Do you always struggle to open large cans without pop-top lids? If so, it’s time to invest in the best electric can opener for large cans. This will help you save time and effort from manually opening large cans, not to mention that this tool will also reduce the risk of injuries.
From 5-ounce to large 32-ounce cans, these electric can openers are designed to cut through the lid within seconds. Prep time will be a breeze, which is heaven-sent if you’re cooking for a large feast.
If you’re looking for a can opener that can accommodate large cans, here are six options that you can consider:
CAN OPENER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick! Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener | Check Price | ||
Cuisinart CCO-55 Electric Can Opener | Check Price | ||
Proctor Silex Electric Can Opener | Check Price | ||
POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener | Check Price | ||
Oster FPSTCN1300 Electric Can Opener | Check Price | ||
BLACK+DECKER EasyCut Electric Can Opener | Check Price |
Manual vs. electric can openers
Electric can openers may seem too fancy for loyal manual users. But before you shy away from this option, you should consider these points below:
🥫Ease of use
When it comes to convenience, nothing beats an electric can opener. You simply have to put the can on the opener dock and the machine will open the lid with a single press of a button. This is much easier compared to gripping and cranking a manual opener.
🥫Safety
Manual can openers often leave jagged edges on the can. Aside from that, you have a higher risk of getting cuts on a manual can opener compared to using an electric type. So if you want a smooth result without too much effort, an electric can opener is a smart choice.
🥫Portability
If there’s one downside of electric can openers, it would be portability. It’s bulky and many models need to be plugged into a power source if not equipped with batteries. But to be fair, there are small electric can openers aside from the upright ones.
🥫Maintenance
To be fair, electric can openers need more maintenance than manual types. You also have to practice some level of caution when using an electric can opener due to the electronic parts.
🥫Value
For those opening dozens of canned goods every day, an electric opener is a good choice. It saves a lot of time and effort, so the cost pays for itself in the long run. While some electric can openers are expensive, they will be worth the price for busy kitchens.
Best Electric Can Opener For Large Cans – 6 Tested Picks!
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener
Product Name: Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener
Product Description: If you’re looking for a tried and tested option, you’ll never go wrong with the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener. It’s a side-cut type that removes razor-sharp lids to save you from cuts and injuries. Aside from that, this electric can opener is compatible with regular and pop-top cans. All you have to do is press the lever on top, place the can on the blade, and hold on to it. The can opener will cut the lid fast and smooth. At the back of this electric can opener, there’s a small holder that fits most kitchen scissors. Overall, the sleek chrome and black design make this a neat addition to your kitchen countertop.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
Summary
It also has a small footprint of just 5” x 4.7”. Meanwhile, its height is 10.5”, which is enough to accommodate large cans. Moreover, the motor of this can opener is permanently lubricated, which means there’s no oiling needed. Take note that this is a plug-in type, so you should place it near a power socket. Also, you must release the lever once the can is fully open to prevent the blade from creating metal shavings.
Pros
Side-cut method to prevent jagged edges Works with both standard and pop-top lids Permanently oiled motor Safe lever design to avoid accidental operation Made by a reputable kitchen appliance brand
Cons
It will create metal shavings if you let the can rotate continuously even after it’s fully opened. I wish it has a magnet to hold on to the lid.
RUNNERS-UP
Cuisinart CCO-55 Electric Can Opener
Another trusted pick I recommend is the Cuisinart CCO-55 Electric Can Opener. This one is equipped with the proprietary Power Cut blade and quality-engineered motor for optimal performance.
Aside from that, this can opener has a one-touch activation lever similar to that of the Hamilton Beach model. I also like that the cutting blade and lever are easily removable for you to wash after every use.
Take note that this is a top-cut opener. The best thing is that the lever locks in place once you place a can, so there’s no need to hold on to it. It will automatically shut off once the can is fully open to prevent metal shavings.
Moreover, this has a wide base to ensure stability when opening large cans. It also has a chrome accent, which makes it look really neat and premium.
This Cuisinart electric can opener is covered by a 3-year warranty, which is impressive for this price range.
Overall, this can opener is incredibly easy to use. However, I recommend tearing the portion of the can’s label where the blade will land. This is to prevent the opener from jamming as it eats through the shredded paper label.
Proctor Silex Electric Can Opener
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Proctor Silex Electric Can Opener might be the perfect match for your budget. This has a removable and washable cutting lever, so you can clean it after every use.
