Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Electric Can Opener

Name: Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Electric Can Opener
Brand: Hamilton Beach

top pick

Two-gear side-cut mechanism handles 28-ounce cans without slipping; ATK and Wirecutter both rank it top electric opener. One light lever press replaces gripping or twisting entirely.

$35 typical

Check availability

EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-133 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01

SUBSTANCE SCORES

substance8.9/ 10

design8.0/ 10

value8.6/ 10

WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED

Its modest premium over disposable countertop openers buys a genuinely safer side-cut mechanism, stable handling of 28-ounce cans, and a large low-force lever. Serious Eats, Wirecutter, and America's Test Kitchen independently converged on it; the price is paying for tested accessibility and mechanism performance, not prestige.

MATERIALS

Cutting mechanismSteel gears/cutting components

Two-gear side-cut action separates the seam without dipping a blade into food.

Housing and baseABS plastic with metal trim

A broad, weighted countertop form keeps large cans stable while controlling cost.

CRITERIA

9/10

Cut Consistency

ATK found it durable and effective on cans of all sizes; Wirecutter reports stability with 28-ounce cans.

9/10

Latch Security

The countertop mechanism stays engaged and stable even with large cans.

10/10

Ergonomic Effort

The large lever needs only a light touch; no squeezing, gripping, or wrist cranking.

10/10

Edge Safety

Side-cutting leaves smooth, touchable lid and can edges.

8/10

Durability

ATK explicitly called it durable; its fixed appliance construction is sturdier than roaming battery openers.

6/10

Maintenance & Repair

The mechanism avoids food contact and wipes clean, but wear parts are not user-replaceable.

IDEAL FOR

·Arthritis or limited dexterity
·Frequent household use
·Large and pop-top cans
·Smooth-edge safety

NOT FOR

·Tiny kitchens without counter space
·Off-grid use
·Buyers demanding field repairability

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

A light press on the broad lever starts the cut; the tall, stable black/chrome body looks tidy and accommodates large cans. Excellent for weak hands, though it permanently occupies counter space.