The Best Manual Can Openers In 2022

While many home chefs are switching to electric can openers due to their ease of use, manual can openers can also be user friendly. Plus, they tend to be more durable and take up less kitchen space than their electric counterparts. Most modern manual tin can openers may even be used by those suffering from mobility issues in their wrists and hands since these gadgets require very little strength and dexterity.

High-quality manual can openers cut clean and consistent edges without any dangerous burrs that could leave nasty gashes on your fingers. In addition, many manual tin can openers are designed with cutting wheels that never come into contact with food to minimize the risk of any cross-contamination. Unlike some older models of can openers, modern gadgets are made so that they don't create metal shavings that could make their way into your meal.

Ready to take your food prep to the next level? Take a look at our list of the best manual can openers in 2022!

There's no denying it — the humble can opener plays a very important role in the kitchen. Unfortunately, many manual can openers fail to live up to expectations, easily going off track, leaving your tins with jagged edges, or failing to cut the lid entirely. This is where we can help. In our quest to bring you a list of the best manual can openers, we have spent hours reading up on leading kitchenware brands as well as sifting through countless community and expert reviews.

If you're in the market for a new can opener, here are some characteristics you might wish to take into account before making your purchase. A can opener should be easy to use. More specifically, it should come with comfortable handles and a knob that's both smooth and simple to turn. In addition, a quality can opener shouldn't leave behind any sharp edges on either the tin or the lid. Being easy to clean is also a bonus in our eyes. Lastly, it's important to note that some can openers come with magnetic catchers for hand-free lid disposal as well as other features including bottle and jar openers or pull-tab grabbers for cans.

Pairing a sharp stainless steel wheel and ergonomically designed curved handles, the Zyliss Lock N' Lift can opener cuts through lids in mere seconds. Plus, it comes with an integrated magnet that lifts the tops for easy recycling. Last but certainly not least, the opener features a unique locking mechanism that keeps the cutting wheel from slipping off during the cutting process. The Zyliss Lock N' Lift can opener is available in white, red, and green, and it comes with a five-year guarantee.

Tracy Saelinger from Today calls the Zyliss Lock N' Lift can opener perfect for those who "hate touching gross can lids." She also adds that the gadget is stylish, comfortable to hold, and great at its assigned job — namely removing lids. Amazon shoppers agree that the Zyliss Lock N' Lift can opener is a highly functional product, awarding it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars across more than 31,000 reviews. One Amazon customer calls the gadget a "powerful little can opener," adding, "This baby will power through can lids like a knife through soft butter. It locks on the lid extremely well and with a few effortless turns of the handle will open a can in seconds. Great product!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Zyliss Lock N' Lift can opener from Amazon starting at $19.99.

Compact and unassuming, the Korin can opener is a surprise package. Highly portable, the Japanese-style can opener is also very simple in its construction. Featuring a stainless steel handle and a blade, the kitchen tool is almost impossible to break. Unlike some other manual openers, the Korin can opener also doesn't have any crevasses that could harbor rogue bits of food. It has received high ratings for its ease of cleaning. Better still, the handy gadget doubles as a bottle opener. Please note that the manufacturer suggests that is utensil be used to open cans between 2.2 inches and 4 inches in diameter.

The Korin can opener has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 3,200 Amazon shoppers, with 81% of buyers awarding it 5 out of 5 stars. One Amazon customer sums up this "simple and reliable" opener, saying, "[It] has a very sharp blade and a rugged handle. No moving parts to break. Should last a lifetime." Another Amazon buyer agrees, saying, "This would be great for both camping and at home use. It is very sturdy and is easy to hold. I prefer using this over an electric [can opener] since it can be hung up or kept in a drawer."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Korin can opener from Amazon starting at $8.

Heavy duty and highly durable, the Rosle stainless steel can opener is bound to play an important role in your kitchen for many years — and even decades — to come. The opener has been engineered to grip the top of the can and cut it laterally to ensure smooth edges (via Amazon). As noted by Fave Gluten Free Recipes, the opener also features special pliers that let you remove and discard lids without touching them. Last but not least, the gadget comes with an ergonomically designed knob for easy turning as well as a handy loop so you can hang this tool within reach.

The Rosle stainless steel can opener has received positive reviews on different platforms, including 7.8 out of 10 on Best Views Reviews and 4.4 out of 5 among more than 1,900 shoppers on Amazon. One Amazon customer praises the Rosle opener, saying, "It cuts a clean edge while making a usable lid. The cutting wheel stays clean so you aren't gunking up your cutter. There is nothing not to like about this but the initial cost outlay but one quickly gets over that after opening the first can!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Rosle stainless steel can opener from Amazon starting at $59.95.

Ideal for lefties, the Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener features a large turner that automatically attaches to the can. It requires no squeezing and very little strength, which also makes it perfect for those suffering from arthritis and other hand mobility issues. Plus, it cuts around the side, rather than the top, of the can to ensure smooth edges. Better still, the Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener can also be used to open jars and bottles (via Amazon).

Standing testament to its quality and usability, the Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener has received 8.8 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews. Amazon buyers have also given the gadget their seal of approval with the nearly 1,400 reviews that averaged 4.5 out of 5 stars. One happy Amazon shopper says that they can't live without the Bartelli, adding "This is, hands down, the best manual can opener I have ever used. It's easy to use; It's effective on 99% of the cans I've used it on; You never have to worry about pulling off a top with jagged/sharp edges; Pulling off a smooth top keeps you from worrying about cutting your fingers, or a pet/child hurting themselves."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Bartelli soft edge ambidextrous can opener from Amazon starting at $14.95.

