Can Opener · RANK 01

Hamilton Beach Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Electric Can Opener — Can Opener

Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Electric Can Opener

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

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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 ConsistencyATK found it durable and effective on cans of all sizes; Wirecutter reports stability with 28-ounce cans.
9/10
Latch SecurityThe countertop mechanism stays engaged and stable even with large cans.
10/10
Ergonomic EffortThe large lever needs only a light touch; no squeezing, gripping, or wrist cranking.
10/10
Edge SafetySide-cutting leaves smooth, touchable lid and can edges.
8/10
DurabilityATK explicitly called it durable; its fixed appliance construction is sturdier than roaming battery openers.
6/10
Maintenance & RepairThe 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.

LONGEVITY

Good multi-year household outlook; fixed motor/gears are not field-serviceable, so wipe and dry the cutting area rather than immersing it.

PRODUCT PHOTOS

Hamilton Beach Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Electric Can Opener
Manufacturer press · hamiltonbeach.com

EVIDENCE (3)

www.americastestkitchen.com

TEST LAB

www.seriouseats.com

REVIEW

hamiltonbeach.com

SPEC