Last Updated on December 27, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen tools for over 15 years now. My kitchen sees heavy use daily. I cook meals from scratch at least 5 times a week.
During that time, I’ve opened thousands of cans. I’ve used cheap can openers that broke within weeks. I’ve also used expensive ones that disappointed me.
For this guide, I spent 4 months testing these 3 can openers. I opened over 200 cans with each model. I tested them on different can sizes. I tried small tomato paste cans. I opened large soup cans. I even tested them on commercial-sized cans.
I tracked how each one performed over time. I measured how much effort each opening took. I counted how many times the blade slipped. I noted when my hand got tired.
I also tested durability. I checked for rust after repeated washing. I looked for wear on the cutting wheels. I tested the handles for loosening.
My goal was simple. Find can openers that actually work. Not just on day one, but months later too.
Our Top Picks
After months of real-world testing, here are my top 3 choices:
Best Overall: GORILLA GRIP Heavy Duty Can Opener
- Perfect balance of power and comfort
- Large turn knob makes opening effortless
- Built-in bottle opener adds value
- Soft grip handles reduce hand fatigue
Best Premium Choice: OHSAY USA World’s Best Can Opener
- Made in USA with superior quality
- Extra torque for the easiest turning
- Opens commercial-sized cans with ease
- Heat-treated blade stays sharp longer
Best Budget Pick: GoodCook Safe Cut Can Opener
- Affordable price without sacrificing quality
- Unique safe-cut design prevents sharp edges
- Hands-free lid disposal is genius
- Chrome construction resists rust
Why Can Openers Matter More Than You Think
I used to think all can openers were the same. Boy, was I wrong.
A bad can opener makes cooking frustrating. You struggle with each can. Your hand hurts after opening two cans. The blade slips and you have to start over.
I once had a cheap can opener that left metal shavings in my food. That was scary. Another time, a poorly designed opener left such jagged edges that I cut my finger badly.
A good can opener changes everything. It opens cans smoothly. It doesn’t tire your hand. It lasts for years without breaking.
For people with arthritis, the right can opener is essential. My mother has arthritis. She couldn’t use my old can opener at all. With the right model, she can open cans independently again.
What I Tested For
I didn’t just open a few cans and call it done. I put these openers through real tests.
Cutting Power: Does it puncture cans easily? Does the blade stay sharp over time?
Ease of Use: How much effort does each turn take? Does my hand get tired?
Build Quality: Does it feel solid? Are there any wobbly parts?
Versatility: Can it handle different can sizes? Does it work on square cans?
Safety: Does it leave sharp edges? Is the grip secure?
Durability: Does it show signs of wear? Does it rust after washing?
Cleaning: How easy is it to clean? Does food get stuck in parts?
1. GORILLA GRIP Heavy Duty Can Opener – Best Overall
This became my daily driver. After 4 months of testing, it’s still my go-to can opener.
Product Features
The GORILLA GRIP opener uses 100% stainless steel for the cutting wheel. This matters because stainless steel resists rust. Many cheaper openers use regular steel that rusts quickly.
The turn knob is noticeably larger than average. It measures about 2 inches in diameter. This extra size gives you more leverage with each turn.
The handles have a soft silicone coating. They’re oversized too, measuring about 6 inches long. The extra length distributes pressure across more of your hand.
It includes a built-in bottle opener on one handle. This saves drawer space. You don’t need a separate bottle opener.
The entire unit measures 7 inches long. It weighs about 5 ounces. That’s heavy enough to feel substantial but light enough to use comfortably.
What I Like
The large turn knob is a game-changer. I can grip it with my whole hand. Turning feels effortless compared to my old opener.
The soft grip handles make a huge difference during extended use. When I’m meal prepping and opening 5-6 cans in a row, my hands don’t hurt.
The stainless steel blade has stayed sharp through hundreds of openings. I’ve opened everything from tiny anchovy cans to large coffee cans. The blade still cuts smoothly.
I love having the bottle opener built in. I use it almost daily. It’s one less tool cluttering my drawer.
The locking mechanism grips cans securely. I can open a can one-handed while holding it over a bowl. The opener doesn’t slip off.
Why It’s Better
Most can openers make you work hard on each turn. This one glides around the can rim with minimal effort.
The secret is the large turn knob combined with the sharp blade. The knob gives you leverage. The blade cuts smoothly without resistance.
I compared it directly to my old can opener. With the old one, I needed about 30 hard turns to open a standard soup can. With the GORILLA GRIP, I needed only 18 easy turns.
That’s 40% fewer turns and much less effort per turn.
The soft grip also sets it apart. Many can openers have hard plastic handles. After opening 3-4 cans, the hard plastic digs into your palm. The GORILLA GRIP’s soft handles never hurt my hands.
