Quick Summary: After looking at scores of can openers, we decided that the OXXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener, should take first place as the best manual can opener because of its all-around high-quality design. Its stainless steel construction makes it incredibly sturdy.
Cans and jars are no strangers to our kitchen cabinets, shelves, and fridges. While these cans are super helpful in storing and preserving food, they are extremely problematic because of tight fitted, sharp covers and lids.
The purpose of can lids and caps is to keep the food fresh for the longest time and therefore they are placed in such a manner that they cannot be removed easily.
Directly opening the can covers can be dangerous and in some situations, it can also cause the food to get spoiled. Thankfully, our hands are now saved from this trouble with the best manual can openers.
Manual can openers are a must-have accessory as they allow users to safely and quickly open up the rough and tough cans.
They open up the can in such a way that no sharp edges are left out and thus the cans become safe to lift and use.
Manual can openers are also partners for life which means that no matter how hard the material is that you use they will always break and cut through the roughest material.
Unlike other fancy kitchen tools, manual can openers are easily available everywhere so you don’t have to run to a special store just to get them.
In order to make a smart choice, check out our best manual can opener list so that you can handle your cans without any problem.
Quick Navigation
- 10 Best Manual Can Openers Comparison
- Reviews of Top 10 Manual Can Openers
- How to Choose the Best Manual Can Opener
- Conclusion
10 Best Manual Can Openers Comparison
 | 1. OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener (Best overall)This can opener opens can easily and without creating a sharp edge on the can. Its oversized wind mechanism moves smoothly when you use it. Plus, it has non-slip handles and a soft grip knob. Its built-in pliers allow for non-contact lid removal. It's a smooth edge can opener. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Good Cook Can Opener (Best Budget)The Good Cook Can Opener is safe to use and creates no sharp edges. It’s made of stainless steel with a patented design. Its cutting wheel doesn’t touch food, which eliminates the potential of cross-contamination. Plus, it comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can OpenerThis can opener comes with a lot of perks. It has multiple storage options and can easily be mounted on a wall. It locks in three positions and is easy and smooth to sue. It glides right across the tops of cans and is designed to be skip-proof. It is made of durable steel. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Bartelli Soft Edge Ambidextrous Can OpenerThis manual can opener opens jars, cans and bottles. With its no-squeeze cutting mechanism, it locks into the can and cuts around the side. It also features a no-squeeze handle design and an easy-to-turn knob. No strenuous gripping or squeezing is needed when you used this can opener. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. KitchenAid Gourmet Soft Grip Can OpenerThe KitchenAid Gourmet Soft Grip Can Opener easily punctures and opens all types of cans. Its knob is oversized for an easy grip. As a matter of fact, its handles are ergonomic. Easy to clean land made of stainless steel and silicone. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Qwesen Can OpenerThe Qwesen Can Opener comes with 2 spare blades and a corkscrew. Get ready to pop those wine bottles! It’s made of heavy-duty stainless steel and features an ergonomic anti-slip design. It also has a big knob, which is very easy to turn. It's a smooth touch can opener. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Rosle Stainless Steel Can OpenerThis manual can opener has a pliers grip that grips onto the top of the can. Its ergonomically shaped thumbscrew makes it easy to turn. Its lateral cutting wheel avoids sharp edges. With its hanging ring, it’s easy to store. Good grips with a smooth edge. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Premium Can Opener by FairsophThe Fairsoph manual can opener has a portable stainless steel sharp blade. It’s a gear-driven manual opener with non-slip handles and a soft-grip knob. Easily open cans with this manual can opener. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Kebley Stainless Steel Can OpenerMade of high-quality material and zinc plated, this manual can opener won’t break or rust with proper care. It delivers fast cutting on all sized cans. With its ergonomic design, you can easily and comfortably hold it tight. You can’t go wrong with this can opener. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can OpenerThe name says it all with this manual can opener. The gear-driven design makes for smooth operation. Thick and rubberized handles make it easy to grip. Easy cleaning with warm soapy water. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of Top 10 Manual Can Openers
To find the best manual can opener, we looked at hundreds of reviews from buyers who included amateur chefs and culinary connoisseurs.
