Best Electric Can Openers

The Hamilton Beach 76606Z is probably the sleekest can opener in its price range. The model's silver accents mesh really well with the black inserts, creating a streamlined appearance that is as modern as these tools come. Add to that the chrome detailing and the opener will be able to fit just about any kitchen décor.

Setting aesthetics aside, you shouldn't have any issues fitting the model from a more practical standpoint. Measuring 4.7 x 5 x 10.2 inches in overall dimensions, it is particularly compact. It barely requires any tabletop space. Plus, its 3-pound weight makes the opener easy to move around as well as transport.

The other little detail that lets you transport this tool with ease is its built-in cord storage. You tuck that cord behind the opener and the model barely presents any space requirements.

As far as we're concerned, it isn't the opener's biggest selling point but the people behind the product really double-down on that "frustration-free packaging", so we'll briefly cover that too. It is straightforward enough, we'll give these people that much. Opening the product inside packaging like that is seamless enough.

At the same time, with its recyclable composition, the packaging is friendly to the environment and, again, is simply a no-brainer to open.

Plus, packaging like that comes cheaper since it is cheaper to manufacture a simple cardboard box/envelope (ordered in volume) compared to the usual annoying plastic packaging or needlessly involved boxes that do not serve any useful functions.

The BLACK + DECKER EC500W is huge, referring primarily to the unit's feature list since its size, while not that modest, is also far from huge, being a reasonable 5.59 x 4.92 x 9.53 inches. No, what's huge here is what this device can do. Aside from opening standard cans, the device can open pop-top cans, remove bottle caps, and sharpen knives. Being this versatile, we can forgive the unit an extra inch here and there. Plus, it is not like the device looks bulky or awkward. Quite the opposite, from where we're standing, this is one handsome model, with the gray/silver housing seamlessly blending into the most upscale kitchen settings.

Now, before that, to be a little more precise, this device does not remove pop-tops and bottle caps, it is the removable multi-tool that does that. But, since you can store that tool in the unit's back, you can basically suggest that the unit performs that function.

What the unit does first and foremost though is, employing the EasyCut™ blade tech, slice through lids while the can spins in place on the stable base. Thanks to this technology, the model opens cans within seconds and the blade remains sharp without requiring frequent resharpening. The aforementioned stable base, designed extra-wide, stabilizes the device, making sure that the cutting/sharpening action does not cause the unit to skid around the countertops, remaining stable on that surface. To some extent, the curved body also contributes towards that goal, even though less than the base.

Straight off the reel, the Cuisinart CCO-50BKN is a simple contraption. This means it doesn’t have extra features, such as a knife sharpener or a bottle opener, but it does its job as intended and is easy to use for everyone.

Though simple, the can opener isn’t flimsy. Made with durable BPA-free plastic materials, it is quite robust and can handle a number of cans without overheating. Using it couldn't be easier too. Just press the lever down and the CCO-50BKN will get the job done. The process is fully automatic, and holding the lever isn’t needed.

Another strong point in favor of the CCO-50BKN is that it is safe to use. Equipped with a precision Power Cut blade, the unit keeps the edges of the opened cans neat and smooth, minimizing the risk of cutting fingers.

Like we said, the CCO-50BKN doesn’t have many additional features, but it does have a magnetic lid holder - an essential feature in any electric can opener designed to provide hands-free operation. This holder along with the Power Cut blade is attached to the lever, which can be easily removed for hassle-free cleanup.

Most electronic can openers are quite bulky and not as convenient as one would expect. However, the Proctor Silex 75217F is not most can openers. No, this device runs circles around them. To get the ball rolling, this minimalistic unit measures just 8.44 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches, much less than its competition that fit in the same price window. Reducing its size, the manufacturers have also reduced the opener's weight, making the entire unit weigh less than 2 pounds, enabling easy one-hand carrying and comfortable relocation without noticeable effort.

As you can probably tell, the minimalistic design also extends towards its appearance, keeping pretty much the entire device gleaming white, aside from the chrome blades. Thanks to this chrome treatment, the blades will not start corroding or forming rust patches with time, even with the unit stored somewhere humid. Even the company's logo has been downsized, a decision that we wholly support.

We would not quite support its slow operation though. While we have seen and reviewed even less speedy openers, we would still like to see this part improved next time.

We're fine with the twist-off cutting lever as it is though, making cleaning basically hassle-free owing to the twist-off mechanism. We're more than fine with the non-skid feet, keeping the unit nice and steady and protecting the countertops from scratches. Between these feet, you will find a nice little cord storage compartment, enabling neat and tidy storage when the device is not being used.

Considering how affordable it is, the Hamilton Beach 76380Z is an excellent product. The model is practical, versatile, effective, and it incorporates just about every feature/function in the can opener book, which is impressive taking its budget-friendly price tag into account.

We don't necessarily care for the so-called classic chrome heavyweight build but we can't say that the model doesn't look solid and/or sleek enough to work with just about any modern kitchen setting. For some reason, the people behind the product really bank on the model's extra-tall design in the company's advertising strategy. We fail to see the advantages that the opener's height presents.

Sure, measuring 10.24" (height) x 5.12" (width) x 6.9" (depth), the model isn't necessarily massive. You should be able to find enough space for it in your kitchen. Plus, it will be able to work with just about any can. At the same time, you reduce that height a little and the opener would've been able to do that too.

Then again, the model probably would've not been able to open #10 size cans and, as rare as these cans are, it is always a plus when you have the means necessary to do that. As it is usually the case with the company's can openers, the Hamilton Beach 76380Z features built-in cord storage. The retractable cord simplifies storage and transportation. At the same time, it is long enough to not keep you too tied to the nearby AC outlet.