Written by Sara Ibrahim. Sara researches home and kitchen products for Cupindy.
Published November 2026 · Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026 · Cupindy is not affiliated with any brand on this page.
The short answer
Choose by where the blade cuts. A classic top-cut opener goes down through the lid, so the lid drops into the can with a sharp edge. A side-cut opener cuts below the rim from the outside: the lid lifts off smooth, and OXO says it can go back on the can. Weak hands? Get an electric side-cut. Whatever you buy, stop after one full turn: Kuhn Rikon and Hamilton Beach both say going further can leave metal slivers or burrs.
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Our quick picks
No sharp edges
Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter
Kuhn Rikon says it grips the can by itself, cuts the outside rim instead of the top and never touches the food. Small pliers lift the lid off.
See the Kuhn Rikon on AmazonThe drawback: the can can look closed when it is open, and you stop after one full turn.
Classic crank
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
Big cushioned handles, an oversized knob and a stainless steel cutting wheel, plus a bottle opener.
See the OXO opener on AmazonThe drawback: a classic top-cut design, so the lid is sharp and lands in the can. Hand wash it.
For weak hands
Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch 76606AG
An electric side-cut. You press one lever, and Hamilton Beach says the lid comes off smooth and touchable.
See the Hamilton Beach on AmazonThe drawback: the motor does not stop by itself, so you hold the lever for one turn of the can.
Every feature and care rule below comes from the maker's own product page or manual, read 4 Nov 2026 and listed at the end. We did not use these openers ourselves.
The 5 best can openers at a glance
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| Pick | How it cuts | What the lid does | Washing, per the maker | One drawback | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuhn Rikon LidLifter (no sharp edges) | Side-cut, hand turned | Lifts off with built-in pliers, smooth | Hand wash, dry fully | Stop at one full circle | See it |
| OXO Smooth Edge (side-cut, side knob) | Side-cut, side-wind knob | Lifts off with pliers; fits back on | Hand wash only | Widest manual here | See it |
| OXO Soft-Handled (classic) | Top-cut, hand crank | Drops in, sharp edge | Hand wash | Sharp lid to fish out | See it |
| Zulay Comfy Grip (value) | Top-cut, hand crank | Drops in, sharp edge | Hand wash, no dishwasher | No smooth-edge claim | See it |
| Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch (electric) | Side-cut, corded motor | Lift by hand, smooth | Plugs in: wipe, do not soak | No auto stop | See it |
Top-cut or side-cut: where the blade goes
A top-cut can opener, the classic kind, pushes a cutting wheel down through the lid just inside the rim. A side-cut can opener, also sold as a safety or smooth-edge opener, cuts through the side of the seam below the rim, so the whole lid comes away.
That one difference changes three things you notice every time you open a can: what the blade touches, what the lid edge feels like, and where the lid ends up. The makers of the side-cut models here describe it in plain terms. Kuhn Rikon says its LidLifter does not cut the can from the top like a traditional can opener. Hamilton Beach says most can openers cut into the top, while its blade cuts along the side, which keeps the blade away from the food and stops liquid seeping out of the top.
| Top-cut (classic) | Side-cut (smooth edge) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it cuts | Down through the lid, inside the rim | Into the side of the seam, below the rim |
| What the blade touches | The wheel goes into the can, close to the food or liquid | Stays outside the can: OXO and Kuhn Rikon say it never touches the contents |
| The lid | Sharp cut edge; often drops into the can | Comes off whole with a smooth edge; OXO says it can go back on |
| The can | A sharp edge is left inside the rim | OXO says no sharp edge on the can or the lid |
| How you know it is done | You see the lid come free | The can can look shut; you feel the turn get easier, then lift |
| Picks here | OXO Soft-Handled, Zulay | Kuhn Rikon, OXO Smooth Edge, Hamilton Beach |
Left, a top-cut can with its lid down in the sauce. Right, a side-cut lid that came off whole.
A top-cut opener is quicker to learn and you can see the moment it is done. A side-cut opener asks for one new habit, trusting the cut before the lid looks loose, and pays you back with no sharp edges and no lid in the soup.
Best classic can openers (top-cut)
For a classic crank opener, get one with big padded handles and an oversized knob, because those decide how hard you squeeze and turn. The OXO Soft-Handled has both. The Zulay is the cheaper option with a similar build. Expect a sharp lid with either one.
On a classic opener, you hold the handles shut and turn the knob, and the wheel runs around inside the rim.
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Classic pick
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
Good for: everyday cans, if a sharp lid does not bother you.
Why we picked it: OXO gives it big cushioned handles, an oversized knob that turns easily and a sturdy stainless steel cutting wheel, with a built-in bottle opener.
What to know: OXO does not say where the wheel cuts; it is built like a standard top-cut opener. OXO lists it at 7 x 2 x 3 inches (18 x 5 x 8 cm) and backs it with the OXO Better Guarantee.
