6 Best Electric Can Openers, Tested in Our Kitchen Lab
These handy kitchen tools can tackle large, heavy cans with ease.
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If you keep canned pantry staples on hand, a quality can opener is a necessity. From diced tomatoes for a pasta dinner to tuna for a protein-packed lunch salad, having canned goods in your cabinet can come in handy, especially in between grocery trips. But the worst feeling is going to open a can and finding you don’t have the tools (or strength) to do so. While a classic manual can opener works fine, electric can openers get the job done in a fraction of the time and with much less effort.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, our experts have tested several models over the years to find the best of the best. When selecting the best electric can openers, we look for both top-cut and side-cut models, strong magnets that can hold the weight of a can, and features such as retractable cords and removable levers for easy cleaning. When testing, we note if there’s any leftover debris after using and evaluate the smoothness of the cuts.
We also recommend models that we use regularly in our personal lives. “I'm a huge fan of side cut can openers as someone who opens countless cans a week, " said Kitchen Appliances Analyst Eva Bleyer. “Personally, I love the smooth, safe edge and little to no mess.”
Cuisinart SC0-60 Deluxe Can Opener
Pros
- Sleek design
- One-touch operation with auto shut-off
- Accommodates heavy, tall cans
Cons
- Not compact for storage
Cuisinart's stainless steel electric can opener has a sleek design, so it looks a bit more high-end if you want to leave it on your kitchen counter. It also has a sturdy, wide base and rubber feet to keep it stable during use. During our tests, the magnet held cans up to 32 ounces in place without help, and the one-touch auto shut-off feature worked well. It was even tall enough to open a 48-ounce can of chicken broth. The lever removes easily for cleaning, and this model comes with a three-year limited warranty. Many reviewers on Amazon mentioned that they selected this opener due to arthritis pain, with one saying, "It sure makes my life a whole lot easier!" Though it performs well, analysts noted that it isn't compact for storage.
| Dimensions | 4.6" x 9.5" |
| Features | Auto shut-off |
| Cut type | Top-cut |
Black+Decker Easy Cut Extra-Tall Can Opener
Pros
- One-touch operation with auto shut-off
- Affordable
- Built-in knife sharpener
Cons
- Hard to see the blade when attaching a can
The Black+Decker EasyCut can opener performed well in our tests, especially considering the price. While the unit felt lighter in weight than competitors, its magnet was able to hold 32-ounce cans, and testers noted that the auto shut-off feature was reliable. One drawback is the bulky nature of the lever, which made it hard to see the blade when attaching the can. But our tester still thought it earns its place on your counter for its ability to handle multiple kitchen tasks: A removable multitool lives onboard, which can be used to remove bottle caps and open pop-tops. There's also a knife sharpener built into the back of the unit.
| Dimensions | 9" x 11" |
| Features | Knife sharpener and bottle opener |
| Cut type | Side-cut |
Kitchen Mama Yes You Can One-Touch Electric Can Opener
Pros
- Side-cut model leaves behind smooth edges
- Easy to use
- Battery-operated
Cons
- Batteries not included
This nifty battery-operated can opener is proof that size isn't everything: It easily attached to every can we tested it on. The side-cut operation left smooth edges on both the can and the lid, and it was the most user-friendly can opener we tried. This model has an auto shut-off feature, so you don't need to hold the tool while it opens the can—just set it on top and press the button. It was even able to open cans with dented lids.
We liked that there is less risk of tipping and spilling since the can stays on the counter. Note that it requires four AA batteries, which you will need to purchase separately.
For those who prefer a rechargeable model, we recently tested the Kitchen Mama Orbit One, which performed well, similarly cut cans with ease, and comes with a sleek storage case. But compared to similar models, we found it to be on the pricey side.
| Dimensions | 2.7" x 4.7" |
| Features | Auto shut-off |
| Cut type | Side-cut |
Pros
- Side-cut model
- Built-in bottle opener
Cons
- Cord did not always retract seamlessly
This Oster model has a wide base with a protruding foot to help prevent tipping. It also includes a built-in bottle opener and knife sharpener. The retractable cord keeper—designed to work with just the push of a button—is handy for storage, but it didn't work seamlessly every time in our tests. The lever was easy to attach to the body of the opener and remove for thorough cleaning. It has an auto shut-off feature and left no spills when we opened cans.
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 10.2" |
| Features | Auto shut-off |
| Cut type | Side-cut |
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener
Pros
- Side-cut model for smooth edge
- Easy-to-press lever
Cons
- No automatic shut-off
This electric can opener from Hamilton Beach has an easy-to-use lever for attaching cans. During our tests, we found that the placement of this lever—at the top, angling back—helped prevent tipping forward with up to 32-ounce cans, and it kept the job clean. Unlike many of our electric can opener picks, this one cuts from the side, which leaves a smooth edge on the cut and even works on pop-top cans.
