When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing more frustrating than a poor-quality can opener. Struggling for hours to open a can, just to end up spilling the contents and possibly even cutting your fingers on the rim!
There is no need to struggle anymore – if you don’t already own a smooth edge can opener, we strongly advise that you buy one right now.
However, there are so many smooth edge can openers on the market, how on earth do you choose the right one for you?
So, what are the best smooth edge can openers? The best smooth edge can openers should be comfortable to handle and be easy to use. It should take the lid smoothly away from the can without risk of cuts or abrasions, whilst keeping the contents securely in the can.
Read on to learn what makes the smooth edge can openers and find the one that suits your can opening needs.
What Is A Smooth Edge Can Opener?
For years we’ve all been struggling with traditional can openers, prying the jagged lid away from the top of the can whilst trying not to cut our fingers. And then along came the smooth edge can opener – absolute genius!
Now we know it is hard to get excited about a can opener, but smooth edge openers are one of those gadgets that you never knew you needed until you got one.
Smooth edge can openers cut the can from the side rather than the top. This means that the lid comes off with a smooth edge, putting an end to those horrible jagged edges.
These clever little kitchen tools work by cutting just underneath the outer lip of the can lid.
The entire lid will be removed as a whole, and some of these openers even grip the lid and lift it away from the can. This means you can cut, lift and drop the lid into the recycling bin, without having to touch the lid at all!
The other advantage to smooth edge can openers is less mess. The cutting mechanism does not come into contact with the food inside the can, so less cleaning up is required.
If you’ve never used a smooth edge can opener they can feel quite odd at first. They attach differently to traditional can openers, so this can take a while to get used to.
They also remove the whole lid, so if you normally use the lid to help drain liquid from the can this might make things tricky.
Ready to ditch your traditional can opener? Let’s take a look at how to pick the right smooth edge can opener for your needs!
How To Choose The Best Smooth Edge Can Openers
There is such a wide variety of smooth edge can openers available that sometimes it becomes overwhelming to choose one for your specific needs.
From the most basic model right up to a snazzy electric machine, there really is a huge range to choose from!
If you are on the hunt for a new smooth edge can opener, here is what you should take into consideration.
Type
Smooth edge can openers are available as manual or electric versions. Manual smooth edge can openers look very much like traditional can openers, except they open the can on the outer edge rather than the inside of the lid.
Electric smooth edge can openers can be battery or mains powered. The advantage to these powered versions is that they require less effort, ideal for people who struggle with tasks like this.
They are a good choice for people with weak, stiff, or painful hands, or who may be unable to turn the handle for some reason.
Ease Of Use
If you’re looking for a new kitchen gadget, the number one priority for most people is the ease of use. Your smooth edge can opener should be easy and comfortable to use, without making any unnecessary mess.
Look for a can opener with ergonomically designed handles, which will feel comfortable to hold.
The knob should also be positioned in the most comfortable place – many people prefer can openers with the knob positioned on the side of the can for ease of use.
It is essential that the can opener creates a smooth edge when cutting. This will significantly reduce the risk of cuts or abrasions from the edge of the can or lid.
Pincers which grasp the lid are not essential, but many people like them as you can pop the lid into the recycling bin without touching it.
Quality
There is no point getting a new smooth edge can opener if it breaks within a couple of months!
Buying a cheap, poor-quality product is a false economy, as you will inevitably end up replacing it after a short time.
Look for a smooth edge can opener that is robust and well made, and avoid cheap and flimsy versions.
The Best Smooth Edge Can Openers
From a simple hand-turned tool to the expensive electric versions, there are so many smooth edge can openers choose from! Below are our top picks for the best smooth edge can openers.
| Rank | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Zyliss Safe Edge Can Opener | Manual |
| 2. | Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener | Electric |
| 3. | Kitchen Mama Yes You Can Electric Can Opener | Electric |
| 4. | OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener | Manual |
| 5. | Pakitner Smooth Edge Can Opener | Manual |
| 6. | Pohl Schmitt Multifunction Electric Can Opener | Electric |
| 7. | Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 Auto Safety Master Can Opener | Manual |
| 8. | Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener | Manual |
| 9. | Zyliss EasiCan Electric Can Opener | Electric |
1. Zyliss Safe Edge Can Opener
The Zyliss Safe Edge Can Opener offers users an innovative solution to this everyday kitchen chore.
This simple but effective side-cutting manual will easily remove can lids, leaving no sharp or jagged edges.
The metal clamp on the side of the opener attaches to the lid, meaning the lid can be easily removed after opening.
No need to touch the lid at all – just rinse off any food and drop it straight into the recycling bin!
The cutting wheel and mechanism of the Zyliss Safe Edge Can Opener never touches the food inside the can, meaning it is hygienic and easy to clean.
