Regardless of how big or small your kitchen is…
…you’ll probably need a manual can opener at some point…
…whether you’re eating canned vegetables for lunch…
…or feeding the resident cat her favorite dinner.
In the kitchen, manual can openers are a great tool to have…
…since they take up less space and cost less than their electric counterparts.
“Simply put, a can opener is one of the most commonly used kitchen tools or devices that help you cut into a metal can with great ease and convenience.”
Homestratosphere.com
Before we jump into next section, let us hear Jaden’s story…
As a college student, I usually eat canned food.
Therefore, I find manual can openers to be extremely useful to have.
A good manual can opener should come equipped with easy-to-use instructions.
It’s always helpful to know what size hole I’ll need before starting to prepare meals.
For example, many people choose between 1/4″ and 3/8″.
A smaller diameter allows me to remove larger pieces of meat easily,
whereas a wider opening makes draining easier.
When shopping around for a new manual can opener,
make sure you check out reviews online.
Many manufacturers offer free shipping and return policies,
which means you won’t lose anything by trying out different brands.
Also, read customer feedback carefully to see
if there were any problems reported during testing.
In A Hurry? See Where To Buy The Best Manual Can Openers!
Here are the best manual can openers to add to your kitchen.
| Image | Brand | Price | More |
|---|---|---|---|
 | KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener / Bottle Opener, 8.34-Inch, Aqua Sky | Check On Amazon | |
Top | OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener, Black (2 Pack) | Check On Amazon | |
Top | Rosle Stainless Steel Can Opener with Pliers Grip, 7-inch | Check On Amazon | |
Top | Kuhn Rikon"Auto Safety Master" Opener, Black | Check On Amazon | |
Top | Made in USA Can Opener (Black) | Check On Amazon | |
Top | Zyliss - 20362 ZYLISS Lock N' Lift 7" Manual Handheld Can Opener with Locking Mechanism, White/Gray | Check On Amazon | |
Top | Swing-A-Way Easy-Crank Can Opener with Folding Crank Handle, Black, 3.50 x 4.50 x 10.50 | Check On Amazon | |
Top | Good Cook Can Opener, Safe Cut Manual Can Opener, no Sharp Can Edges, Black | Check On Amazon |
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener Aqua Sky
- STAINLESS STEEL BLADE: The KitchenAid can opener is made from strong 420 J2 stainless steel that is designed to easily puncture and open all types of cans and bottles
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
I’ve been looking for a good can opener for a long time…
…(three previous manuals and two electric openers later)…
…and I think I’ve found it. It easily “bite” into the can, remains…
…attached the entire time, but is easily removed. The turning…
…area is nice and wide, so it doesn’t tire your wrist out as quickly…
…if you’re doing a lot of cans. The handles are also easy to grasp.
It cleans very well!
Pros:
- Stainless blade
- Ergonomic handles
- Lifetime warrant
- Colorful
Cons:
- It can be rusted
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
- Set includes: Pack of 2 Smooth Edge Can Opener HandHeld
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It is impossible to go wrong with the highly-rated…
….OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener!
The side-wind mechanism cuts through cans easily…
…and leaves no sharp edges behind.
It is made from high-quality stainless steel…
…and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
This well-designed manual can opener is a great value…
…according to customers.
Its handle locks together when you open the can…
…so you don’t have to squeeze the handles.
It is easy to turn the soft-grip knob, which is located on the side of the can.
Even if the lid isn’t completely loose…
…the built-in lifting tool allows you to remove it without getting your hands dirty.
Pros:
- Safe and smooth side-cutting
- Comfortable handles and crank
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Small learning curve
Rösle Stainless Steel Can Opener with Pliers Grip
- Made of Durable and Hygenic 18/10 Stainless Steel
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This stainless steel manual can opener is the way to go if price isn’t an issue.
High-quality stainless steel won’t rust, tarnish…
….or fall apart over time, and it looks great in any kitchen setting.
The cutting mechanism is completely sealed…
…and will not come in contact with food, so it will rarely need to be cleaned.
A lateral cut prevents sharp edges that can mangle fingers…
…and the lid can be placed back on the can for short-term storage.
If you’re looking for a high-quality can opener, look no further.