We checked out ratings and comments from customers who provided valuable feedback about the pros and cons of each item.
After looking at scores of manual can openers, we narrowed it down to nine that met our criteria for durability, safety, and ease-of-use. The following had the best track record:
Best Overall
1. OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener for Smooth Edge
What You’ll Love: We selected the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener as the best manual can opener because of its sturdy, stainless steel design and ease-of-use. Its patented side-wind locking mechanism cuts almost effortlessly and leaves smooth edges on the can and lid.
Equipped with non-slip crank handle and an easy-to-turn knob, it doesn’t do a number on your hands like some can openers.
Since OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener cuts on the side of the can below the edge, the blade doesn’t come into contact with the contents, so it stays cleaner, longer.
Lid pliers allow you to seamlessly remove the lid; no digging it out of the can with your fingers or a utensil. You can easily open cans of all sizes.
Pros:
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener is relatively easy to clean, opens a variety of can types, and cuts from the side so it doesn’t touch the food. Customers note that it doesn’t require your hands to work overtime.
Cons:
Reviewers were disappointed that not all the care instructions were included in the owner’s manual. Inside the packaging, they found a recommendation that this item not be placed in the dishwasher.
Because OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener requires hand-washing, it can be a little higher-maintenance than dishwasher-safe varieties.
Some people reported having a bit of difficulty lining up the can with the blade to start the opening process, especially with smaller cans.
People who are used to using more “conventional” can openers may find OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener a little tricky to use. Carefully follow the instructions in the manual, and using it will become second nature.
Best Budget
2. Good Cook Safe Cut Manual Can Opener
What You’ll Love: If you’ve ever purchased a low-cost manual can opener before, you know that they don’t always deliver the quality you expect, leaving jagged edges on cans and lids and turning with great difficulty. The Good Cook Safe Cut Manual Can Opener stands out from most conventional budget can openers.
It features a patented design that leaves no sharp cutting edge after slicing open cans. Its gear-driven blade is rust-resistant, always a plus when you’re handling anything related to food-prep.
The non-slip plastic knob turns with virtually no effort. Good Cook safety opener has a long, ergonomic crank handle that is easy to grasp, so it doesn’t give your hands a workout.
The cutting wheel never touches food, making this device a more hygienic option than most top-cutting openers. Some budget can openers are thin and flimsy, but this one is sturdy and durable.
The whole thing is designed to resist warping, breaking, tarnishing, and staining. And it’s dishwasher-safe, but since the blade doesn’t touch the food, it doesn’t get very dirty anyway.
Pros:
This best manual can opener on a budget is built to last, easy to use, and leaves smooth edges, so you won’t risk cutting your hands when opening cans or removing them from the blade once cutting is complete.
This manual can opener on a budget is built to last, easy to use, and leaves smooth edges, so you won’t risk cutting your hands when opening cans or removing them from the blade once cutting is complete.
Weighing in at 4 ounces, it’s lightweight but still heavy-duty. Another plus is it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
Cons:
Some customers reported that the can opener became less effective over time and didn’t last as long as they expected.
Best for Heavy-Duty
3. Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener with Magnet
What You’ll Love: The Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener with Magnet features durable steel construction, so it can power through a variety of can types, even those that may be tougher to open with most other can openers. You can lock it in three different positions when it’s not in use, allowing for safe, easy storage.
Since Swing-A-Way mounts conveniently to the wall (the brackets and screws are included in the packaging), it won’t take up precious countertop, cabinet, or “gadget” drawer space. This keeps it in easy reach while you’re cooking, too.
The high-carbon cutting wheel easily makes its way across the tops of cans for nearly effortless cutting
Pros:
It’s easy to install, and it folds up, so when you’re not using it, it doesn’t get in your way and doesn’t take up counter or drawer space. To clean it, all you have to do is take it down from the hinge pin and wash it. It opens virtually all types of cans.
