Canned food is something that is a lot common these days. The popularity of canned foods has increased a lot over time, and thanks to that it has significantly increased the demand for can openers too. It is undoubtedly very hard to open a can all by ourselves.
A manual can opener is a handheld tool used to open metal cans. It typically consists of a blade that is inserted into the top of the can and turned in a clockwise direction. The blade punctures the lid of the can, allowing air to enter and preventing the contents from spilling out. It can be easily stored too.
However, they can also be used to open other types of containers, such as paint cans or gas cans. While it is a relatively simple device, it can be handy in various situations. Whether you’re opening a can of berries or a can of fruits, it is a thing that is used daily in our kitchen for the smallest reason possible.
There are plenty of options available in the market nowadays, all of them offering more or less similar services and having the same features too. So differentiating between them without having prior knowledge is a bit difficult. Here we have tried to give you an insight into what good openers can possess and how you can select the best one for yourself.
Contents
Things To Consider Before Buying
Handles
A handle that is easier to hold is always a big yes. Opening a can will be much easier if the handles have a good and non-slip grip. They should fit into your palms nicely and the handles must also lock quickly when you’re trying to open the can to facilitate smooth functioning.
Features
Large and easy grip handles, locking technology of the handles, and cushioned grips are some of the features that make it work the best. Look for these features when you buy one.
Top Vs Side Cutting
Some can opener cuts through the lid of a can and the edges are quite sharp once you’re done emptying the can. It can choose to be quite dangerous so if you are looking for a can opener that’s safer, a side-cutting can opener is the one that you should go for. In this style It allows you to remove the top safely and you don’t have to stick your fingers into the can to fish out the lid.
Cushioned Handle Grips
There is some can opener that has handles that will leave your hands painting after opening the can due to the pressure you have to put in. It is very evident that you have to give in some amount of effort to open a can, and if the handles are not cushioned properly, they can make your hands hurt and turn them red right after usage. So, it is always better to find an opener that has cushioned grips for ease of holding.
Durability And Materials
A manual opener is more durable than an electric one and comes in handy during power shortages. Always check the quality and material of the opener before buying. Also, have a look at whether or not it is rust-proof as it gets quite difficult to use a rusted opener.
Hand Crank
A good manual can opener crank should turn smoothly with the minimum pressure possible. Most are fitted with a flat or curved knob-style crank. One thing to note – the larger the knob, the easier it is to rotate and open. Always check the hand crank before buying it.
Safety
You definitely would not want to cut yourself while opening a can! Some can opener is made of materials that can make your hands bleed because it is so sharp. Go for one which has a smooth body, and rounded edges so that it won’t hurt you.
Additional Features
Can opener with magnetic or clipping lid-catching tools will save you from the pains of fishing the lid out of your next can of beans! There are some openers that come with bottle openers and pull tab grabbers. So always check for these additional features if you want to make the most out of your purchase.
Smooth Cutting Wheel
The best manual can opener has sharp-cutting wheels that are easy to turn. It should leave safe edges so that you don’t cut your hands while operating.
The 10 Best Manual Can Openers In 2024
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
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Best In Value: Zyliss Manual Handheld Can Opener
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Best In Budget: PrinChef Can Opener
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est Stainless Steel: Rosle Stainless Steel Can Opener
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Best Small Size: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener
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Best Auto Safety: Kuhn Rikon Can Opener
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Best In Versatility: Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Can Opener
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Best Durable: Good Cook Can Opener
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Best Extra Large: Gorilla Grip Manual Handheld Can Opener
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Best Portable: Swing-A-Way Portable Can Opener
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Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
This can opener has dimensions of 6.5 x 10.75 x 11 inches, and it is made of durable stainless steel. The soft, nonslip grips provide comfort and control, even when hands are wet.
The oversized side-wind mechanism makes it easy to open any size can, and the soft-grip knob.
The sharp stainless steel cutting wheel quickly pierces can lid, and the built-in pliers allow for contact-free lid removal.
Pros
Cons
Best In Value: Zyliss Manual Handheld Can Opener
This can opener can open all kinds of cans with dimensions of 2 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches or less, such as those that contain soup, vegetables, fruits, and tuna.
It works on a locking mechanism that reduces strain on hands, making it easy to open even the most stubborn cans.
It is made of stainless steel and is easy to clean. With a turning handle and a soft-touch design it is easy to use and comfortable to grip.
The sharp cutting blade effortlessly opens cans of all sizes, and the built-in magnet keeps lids securely in place.
Pros
Cons
Best In Budget: PrinChef Can Opener
With dimensions of 7.87 x 2.56 x 2.17 inches, it takes up minimal counter space and can be stored easily in a drawer or cupboard.
It is made of durable stainless steel and has a soft-grip handle that makes it comfortable to hold. It features a sharp blade and flexible gear that makes opening even the most stubborn cans a breeze.