The drawback: the lid edge is sharp and usually lands in the can. OXO's own tool set listing says to wash this opener by hand.
See the OXO opener on Amazon
Value pick
Zulay Kitchen Comfy Grip Can Opener
Good for: a cheaper crank opener with a soft grip, in a lot of colors.
Why we picked it: Zulay lists stainless steel blades, soft non-slip COMFY handles, an oversized turn knob that rotates smoothly and a built-in bottle opener.
What to know: Zulay gives the size as about 7.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches (19 x 6 x 5 cm) and says it offers a limited lifetime warranty on eligible products.
The drawback: hand wash only: Zulay says dishwasher heat and detergent can dull the blade and wear down the soft handles. Zulay makes no smooth-edge claim for this model, so expect a sharp lid.
See the Zulay opener on AmazonShort on drawer space for one more tool? Our guide to organizing a small kitchen has ideas for the gadget drawer.
Best side-cut can openers (no sharp edges)
For no sharp edges, get the Kuhn Rikon LidLifter: it sits on top of the can, grips it by itself, and Kuhn Rikon says it cuts the outside rim and never touches the food. Prefer a classic side knob? The OXO Smooth Edge does the same job and adds a lid that fits back on.
A side-cut lid comes away whole, with no sharp edge to catch your fingers.
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Side-cut pick
Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter
Good for: anyone tired of fishing a sharp lid out of the beans.
Why we picked it: Kuhn Rikon says it attaches itself to the can, cuts the outside rim instead of the top, opens cans with little effort and never touches the contents. Mini pliers on the side lift the lid.
What to know: Kuhn Rikon's steps: set it on the can with the two half circles lined up with the rim, turn the knob clockwise, and stop after one full circle, when the turning gets easier. Turn it back to release; the can may not look open. This Amazon listing adds a ring-pull tool for pull-tab cans.
The drawback: Kuhn Rikon warns that cutting past one full circle can leave burrs or slivers, and says it is for household cans, not commercial ones. Hand wash and dry it completely.
See the Kuhn Rikon on Amazon
Side knob pick
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
Good for: people who want smooth edges but like turning a knob on the side, like a classic opener.
Why we picked it: OXO says it cuts the side of the can below the edge and leaves no sharp edges on the can or the lid. The hardened stainless steel wheel does not touch the contents, and built-in pliers lift the lid with no touching.
What to know: OXO says to line up the curve on top of the opener with the can, and that the lid can go back on the can for storage.
The drawback: hand wash only, per OXO, and at 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.25 inches (19 x 11 x 6 cm) it is the widest manual opener here.
See the OXO Smooth Edge on AmazonPutting the lid back on is fine for a short stop in the fridge. For leftovers you plan to keep, move them into a glass or steel food container.
Electric or manual?
Go manual if you open a few cans a week and want something that fits in a drawer. Go electric if turning a knob hurts, if you open cans every day, or if you want one hand free.
- Manual: no cord and no batteries, fits a drawer, and the side-cut kind costs you nothing in edge safety. It still asks for grip and wrist turns.
- Corded electric: you press a lever and the motor turns the can. It lives on the counter and needs an outlet.
- Cordless electric: battery models sit on top of the can and run by themselves. We left them out because we could not find a maker spec page to check.
Best electric can opener
Get the Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch 76606AG. Hamilton Beach says it cuts along the side of the can, not the top, for a smooth lid, opens regular and pop-top cans, and needs little grip strength. You hold the lever down for one turn of the can, then lift the lid.
On this kind of electric opener, the can hangs under the cutter and turns while you hold the lever down.
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Electric pick
Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch 76606AG
Good for: weak or sore hands, and kitchens that open cans every day.
Why we picked it: Hamilton Beach says the blade cuts along the side and not into the top of the can, so the lid comes off smooth and touchable. It opens pop-top and regular cans, and a light press on the lever runs it.
What to know: the manual says the motor will not stop or lift the lid for you. Hold the lever for one rotation only, which Hamilton Beach says cuts down on metal slivers. The motor sound gets higher when the can is open.
The drawback: it is a corded counter appliance about 10 inches (26 cm) tall, and the manual says some microwaveable can designs do not work with it.
See the Hamilton Beach on AmazonHamilton Beach's manual also says not to hold the can while it opens. If the rim has a dent, a bump or a heavy seam, open the other end of the can, or start the cut just past the bump.
Easiest can openers for weak hands and arthritis
Two things make a can opener hard work: squeezing the handles shut and turning the knob. Pick the opener that takes away the one that hurts.
- Turning hurts: the Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch. Hamilton Beach says operation needs little grip strength: you hold the lever down and the motor does the turning.
- Squeezing hurts: the Kuhn Rikon LidLifter. It grips the can by itself, so there are no handles to hold shut, and you only turn the knob on top.
- You want a classic crank: the OXO Soft-Handled, with big cushioned handles and an oversized knob, per OXO.
- Cut fingers worry you: any side-cut. The lid comes off smooth, and the pliers on the Kuhn Rikon and OXO Smooth Edge lift it for you.
