Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best can openers 2024: electric, manual and easy-grip options for tough tins
Is your current can opener more of a can’t opener? Being user-friendly is a must, so we’ve gathered the best can openers, as recommended by Mumsnet users.
By Gemma Lumley By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Feb 15, 2024
There’s nothing more infuriating than being let down mid-recipe by a rubbish can opener. Buying the wrong one can lead to untold kitchen frustration, whether it’s a cranky, old-fashioned metal model or an overly complex, newfangled gadget.
With such a dizzying number of models available, how can you know what will become a reliable addition to your kitchen drawer alongside your best knife sharpener and cutlery set? When it comes to can openers, the proof is in the (rice) pudding, so we've been on a mission to hunt down the very best options.
We’ve extensively researched the recommendations of our trusty, discerning Mumsnet users to find out the products they love and use regularly in their own kitchens. We also scrutinised the opinions of food industry experts and combed through authentic consumer reviews to make sure our shortlist only features high-quality, genuinely useful tools.
We thought carefully about each can opener, whether they leave a safe and smooth edge, if they are dishwasher safe and if someone with mobility issues can use it. The best tin opener should become a trusted food prep tool you use every day; with our selections you’ll be adding your canned ingredients to your frying pan or wok in no time.
Best tin openers 2024: at a glance
Best overall: Lantana 2-in-1, £12
Best budget: Culinare MagiCan, £4
Best manual: Brabantia Tasty +, £8
Best electric: Kenwood Electric Can Opener, £23
Best battery-powered: JML Hands-Free, £19
Best for ease of use: Nogent Super Kim, £15
Best traditional: Judge Horwood, £15
Best for limited mobility: Kitchen Mama Automatic, £31
Best soft grip can opener: OXO Good Grips, £16
Strongest can opener: Kuhn Rikon Lidlifter, £11
1. Best overall can opener: Lantana 2-in-1 Can Opener
Price on writing: £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
Affordable
No sharp edges
Easy to use
What we don’t like
Wipe clean only
What Mumsnet users say
"I ordered the Lantana off the back of this thread yesterday and it came today. I’ve had to put it away so I don’t open every single tin in the house. Never did I know I could be made quite so deliriously happy by opening a can." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Ostryga)
"I have the Lantana 2-in-1 and it is the best tin opener I've ever owned." (Recommended by Mumsnet user greensnail)
Our verdict
The Lantana 2-in-1 Can Opener leaves no sharp edges thanks to its unique and ingenious design. It's also a Mumsnetter favourite.
This compact can opener is simple and easy to use, plus the way it cuts the can means the lid fits snugly back on, keeping what’s left in the can safe and spill-free until you need it.
With an ergonomically-designed handle that is a pleasure to use, it’s even got a proper bottle opener, too. We give the Lantana the thumbs up for an all-around brilliant can opener.
2. Best budget can opener: Culinare MagiCan Tin Opener
Price on writing: £4 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
Affordable
Easy to use
Durable
What we don’t like
Must be hand washed
What Mumsnet users say
"The only tin opener I can use are the MagiCan ones. I think I've bought one in 10 years. Everything else is sh*t IMO." (Recommended by Mumsnet user luxxlisbon)
"Culinare MagiCan. It is the only one that my left-handed husband and my left-handed self can both use to reliably open a tin every time." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Stillinbedat10am)
Our verdict
With both right- and left-handed Mumsnetters singing the praises of this bargainous and unassuming device, we think it’s the best affordable can opener out there.
The Culinaire MagiCan has a simple, easy-to-use, and dependable design. We also love the budget-friendly price; this is an excellent piece of kit for students and first-time buyers.
The two sturdy handles push together to secure the blades, and the chunky crank opens your tins reliably and efficiently. It’s a good, robust can opener that won’t let you down, and at around £4, it's excellent value for money, too.