The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener combines five functions in one handy kitchen tool. Aside from opening cans, the gadget can also be used to open ring-pull tins, crown-cap and screw-top bottles, as well as jars. Plus, it cuts cans along the side of the can, rather than the top, so as not to leave any sharp edges. Available in white, black, and red, the gadget comes with lock-on technology that keeps the opener securely in place during use. It also has an extra-long handle and mini pliers that lift the lid for hands-free removal.

As noted by Fox31, the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener will appeal to "the kitchen minimalist" since it performs the functions of so many different kitchen utensils. The platform, however, also highlights the gadget's small turning knob, saying that it might be tricky to use for people with mobility issues. Despite this, the opener has received top marks on numerous platforms, including 9.5 out of 10 on Best Views Reviews and 8.4 out of 10 on The Review Index. The gadget has also been a hit among more than 7,800 Amazon shoppers who have awarded it 4.7 out of 5 stars. One Amazon user called the opener "best ever," adding that they have purchased some to give as gifts.

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Opener from Amazon starting at $22.47.

The Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener can be a game-changer for those prone to losing their kitchen utensils in drawers full of clutter. Mounted to the wall with a bracket and screws, the metal opener will always remain exactly where you left it. It's also super easy to use. More specifically, the opener comes with a large crank handle and a built-in magnet that lifts lids. The Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener can be used to open most can sizes and features a built-in bottle opener (via Amazon).

Overall, Amazon shoppers have given the Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener favorable marks. The gadget has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 3,100 Amazon shoppers, with 74% of buyers awarding it glowing 5-star reviews. One Amazon customer calls the Swing-A-Way a "great old school can opener," elaborating, "Awesome can opener ... these never fail. They are good for years. Just mount them and when needed swing it out, pop the can on, and turn the crank. Can't go wrong on this one." Another Amazon customer echoes this sentiment, saying, "This product was easy to install and even easier to use."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener from Amazon starting at $17.60.

As its name suggests, what makes the Chef'n EZ Squeeze Can Opener stand out from the pack is its innovative squeeze technology. Instead of turning a key to open a tin, the Chef'n EZ Squeeze lets you remove a can lid by repeatedly squeezing the gadget's handles together. The opener also pairs a stainless steel cutting wheel with a magnetic lid tip for single-handed operation. Plus, unlike many other can openers, the Chef'n EZ Squeeze Can Opener is dishwasher safe.

The Chef'n EZ Squeeze Can Opener has been rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by more than 2,100 Amazon shoppers, indicating a general level of satisfaction with the product. Many customers seem to appreciate that the opener can be used with just one hand, with one Amazon shopper commenting, "This works great if you can squeeze one hand. It can be used by right or left [handed individuals] and works well. Perfect for arthritic hands. No turning just squeezing." On the downside, some Amazon buyers complain that the opener has some durability issues.

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Chef'n EZ Squeeze Can Opener from Amazon starting at $16.52.

Equipped with a soft non-slip handle and a large turning knob, the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener is both easy and comfortable to use. But that's not all. The gadget is also highly functional, featuring a sharp, stainless steel cutter and integrated pliers for hands-free lid removal. Plus, it cuts under the lid to minimize jagged edges.

Reviewers at the Webstaurantstore have awarded the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener 4.2 out of 5 stars, praising the device for its comfortable grip, sharp cutting wheel, and easy-to-turn crank that requires "less force than traditional openers." Amazon shoppers have also given the opener the thumbs up, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars across more than 12,000 reviews. One Amazon shopper says, "I have arthritis in my hands and it has gotten to the point where I always have to ask my husband to open cans for me. [This product] works like a charm and I had no problem opening a can with this ingenious design. Also, [...] this opener removes the lid from the side of the can and leaves no sharp edges."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener from Amazon starting at $25.49.

Specifically designed to open cans with pull rings, including tins of tuna or legumes, the Brix J-Popper Ring Pull Can Opener is ideal for those with hand mobility issues. It's also perfect for people who have to open a large number of pull tab cans as a part of their job or for those with long fingernails. Made from one piece of ABS plastic, the opener isn't just sturdy but also very simple and safe to use — even for kids. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning (via Amazon).

The Brix J-Popper Ring Pull Can Opener has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from Amazon buyers, with 77% of shoppers awarding it the stellar score of 5 out of 5 stars. One Amazon reviewer praises the gadget, saying, "I have arthritis as well as nerve damage in my hands. I also run an animal rescue and have to open numerous cans of cat food a day. [This] tool is perfect! Not only does it pop the tab up, if you keep pulling it, it will open the can almost completely. It has been a lifesaver!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Brix J-Popper Ring Pull Can Opener from Amazon starting at $8.64.

Compact and user-friendly, the Nogent Super Kim Safety Can Opener won't take much space on your kitchen counter — or in your drawer. In fact, it's so small that we wouldn't blame you for accidentally misplacing it. So what makes the Nogent can opener so compact? It doesn't come with a standard handle. Instead, it features a red plastic-covered butterfly screw handle (via Amazon).

Boasting a sturdy stainless steel blade, the opener has been designed not to leave any sharp edges on either the can or the lid. As noted by Armdog Reviews, the opener can be used to open round as well as square and rectangular tins. It also carries a lifetime manufacturer's warranty for complete peace of mind.

Armdog Reviews calls the Nogent can opener "a revelation," commending its sturdiness and stability. "I haven't had any issues with it falling off the can or failing to stay on track. The cutting itself is very smooth. It's just a solid, well-made opener," the reviewer proclaims. Amazon shoppers have also praised the opener, awarding it 4.7 out of 5 stars. One happy Amazon customer says they were pleasantly surprised by the gadget, adding, "I had my doubts when I first held it — not nearly as hefty as the classic lever handle style. [...] But it has flawlessly opened every can I've used it on."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Nogent Super Kim Safety Can Opener from Amazon starting at $25.62.