15 Best Manual Can Openers In 2023

Features

A manual can opener must have these most basic and the most prominent features. The can opener must be dishwasher safe for smooth cleaning. It should be designed in a way that users feel comfortable holding it. The handles must have a self-locking mechanism or the “lock-on” technology which ensures that the handles stay together until you successfully cut open a can.

The knob must be present at an appropriate location and should be easy to turn. The can opener should be slim and not very thick as that would be difficult and can be troublesome for the user. Openers that cut the side of the lid and not the top of it are recommended as they leave a smoother edge that does not give you a cut. They also do not touch the contents of the can.

Handles

The first and the most important thing to contemplate before buying your desired can opener is to look out for what sort of handles are used in it. Some can openers have smooth turning handles which reduce hand fatigue. Sturdy handles provide good grip and do not cause pain in your hand after long usage. However, handles made from cheap quality plastic can be a headache when in use. Invest in handles that are ergonomically designed as they are comfortable and can be easily used.

Top vs. Sides Cutting

Conventional can openers cut across the can and thus leave behind a trail of sharp edges that are dangerous and cut through the skin while you are emptying the can. There are several examples of people using such can openers and getting hurt. Can openers that slice or chop the lid from its side is much safer and more comfortable to use.

Families that have kids can use openers like these. Such a cut type leave with the lid detached from the can and you can safely retrieve it easily. The blade of the opener does not meet the contents of the can. Can openers that cut the sides have gained huge popularity over the years and are the most sold type of can openers in the market.

Cushioned Handle Grips

Can openers that have cushioned grips for their handles make can opening increasingly convenient. Cushioned handle grips are soft and do not feel weird when held for a long time. Cushioning makes sure that you cut the most by putting in truly little effort.

You can find cushioned handle grips on all the best manual can openers. These grips help to cut the can lid in one go smoothly. You can puncture a can with more strength thanks to the large, padded handles. Thus, you want a can with a solid grip because handling cans can be tiring on the hands.

Durability And Materials

When it comes to durability and material you must be aware of the element used in the making of your can opener. There are two fundamental things to consider. Firstly, the body of the opener, and secondly the cutting wheel or the blade. The wheel must be composed of a material that prevents corrosion of steel since it will meet liquids found inside the cans when cutting the cover.

One of the greatest materials for this use is stainless steel, which keeps a sharpness and prevents corrosion, rust, and damage. Most can openers add a zinc coating to the stainless steel for greater toughness. On the other hand, the handle is made of a rubber sort of material for better grip and comfort. The durable plastic is also suitable.

Hand Crank

New crank designs on manual can openers are a regular affair these days. Manufacturers are creating designs that go with the aesthetic of the tool. Companies are focusing less on the ergonomic structure of the crank. The turning system of such can openers is stressful for their owners and users as they must exert a lot of pressure.

The shape of manual cranks varies, however, the majority of can openers are equipped with a flat or curvy knob-style crank. The bigger the knob, the easier for the user to operate it. Some companies offer manual can openers with oversized knobs like a handle. Such knobs turn easily and provide better leverage and work effortlessly.

Safety

Buy can openers that cut through the lids evenly and leave behind zero or very minimal sharp edges. If families with children are using a manual can opener then they should ensure to keep the tool away from kids. Sharp edges tend to hurt fingers and you must avoid accidents at any cost. Invest in cutters that do sideways cutting and leave no sharp edges that might cut fingers.

Smooth Cutting Wheel

A can opener must have a well-built and sophisticated cutting mechanism that leaves smooth edges and not sharp and pointy edges that can cause accidents. The finest manual can openers include easy-to-turn, sharp blades that will not require you to repeatedly try to puncture through the can. OXO, a widely popular company, consistently produces can openers that have sharp and fine blades that are highly efficient.

Additional Features

Manual can openers, today, come with many additional features. Can openers come along with a hook for quickly gripping pull caps on cans, a spring-loaded bottle opener, and a built-in bottle opener? Some can openers also have magnets that pick up the metal lid of the cans without any hassle. You can find a chrome loop in a few can openers which balances the opener for a perfect cut. A jar opener is also sometimes added to can openers to make them more versatile.