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Ten of the Best Electric Can Openers (2019 Reviews and Shopping Guide)

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Electric Can Opener Review GuideWhether you’re an expert in the kitchen or you’re just learning the ropes, you need lots of kitchen tools to make a great meal. From quality cookware to utensils for serving and dining, your kitchen needs to be well-stocked for any type of meal, whether it’s a simple casserole or a homemade gourmet dinner.

One of the tools that you need is a can opener, which allows you to quickly open canned meats, veggies, and fruits for immediate consumption or to add to your favorite recipes. While manual can openers work fine for this purpose, they are no match for electric can openers.

Compare: The 10 Best Electric Can Openers of 2019

Introduction: What is an Electric Can Opener?

Contents

An electric can opener eliminates the hassle and time spent opening cans while cooking. Instead of having to manually turn a handle to cut through a can, an electric model uses electricity to open a can in just seconds. These models utilize a magnet to hold onto the can securely, and a sharp blade that cuts through the aluminum while the can automatically spins.

These can openers can open manual cans in just seconds, and all you have to do is set the can into place.

What are the different types?

If you open many cans, you’ll want to invest in a small appliance that opens them for you easily. Before you buy, decide which one works best for you from the two main types: countertop models and battery-operated handheld models.

  • Countertop can openers – These have a cord and are designed to be plugged into the wall and remain in the same spot for daily use. This take up counter space, but they are readily available whenever you need them.
  • Battery-operated can openers – These are more compact than countertop models, and instead of electricity, they use batteries. These can be put in a cabinet or drawers when not in use, so if you have limited counter space, this may be the best option for you.

What are the Advantages of an Electric Can Opener?

The primary advantage of owning one of these can openers is convenience. You won’t have to strain your hand or wrist when opening multiple cans, and you can have many cans open in just seconds. You can also choose a countertop model that matches and enhances your kitchen décor, giving your kitchen a more updated look.

Can openers in any kitchen are a must, and an electric model just makes it faster and easier to open cans.

How to Maintain an Electric Can Opener

Electric can openers don’t require complicated or excessive maintenance. But a few simple steps can keep your can opener in excellent working condition for years.

First, unplug the opener before cleaning. Use a damp sponge and dishwashing detergent to clean up any drips or food debris. Every month or so, remove the lid holder and cutting wheel. Soak them in hot, soapy water for about 15 minutes of so.

If your can opener becomes caked with food, performance and safety will suffer. You’ll want to keep all the components clean. Otherwise, the opener can have a difficult time holding onto the can and cutting evenly.

Generally, electric can openers are much safer than manual ones. They stop automatically if the lid loses contact with the magnet, which helps prevent accidental injury. Plus, they don’t have sharp edges like a manual opener.

Who are the Contenders for Best Electric Can Opener?

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA Smooth Touch

This can opener features a black and stainless finish that looks great in any modern kitchen. This appliance effortlessly opens cans of any size, including pop tops, and it leaves a smooth edge so you don’t have to worry about getting cut. It is very easy to operate, it works quickly so you can open multiple cans, and best of all, it’s very affordable.

West Bend 77203

This plastic, chrome, and aluminum can opener is durable, fast, and affordable. Its design makes it easy to open cans of all sizes, even very tall cans. It also functions as more than just a can opener, as it has a built-in bottle opener and knife sharpener on the back. It has cord storage so it’s easy to store, or you can leave it on your countertop to enhance your décor, as it comes in two great colors. If the cutting tool gets dirty, no worries – all you have to do is pop it in the dishwasher to get it clean again.

Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall

With just the touch of a button, the Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall Can Opener have your can will be open in no time. This is ideal for those with arthritis or who just can’t open cans manually. It leaves behind a smooth edge, so you won’t get cut. Its design is ultra-portable, so it can be stored in a drawer when not in use, or you can pack it in your RV or suitcase for your next camping trip or vacation.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Product

If you want to toss out your old manual can opener and update your kitchen with a new updated model, it’s easy to want to just pick out the first one you see and buy it. However, you want to make sure you’re fully satisfied with your purchase. Before you buy, look for these four features to narrow down your choices from the thousands of models available.

Price

Can openers range in price from about $15 for a very basic model to around $50 to $100 for a more high-end model that is made with higher quality materials, works quickly and efficiently, and is backed with a better warranty.

Finish

If you’re purchasing a countertop model, you don’t want it to clash with the other things in your kitchen, including your countertops and appliances. Most countertop models come in neutral colors like black, white, and stainless steel, but you can also purchase a unit that provides a splash of color like bright red or teal.