Buying for a parent or grandparent? The Hamilton Beach is the easiest to explain: can under the cutter, press the lever, let go after one turn.
If you are left-handed
Most hand-crank openers are made to be held in the left hand and turned with the right. None of the makers here sells a left-handed version of these models or says how they work for lefties. The workaround is the electric pick: there is no crank, just a lever you press.
What to look for in a can opener
- The cut. Top-cut is quick and familiar. Side-cut keeps the blade out of the food and leaves smooth edges.
- The knob. Bigger turns easier. An oversized, rubbery knob is the single best upgrade on a crank opener.
- The handles. Long, padded handles give you leverage and spread the squeeze across your palm.
- The lid grab. Side-cut models need pliers or a lid grip to lift the lid. Check that it has one.
- Extras. A bottle opener on the OXO Soft-Handled and the Zulay; a ring-pull tool on this Kuhn Rikon listing.
- Care rules. Every manual pick here is hand wash. If you want to load it in the dishwasher, look for a maker who says so.
- Your cans. Pop-tops, tall cans and dented rims all cause trouble for some openers. Big commercial cans need a heavy-duty opener made for them.
Questions people ask
What is the safest kind of can opener?
A side-cut opener. It cuts below the rim from the outside, so the lid comes off with a smooth edge, and OXO and Kuhn Rikon say their side-cut blades never touch the food. A top-cut opener leaves a sharp lid that often drops into the can.
Are can openers dishwasher safe?
Not the ones here. OXO, Zulay and Kuhn Rikon all say to wash their manual openers by hand, and Zulay says dishwasher heat and detergent can dull the blade. The Hamilton Beach plugs in, so wipe it clean. Our list of things to keep out of the dishwasher covers other kitchen tools.
How do I keep a can opener from rusting?
Wash it right after use, so food and can liquid do not dry on the gears, then dry it completely before it goes back in the drawer. Kuhn Rikon says to dry its opener fully before storing it.
Why does my can opener skip or slip?
Usually a dent, a bump or a thick seam on the rim, or food dried on the wheel. Hamilton Beach says to open the other end of the can or start the cut just past the bump. Clean the wheel and gears with warm soapy water and a small brush.
Can a side-cut opener open pop-top cans?
Some can. Hamilton Beach says the SmoothTouch opens pop-top and regular cans, and this Kuhn Rikon listing comes with a ring-pull tool for pull tabs.
What can opener works on large or commercial cans?
None of these. Kuhn Rikon says its LidLifter is not meant for commercial cans, and Hamilton Beach says the SmoothTouch opens standard-size cans and pop-tops. For big restaurant-size cans, buy a heavy-duty opener made for them.
How does an electric can opener work?
On the Hamilton Beach, you set the can rim under the cutter and hold the lever down. The motor turns the can while the blade cuts along the side. The motor does not stop on its own, so let go after one full turn, when the sound gets higher, and lift the lid off.
How do you use a manual can opener?
On a top-cut opener, open the handles, set the wheel just inside the rim, squeeze the handles shut and turn the knob until the lid comes free. On the Kuhn Rikon, set it on top, turn the knob clockwise one full circle, turn it back, then lift the lid with the pliers.
Why does the can still look closed after a side-cut opener?
Because the lid comes off whole, with its rim, so nothing looks cut. Kuhn Rikon says you will feel less resistance after one full circle; that is the sign to stop and lift.
Can you put the lid back on the can?
With a side-cut lid, yes. OXO says the Smooth Edge lids can be put back on for storage. For anything longer than a short stop in the fridge, move the food to a lidded container.
The verdict
For no sharp edges and no lid in the food, get the Kuhn Rikon LidLifter, and stop after one full circle. If knobs hurt, get the Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch. If you just want a reliable classic crank, the OXO Soft-Handled does the job, sharp lid and all.
See the Kuhn Rikon on AmazonSee the Hamilton Beach on Amazon
Stocking up on cans for the holidays? Our pantry organization guide helps you see what you have. More drawer tools: paring knives, whisks and cheese graters.
How we put this together
On 4 Nov 2026 we checked each pick's Amazon US listing for stock and model number, then read the maker's product page and, for Hamilton Beach, the use and care manual. Every feature, warning and care rule is the maker's, not ours, and no brand saw this page before it went up. Left out: openers we could not match to a maker spec page, including cordless battery models and the KitchenAid classic opener.
Sources (maker pages, opened 4 Nov 2026).
- Kuhn Rikon: Auto Safety LidLifter (US)
- OXO: Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
- OXO: Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
- OXO: 3-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set (can opener care)
- Zulay Kitchen: COMFY Can Opener with Bottle Opener
- Hamilton Beach: SmoothTouch Can Opener 76606AG
- Hamilton Beach: SmoothTouch Can Opener 76606Z (same design, full description)
- Hamilton Beach: use and care manual, models 76606 and 76607 (PDF)