Cons:
It can sometimes be difficult to successfully open cans completely on the first attempt. Some customers said it wasn’t as sturdy as they expected.
Best for One Handed Operation
4. Bartelli Soft-Edge Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener
What You’ll Love: Looking for the best manual can opener that doesn’t require both hands to operate? Look no further than the Bartelli Soft-Edge 3-In-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener. This handy device triples as a can opener, bottle-opener, and jar opener.
Its innovative design doesn’t require squeezing the handle to open cans, so it doesn’t put your hand strength to the test.
The blade locks automatically onto the side of the can and doesn’t leave sharp edges on it or the lid and allows you to keep food covered while you cook because the can remains sealed until you take the top off.
The blade never touches the food, so there’s minimal clean-up involved. The single crank handle that powers the knob is easy to operate. It’s lightweight, too.
Pros:
This 3-in-1 tool helps you minimize “gadget drawer” clutter. It’s easy to use, especially for people with arthritis or limited use of their hands.
Since it doesn’t leave sharp edges, it’s good for kids to use. It easily opens cans of all types. Since the cutting mechanism doesn’t touch the food, it doesn’t require a lot of cleaning.
Cons:
The short knob doesn’t provide a lot of torque, and it can be a bit awkward to use if you’re left-handed because you have to turn it in the same direction as you would an opener designed for right-handed people, unless you spin it backwards.
Some customers report that in the beginning, it’s a bit difficult to use, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy.
Best Magnet Manual Can Opener
5. KitchenAid Gourmet Soft Grip Can Opener with Magnet
What You’ll Love: KitchenAid is a well-known brand, and like others bearing that label, this can opener delivers what is promised. The KitchenAid Gourmet Soft Grip Can Opener with Magnet is our top pick in this category. The stainless steel blade can get through just about any type of can
Ergonomic handles help you keep a steady grip on the can opener so it doesn’t slip or slide. This manual can opener’s size and weight give it
Clean-up is relatively easy too. Just wash with a mild detergent, rinse, and dry thoroughly. All across the board, this device got high ratings in terms of ease-of-cleaning, ease-of-use, and durability.
Pros:
The safety opener has a sturdy design and cuts easily-
The magnet keeps the lid from falling into your food so you don’t have to dig it out with your fingers or a utensil. It doesn’t require too much effort to squeeze the handle and turn the knob.
Customers were pleased with how easy the knob is to clean.
Cons:
Some people found this model to be a bit larger and heavier than some conventional can openers.
Best Safe Manual Can Opener
6. Can Opener Manual with 2 Spare Blades
What You’ll Love: If you share your household with children or elderly people, or have just had too many bad experiences slicing your fingers on poorly-constructed can openers or sharp can edges, you’re no doubt looking for something that reduces the risk of injuries.
We recommend the Can Opener Manual with 2 Spare Blades. This best manual can opener in terms of safety has a lot to offer. Its durable, ergonomic design features a strong handle connected to a large, non-slip knob.
The serrated cutting wheel is equipped with a safety mechanism to ensure that Can Opener only cuts
If you’re concerned about the potential for cross-contamination when cooking, you’ll be happy to know that the blades on this can opener never touch the can’s contents. To clean the blade, just rinse it in the sink or throw it in the dishwasher.
Pros:
It leaves a smooth cutting edge on cans and lids. The rubber on the handles allows for a non-slip grip. It doesn’t require much effort to turn.
It’s low-maintenance since it doesn’t need much cleaning. It effectively opens a variety of cans, bottles, and jars- everything from canned chili or canned sardines for dinner to pet food.
Cons:
One user reported that the turning knob looks like a cutting wheel, so there may be a little confusion at first as to how to line up the can.
Other than that, it was difficult to come up with any shortcomings in this can opener.
Best Stainless Steel Manual Can Opener
7. Rosle Stainless Steel Can Opener with Pliers Grip
What You’ll Love: If you want a durable, top-cutting tool that doesn’t touch the food, consider the Rosle Stainless Steel Can Opener with Pliers Grip. Although it doesn’t cut from the side, the sealed cutting mechanism ensures the cutter does not touch the food, so there won’t be any mess on your counter space. The ergonomically-shaped thumb screw turns easily.