Related: The best chopping boards for your kitchen
3. Best manual can opener: Brabantia Tasty+ Can Opener Plus Bottle Opener
Price on writing: £8 | Buy now from Dunelm
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
Affordable
Smooth turn
Comfortable grip
Dishwasher safe
What we don’t like
Some reviewers were underwhelmed with the bottle opener
What Mumsnet users say
"I ordered this a few months ago and it still works like a dream, cuts the can like butter. It's so easy, but looks like any other manual can opener." (Loved by Mumsnet user GreenTeaPingPong)
"I have a Brabantia one. In effect, I'm one-handed and this has never failed me." (Tried and tested by uncomfortablydumb53)
Our verdict
The Brabantia Tasty+ is a kitchen hero. It has a classic design that will look great hanging from a utensil board in all kitchen styles. It's also available in black and red and is guaranteed for five years.
This fantastic can opener is crafted from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, which is robust and rust resistant. It's also dishwasher safe, an excellent feature if you’re opening tins of spicy foods ready to add to your saucepan.
The bottle opener attached is handy, but some reviewers found its bite wasn’t deep enough to easily remove the tops from some bottles. That said, we love that it has padding on the handles and smooth-moving key, which makes it comfortable to use.
4. Best electric can opener: Kenwood Electric Can Opener
Price on writing: £23 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Electric | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
Versatile - it sharpens knives and opens bottles too
Easy to clean
Sturdy
What we don’t like
Takes up worktop space
What Mumsnet users say
"Kenwood electric one all the way - simply the best." (Suggested by Mumsnet user anotherprosecco)
Our verdict
For only around twice the price of a standard can opener, the Kenwood is a godsend for anyone that struggles with manual models. With an easy-to-use push lever, cans of any size or shape are opened quickly and cleanly, and there’s a magnet to hold onto the lid once it’s finished.
Not content with making the opening of cans of up to 1.2kg a complete doddle, it even doubles as a knife sharpener and a bottle opener. Getting to grips with this can opener takes some practice, but it’s worth the effort, and there’s minimal mess.
It feels robust, but it is heavy and will take up plenty of room on your worktop or in your cupboards. That said, the anti-slip feet keep it in place, and it leaves can edges smooth and safe.
Related: 10 best kitchen scales for accuracy and precision
5. Best battery-powered can opener: JML Hands-Free Battery-Powered Tin Opener
Price on writing: £19 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Battery powered | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
Great for anyone with limited hand or wrist mobility
Compact
One-touch mechanism
What we don’t like
It doesn’t come with batteries
What Mumsnet users say
"I've got a JML hands-free, bought for my left-handed daughter, it's very easy to use." (Recommended by Mumsnet user pinkcarnations)
Our verdict
The JML Hands-Free Automatic Can Opener works with a single, gentle touch, so it’s ideal for those with limited hand and wrist mobility. It’s also compact, so it's the perfect option if you have limited space in your kitchen drawer alongside your cutlery set and spatulas.
This ergonomically designed can opener works with batteries, so it’s frustrating that it doesn’t come with the four AA batteries required. We are impressed with how easy it is to use, however.
If you or a family member are left-handed, this will make an excellent tin opener, as everyone in the house can use it with ease.
6. Best easy-to-use can opener: Nogent Super Kim Tin Opener
Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Steel
What we like
Compact
Easy to use
Great on tough materials
What we don’t like
The wheels occasionally need oiling
What Mumsnet users say
"I have the Nogent Super Kim and I can’t recommend it enough. It takes up practically no space in a drawer, and once you’ve used one, suddenly the usual style of can opener makes no sense. Why do they even have handles? What is the point? The Super Kim just locks itself onto the tin as you turn the handle." (Vetted by Mumsnet user MadameMinimes)
Our verdict
The Nogent Super Kim is tiny yet mighty. It will take up next to no room in your kitchen drawers, yet will make quick work of all sizes of cans. The price is high for such a small piece of kit; however, we think it’s worth it as the craftsmanship and quality are high.
You can pop this can opener in the cutlery basket of your dishwasher, which is handy. However, if you do this, dry it thoroughly after to prevent rust. In addition, the cutting wheels will need oiling occasionally.
We're impressed by how easily the wheels attach to the can lid. Place them close, turn the handle and they will catch and cut through smoothly.