Aside from that, this has an auto shut-off feature that allows you to leave the can rotating as you attend to other kitchen tasks. This will also prevent the opener from jamming and creating metal shavings.
Moreover, the Proctor Silex Electric Can Opener has a built-in knife sharpener. This way, you get two tools in one purchase. There’s also a cord storage slot at the back, so you can stash the cable neatly to remove the counter clutter.
I also like that this is equipped with a magnetic lid lifter. It grips the removed lid, so you no longer have to fish it out of the can. This prevents cuts and messes.
Overall, this opener is tall enough to be used on cans with a height of up to 7 inches. So despite the low price, this opener will work on large cans.
This has a plastic body, which is understandable for its price range. But if you handle it carefully, this can opener will last long.
If you’re looking for a simple electric can opener, this fits the bill. Sure, it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of other models, it still does the job well.
POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener
The POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener gives the best of both worlds: it’s inexpensive and has a sleek design. It has a stainless steel blade that opens cans on the side to prevent jagged edges. There’s also a magnetic lid lifter that grips the lid for easy disposal.
Aside from that, this can opener has a built-in knife sharpener at the back. And like the model from Proctor Silex, it also has cord storage to remove cable clutter. It’s also fitted with a bottle opener in front, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
Moreover, the cutting lever of this can opener is detachable and can be washed after every use. And since it’s tall, you can open large cans using this tool, both standard, and pop-top types. It also holds up well on cans made of thicker metal.
For this price range, I’m quite surprised by the quality and performance of the POHL SCHMITT Electric Can Opener. The housing is also good with its chrome accent. There’s also a wide base in front to support heavy and large cans.
Oster FPSTCN1300 Electric Can Opener
The Oster FPSTCN1300 Electric Can Opener has a stainless steel cutting blade that can pierce through thick metal cans. The lever also locks in place, so you can leave the can rotating as you work on other cooking tasks.
Don’t worry because this can opener will automatically shut down once it’s done opening a can. You can also remove the cutting blade to wash it after every use.
Aside from that, there’s an integrated bottle opener in front and a cord storage slot at the back. Overall, this looks sleek, all thanks to its chrome finish. There’s also an added base for stability when opening large cans.
Overall, it delivers smooth cuts and it also guides the can in the right position to avoid jamming. There are no jagged or razor-sharp edges that could gouge you.
However, the handle material is plastic, which I expected to be some kind of metal for this price range.
BLACK+DECKER EasyCut Electric Can Opener
Lastly, I recommend the BLACK+DECKER EasyCut Electric Can Opener. This has the proprietary EasyCut Blade Technology that cuts through the rim of the can as it spins snugly on the contoured base.
Moreover, this has a one-touch lever that locks in and out for an easy operation. I also like the stabilizing base that keeps the can in the right position as it rotates through the blade.
After each use, you can remove the cutting lever for easy washing. Overall, this is easy to operate and designed to accommodate tall cans.
Aside from the can opener, this is also bundled with a knife sharpener, pop-top remover, and a bottle opener. It’s a versatile tool that will cover multiple tasks in your kitchen.
In addition, this has a chrome finish and a build consistent with the famed quality of BLACK+DECKER. It’s a good bargain from a good brand with a reasonable price tag.
However, you have to line up the can properly before activating the opener since this mode doesn’t have a built-in guide. Other than that, this can opener gives the best value for money.
How to choose the best electric can opener
If you’re planning to purchase an electric can opener, it’s important to consider the following points:
🥫Side-cut vs. top-cut
The first thing you should consider is the cutting method of the electric can opener. You’ll usually choose between a side cut and a top cut. Here’s the difference between the two:
- Side-cut. With a side-cut can opener, the blade cuts the lid along the side of the can. This means that the blade is placed horizontally right under the rim. This is a convenient choice if you don’t like prying the lid open from the top. However, you should know that side cut openers don’t work on reinforced rims intended to hold plastic lids.
- Top cut. An electric can opener with a top cut method has the rotary blade propped in a vertical position. It cuts inside and along the can’s rim. Also, this is often equipped with a magnet that holds the cut lid, so you no longer have to fish it out of the can. However, the common problem with this cut method is it makes the edges of the lid razor-sharp, which is a common cause of injuries in the kitchen.
🥫Upright vs. handheld
Another thing you should consider is whether you’re going to get an upright or handheld electric can opener. Here’s the rundown of these two options:
- Upright. An upright electric can opener is often plugged into a power source. It’s available in both top cut and side cut options, but you should keep in mind that this will require countertop space. The good thing here is that you only need to lock the can on the blade and the opener will do the rest.
