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10 Best Can Openers for Arthritis That Alleviate Pain in the Kitchen

Painless kitchen prep, right this way!

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If you have arthritis in your hands, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much easier your life will be once you’ve found one of the best can openers for arthritis sufferers (and even if you don’t deal with arthritis, using a traditional can opener can be fiddly, tiresome, and time-consuming!). But arthritis doesn’t need to stop you from carrying out day-to-day tasks in your kitchen.

According to the CDC, 23% of adults in the United States have arthritis — that’s a whopping 54 million people! Luckily, there are many devices available nowadays that make life easier if you have mobility issues (like raised toilet seats, arthritis-friendly nail clippers, or arthritis creams and gels), and a specialized can opener is one of them. We’ve rounded up our top ten picks for the best can openers for arthritis on the market, so keep reading to learn more!

What are the best can openers for arthritis?

Manual vs. Electric: Which is better for arthritic hands?

There are many different types of can openers for arthritis sufferers on the market. You have the battery-operated electric can openers that only require the push of a button to use — they do practically all of the work for you! Then there are the manual can openers designed for arthritic hands that require some twisting, though they often have ergonomic handles for added comfort and stability. The best model for you depends on how hands-on you want to be — literally — when it comes to opening cans. 

What is the best can opener for someone with arthritis?

People who suffer from arthritis of the wrist and hand may experience symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling, which make it difficult to grasp objects. When it comes to traditional can openers that you have to clasp with one hand and twist with the other, a seemingly simple task can become quite difficult and tiresome. As an alternative, arthritis sufferers may find that using an electric can opener makes their lives much easier, as they often don’t require more effort than pushing a button or lever. More specifically, a standing can opener, like the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener ($29.85, Amazon), doesn’t need to be held while in use, though the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener ($28.99, Amazon) is a user-friendly handheld option for those with limited counter space.

That said, there are manual options available for people who don’t want to rely on batteries or cables to power their can openers, like the Swing-A-Way Easy Crank Can Opener ($17.12, Amazon), which has ergonomic handles and soft-cushion grips for easy maneuvering.

We did extensive research and found some of the best can openers around for arthritis sufferers, both manual and electric. Take a look at our picks, so you can choose a can opener that’s right for you. Whether you need to pry open ring-pull cans or tackle an extra tall tin, there’s an option at every price point. Keep scrolling to shop Woman’s World’s picks for the best can openers for arthritis sufferers below!

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10 Best Can Openers for Arthritis

Swing-A-Way Easy Crank Can Opener

Best manual can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $17.12 (originally $17.96)

Why we like it:

  • All-steel construction
  • Ergonomic handles
  • Built-in bottle opener

For a manual can opener, the Swing-A-Way Easy Crank Can Opener is as easy to use as you can get. It’s extremely durable with an all-steel construction, and features an extra-long crank handle that doesn’t strain or hurt your hands. Its ergonomic handles fit any hand size, and the soft-cushion grips make for comfortable handling. There’s also a built-in bottle opener!

Reviewers say this can opener is especially helpful when it comes to opening larger cans, with one satisfied customer saying he’d originally purchased this device for his wife and mother, who both have arthritis. He fell in love with it himself, and now buys it as a gift for anyone he knows with arthritis.

Culinare One Touch Can Opener

Best automatic can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $27.69

Why we like it:

  • Long battery life
  • Comfort grip design
  • Opens cans with the touch of a button

The compact, hands-free Culinare One Touch Can Opener automatically opens cans with just one touch to start and another touch to stop (hence, the name). All you have to do? Put it on top of a can and press the start button. A magnet lifts the lid for safe disposal, and it even smooths out the jagged edges of the can. It practically works all by itself, so it’s especially ideal for those with arthritis or limited mobility.

One fan of this can opener says it’s been a “God-send” for her arthritic hands, and appreciates how simple it is to operate.

Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener

Best rated can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $28.99 (originally $35)

Why we like it:

  • Safety feature smooths sharp edges
  • Ergonomic design
  • Over 26,000 5-star ratings on Amazon

Another automatic, battery-operated can opener that works all by itself, the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener opens circular cans and even pop-tops easily and cleanly. It has one button to start and stop the tin-opening process, and it doesn’t leave any sharp edges or debris. There’s no manual labor required, and you can buy it in a variety of sizes and fashionable colors.

As a top-rated can opener on Amazon, this beloved device scores high marks when it comes to ease of use. Many reviewers with arthritis have described it as “effortless,” and one commenter even mentioned it being perfect for their friend who only has one arm available to them.

Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener

Most popular can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $29.85 (originally $31.85)

Why we like it:

  • Sleek black and chrome design
  • Easy-touch opening lever
  • Over 36,500 5-star Amazon ratings

With its sleek chrome and black design, the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener is a functional electric can opener that blends well with other countertop appliances. It easily opens all standard-sized cans as well as cans with pop-top lids. To use, simply hold down the ergonomic push-down lever until the blade has made a full rotation around the can. 