You don’t have to worry about cutting your fingers on the jagged cutting edge, and this tool cuts so that you can continue to use the lid for short-term storage.
If you’re popping open a can of something especially sticky, like condensed milk, integrated pliers make it easier to peel off the lid. This made in usa can opener is the right kitchen tool if you want smooth edges every time.
Pros:
It’s sturdy and durable, and you can open a can and remove the lid without ever having to touch the contents. It’s easy to use– a plus for people with arthritic hands.
It quickly glides through different types and sizes of cans. Requiring little in the way of cleaning, it’s low-maintenance.
Cons:
This can opener doesn’t work like most traditional ones (it clamps the lid from the top rather than the side), but once you get used to that, operating it shouldn’t be a problem.
Some people reported difficulty opening certain types of cans, such as those with an
The price is a little higher than some can openers, but most customers who commented on the price felt like they got their money’s worth because the can opener is so sturdy and easy to use.
1st Runner Up (Stainless Steel)
8. Fairsoph Premium Stainless Steel Manual Can Opener by Fairsoph
What You’ll Love: If you’re looking for something a little more versatile, try the Premium Stainless Steel Manual Can Opener by Fairsoph. This heavy-duty tool cuts cans with a sharp stainless steel blade that opens standard-size cans and beer bottles. Its side-cutting system leaves a smooth cutting edge and doesn’t come into contact with the food.
With a high-carbon, gear-driven cutting wheel and skip-proof feed, it allows for smooth cutting. Unlike some can openers, with this one, you don’t have to worry about cans slipping off in the middle of the cut.
The device stays well-balanced. Since the blade cuts high into the can, you’re less likely to deal with spilling or splashing. Equipped with a large ergonomic lever, operation requires almost no effort
Pros:
It’s low-maintenance, doesn’t require much manual labor to operate, and can be stored without cluttering drawers or counters.
Its ease-of-use makes it especially helpful for people with conditions such as carpal tunnel and arthritis. It’s sturdy, so it lasts a long time.
Left-handers report that they find it easier to use than most conventional can openers. The vast majority of customers gave this can opener five stars.
Cons:
This item really doesn’t come with too many drawbacks. Some customers reported that it didn’t work as effectively as promised.
2nd Runner Up (Stainless Steel)
9. Kebley Stainless Steel Can Opener Manual Food-safe Good
What You’ll Love: Last, but not least, we recommend the
The burnished handles allow you to maintain a steady grip the whole time you’re turning the wheel. It maintains good balance on countertops while you turn the knob.
Sometimes it can be difficult to line up the rim of the can to the cutting wheel, but this one latches onto cans easily. Since it’s professional-grade, you can use it anywhere- homes, restaurant kitchens, camping trips, and picnics.
Pros:
Durable enough to stand up to years of frequent use, it can open all types of cans, is easy on the hands, and cuts smoothly, quickly, and cleanly.
As a 2-in-1 (bottle opener and can opener), it’s versatile and saves space. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to store and use.
Cons:
It was difficult to find any shortcomings in this product, as the great majority of users gave it top marks.
Some customers didn’t like the rubber material on the handles, but that’s probably the sharpest criticism offered about this item.
Best Carbon Steel Blade Can Opener
10. The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener
What You’ll Love: There’s plenty to love about the EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener. It’s made of a heavy gauge chrome steel for longevity.
You’ll also love its gear-driven swing design, which makes it so easy to open a can with. Get total comfort with its thick rubberized deluxe handles.
No slips with this manual can opener. That’s why it’s called EZ-DUZ-IT. Its name lives up to its performance.
Feature
- Gear-driven swing design
- Thick rubber handles make it very comfortable to use
- Made in usa
- Heavy-gauge chrome steel for strength and durability
Pros:
This manual opener makes it so easy to get that can opened. It works very quickly. The EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener will last for a very long time.