It has a durable metal construction that is electroplate coated with rust-proof material. This ensures that the can opener will withstand years of use and still look like new.
The ergonomic design also makes it comfortable to use, and the large, soft handles provide a comfortable grip.
Pros
Cons
Best Stainless Steel: Rosle Stainless Steel Can Opener
This opener has dimensions of 7.9 x 1.5 x 2 inches. This can opener is made of 18/10 stainless steel, making it durable and long-lasting.
It is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in your hand, and the thumbscrew gives you a smooth, effortless turning motion.
The lateral cutting wheel helps to avoid sharp edges, and the wide opening lever makes it easy to open even the most stubborn cans.
The built-in hanging ring allows for easy storage, so it takes up minimal counter space.
Pros
Cons
Best Small Size: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener
Its small size (1 x 1 x 2 inches) makes it easy to store, and the gear-driven design allows for smooth, easy operation.
Made of heavy gauge chromed steel, it is designed to open all standard-size cans with ease. This can opener features a carbon steel cutting blade that easily opens cans of all sizes.
The thick rubberized deluxe handles provide a comfortable and easy grip, even when opening large cans.
Pros
Cons
Best Auto Safety: Kuhn Rikon Can Opener
It measures 8 x 2.5 x 2.75 inches, making it one of the most space-efficient can openers on the market. The opener has a sharp blade that easily cuts through cans.
It automatically attaches to cans via ‘lock-on’ technology. This feature ensures that the can opener will not slip or slide while in use, making it safer to operate than traditional can openers.
This can opener requires no handling of the can, so there is no risk of cutting oneself on the sharp edges. It is very easy to clean. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth and it will be good as new.
Pros
Cons
Best In Versatility: Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Can Opener
It has 4.5 x 3 x 1.5 inches dimensions, making it one of the most compact can openers on the market. The no-squeeze cutting mechanism automatically locks onto the can, making it simple to use with one hand.
Not only does it open cans with ease, but it also has a built-in bottle opener and jar opener. The stainless steel blade is sharp and cuts through cans cleanly, leaving no sharp edges.
This can be extremely convenient if you need to open and reseal a can multiple times. Additionally, the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use, even for those with arthritis or other hand pain.
Pros
Cons
Best Durable: Good Cook Can Opener
Made of stainless steel, this can opener is designed for durability and easy cleaning. At 9 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches, it is the perfect size for most kitchen countertops.
It is also easy to use, with a simple lever mechanism that opens cans quickly and easily. With heavy-duty chrome that is built to last.
The patented design leaves smooth, safe edges after cutting, and the cutting wheel never touches food, so there is no risk of contamination.
Pros
Cons
Best Extra Large: Gorilla Grip Manual Handheld Can Opener
This can opener includes a sharp and durable 100 percent stainless steel cutting wheel that easily opens cans without leaving sharp edges.
The ergonomic design of the can opener fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to grip and use. The easy-to-turn knob makes it easy to open even the most stubborn cans.
It features two slip-resistant silicone handles that provide a comfortable grip, even when wet. This is available in multiple colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your kitchen décor.
Pros
Cons
Best Portable: Swing-A-Way Portable Can Opener
It has dimensions of 7.09 x 1.57 x 3.15 inches, making it a great option for those who want a compact and lightweight can opener.
Also, it has durable stainless steel construction, and it is very easy to use. This can opener features an extra-long crank handle that provides a better grip and makes it easier to open cans.
The ergonomic design is comfortable to use. The best part about this can opener is that it is able to give a smooth and skip-proof cutting.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
It is very important to clean your can openers regularly. One should never put it in a dishwasher as the chances of rusting due to detergent and water are high. To clean it in the right way, soak it in vinegar for quite some time. After it is well soaked, take it out from the vinegar bowl and use a brush to clean the dirty areas. Try using a small brush so that it can reach the smallest of places. Give it a good rinse so that the dirt is gone. Air dry it completely and spray some oil to keep the moving parts working.
A safety can open is a special type of can opener which cuts the side of the can while folding the edge over to increase safety. Traditional can openers can prove to be quite risky and you might cut your hands while emptying the contents, but the same is not the case with safety cans. It also provides the possibility to place the lid back on the can.
Water and air are major sources for the rusting of your can openers. Always make sure to dry it completely after washing; that should be enough to keep the rust away. Never use a detergent to clean your can openers as the chances of it getting rusted are definitely higher then.
Place the cutting edge of the can opener on the top lid of the can. Now close the arms of the opener to puncture the lid and twist it to rotate the cutting edge around the lid. Lift the lid and that’s how you open a can with a manual can opener.
Conclusion
A good can opener is a must-have for your kitchen that everyone should possess, and buying the correct one is equally important too. Here in this guide, we have provided some basic things you should consider and answer some of the questions that are most commonly asked.