The cool thing about it is that it cuts the can from the side rather than…
…the top. As a result, the lid is never allowed to fall into the can. It is not…
…necessary to use your finger to lift it up. And once you’ve removed the lid…
…you can put it back on the can to cover it temporarily. It’s fantastic.
Pros:
- Heavy duty stainless steel construction
- Safe and smooth side-cutting and replaceable lid
- Blade never comes in contact with food
Cons:
- Pricier option
- Can be difficult to crank for some
Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Can Opener
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Sharp edges are not left by safety can openers. This is simple…
…to use and performs as expected. After purchasing my first…
…manual, I purchased another manual as well as two electrics…
…for our two homes. I’ve never used a better or easier can opener.
It also opens plastic carbonated drinks bottles, breaks stubborn…
…jar seals, easily opens ring pull cans, and has a bottle opener!
Using mini pliers, you can grab the edge of the lid…
…if the lid seems stuck after it has been opened.
Additionally, this product includes a bottle opener…
…a twist-off bottle opener, and a hook for easily grasping pull tabs on cans.
Pros:
- All-in-one can and bottle opener
- Safe and smooth side-cutting
- Easy to turn knob
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as other models
Made in USA Can Opener
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This manual can opener, designed in the 1950s, is still a mainstay…
…in households today…
…It has a straightforward design that works every time.
Despite its simple design and lack of frills like magnets…
…customers say it gets the job done and resists rust…
…thanks to its zinc-plated carbon steel construction.
It is American-made, as its name suggests, unlike some lookalikes.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Time-tested reliability
- Heavy duty construction
Cons:
- Heavy to hold
- Not very attractive
Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener
- Locking mechanism securely locks cutting wheel in place to ensure a consistent cut and reduced strain on hands
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Zyliss Lock N’ Lift can openers aren’t known…
…for being the most convenient kitchen gadgets…
…which is why they stand out in a sea of hand-cranked…
…can openers.
When clamped onto the can, the handles lock together…
…so you don’t have to keep pushing them together as you crank.
Using this feature saves you from fishing the top out of the can-or worse…
…risking a cut by bending the lid back.
Furthermore, the can opener is designed with a grace…
…that is lacking in some commercial-style can openers.
Easy to clean by hand and sized appropriately for drawer…
…or utensil jar storage, this can opener gets the job done…
…with a bit of comfort.
Pros:
- Locks onto cans for cutting
- Magnet can grab can lids
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- Slight learning curve
- Lid can fall into can
- Magnet doesn’t always reach cut lid
Swing-A-Way Easy-Crank Can Opener with Folding Crank Handle
- DURABLE ALL-STEEL CONSTRUCTION: This can opener is one you can rely on to get through tough can tops effortlessly. The body is constructed out of extremely durable steel.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This can opener has a large crank handle…
…so people who find that twisting a small knob…
…is uncomfortable will love it.
You can fold it down for more compact storage…
…if you’re concerned about storing something with…
…such a large crank handle.
A number of reviewers commented on how comfortable…
…this can opener is and how versatile it is.
Pros:
- Large crank handle
- Collapsible design
Cons:
- Difficult to use on smaller cans
Good Cook Safe Cut Can Opener
- Patented design leaves smooth, safe edges after cutting
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a manual can opener…
…that won’t break the bank because it’s reasonably priced and does the job well.
The slim design and ease of use earn it extra points.
You don’t need to squeeze the handles…
…since the cutting mechanism latches on as you start turning…
…and the chrome loop helps you position the opener properly to open a can.
There were no sharp edges, and I could open cans in the morning and leave…
…them covered – it was fantastic! The new design is adequate, but there is no…
…way to squeeze the can!
It is supposed to be resistant to breaking…
…warping, scratching, staining, or tarnishing…
…although some customers said it broke after a year.
Customers, however, are generally happy with their purchases.
Pros:
- Nicely priced
- Safe and smooth side-cutting
- Slim design
Cons:
- Not as durable as some other models
To Sum Up
There are two basic types of manual can openers…
…those that cut the lid right inside the rim of the can…
…and those that unseal the outside of the can.
When you need to drain the liquid, you can leave the lid in place…
…and use it to hold back the food.
Those in the second category allow you to place lids…
…on the can for temporary storage, but the lids do not snap on…
…so grabbing the can from the top could result in a mess.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you find out…
…which type of manual can opener works best for you!
If you found this information helpful…
…please let us know in the comment section below!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
