Can openers can be challenging to handle at any age. For the elderly, the task can be even more frustrating. If you have arthritis, standard can openers can also be painful to use. Fortunately, there are a variety of modern, user-friendly devices available. We’ve selected the five best can openers for seniors that won’t hurt your hands.
The 5 Best Can Openers for Seniors
1. BLACK+DECKER Spacemaker Multi-Purpose Can Opener
This practical can opener can open nearly all the problematic packaging in your kitchen. The Spacemaker comes in black or white and weighs about three pounds. The appliance mounts to your wall and acts as your all-in-one assistant. Step-by-step instructions are included for a simple installation. Besides opening cans, this appliance will also cut bags, open bottles, and sharpen knives. Other features include automatic shut-off, a swing-open door, and pre-sized mounting template.
Pros
The space-saving design allows the device to fit comfortably under your cabinet. A convenient cover opens back for sufficient room to open both small and large cans.
Cons
The multiple functions come with a hefty price tag.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose can opener, the Spacemaker is the best candidate.
2. Hamilton Beach 76607 Smooth Touch Can Opener
This sleek and simple can opener opens all pop-top and standard-sized cans. You can operate this can opener with the lightest touch thanks to the easy-touch opening lever. Behind the device, you’ll find storage space with stainless steel scissors.
The blade cuts into the side of the can, reducing contact with food, and making the lid easier to remove. The Smooth Touch is incredibly comfortable to handle since it weighs less than one pound.
Pros
Most can openers cut into the top of the can, but you won’t have to worry about cutting your fingers with the Smooth Touch. The side-cutting system leaves a smooth edge. The blade also cuts higher than most side-cutting can openers, which helps reduce leaks and spills.
Cons
You may experience difficulty opening cans with dents near the lid.
Recommendation
This can opener is best if you’re looking for a simple, high-quality side-cutting machine.
3. Kitchen Mama Portable Battery Operated Automatic Smooth Edge Can Opener
The electric can opener from Kitchen Mama is a hands-free device that only requires two taps to open any average can. A special blade pops off the top of the tin to reveal a smooth edge. The device is also incredibly light, weighing just over eight ounces. Most can openers come in black, white, or metallic, but this one is available in a variety of bright colors. You can choose from red, blue, yellow, green, or purple.
Pros
The Kitchen Mama is effortless to operate. Tap the button once to activate it and tap it again to stop it.
The compact design fits in almost any drawer, and the ergonomic grip fits comfortably in your hands.
Cons
The kitchen mama needs four AA batteries, which are sold separately.
Recommendation
This device is ideal is you’re looking for a single-button solution to open your cans.
4. Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener
The Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener weighs 2.5 pounds and can be operated with a single touch. The Power Cut blade makes precise cuts, so you won’t have to deal with jagged edges. A press and release handle will open any standard-sized can with ease. After opening the tin, the device will shut off automatically. When the blade gets dirty, all you have to do is pull a lever to release the magnetic lid holder for easy clean-up.
Pros
A broad base prevents the can opener from slipping and tilting during use. The Cuisinart can also accommodate taller and larger cans than most other can openers. Best of all, the device has an easy-to-clean design that most can openers are lacking.
Cons
The Cuisinart tends to shred can labels, which can leave a mess on the countertop.
Recommendation
If you value simple cleaning and ease of use, this can opener is perfect for you.
5. Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Smooth-Touch Can Opener
Kuhn Rikon’s auto safety can opener has a large, comfortable grip with an easy to turn handle. This handheld can opener has a side-cutting mechanism that leaves smooth edges. The lid will stay attached to the can opener until you’re ready to press the release lever over the trash can. The device only weighs four ounces and requires minimal effort to turn.
Aside from opening cans, this appliance can open screw tops, soda tabs, ring-pulls, jars, and bottle caps. You can get this model in black, red, or green.
Pros
The device is very hygienic since the blade never comes into contact with the contents of the can. Minimal effort is needed to turn the knob. There’s little resistance, and you only have to complete one full circle.
Cons
You may have difficulty opening certain types of cans that have plastic linings or thicker lids.
Recommendation
This auto safety can opener is convenient to use and packs many useful kitchen utensils into one light-weight device.
What Should I Look For in a Can Opener?
Before you decide on a can opener, you may want to consider the following factors.
Functionality
If you have shaky hands, a handheld can opener might not be the best choice for you. A better option may be a single-push device or a standing can opener with a magnetic lid holder. Choose a can opener that functions the way you need.
Space
Some can openers fit into drawers, while others stand on your countertop or hang on the cupboard door. Depending on how much space is available in your kitchen, you’ll want a can opener that you can store conveniently.
Price
The price is another major factor to consider. The most expensive can opener isn’t necessarily the best one for you. There are plenty of high-quality can openers available that start from $20.
Which One Should I Get?
The Black + Decker Multi-Purpose Can Opener is a practical all-in-one kitchen helper. However, this appliance comes with the highest price tag. The Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Master Smooth Touch Can Opener is a more affordable alternative in a handheld format. This device also comes with some of the most useful additional built-in opener for everything else in your kitchen.
The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener has a side-cutting blade and requires little effort to operate. Alternatively, the Kitchen Mama offers a hands-free solution to achieve smooth edges. Finally, if you’re looking for the can opener that’s easiest to clean, consider Cuisinart’s Deluxe Electric Can Opener. This device features a simple release lever to remove the lid holder for cleaning.
