electric can openers due to their speed and precision. They’re great when cooking for large groups, when you might need to open 10 cans of tomatoes or pinto beans, for instance, saving both time and exertion.
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:
- Handheld vs. countertop. You’ll find two main types of electric can openers on the market: handheld and countertop. Handheld models are around the size of a large manual can openers and can be kept in a drawer when not in use. Countertop models are larger and sit on the counter full time. Countertop models tend to be more reliable and easier to use, whereas handheld models are compact and great for small kitchens.
- Power source. For the most part, countertop electric can openers plug into a standard power outlet and handheld electric can openers are battery-powered. However, you can find a few models that defy these rules.
- Smooth edge. Smooth edge, or smooth touch, electric can openers leave a smooth, blunt edge on a can after opening. Sharp can edges can cause nasty injuries, but the smooth edge can openers prevent this.
- Ease of use. Consider how easy your chosen electric can opener is to use. Some require you to press a button or a lever, whereas others start automatically when you put the can in place.
- Extra features. Check whether the can opener you’re interested in has and useful extra features. Integrated bottle openers and knife sharpeners are both common extra features on electric can openers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electric can opener and how does it work?
An electric can opener is one that uses an electric motor to open cans. Different models work in different ways, but in most cases, you position the edge of the can between the cutting parts and press a button or lever to start the motor going. Some models even sense the can once in place and start automatically.
Are electric can openers easier to use than manual can openers?
Put simply, yes. You don’t need to grip an electric can opener tightly (or grip it at all in many cases) or turn any parts of it. At most, you’ll need to press a button or lever.
Do electric can openers leave sharp edges on cans and lids?
Some electric can openers leave sharp edges on the can and others don’t. It depends on how the cutting mechanism is designed and which part of the can is cut. If you want blunt edges, look for a “smooth edge” or “smooth-touch” electric can opener.
How do you clean an electric can opener?
Some electric can openers have removable cutting parts, so you can take these off to clean them more easily. In some cases, the cutting parts are even dishwasher safe. Without removable cutting parts, you’ll only be able to wipe your can opener over, since you can’t submerge it or run it under the tap without breaking it.
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. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Countertop Electric Can Openers
Brentwood J-30W Tall Electric Can Opener
Despite having mixed reviews (some buyers complain it’s hard to latch the cans in place), we like that this electric can opener is tall enough for large cans and has a range of extra features.
Key Features:
- Integrated bottle opener and knife sharpener
- Removable cutting parts
- Built-in cord storage
Cost: $22
With a simple one-touch operation, your cans will be opening in a jiffy with very little effort on your part.
Key Features:
- Magnetic lid holder
- Heavy-duty body
- Power pierce blade
Cost: $55
Cuisinart SCO-60 Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
This deluxe, heavy duty electric can opener makes light work of any standard-sized cans.
Key Features:
- One-touch operation
- Removable cutting parts
- Power cut blades
Cost: $37
Hamilton Beach 76777 Electric Can Opener
A multi-purpose electric can opener that can also remove jar lids and is capable of opening tough plastic packaging, too.
Key Features:
- Magnetic can holder
- Sure Cut action opens cans on first try
- Removable cutting unit
Cost: $35
Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener
Thanks to its extra-tall design, this opener can tackle oversized cans, as well as small and standard cans.
Key Features:
- Removable washable cutting parts
- Built-in knife sharpener
- Automatic shutoff
Cost: $20
IMUSA USA GAU-80322B Electric Can Opener
You get plenty for your money with this unit. Not only does it open cans, it also features a knife sharpener and a bottle opener.
Key Features:
- Available in red or black
- Cord storage
- One-touch operation
Cost: $20 to $25
Kitchen Selectives Black Electric Can Opener
There’s no denying it, this can opener is quite loud, but it does its job well and opens cans of all sizes.
Key Features:
- Built-in bottle opener and knife sharpener
- Removable cutting parts
- Cord storage
Cost: $34
Oster Electric Tall Can Opener
The tall design allows you to open larger-than-average cans with no problems. It comes with a separate sharp knife for general use.
Key Features:
- Built-in knife sharpener
- Cord storage
- Magnet to prevent lid falling in can
Cost: $30
Proctor Silex Power Electric Automatic Can Opener
This electric can opener easily and efficiently opens cans of all sizes at the simple press of a lever.
Key Features:
- Easy-clean cutting parts
- Automatic shutoff
- Integrated knife sharpener
Cost: $19
Toastmaster Electric Can Opener
A countertop electric can opener that’s solid and effective, without taking up too much space.
Key Features:
- Built-in bottle opener
- Opens cans of various sizes
- Smooth action – no snags
Handheld Electric Can Openers
At the simple press of a button, this product quickly and effectively opens cans of any size.
Key Features:
- Runs on 2 AA batteries (not included)
- Simple to use
- Lightweight
Cost: $25
Press the button to set this electric can opener going and it will automatically stop after one rotation.
Key Features:
- Extremely quick
- Magnet stops lid falling into can
- Compact design
Cost: $20
This extremely compact electric can opener is easy to use and has the blades safely recessed inside the unit to help prevent accidents.
Key Features:
- One-touch operation
- Takes 2 AA batteries
- Magnet on underside
Cost: $22
Zyliss EasiCan Electronic Can Opener
It could hardly be easier to use this compact handheld electric can opener, with a single button to start it and stop it.
Key Features:
- Battery operated
- Works on all cans
- Opens cans in mere seconds
Smooth Edge Electric Can Openers
This inexpensive handheld electric can opener gives you cans with perfectly smooth edges every time.
Key Features:
- Magnet keeps lid from falling in can
- Simple to use
- Press-button operation
Cost: $20
BLACK+DECKER SmoothCut One-Touch Can Opener
It just takes one touch to set off this can opener. Not only are you left with a smooth edge but the blades never touch the contents of the tin, so they don’t get dirty.
Key Features:
- Separate bottle opener included
- Integrated knife sharpener
- Extra-tall for cans of all sizes
Cost: $55
Kitchen Mama Mini Electric Can Opener
This mini handheld can opener is more compact than most similar alternatives and opens cans with completely smooth edges.
Key Features:
- Takes 2 AA batteries (not included)
- Three color options
- Push-button operation
Cost: $29
Kitchen Mama One Touch Electric Can Opener
Another great option from the same brand as above, but this one has one-touch operation, shutting off automatically once the can’s open.
Key Features:
- Works on cans of all sizes
- No sharp edges
- Ergonomic design
Cost: $30
A swift and simple-to-use handheld can opener that leaves no sharp edges so you’ll never have to worry about cutting yourself on an open can.
Key Features:
- Press-button operation
- Lid retrieval magnet
- Opens cans of any size and thickness
Cost: $20
Not only does this can opener leave your cans with smooth edges, you can even pop the lid back in to save anything you didn’t use from your can.
Key Features:
- Simple to operate
- Powered by 2 AA batteries
- Easy to clean
Cost: $23