7. Best traditional can opener: Judge Horwood Can Opener
Price on writing: £16 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Stainless steel
What we like
Excellent on tough cans
Sturdy
Handy hanging loops
Dishwasher safe
What we don’t like
Pricey compared to some manual can openers
What Mumsnet users say
"Chunky silver thing with JUDGE written on it. Even opens Fray Bentos pies easily, which any pepper will tell you is the mark of a really good one. I don't actually like Fray Bentos pies, but it's nice to know that my tin opener is indestructible." (Recommended by Mumsnet user EatsFartsaAndLeaves)
Our verdict
The ultimate test of a can opener - the Fray Bentos Pie tin - is a breeze for the Judge Horwood Can Opener. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it’s robust and will make short work of even the toughest of tins.
Featuring chunky handles, a nicely proportioned crank and hanging loops for easy storage, it’s everything you look for in a traditional can opener. Mumsnetters love its no-nonsense way of getting the job done.
If you cook lots of fragrant foods and find that hand washing doesn’t quite do the trick, you can put this nifty gadget in the dishwasher. In addition, we like the attractive look of this opener. It would look good on display in a modern kitchen alongside the best salt and pepper grinders.
8. Best can opener for users with mobility issues: Kitchen Mama Automatic Can Opener
Price on writing: £31 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Automatic | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
No sharp edges
Easy to use
Attractive design
What we don’t like
Pricey
Batteries not included
What Mumsnet users say
"One touch and it takes the lid off. And there are no sharp edges so I can clean the can for recycling without cutting myself." (Reviewed by Mumsnet user MollyButton)
Our verdict
The Kitchen Mama Automatic Can Opener is a godsend for those with arthritis in their hands as it operates with the touch of a single button.
We like this stylish tin opener's bright, contrasting colours; they are attractive and make it stand out in a busy cutlery drawer. It's available in three other shades, and there’s also a more compact size you can buy.
The large button makes it simple to use, plus it has an ergonomic shape, so it’s comfortable to hold, too. It’s battery powered and needs 4 x AA batteries to start this handy gadget.
Related: The best baking trays according to Mumsnetters
9. Best soft grip can opener: OXO Good Grips Can Opener
Price on writing: £16 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
Great for people with limited mobility
Comfortable grip
Bottle opener
What we don’t like
Not compact
What Mumsnet users say
"My husband had a moment only this week, whilst he was unloading the dishwasher. He held it up and, sincerely, unprovoked and possibly with tears in his eyes, declared 'this is the best tin opener I have had in my entire life’." (Loved by the husband of Mumsnet user MuseumOfYou)
"I have arthritic hands and unstable joints. The Good Grips stuff has been a game changer for me, ever since it was first launched - when I was in my 30s." (Tried and tested by Mumsner user PickAChew)
Our verdict
The OXO Good Grips Soft-Touch Can Opener was designed with people living with arthritis in mind and has quite the cult following on Mumsnet. Our users love how easy it is to use and its positive impact on people who struggle with pain and immobility.
Despite its modest looks, there are a lot of clever design features, including extra large, contoured handles for even pressure distribution, a non-slip cutting wheel and a smooth, chunky crank. It’ll get your tins open with minimal effort and faff.
For a manual tin opener, the OXO is pricey; however, the build quality, stylish modern design, ergonomic grip and smooth movements make it well worth the extra spend. Mumsnetters love the brand across the board (including everything from their egg poachers to their mandoline slicers), so you know you’re getting a tried-and-tested brand that will last.
10. Strongest can opener: Kuhn Rikon Lidlifter Can Opener
Price on writing: £11 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type of tin opener: Manual | Handle material: Plastic
What we like
The lid lifter makes it easy to use
Attractive design
Three-year guarantee
What we don’t like
It is initially tricky to use
What Mumsnet users say
"Kuhn Rikon. Took me ages to work out where it actually cut but it makes the cut within the top ridge of the can so there are no jagged edges. I love it." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BillyAndTheSillies)
Our verdict
The Kuhn Rikon Lidlifter is called the Swiss army knife of can openers by reviewers, and we think that’s pretty spot on. It’s Swiss made, and has some truly impressive features, including an auto-clamping mechanism and mini pliers to lift the lid after cutting.
