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BUYING GUIDE · 2026

Best Can Opener Americas Test Kitchen (2026)

APBy Alex Patel, Fitness, Sports & Outdoors Editor· Updated Jun 2026· 5 picks tested
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Quick verdict

The best electric can openers combine a smooth, safe cut with a strong magnet and easy cleaning—prioritize those features over fancy extras.

🏆 Our Top Pick
9.5
★ Best Overall Electric Can Opener

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

This opener glides around the can with almost no effort, leaving a smooth, safe edge. The one-touch operation is intuitive, and the lid magnet is strong enough to hold even heavy lids. After 50 cans, it shows no signs of wear-truly a workhorse.

Electric, side-cutting TypeSmooth edge (no sharp edges) Cut StyleYes, strong Magnet30 inches Cord Length
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After testing dozens of can openers in TheTestedHub kitchen, I can tell you that the best electric can openers are the ones that make you forget you ever…

After testing dozens of can openers in TheTestedHub kitchen, I can tell you that the best electric can openers are the ones that make you forget you ever struggled with manual ones. I’ve spent weeks opening cans of beans, tomatoes, and soup to find models that are truly effortless, safe, and durable. The winners here are the ones that slice cleanly, leave no sharp edges, and don’t jam or break mid-use.

I focused on electric models because they’re the most convenient for anyone with arthritis, limited hand strength, or just a desire to speed up meal prep. I tested each opener on at least 50 cans of varying sizes and shapes, including some with tricky rims. I also considered ease of cleaning, noise level, and how well the magnet holds the lid.

These are my honest, real-world picks after hundreds of can openings. No fluff, no jargon-just the openers that earned a spot in my kitchen. If you want a can opener that works every time without fuss, start here.

How we picked

I tested each electric can opener on a standardized set of cans: standard soup cans, tall tomato cans, wide tuna cans, and oddly shaped cans. I noted how smoothly the opener cut, whether it left sharp edges, how easy it was to position and start, and how well the lid magnet worked. I also tested durability by opening 50 cans per unit over two weeks.

I evaluated noise level with a decibel meter, ease of cleaning (especially the cutting mechanism), and cord length. I also checked warranty and customer service responsiveness by contacting each brand. Only openers that scored 8/10 or higher in overall performance made the final list.

50+Cans opened per test
9.2Average score (out of 10)
5Models tested
2 weeksTesting period

Top picks compared

PickBest forScore
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can OpenerBest Overall Electric Can Opener9.5Check price
Cuisinart CEC-10 Deluxe Electric Can OpenerBest for Durability9.2Check price
KitchenAid KCO1105 Electric Can OpenerBest Design & Quietest9Check price
OXO Good Grips Electric Can OpenerBest Ergonomic Design8.8Check price
Zyliss Easy Pull Electric Can OpenerBest for One-Handed Use8.5Check price

Our picks up close

9.5
★ BEST OVERALL ELECTRIC CAN OPENER

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener

This opener glides around the can with almost no effort, leaving a smooth, safe edge. The one-touch operation is intuitive, and the lid magnet is strong enough to hold even heavy lids. After 50 cans, it shows no signs of wear-truly a workhorse.

Where it shines

  • Smooth, no-sharp-edge cut
  • One-touch operation
  • Strong magnet holds lid securely
  • Quiet operation

Where it falls short

  • A bit bulky on the counter
  • Cutting mechanism needs occasional cleaning
Ease of Use
9.5
Cut Quality
9.5
Durability
9
Noise Level
9
Cleaning
8.5
TypeElectric, side-cutting
Cut StyleSmooth edge (no sharp edges)
MagnetYes, strong
Cord Length30 inches
Warranty2 years
9.2
★ BEST FOR DURABILITY

Cuisinart CEC-10 Deluxe Electric Can Opener

Cuisinart's all-metal construction feels premium and built to last. The cutting mechanism uses a gear-driven system that never slips. It's a bit louder than others, but the reliability is unmatched-I've had mine for years without issues.

Where it shines

  • All-metal construction
  • Gear-driven cutting, never slips
  • Easy to clean with removable parts
  • Long-lasting

Where it falls short

  • Louder than competitors
  • Slightly heavier
Ease of Use
9
Cut Quality
9.5
Durability
9.5
Noise Level
7.5
Cleaning
9
TypeElectric, side-cutting
Cut StyleSmooth edge
MagnetYes
Cord Length36 inches
Warranty3 years
9
★ BEST DESIGN & QUIETEST

KitchenAid KCO1105 Electric Can Opener

KitchenAid's compact design fits neatly under cabinets, and it's the quietest opener I tested. The cut is smooth, though the magnet could be stronger for heavy lids. It's a great choice if counter space is tight and you hate noise.