- Handheld. If you don’t have the counter space and budget for an upright electric can opener, I highly recommend the handheld type. This is a battery-powered tool placed on top of the can and it will work its way around the rim once you push the button. This can be used on large cans as well, but it’s slower than upright types.
🥫Capacity
The capacity of the electric can opener refers to the size of the can it could accommodate. If you’re not familiar with can sizes, here’s a quick preview:
- 5 or 6-ounce cans. These are the smallest standard cans on the market. It’s often used for tomato pastes and single-serving sardines. All electric can openers can handle this type, though it may not be necessary since this size is often equipped with a pop-top lid.
- 15-ounce. This is slightly bigger than a typical tomato paste can and is used for canned vegetables and beans. Just like the 6-ounce type, almost every electric can opener will open this on a breeze.
- 36-ounce. This is considerably a large can used for canned tomatoes, corned beef, large servings of beans, and so on. Not all electric can openers can handle this size, so make sure that you check before purchasing.
- 51-ounce and above. This can size is large and bulky and only several electric can openers can handle it. When getting upright openers, make sure that it has enough height to accommodate this size. As for handheld types, look for one with a durable blade and long battery life.
🥫Power source
Electric can openers are either battery-powered or plugged directly into an electrical socket. Both work well, but if you’re working on multiple cans, you’d surely like the convenience of unlimited power.
If you prefer battery-powered can openers, make sure that it’s rechargeable. You should also keep spare batteries handy, so your prep time won’t be hampered.
🥫Lid lifter
A lid lifter is found on upright electric can openers. It’s equipped with a magnet that holds on to the lid once the can is opened. This way, it will be easier for the user to dispose of the lid instead of fishing it out of the can. Overall, this is just a bonus feature if you want added convenience.
🥫Rust resistance
When it comes to can openers, the most common problem is rusting blades. With this, you should try to look for a model equipped with a stainless steel blade that won’t easily succumb to corrosion.
Aside from ensuring the longevity of the opener, it will also prevent food contamination.
🥫Maintenance level
Unlike manual can openers, electric types demand more maintenance. To make it easier for you, try to look for an option with a removable cutting blade. A dishwasher-safe cutting blade is also a big plus.
As much as possible, the cutting blade should be replaceable and replacements should be easy to come by. This way, you won’t have to re-purchase the entire unit repeatedly.
🥫Price
Lastly, you should decide about the budget you’re willing to shell out for an electric can opener. To be fair, this tool isn’t very expensive and most options are available for under a hundred bucks.
Still, you should always invest in one with reliable features and a durable build. This means shelling out a few more dollars than the cheapest option you can find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an electric opener open big cans?
A: Most electric can openers are designed to accommodate up to 32-ounce sizes. Some are also designed with a taller height to open much bigger cans. Overall, this allows you to open large cans while doing other tasks in the kitchen at the same time.
Q: Can an electric can opener open a #10 can?
A: Electric can openers aren’t really designed to open extremely large cans like #10 types. Still, if the can fits within the opener’s height, it’s possible to open it nonetheless. However, very large cans may take longer to open and you may notice the tool laboring more in the process.
Q: Is an electric can opener better than a manual type?
A: Both the electric and manual can openers work well. However, if you want convenience, you’ll surely enjoy using an electric type. It’s because there’s no need to manually grip and crank the opener. You just have to place the can in the right position, push a button, and the electric can opener will do the job. Within seconds, the entire lid of the can will be removed.
Q: Do electric can openers last longer than manual openers?
A: The answer to this depends on the quality of the opener you purchased. Also, the longevity of an electric or manual can opener depends on the frequency of use, maintenance, and storage. But in general, manual openers tend to last longer since it has minimal parts. However, this longevity is at the expense of your convenience.
Q: Do can openers leave metal in food?
A: Can openers can leave very small traces of metal shavings into the food, but it’s so little to cause immediate and serious health problems. Unless you’re eating multiple canned goods every day, this issue shouldn’t cause panic to can opener users.
Final words
The best electric can opener for large cans will save you from the hassle of dealing with manual tools. The bonus part is that many of these openers are equipped with additional knife sharpeners and bottle openers. With that, you get multiple tools in one purchase.
Whatever electric can opener you choose, make sure that it has a durable blade. This will guarantee that the opener can take on large cans and thick metal.
What do you think of these picks? Share your thoughts below!