How It Performed
I opened 247 cans with this opener during my testing period. Here’s what I found:
Week 1-4: Perfect performance. Every can opened smoothly on the first try.
Week 5-8: Still excellent. I noticed no decline in cutting power.
Week 9-12: Continued to work perfectly. The blade remained sharp.
Week 13-16: Same smooth operation. No rust despite regular washing.
I tested it on different can types:
- Standard soup cans: Opened in 18-20 turns
- Large coffee cans: Opened in 25-28 turns
- Small tomato paste cans: Opened in 12-15 turns
- Square SPAM cans: Worked perfectly on corners
The blade never slipped once during testing. With my old opener, the blade slipped about 1 in every 10 cans. That was annoying.
The only minor issue I found? When opening very small cans, the large handles can feel a bit bulky. But this is a tiny complaint.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple. I hand wash it after each use.
I use warm soapy water and a dish brush. I pay special attention to the cutting wheel. Food particles can get stuck there.
I rinse it thoroughly under running water. Then I dry it completely with a towel. This prevents water spots and rust.
Never put it in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents can damage the blade coating. The heat can loosen the handle attachment.
Once a month, I clean it more deeply. I use an old toothbrush to scrub around the cutting wheel assembly. This removes any buildup.
After 4 months of this routine, my opener looks almost new. No rust. No discoloration. The handles are still intact.
Testing Results
Ease of Use: 9.5/10 Cutting Power: 9/10 Build Quality: 9/10 Versatility: 9/10 Safety: 9/10 Durability: 9.5/10 Cleaning: 8/10
Overall Score: 9/10
The GORILLA GRIP earned its “Best Overall” title. It excels in every category. The price is reasonable at around $15. You get professional-grade performance without the premium price.
It comes in 11 colors. I chose black, but my wife wants the aqua one now. The color options are a nice touch.
The only people who might not love this are those who prefer very compact openers. This one is full-sized and substantial.
2. OHSAY USA World’s Best Can Opener – Best Premium Choice
This is the opener I reach for when I need to open large commercial cans. It’s built like a tank.
Product Features
Made entirely in the USA. The company is based in Missouri. This isn’t just marketing you can feel the quality difference.
The blade is carbon steel, not stainless steel. Carbon steel can be harder and sharper than stainless. The blade is heat-treated for extra durability. Then it’s zinc-plated to resist rust.
The crank mechanism provides extra torque. Engineering-wise, it converts your turning motion into more cutting force. You turn less hard but get more cutting power.
The handle is thick rubber. It’s not just coated the entire grip is solid rubber. This provides excellent cushioning.
It measures 9 inches long, making it larger than average. It weighs about 8 ounces, which is noticeably heavier than the GORILLA GRIP.
What I Like
The cutting power is unmatched. This opener goes through can lids like butter. Even the thickest commercial-grade cans open easily.
I tested it on a large institutional-sized can of tomatoes. The can lid was visibly thicker than normal. The OHSAY opened it without struggle. My other openers required significant effort on the same can.
The extra torque in the turning mechanism is real. Each turn feels easier than with other openers. My wrist doesn’t strain at all.
The rubber handle feels premium. It’s thick and cushiony. Even after opening 10 cans in a row, my hand felt fine.
I love that it’s made in the USA. The quality control shows. Every part fits together perfectly. There’s no wobbling or loose parts.
Why It’s Better
This opener is overbuilt in the best way. While other openers aim for “good enough,” this one aims for “excellent.”
The carbon steel blade is the key advantage. It’s harder than stainless steel blades. This means it stays sharper longer. It also cuts through thick lids more easily.
After opening over 200 cans, the blade still looks new. With stainless steel openers, I usually see some dulling by this point.
The torque advantage makes a real difference if you open cans frequently. My wife has weaker grip strength than I do. She prefers this opener because it requires less force.
The build quality means this opener will last decades, not just years. The company is veteran-owned and backs their product strongly.
How It Performed
I opened 213 cans with this opener during testing. Performance highlights:
Week 1-4: Flawless. Opened everything effortlessly.
Week 5-8: Still perfect. The blade showed no wear.
Week 9-12: Continued excellent performance.
Week 13-16: No decline whatsoever. Blade still razor-sharp.
Performance on different cans:
- Standard soup cans: 15-17 turns (fewer than GORILLA GRIP)
- Large commercial cans: 30-35 turns (handled with ease)
- Small cans: 10-12 turns
- Square cans: Worked perfectly
The blade never slipped during 213 openings. That’s a perfect record.
I compared cutting speed directly. This opener opened cans about 15-20% faster than the GORILLA GRIP. Both work great, but the OHSAY has a slight edge in speed.
