7 Best Can Openers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The type of can opener most people picture when they think of a can opener is the simple, manual rotary style, and this is the best version of this type. The hinge allows for a full open to accommodate any style of can, but is tight enough to stay where you want it to. We especially liked the soft grips on the handles, which were comfortable to hold and grasp. While this opener is a top-cut style that does produce a jagged edge, this specific model created a much smoother edge with fewer snags or burrs.

At under $15, it's hard to go wrong with this can opener. It operates smoothly and cleanly, leaving behind a much cleaner edge than standard can openers. Using a side-cut design, the opener clamps onto the side of the can, and your hand spins the gear around like any other manual can opener. The compact design has no hinge and minimal moving parts to break or wear out over time. The cutting edge doesn't touch food as it cuts, making clean-up minimal.

Can openers that rely on batteries offer an interesting compromise between the hands-free operation of electric openers with the limitless use of a plug-in opener. Without needing to be chained to the wall, this opener can go wherever you need it to and will do its job without you being forced to stand there and hold it. This version of Kitchen Mama's battery-powered openers is the only one that has hands-free operation, which we think is one of the best aspects of an electric opener.

We also like that it isn't restricted to any size of can — it moves itself around the edge of the can so it can work with even industrial sizes. It cuts a smooth-to-the-touch edge by winding around the side of the can, and the blade never contacts the food to reduce chances for cross-contamination. The only downside is the same thing as anything else that's battery-operated: The gadget only lasts as long as the batteries do and when they run out, it won't work at all until replaced.

If you don't mind expanding beyond traditional hinged manual can openers but definitely don't want to dabble in electric models, the Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener is a great pick that comes in a compact size. This opener has a wide, flat shelf that you apply pressure to with one hand while your other hand turns the rotary dial to move the gears along the can. As it moves, it slices through the side of the can, leaving a smooth edge that won't cut you or tear open your trash bag.

Built into the design are a bottle opener and a handy jar opener, so it could potentially take the place of three different gadgets currently taking up space in your tool drawer. Finally, this option works for people with either handedness and could be a great choice for a home that has both lefties and righties in it.

There are a lot of people who might find the appeal to a plug-in electric can opener, and many available on the market today come with a lot of features to justify their larger footprint. The best ones, like this model from Hamilton Beach, have a fully automatic operation. That means that you can set a can to open and walk away. The can and the lid will hang out until you're ready to grab them. A handy magnet grabs the lid and holds it far from the can, so you don't have to worry about nicking yourself.

If you're worried about the blade dulling over time, there is a built-in blade sharpener on the back of the machine that can be used to sharpen the can opener or any other blade in your house. Unlike other electric openers we tested, the cutting assembly on this model is removable and dishwasher-safe. That's a huge plus, though ours did not get dirty during use.

Fixed can openers have no moving parts and use a pivot point, or fulcrum, to apply pressure. The blade pierces the top of the can while you use your hand to spin the can around, lifting and slicing as you go around. This style of opener does create ragged edges, but no more so than some of the other manual or batter-powered openers we tested. This might be worth putting up with if you are looking for an opener that you never have to replace. No moving parts means nothing to wear out, jam or break over time. The design is ultra-flat and compact, so you could throw it in your bag for a day at the beach or an overnight camping trip. There's a bottle opener built into the handle that could also easily be looped onto a carabiner.

If space is your primary concern, you might be happy to know that there is a can opener designed for you in mind. This option from Joseph and Joseph is barely bigger than the lid of a standard can, but functions just as easily. To use it, you just place the opener on top of the can and a wheel grabs onto the edge and starts cutting as you turn a dial that's shaped similar to a kitchen timer. During testing, the first use was a touch awkward due to our lack of familiarity with this style, but once we had it figured out it was super-fast and efficient to use. The blade cuts the side instead of into the top so there were no sharp edges at the end, and the blade did not puncture into the food so not much to clean.