Talking of cleaning, if you do get a splash of food on this can opener simply wipe it clean. The manufacturers recommend that this can opener is not submerged in water, as this will shorten its useful life.
We love this can opener because it is simple yet very effective. The handles are soft and easy to grip, and the knob is located on the side making it easy to turn.
2. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener
We do seem to get inundated with the latest electric kitchen gadget, but if you open cans regularly and find this task difficult then an electric can opener can transform this mundane task!
This mains-powered can opener will open both regular and pop-top tin cans, so is perfect if you struggle with ring-pull cans as well.
The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener has an easy-touch operating lever that can be operated with one hand.
This clever gadget grips the can as it turns, removing the need to hold onto the can to prevent spillage. The can is safely supported on a ledge, so the contents will not spill when the lid has been fully cut.
This simple but effective electric can opener looks stylish and is pleasantly compact, so won’t take up too much counter space.
Although it only has a one-year warranty, this machine should last much longer with careful use. The motor is contained within a sealed unit, so no maintenance or oiling is necessary.
3. Kitchen Mama Yes You Can Electric Can Opener
With just two taps, the battery-operated Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener will quickly and efficiently remove the lid from almost any type of can!
This clever little gadget clips onto the top of the can, and one press of the button sets the battery-powered mechanism going.
Another press when it’s done, and voila – just lift the can opener and remove the lid from the can!
Like all the smooth edge can openers we’re reviewing today, the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener will not leave jagged or sharp edges.
It can cope with pretty much any type of can, even pop top cans. This clever gadget will be a great help for people who struggle to grip the handles or turn the knob on manual can openers.
4. OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
A lifetime warranty on a can opener?! Yes, we were surprised too!
But this is the reason why so many people love the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener – it is high quality and built to last.
This smooth edge can opener has many features that we love – thick, easy-grip handles, a stainless steel cutting disc, and a comfortable turning knob located on the side.
The OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener also incorporates a plier-like gripping mechanism, meaning the lid can be lifted smoothly away from the can after use.
Although this can opener can be washed in the dishwasher, the manufacturers recommend that you should just wipe it clean. And let’s face it, if it doesn’t get dirty does it really need to go in the dishwasher?!
5. Pakitner Smooth Edge Can Opener
Now, this can opener really confused us at first – it only has one handle!
It took us a while to figure out how it worked, but this is such a clever idea we don’t know why it hasn’t been thought of before!
As you turn the side-facing knob on this manual can opener, the mechanism grips onto the can as it turns.
This means you don’t need to grip two handles together as you open the can – the mechanism does the hard work for you. This can be a great option for people who struggle to grip handles on conventional can openers.
The Pakitner Smooth Edge Can Opener is made from stainless steel, making it tough and durable. It is also easy to clean – simply rinse under running water.
6. Pohl Schmitt Multifunction Electric Can Opener
This mains-powered electric can opener not only looks stylish but will help you with a range of kitchen tasks.
The can opener itself is heavy-duty and easy to use and includes a magnet to hang onto the lid after it has been cut from the tin.
The cutting mechanism is detachable and can be rinsed clean after use.
And as for the other functions, the Pohl Schmitt Multifunction Electric Can Opener will also open bottles and sharpen knives.
It also has hidden built-in cord storage to keep your countertops tidy and clutter-free.
7. Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 Auto Safety Master Can Opener
Why have a tool which does one job when you can have one which does five?!
The Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 Auto Safety Master Can Opener not only safely and effectively opens cans, but it can also help you open other difficult food containers such as ring pulls, bottles, and jars.
This is the only can opener on our list which has a top-mounted knob, but it is easy to use and grips the lid easily. And with a single handle, you will not need to grip the can opener as you turn the knob – the mechanism does the hard work for you.
Although this can opener is listed as dishwasher safe, the manufacturers recommend that you wipe or rinse clean for maximum longevity of the product.
8. Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener
This easy-grip can opener is perfect for people who have lost strength in one hand, as it can be operated easily with either hand.
This means it can be used by both left and right-handed people, although for left-handers the can will turn in the opposite direction.
The Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener features a no-squeeze single handle design and an easy-to-turn side facing knob.
It removes the lid without creating any sharp edges, and also has a bottle and jar opener to save you space in your kitchen drawer.
9. Zyliss EasiCan Electric Can Opener
This handy little battery-operated smooth edge can opener works with just two presses of a button – one to start, and another one to stop.
Apart from this it is completely hands-free and will make short work of opening a tin can in seconds.
When finished, lift the Zyliss EasiCan Electric Can Opener and the lid will come cleanly away from the can.
Easy to clean with just a wipe of a cloth, this little can opener is compact enough to be stored in a drawer and will work on any size can.
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