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The best manual can openers for everyday and emergency use
The OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener is the best overall for its comfortable grip and reliable cutting; cheaper picks also open smoothly.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener | PAKITNER Safe-Cut Manual Can Opener | Korin Fixed Manual Can Opener |
| Price | about $18 | about $9 | about $10 |
| Why | Food Network named it best overall, noting its comfortable soft-grip handles and smooth operation. It opened both common and small cans, and its top-cut design made a smoother edge than many traditional openers. | Food Network selected it as best value at about half the price of the OXO. Its side-cut design opened smoothly and leaves a cleaner, touchable edge. | At about $10, this was the lowest-priced Amazon pick in Food Network’s tested set that reviewers described as durable and practical. Its simple fixed design has no moving parts to jam or wear out. |
| Good to know | Its top-cut blade can leave a sharp lid edge. | It is not dishwasher-safe. | It has a learning curve and can leave ragged edges. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIFood Network named it best overall, noting its comfortable soft-grip handles and smooth operation. It opened both common and small cans, and its top-cut design made a smoother edge than many traditional openers.
Good to know: Its top-cut blade can leave a sharp lid edge.
See on Amazonpicture by AIFood Network selected it as best value at about half the price of the OXO. Its side-cut design opened smoothly and leaves a cleaner, touchable edge.
Good to know: It is not dishwasher-safe.
See on Amazonpicture by AIAt about $10, this was the lowest-priced Amazon pick in Food Network’s tested set that reviewers described as durable and practical. Its simple fixed design has no moving parts to jam or wear out.
Good to know: It has a learning curve and can leave ragged edges.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Look for comfortable handles, a wheel that stays on track, and a clean cut. Top-cut models can leave sharp lid edges; side-cut models leave smoother edges but may take practice to attach. For an emergency kit, keep a manual opener with your canned food and check that it still works occasionally.
Who this is for
These picks are for people who want a hand-powered opener that works without electricity or batteries. Choose the side-cut option if avoiding sharp lid edges matters more to you than a familiar design.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Manual Can Opener
Food Network named it best overall, noting its comfortable soft-grip handles and smooth operation. It opened both common and small cans, and its top-cut design made a smoother edge than many traditional openers. The wide handles are easy to grasp, and the hinged body opens wide to fit different cans. Food Network found the hinge stayed in position and the opener had fewer snags or burrs than typical top-cut models. It still leaves a cut edge, so handle the lid carefully. Hand wash it rather than putting it in the dishwasher.
Good to know: Its top-cut blade can leave a sharp lid edge.
See on AmazonBest value: PAKITNER Safe-Cut Manual Can Opener
Food Network selected it as best value at about half the price of the OXO. Its side-cut design opened smoothly and leaves a cleaner, touchable edge. The opener cuts at the side of the can, so the blade does not pass through the food. Its compact design has no hinge and relatively few moving parts. Food Network found it worked smoothly, though side-cut openers can take a little more effort to clamp onto a can. Hand wash only.
Good to know: It is not dishwasher-safe.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Korin Fixed Manual Can Opener
At about $10, this was the lowest-priced Amazon pick in Food Network’s tested set that reviewers described as durable and practical. Its simple fixed design has no moving parts to jam or wear out. This compact opener uses a pivoting blade: pierce the lid, then turn the can as you work around it. It takes practice compared with a rotary opener, but it is flat and easy to store in an emergency kit. The top-cut blade can leave ragged edges, so use care with the lid. Hand wash it.
Good to know: It has a learning curve and can leave ragged edges.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Food Network tested each opener on a standard 12-ounce can and a small 6-ounce can, checking for slips, jagged edges, ease of opening, storage needs, and cleaning. Consumer Reports also tested 10 models for effectiveness, ease of use, and the hand strength they required; its testers included staff a Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.