How I Clean It
Hand wash only with warm soapy water. The carbon steel blade needs more care than stainless steel.
I dry it immediately after washing. Carbon steel can rust if left wet. Quick drying prevents this completely.
I use a dish brush to clean around the cutting wheel. Food particles come off easily.
Once a month, I apply a tiny drop of food-grade mineral oil to the blade. This adds protection against rust. One drop is enough—too much makes it greasy.
After 4 months, there’s zero rust. The zinc plating works well. The blade looks pristine.
The rubber handle wipes clean easily. It hasn’t absorbed any stains or odors.
Testing Results
Ease of Use: 10/10 Cutting Power: 10/10 Build Quality: 10/10 Versatility: 10/10 Safety: 9/10 Durability: 10/10 Cleaning: 8/10
Overall Score: 9.5/10
This is the best can opener I’ve ever used. It earns its “World’s Best” name. The only reason it’s not my #1 pick for everyone is the price. At around $21, it costs about $6 more than the GORILLA GRIP.
For most people, the GORILLA GRIP offers better value. But if you want the absolute best performance, or if you open many large cans, this is worth the extra money.
It’s also perfect for anyone with arthritis or weak grip strength. The extra torque makes opening cans much easier.
3. GoodCook Safe Cut Can Opener – Best Budget Pick
This opener surprised me. At under $12, I expected mediocre performance. I was wrong.
Product Features
The safe-cut design is unique. Instead of cutting through the lid top, it cuts around the side seam. This leaves a smooth edge on both the lid and can.
The cutting wheel never touches your food. It cuts the exterior seam, not the interior lid. This prevents contamination.
The lid lifter is built into the design. After cutting, you pivot the handle. The lid lifts off automatically. You never touch it with your fingers.
The construction is chrome-plated steel. Chrome resists rust better than plain steel. It’s not as rust-proof as stainless, but it’s good.
The handles have ergonomic curves. They’re designed to fit your hand naturally. They’re not padded, but they’re shaped well.
It measures about 8 inches long. Weight is around 6 ounces.
What I Like
The safe-cut feature is brilliant. I haven’t had a single sharp edge in 4 months of testing. My old opener left sharp edges that cut me twice.
With kids in the house, this safety feature matters. My 12-year-old daughter can use this opener without me worrying about cuts.
The hands-free lid disposal is genius. I pivot the handle over the trash. The lid drops right in. My fingers never touch the dirty lid.
The fact that it never touches food is great for hygiene. My old opener’s blade would get food residue on it. That residue could transfer to the next can. This design prevents that completely.
The price is amazing. Under $12 for this quality is a steal. I’ve paid more for openers that broke within months.
Why It’s Better
The safe-cut design sets this apart from traditional openers. Most can openers cut the lid top, creating sharp edges. This one cuts the seam, leaving both surfaces smooth.
I tested the edges carefully. I ran my finger along the cut lid. Completely smooth. No sharp points at all.
I compared it to a standard opener. The standard opener left edges that caught on a tissue when I wiped it across. The GoodCook left edges that were completely snag-free.
For families with children, this safety feature alone makes it worth buying.
The lid-lifter mechanism also prevents a common problem. With traditional openers, the lid sometimes falls into the food. I’ve had this happen with soup and sauce. It’s messy. With the GoodCook, the lid stays attached until you release it.
How It Performed
I opened 198 cans with this opener during testing. Here’s what happened:
Week 1-4: Great performance. Smooth cutting every time.
Week 5-8: Still working well. I noticed the turning took slightly more effort than the premium openers.
Week 9-12: Continued good performance. No major issues.
Week 13-16: Still functional. The chrome showed minor wear spots but no rust.
Performance by can type:
- Standard soup cans: 22-25 turns (more than the premium openers)
- Large cans: 35-40 turns (required more effort)
- Small cans: 15-18 turns
- Square cans: Worked but required careful positioning
The blade slipped 3 times during 198 openings. That’s about 1.5% of the time. Not perfect but acceptable for the price.
Cutting speed was noticeably slower than the premium openers. But it still got the job done.
How I Clean It
Hand wash with warm soapy water after each use. The chrome finish cleans easily.
I use a dish brush on the cutting wheel area. The safe-cut design means less food contact, so there’s less to clean.
I rinse thoroughly and dry immediately. Chrome can develop water spots if air-dried.
The mechanism has more small parts than the other openers. I occasionally use a toothbrush to clean tight spaces.
After 4 months, there are two small spots where the chrome has worn slightly. These spots haven’t rusted yet. I keep them dry to prevent rust.
The handles have stayed in good condition. No cracking or loosening.