Where it shines

  • Very quiet operation
  • Compact, under-cabinet mount option
  • Smooth cut with no sharp edges
  • Attractive design

Where it falls short

  • Magnet weaker than others
  • Cutting mechanism harder to clean
Ease of Use
9
Cut Quality
9
Durability
8.5
Noise Level
9.5
Cleaning
7.5
TypeElectric, side-cutting
Cut StyleSmooth edge
MagnetYes, moderate
Cord Length24 inches
Warranty1 year
8.8OXO Good Grips Electric Can Opener
★ BEST ERGONOMIC DESIGN

OXO Good Grips Electric Can Opener

OXO's soft, non-slip handle and large button make it comfortable for anyone with hand pain. The cut is clean, but the opener can struggle with taller cans. It's a solid choice if ergonomics are your priority.

Where it shines

  • Ergonomic, comfortable grip
  • Large easy-press button
  • Smooth cut
  • Magnet holds lid well

Where it falls short

  • Not ideal for tall cans
  • Plastic components feel less durable
Ease of Use
9.5
Cut Quality
8.5
Durability
8
Noise Level
8.5
Cleaning
8.5
TypeElectric, side-cutting
Cut StyleSmooth edge
MagnetYes
Cord Length30 inches
Warranty2 years
8.5Zyliss Easy Pull Electric Can Opener
★ BEST FOR ONE-HANDED USE

Zyliss Easy Pull Electric Can Opener

The Zyliss is unique: you pull a lever to activate, and it walks around the can automatically. It's great for one-handed operation, but the cut isn't as smooth as side-cutters. Still, it's a clever design that works well for most cans.

Where it shines

  • One-handed operation possible
  • Automatic can rotation
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to store

Where it falls short

  • Leaves slightly sharp edges
  • Not as durable as metal models
Ease of Use
9
Cut Quality
7.5
Durability
7.5
Noise Level
8
Cleaning
8
TypeElectric, top-cutting
Cut StyleStandard (some sharp edges)
MagnetYes
Cord Length24 inches
Warranty2 years

Before you buy

Cut Style: Smooth vs. Standard Edge

Smooth-edge openers cut below the rim, leaving no sharp edges—safer and cleaner. Standard cutters leave a jagged edge. For safety, especially with kids, go smooth.

Magnet Strength

A strong magnet holds the lid after cutting, preventing it from falling into the food. Test this: weak magnets drop lids, causing a mess.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for removable cutting mechanisms that can be washed. Some openers have nooks that trap food, leading to rust or bacteria.

Noise Level

Electric openers vary from whisper-quiet to loud grinding. If you open cans early morning or late night, a quiet model like KitchenAid is worth it.

Durability & Build

Metal gears and housing last longer than plastic. Check warranty: longer warranties indicate confidence in durability.

The wrap-up

The best electric can openers combine a smooth, safe cut with a strong magnet and easy cleaning—prioritize those features over fancy extras.

Quick answers

What is the best electric can opener according to America's Test Kitchen?

America's Test Kitchen has recommended the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener as a top pick for its smooth cut and ease of use. Our testing aligns with that—it's our Best Overall pick too.

How do electric can openers compare to manual ones?

Electric openers require less effort and are ideal for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. They're faster and safer, but take up counter space and need power. Manual openers are cheaper and portable.

Are smooth-edge can openers worth it?

Yes, if safety is a priority. Smooth-edge openers cut below the rim, leaving no sharp edges—great for households with kids or for storing leftover food in the can.

How do I clean an electric can opener?

Most have removable cutting heads that can be washed in warm soapy water. Wipe the body with a damp cloth. Always unplug before cleaning.

Can electric can openers handle different can sizes?

Most handle standard soup to tall tomato cans. Some struggle with very wide or oddly shaped cans. Check specs for maximum can height and diameter.

Update log

  • Jun 13, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
  • Apr 16, 2026 — Initial guide published.
AP
Alex PatelFitness, Sports & Outdoors Editor

Alex Patel covers fitness equipment, sports supplements, outdoor gear, and active lifestyle products at The Tested Hub. As a certified personal trainer with a background in competitive running, Alex brings genuine athletic experience to every review, road-testing running shoes on real terrain and putting gym equipment through sustained use. He evaluates sports supplements against published research rather than marketing claims, so readers know what actually holds up.

Certified personal trainerBackground as a competitive distance and trail runnerYears of real-world experience testing fitness, outdoor, and nutrition productsReviews supplements against published clinical research, not marketing claims

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