Power source

If you plan to exclusively use your can opener in the kitchen, one that has a cord and uses electricity may be your best bet. If you plan on bringing your can opener outdoors during a cookout or with you on vacation or during camping trips, a battery-operated model will best fit your needs.

Warranty

You don’t want to purchase a product that doesn’t work after a few uses, so make sure that anything you buy comes backed with a warranty that protects your product from defects that occurred during the manufacturing process.

Price

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA

This can opener retails for a competitive low price, so it is a budget-friendly option for any household.

West Bend 77203

You can expect to pay a bit more for this model. It is priced about average when compared with other can openers.

Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall

This can opener offers terrific functionality at a bargain price.

Finish

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA

The black and chrome finish is very modern and looks great in any kitchen.

West Bend 77203

Choose from Metallic or Black to perfectly match the other small appliances, large appliances, and décor in your kitchen.

Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall

Available in red and black, this can opener will look great on just about any counter top it’s set on.

Power source

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA

This unit operates by being plugged into a standard outlet, so it is best for keeping on your countertop, although the convenient cord storage feature lets you put it away neatly as needed.

West Bend 77203

This can opener plugs into your wall for fast and easy operation.

Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall

This can opener possesses a typical, American-style plug which can be plugged into any standard outlet.

Warranty

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA

This model comes backed with a 1-year limited warranty to protect it from defects that affect functionality.

West Bend 77203

A 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer is included with your purchase.

Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall

This can opener comes with a 1-year warranty from its manufacturer.

Conclusion: The Final Reviews Are In

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA – Best Affordable

Hamilton Beach 76606ZA Smooth Touch Can OpenerYou don’t have to spend a fortune buying a high-quality can opener. This model is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for your kitchen. It has a modern chrome and black design that looks fantastic in any kitchen, and it’s durable enough to last for years to come.

The large ergonomic level makes this model very easy to use, and it utilizes a side cutting system, so you don’t have to worry about sharp edges. It opens all types of cans, including pop tops, and it easily cuts through cans of all sizes, including very tall cans. This is one of the easiest can openers you’ll ever use, it looks great, and it comes backed with a warranty to protect your purchase.

Pros:

  • It’s easy to put the cans in place
  • Opens with just a light touch
  • Opens all types and sizes of cans
  • 1-year warranty
  • Sleek, modern design enhances your kitchen
  • Hidden cord storage
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • There are no replacement parts available, so failure of a part will result in having to purchase a new can opener
  • The handle is made of plastic, so it may easily break over time

West Bend 77203 – Best Value for the Money

West Bend 77203 Electric Can OpenerThis attractive can opener is not just functional, but it also looks great in your kitchen. Start off by choosing your favorite color from Metallic, which has a silver/chrome finish or basic Black. The slim design doesn’t take up much space on your counter, but if you don’t have the room for it, use the handy cord storage to put it in your cabinet when not in use.

The design allows you to open any type of can, even larger, taller cans. It’s also even more functional because it has a built-in knife sharpener and bottle opener on the back. It is easy to keep clean, super simple to operate, looks great, and is backed with a great warranty.

Pros:

  • 1-year warranty
  • Attractive 3-in-1 design
  • Slim enough to fit in limited spaces
  • Comes in two colors
  • Very durable
  • Easy to use
  • Works quickly
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Tops have sharp edges since it does not do side cuts
  • The plastic lever may break off over time

Hamilton Beach Ensemble Tall Can Opener – Best Overall

Though there are a number of high-quality electric can openers on the market today, this opener by Hamilton Beach is the best electric can opener around. Capable of opener cans as smoothly as possible, it is as safe and as functional as any can opener you’re going to find. Made to plug into a standard American outlet, it can be put essentially anywhere in your kitchen or house. If you’re looking for the best electric can opener around, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Pros:

  • It is very easy to use
  • It eliminates sharp edges.
  • It’s as safe as any you’re going to find

Cons:

  • Has some trouble with large cans

All in All

Cooking can be a lot of work, from prepping to making sure nothing burns to cleaning up afterwards. Why not make your tasks in the kitchen much easier by investing in an electric can opener? You no longer have to sit there for minutes wearing out your hands and wrists opening up multiple cans when these devices do all of the hard work for you and look great doing it. To get the most out of your can opener, consider this model from Hamilton Beach. Not only does it open quickly and efficiently in your kitchen, but its portable design lets you take it anywhere with you. This is the only can opener you’ll ever need, whether you’re at home or camping in your RV.