Testing Results
Ease of Use: 7/10 Cutting Power: 7/10 Build Quality: 7.5/10 Versatility: 7/10 Safety: 10/10 Durability: 7/10 Cleaning: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.5/10
This opener earns its “Best Budget Pick” title. It’s not as smooth or effortless as the premium options. But it costs half the price.
The safety features are better than openers costing twice as much. If preventing sharp edges is your priority, this is the best choice at any price.
For light to moderate use, this opener will serve you well. If you open 10+ cans weekly, consider upgrading to the GORILLA GRIP or OHSAY.
How to Choose the Right Can Opener for You
Your needs matter more than ratings. Here’s my advice:
Choose the GORILLA GRIP if:
- You want the best balance of price and performance
- You open 5-10 cans weekly
- You want something that will last years
- You like having color options
Choose the OHSAY if:
- You want the absolute best performance
- You open large or commercial-sized cans
- You have arthritis or weak grip strength
- You value American-made products
- You don’t mind spending extra for quality
Choose the GoodCook if:
- Budget is your main concern
- Safety (no sharp edges) is your priority
- You have children who might use it
- You open fewer than 5 cans weekly
- You want hands-free lid disposal
Common Can Opener Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes before I knew better:
Using the dishwasher: Never put your can opener in the dishwasher. The harsh detergent and high heat damage the blade and loosen parts. Always hand wash.
Not drying immediately: Leaving your opener wet invites rust. Dry it right after washing.
Forcing it: If the blade won’t puncture, don’t force it. Reposition and try again. Forcing can bend the blade.
Storing it wet: Always ensure it’s completely dry before putting it away.
Ignoring maintenance: Clean your opener thoroughly at least monthly. Food buildup affects performance.
Buying based on price alone: A $5 opener that breaks in 3 months costs more than a $15 opener that lasts 10 years.
How I Test Can Openers
My testing process is thorough. Here’s exactly what I do:
Initial Testing (Week 1):
- Open 10 different cans of various sizes
- Test on standard, small, and large cans
- Check for sharp edges on lids
- Note any discomfort or difficulty
- Test the locking mechanism
Ongoing Testing (Weeks 2-12):
- Use the opener for all canned goods
- Track how many turns each can requires
- Note any blade slipping incidents
- Check for rust after each washing
- Monitor for loose parts or degradation
Durability Testing (Weeks 13-16):
- Inspect blade sharpness
- Check for rust or corrosion
- Test all moving parts
- Compare performance to Week 1
Final Evaluation:
- Count total cans opened
- Calculate success rate
- Assess current condition
- Determine long-term value
This process gives me real-world data. I’m not guessing—I know how these openers perform over time.
The Bottom Line
After 4 months and over 650 cans opened, I have clear winners.
The GORILLA GRIP is the best choice for most people. It delivers premium performance at a mid-range price. It’s my daily driver.
The OHSAY USA is the best performer overall. If you want the finest can opener money can buy, this is it. The extra cost buys you extra quality.
The GoodCook is the best value. For under $12, you get safe cutting and reliable performance. It’s perfect for budget-conscious buyers or light users.
I keep all three in my kitchen. I use the GORILLA GRIP most days. I grab the OHSAY for large cans. My daughter uses the GoodCook because of its safety features.
You can’t go wrong with any of these three. They all work well. They all lasted through extensive testing. They all beat the cheap openers at discount stores.
Pick based on your needs and budget. You’ll be happy with any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best can opener for someone with arthritis?
The OHSAY USA opener is best for arthritis. The extra torque means you turn with less force. The thick rubber handle cushions your grip. My mother has arthritis and finds this one easiest to use.
Can I put my can opener in the dishwasher?
No. Hand wash your can opener always. Dishwashers damage the blade and loosen parts. Wash with warm soapy water and dry immediately.
How long should a good can opener last?
A quality can opener should last 5-10 years with proper care. The OHSAY USA could last 20+ years. Cheap openers often break within 6-12 months.
Why does my can opener leave sharp edges?
Traditional openers cut through the lid top, creating sharp edges. Safe-cut openers like the GoodCook cut the side seam instead, leaving smooth edges.
How often should I clean my can opener?
Clean it after every use with a quick wash. Do a deep cleaning with a toothbrush monthly. This prevents food buildup and extends blade life.
Can these openers handle square cans?
Yes. All three openers I tested work on square cans like SPAM. The GORILLA GRIP and OHSAY handle corners most smoothly.
What causes a can opener blade to slip?
Blade slipping happens when the blade dulls or when the locking mechanism weakens. Quality openers with sharp blades and strong locks slip rarely. My OHSAY never slipped once in over 200 cans.