Excellent Grip-this can opener is very easy to hold on to. Good grips smooth edge handle won’t slip. It is easy to clean and easy to turn.
Cons:
This Only can be used on cans.
How to Choose the Best Manual Can Opener?
A good can opener can be hard to find, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.
However, doing a little research and buying a top-rated can opener can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
If you’re like most people though, you may not have a lot of extra hours in the day to comparison-shop for a can opener. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.
Manual can openers offer a low-cost, low-tech addition to your meal-prep toolkit. Although their design is relatively straightforward, there is an impressive variety of manual can openers on the market, and no two types are created exactly the same. Here are some factors to consider as you weigh your options:
Manual vs. Automatic
Automatic (electric can opener or battery-powered) can openers may be easy to use, but they have their drawbacks. You either need to have backup batteries on hand consistently or ready access to a power source.
Automatic can openers are not the most convenient option, for instance, on a camping trip or during a power outage. On the other hand, they usually require less effort to operate than manual types, since you can activate them with the touch of a button.
Stainless steel blades
Most manual can openers are equipped with stainless steel blades, which are durable and resist rust. Other materials are more susceptible to warping, breaking, and tarnishing.
Size
A manual can opener should fit easily into a drawer. If storage space in your kitchen is limited, look for a device that mounts on the wall.
Manual can openers come with all the hardware you need for installation already included in the packaging, and they don’t take long to assemble.
Construction
As is the case for the blade, the rest of the can opener should be made of sturdy materials, and the whole thing should be easy to clean.
The latter consideration is especially important if the opener’s blades come into contact with food, and will
Blades that don’t touch the food rarely get dirty, so you probably won’t have to do much more than
Many top-cutting can openers are meant for hand-washing only, so if you want to keep clean-up to a minimum, consider the side-cutting option. Additionally, the higher-quality can openers balance well on countertops.
Budget
Consider how much you’re willing to spend. Some high-quality can openers come at a very modest price, while other similarly-priced items are of considerably lesser quality.
Some of the more expensive types are well worth the investment. It’s important to do your research ahead of time to compare prices and reviews and decide which features are most important to you.
Ease-of-Use
Handles should be comfortable and easy to grasp. It’s a bonus when they don’t require too much squeezing and give you enough traction that your hands aren’t likely to slip off in the midst of a cut.
Can openers with sturdy handles and large knobs are especially handy for people who suffer from pain in their hands or have issues with grip strength?
Durability
A good can opener should perform consistently well for a long time. Manual can openers provide a smooth, fluid cut on the first attempt. Don’t settle for one that skips or stops halfway around the can.
Safety
A well-designed safety opener leaves smooth edges on lids and cans, eliminating the risk of cutting yourself when handling the can once the top has been removed.
Some can openers also come with safety features that minimize the likelihood that your hand will touch the blade.
Many can opener-related injuries occur when the user’s hands slip off the device. Handles that are easy to grip make this mishap less likely to occur.
Hygiene
Some people prefer a device in which the blade doesn’t touch the food. Similarly, many customers prefer side-cutting openers or top-cutters that have a magnet to hold the lid in place.
Otherwise, it can fall into the food, which isn’t very sanitary if the lid is dusty or you have to use your fingers to remove it.
Top-cutting Vs Side-cutting
People who like to use the lid to drain the can often prefer the top-cutting openers because they can remove the lid for this purpose.
On the other hand, since the side-cutting kitchen tools don’t remove the lid, they allow you to continue to store the food in the can temporarily-for instance, if you want to keep it covered for a while as you cook.
Versatility
The best manual can openers can handle a variety of can types and sizes. Some even double as bottle or jar openers.
Conclusion
After testing and reviewing a variety of manual can openers, we have come to the conclusion that the best ones are those that are convenient and easy to use.
We have selected these products based on their ability to open cans quickly and efficiently, with minimal effort on the part of the user.
In addition, we believe that the buying guide included with this article will be helpful for our readers in choosing a manual can opener that best suits their needs. Thank you for reading!