The base also has a built-in scissors holder (though scissors are not included). The caveat with this model is that it does not include automatic shut-off; this means you must hold the lever the whole time, and you run the risk of repeat cutting, which can lead to metal being shaved into the food. Some online reviewers said they encountered metal shavings after use.
| Dimensions | 10.2" x 4.7" x 5" |
| Features | Built-in scissors holder (scissors are not included) |
| Cut type | Side-cut |
Pros
- Smooth side-cut
- Built-in lid lifter
- Available is multiple colors
Cons
- No storage case
This compact can opener from Proctor Silex received positive reviews from GH testers and won a Kitchen Gear Award for its sleek design and ability to open cans with ease, with one tester saying that it was "much better than a hand-crank can opener.” During testing, experts were impressed by how easy and intuitive this opener was to use.
The mini but mighty electric opener self-aligns and was able to handle small 6-ounce cans and 32-ounce cans with ease. The can opener produced smooth side cuts, and it has a built-in lid lifter to separate the lid from the can. It comes in red, mint, and black for those who prefer neutral appliances in their kitchen. The opener is USB-C rechargeable, but you'll have to keep track of the cord as the can opener doesn't include storage for the cord or a case.
| Dimensions | 2.5" x 2.4" x 4.9" |
| Features | Auto-shut off and built-in lid lifter |
| Cut type | Side-cut |
How we test electric can openers
To find the best electric can openers, we evaluated each model in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab. We test each model on its performance as well as how easy it is to use.
Cutting tests: We evaluated each model by opening the three most common can sizes
- 6-ounce (like tomato paste), which indicated whether the can opener's design could handle a tight turning radius
- 15-ounce (like beans and other canned vegetables), which indicated whether the machine could handle somewhat heavy cans as well as foods often packed in liquid
- 32-ounce (like large cans of tomatoes), which demonstrated an ability to hold and open heavy cans as well as tall cans
Ease of use tests: When testing the ease of use of electric can openers, we evaluate the magnetic force, cleanliness, and smoothness of the resulting cut, stability, and useful features like auto shut-off, cord length, and retraction.
What to consider when shopping for an electric can opener
✔️ Upright vs. handheld: There are two main types of electric can openers: For upright and under-counter models, you simply attach the can; for handheld ones, you place the opener on the can and press or hold a lever or button to start the opening process. The opener applies the pressure and does the gripping and turning for you, which spares you the most uncomfortable motions.
✔️ Top cut vs. side cut: Top-cut can openers pierce the lid just inside the rim of the can from above, often leaving a sharp edge. Top-cut lids can be helpful for draining liquid from the can without the use of a sieve, but because the blade makes contact with the food, it has to be cleaned well after each use to remain sanitary. Side-cut can openers cut under the edge of the lid, creating a smooth rim; this style also allows you to open pull-tab cans if you have trouble lifting and pulling. Side-cut can openers don't make contact with the food, so they often stay cleaner, but they can make draining cans without a sieve more awkward.
Is an electric can opener worth it?
If you find yourself opening lots of cans to prepare your meals and struggling to use a manual can opener, investing in an electric can opener is definitely worth it. The best electric can openers make light of this sometimes messy job, and if you struggle with wrist mobility issues or arthritis, manual can openers may be difficult to use, so relying on a machine to do the work for you can make the job of opening a can cleaner, easier, and safer.
How to use an electric can opener
There are two main types of electric can openers, handheld and stand-up, which are operated slightly differently. When using a handheld model, the can opener should be placed directly on top of the can. Once placed, press the on button and let it run. If the placement is off or misaligned, you can usually tell pretty quickly, as it won’t properly spin around the rim of the can or continuously spin without cutting.
When using a stand-up model, you’ll see that each should have a blade, a magnet, and a lever. When adding your can, first lift the lever and place the can underneath the blade and magnet. Once the can is positioned, drop the lever. Once dropped, the blade will puncture the can, which should begin rotating the can and cutting the rim simultaneously. Once cutting is complete, you can grab the can, lift the lever, and the lid should stick to the magnet.
How to clean an electric can opener
Unlike manual can openers, electric can openers can't be submerged or thrown in the dishwasher. With that said, doing a quick cleanup regularly or after each use will prevent food buildup and stuck-on residue. Before cleaning a stand-up electric can opener, ensure it is unplugged.
To clean the exterior, use a damp cloth to remove any food particles. When it comes to the actual can opener mechanisms, be careful cleaning the blade to prevent accidental cuts; try using a small bristle brush or nylon pipe tube cleaner, with a small amount of soap and warm water to remove stuck-on food and residue. Some levers can be removed and washed by hand, but it is important to check the directions to ensure your specific model is capable.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Sarah Wharton is the deputy editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across home, kitchen, tech, and cleaning. She has developed recipes for numerous brands and has been testing kitchen appliances and gear since 2016. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now Institute of Culinary Education).
Raena Loper, a contributing analyst and writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute, most recently updated this story. Over the years, she has tested kitchen tools and appliances across many categories, from electric can openers to air fryers and electric tea kettles.
Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers and kitchen scales. As a trained chef from the Natural Gourmet Institute and a GH Kitchen Appliance Lab analyst, she has extensive experience using everything from can openers to immersion blenders and more.
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
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