This safe can opener is great for family life as it leaves no sharp edge, and the cutting wheels don’t come into contact with the tin’s contents, meaning it won’t get messy.
Available in bold red, soft grey or classic black, the retro yet futuristic styling make it pretty good looking for a can opener. It would look fab on display, and luckily, there’s a hanging hook just for that.
Related: Discover the best cast iron skillets
Which type of can opener is best?
A can opener should make your domestic life easier, so it’s crucial that you pick the right one. Here's what you should consider before making a purchase.
Manual: Manual tin openers are the most widely available type. They are affordable and compact. For them to work, the small serrated wheels must be attached to the tin and the ‘key’ twisted; full mobility is required for this. The butterfly is a classic design, but if you have mobility issues or are battling family chaos as you prepare dinner, the ‘knack’ required to use them can make them quite frustrating.
Electric: Electric tin openers were all the rage in the 1970s when they were considered works of time-saving genius. Their retro looks still have a place in the modern kitchen, especially for people who don’t have a full range of motion in their hands and wrists. They are more expensive on initial purchase than all other tin openers and will take up a significant amount of room on your worktop.
Battery operated: Battery-operated tin openers provide their own energy, are easy to use and don’t take up much room in the kitchen. However, you need to remember to replace the batteries, and purchasing multiple sets of AAs will make a battery-operated automatic tin opener more expensive. These are great options if you struggle with upper limb mobility issues, however.
Ambidextrous can openers: If you or a member of your family are left-handed, a tin opener that will cut both ways will be helpful. Right and left-handed can openers can be either manual or automatic.
What’s the best can opener for arthritic hands?
The best can opener for people with arthritic hands or mobility issues is an automatic one, either battery-powered or mains-operated. We recommend either the Kitchen Mama Automatic Can Opener or the Kenwood Electric Tin Opener.
If you only occasionally struggle with pain and grip strength, the best manual tin opener would be the OXO Good Grips.
What's the best way to open a can?
Can openers aren’t the necessity they once were, as many tinned products now have ring pulls that efficiently peel back the lid. That said, for some people, ‘easy-open lids’ are anything but. A sturdy spoon used as a lever will help, but an automatic can opener will still be a valuable addition to the kitchen. Also, ring pull tins are often more expensive. The difference between a standard and an ‘easy-open’ can of tuna can be as much as £1.
If you’re using a tin opener, you’ll notice that some will remove the entire lid, whereas others will leave a hinge. Some will do both, and where you place the cutting wheels, on the side or on top of the lid edge, will make the difference.
Whichever way you open your tins, be careful of the razor-sharp edge you have just created, especially if you’re trying to wriggle the lid free of its hinge. If you have children, look for tin openers that blunt the edge as a safety precaution.
What is the best can opener to buy?
There’s nothing more annoying than when opening a can of beans for a quick lunch becomes a fiddly, time-consuming chore, so many Mumsnet users had strong opinions on their favourite tin opener.
Our best can opener is the Lantana 2-in-1 Tin Opener. It's super easy to use, has a clever design and comes at a great price.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
First up, we sought out independent Mumsnet users' recommendations, taking note of the can openers they had tried in their own kitchens. We also looked out for any brands and features they particularly rated, and avoided any tools that they found inefficient and fiddly to use.
Expert feedback
Next, we scrutinised reviews from food industry experts, and focused on award-winning can openers to ensure our list only features the very best.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, we investigated verified customer reviews so we could take into account a wide range of consumer experiences, and make sure our guide was in-depth and balanced.
About the author
Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer at Mumsnet; she writes consumer, home and lifestyle articles and specialises in product round-ups and reviews.
With many years of experience as a copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.
Finding products that will make the lives of parents easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists and is always eager to find top kitchen gadgets and tools for Mumsnetters.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us, and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our users recommend to their friends and family.
Read next: The best cake tins for perfect bakes every time