Don’t Overlook the Basics: Here Are the Best Can Openers

If you're looking for a simple, electric can opener, check out this option from Kitchen Mama. This can opener is designed to prevent injuries from sharp lids. Simply place the device along the edge of your can and press the large center button. Remember to press the button again to stop cutting. Remove the device and lift off the can lid. The best part is that the can itself will have no sharp edges. This makes it great for kids and seniors who may have difficulty handling a manual can opener and sharp can edges. The can opener is larger than the image suggests

For the best side opening can opener, the Bartelli Soft Edge Manual Safety Can Opener 2 in 1 Bottle Opener design has got you uncovered. This versatile little can opener acts as both a side-style opener and a bottle opener too. Unlike top opening openers, once the upper side of the can is cut off it can actually be used as a temporary cover. You can leave the cover on and place the can off to the side until you're ready to use it. Side style can openers leave no sharp edges and they are generally easier to turn then top openers. That makes them a better choice for adults with hand or grip problems and of course safer for kids to use. So, if you like the side opening concept, there are none better than the Bartelli Soft Edge Manual Safety Can Opener. It comes with a 100 percent money back guarantee if it doesn't work to your satisfaction.

If you want the most ergonomically designed can opener, choose the OXO SteeL Can Opener. The big over sized cushioned handles make it easy to squeeze yet be comfortable at the same time while the padded turning knob makes this one of the easiest units to use. The stainless steel blades will never rust but the handles aren't stainless so if regularly immersed in water they will corrode so proper care is essential. This is a top lid cutting can opener and one of the easiest to snap into place around the can lid. This is also a satisfaction guaranteed can opener with a money back policy but they're so sturdy that with regular use they'll last for years without needing to be replaced.

Hamilton Beach scores a double on this list, and if you prefer a side opening can opener, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener has got to be your first choice. This unit cuts the top off along the side so it never leaves a sharp edge and you can even open pop-top cans so you'll never have to worry about pulling a top off again. It is simple to use as you just place the can between the teeth, press down on the rear handle and the opener does all of the work. Simply release the handle after one complete turn, and you're all done. If you want an innovative can opener, have difficulty gripping with your hands and fingers, or just want to be safe around the kids, this pick delivers on all points.

Perhaps the best loved can openers of all time is the P-38 Can Opener and P-51 Can Opener. These are military issue can openers that are simple to use in any circumstance and they will positively open any can will ever need to be opened. Invented in World War 2, these can openers are military grade with a lifetime warranty and they just won't break, period. Simply push the hardened steel tooth through the can lid, line up the notch onto the can rim, and pump it in an up and down motion. It's so easy and effortless that virtually anyone can use it with ease. This is technically the best can opener ever made but its crude and simple design may put it out of place in a modern kitchen environment. However, it's perfect for use while camping, fishing, emergencies, or anywhere else when you need a can opener in an emergency.

The best wall mount can opener is the Amco Houseworks Swing-A-Way Wall Can Opener, a design in use since the 1930's, which demonstrates how well made and durable this unit is. This is a basic can opener for any type of household can, and they are very common. The Swing-A-Way opener can be mounted in a variety of places with the most common being inside the kitchen sink cabinet door. The mounting piece goes on first, and then the unit is slipped into a hinge so it can swing away from the side of the door/wall for easy access or easily hidden from view if desired. Their long service life and performance is why the Swing-A-Way can openers have been in production for more than 80 years.

If you love the ease and smooth operation of a table mounted can opener, but don't want to pay an exorbitant price, check out the Thunder 14 Inch Table Mount Can Opener. Although not as versatile as the top rated Edlund, the 14 inch bar will still allow you to open nearly any sized can in your cupboard or pantry. Like any table mounted unit, the crank handle is oversized which lets you open any can with comparative ease. It will take up a lot of space on any horizontal surface it’s mounted to, but the convenience and ease of use will make up for any space lost. For table mounted can opening ease, the Thunder 14" Table Mount Can Opener is a solid choice for inclusion in any food prep space.

If you’re looking for the least expensive horizontal table mount on this list, it's the Excellante Table Mounted Can Opener, Heavy Duty, 14". Don't let the description fool you, it will only take on a 10 inch tall can and open it. Made of heavy duty cast iron, it will rust if constantly exposed to moisture so appropriate care is required if you want it to last; you'll need to lube up the moving pieces three to four times per year to keep this pick cranking smoothly and on track. If you keep on track with the upkeep, this can opener will potentially last a lifetime. This has the potential to be the best bang for the buck table mount can opener here, as long as you’re willing to put the time into keeping the axle and gearing lubed. If you're up to the challenge however, the Excellante Table Mounted Can Opener, Heavy Duty, 14", will be there for you in the long run.