This popular kitchen tool boasts rave reviews for its ability to leave smooth edges, and one Amazon customer with arthritis said it’s made life “much easier” when it comes to opening the eight cans they use for making chili!

Oster Tall Can Opener

Best countertop can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $43.99 (originally $49.99)

Why we like it:

  • Opens cans of all sizes
  • Contemporary design
  • Built-in knife sharpener

The electric-powered Oster Tall Can Opener is about as glam as a can opener can get. It opens cans of any size, from short and wide to extra tall. It has a patented “power pierce” cutting mechanism, which effortlessly punctures lids and slices them off cleanly, and the cutting blade is removable, making it easy to clean. This can opener won’t move around thanks to its sturdy base, and it will automatically stop once your can is open. Bonus: it also has a built-in knife sharpener!

Reviewers love the sleek look of this standing can opener, with several assuring that it doesn’t take up too much counter space.

Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 Auto Safety Master Opener

Most versatile can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $25.29

Why we like it:

  • 5 opener functions
  • Automatic “lock-on” technology
  • Safely opens cans without leaving sharp edges

Talk about innovative! The 5-In-1 Auto Safety Master Opener can do just about anything, from opening standard and pull-tab cans to crown-cap and screw-top bottles — even jars! It features a large knob that makes it easy to twist, and leaves you with an open can (or bottle), minus the sharp edges. Best of all, it automatically attaches to whatever you’re trying to open, so you don’t have to exert any effort trying to clamp it on.

One happy customer said this tool was “worth every penny” when it came to their arthritis and joint issues, and appreciates its user-friendly design, as well as the fact that it hardly ever gets dirty. They even said they’ve started buying them to give as gifts!

OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener

Best smooth edge can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Food52

Buy from Food52, $23.99

Why we like it:

  • Stainless steel blade leaves smooth edges
  • Soft, non-slip handles and knob
  • Built-in pliers hold onto lid for easy removal

No one likes trying to handle a lid with sharp edges, which is why we included this smooth edge can opener by Oxo on our list. Its stainless steel blade is strong enough to effortlessly detach the lid from the can, while leaving both with smooth edges for safe handling. Built-in pliers grip the lid once the can has been opened, making it easy to dispose of, and best of all, the buttery-soft, non-slip handles and knob ensure you’ll be able to hold this device with minimal effort.

Cuisinart Deluxe Can Opener

Best can opener for arthritis on Amazon
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, starting at $17.20

Why we like it:

  • Over 29,000 5-star ratings on Amazon
  • Single-touch operation
  • Limited 3-year warranty

Cuisinart is one of the most respected name brands in kitchenware, so it’s only natural they would make one of the most highly-rated can openers on Amazon. This deluxe can opener is equipped with a stable base that rests on your countertop, allowing for simple single-touch operation. It’s compatible with cans of all sizes, and the removable activation lever detaches to make cleaning a breeze. This sleek can opener is available in black or white, in addition to slightly pricier silver and stainless steel options.

One reviewer with arthritis is such a fan of this can opener, they thought the manufacturer should specifically market it as an arthritic kitchen tool! They also said it’s “amazingly easy to operate” and that the “price is very reasonable.”

Hamilton Beach SureCut Stainless Steel Can Opener

Best can opener for arthritis from Walmart
best can openers for arthritis
Walmart

Buy from Walmart, $19.96

Why we like it:

  • Patented SureCut technology opens cans on the first try every time
  • Made of brushed stainless steel
  • Also opens bottle caps, hard plastic packages, and pull-top cans

If you’re going to display your can opener on your counter, why not opt for one that’s as attractive as possible, like this stainless steel model from Hamilton Beach? Not only is it pretty to look at, it also features patented SureCut technology, which promises to open cans on the first try, every single time. That said, it’s more than just a can opener — it comes with an OpenMate Multi-Tool, which can also open bottle caps, pop-tops, and even plastic containers! Oh, and no need to worry about caked on foods or liquids, as this handy device has a removable cutting unit for easy cleaning.

One reviewer purchased this can opener for his sisters, who had both had finger joint replacements. They found this device “easy to use,” and thought it performed better than pricier can openers they had used in the past.

Swing-A-Way Wall Mount Can Opener

Best wall mount can opener for arthritis
best can openers for arthritis
Amazon

Buy from Amazon, $13.13

Why we like it:

  • Saves drawer and counter space
  • 3 lock positions when not in use
  • Durable steel construction

To save you from rummaging around in your kitchen drawers every time you want to open a can, this magnetic can opener from Swing-A-Way mounts onto the wall with brackets and screws that come included. It’s made from extremely durable metal and has an easy-to-use crank handle. The gear-driven cutting wheel smoothly shaves the top off your can, while the integrated magnet safely and neatly lifts off the lid.

Reviewers praise this mounted can opener for the fact that it saves precious kitchen space, with one 64-year-old commenter, who has arthritis, saying “this can opener is truly effortless.”

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