The best can openers for seniors offer assistance in the kitchen when muscle weakness, pain, and stiffness brought on by arthritis start to interfere with daily activities. The best can opener reduces the need for intense pressure and precise manipulation in older adults with arthritic hands.
Many electric and non-electric models come with features that are beneficial for older cooks. The top six senior can openers are listed in the following paragraphs.
Read about and pick from the six most convenient, lightweight, and comfortable can openers for seniors.
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Senior Can Openers: Best Electric Choice
These senior electric can openers are the best for elderly people.
Best Overall: Cuisinart Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
Pros
- One-touch operation
- Power Cut blade
- Stainless steel construction
- Removable arm for cleanup
Cons
- Requires electricity from a standard outlet
- Will not operate during a power outage
The patented Cuisinart Power Cut blade quickly and thoroughly removes lids from cans of standard size. One-touch operation is available with this electric countertop can opener. Any typical-sized can’s lid can be kept closed with a powerful magnet. Additionally, the appliance’s extra-wide base prevents it from toppling over.
This can opener has an attractive appearance on a countertop and is made of brushed stainless steel. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the activation arm’s simple removal design. This appliance is completely free of the potentially dangerous chemical bisphenol A.
Best Bang for the Buck: Amazon Basics Electric Can Opener
Pros
- Stainless steel blade
- Wide, non-slip base
- Magnetic lid holder
- Automatic stop, on-off, and release/locking mechanisms
Cons
- Requires electricity from a standard outlet
- Will not operate during a power outage
- Not tall enough for large cans
This countertop electric can opener from Amazon Basics has a stainless steel blade that cuts smoothly through standard-size can lids without snagging. It is a good option for a senior cook’s kitchen because it is affordable, easy to use, and effective. To keep the lid from falling into the can, a powerful magnet holds it in place.
The stylish body of this appliance is constructed from stainless steel and black plastic to complement the majority of kitchen decor. It helps prevent tipping or sliding while in use thanks to its wide base with a non-slip coating.
Automatic safety systems, such as auto-stop, on-off, and release-locking mechanisms, are included with this can opener.
Best Handheld Manual: Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Can Opener
Pros
- Large turning handle
- Locks onto the can
- A strong magnet holds the lid
- The easy-release button releases the lid
Cons
- Requires hand operation
- Non-electric
- No one-touch operation
This Zyiss model is a portable manual can opener that works well with cans of all sizes and doesn’t require electricity or batteries.
Seniors with arthritic hands can easily operate the turning handle thanks to its coating of a soft, easy-to-grip material. Because of the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, people who are unable to grasp small objects can use the turning handle with ease.
The can opener is secured to the can by the lock-and-lift mechanism. The magnet lifts the lid from the can once the lid has completely disengaged. The user then activates the release button, allowing the lid to drop into a trash can.
Best Countertop Electric: Hamilton Beach SmoothTouch Can Opener
Pros
- One-touch operation
- Side-cutting action eliminates sharp edges
- Stainless steel blade
- Magnet action secures the lid
Cons
- Requires electricity from a standard outlet
- Will not operate during a power outage
Seniors with arthritis can find a practical solution in Hamilton Beach’s countertop electric can opener. It can be operated with just one hand and with little physical effort.
This can opener eliminates sharp edges to promote safe operation by cutting along the sides of cans to disengage the lid with edges that are smooth rather than sharp.
The side-cutting mechanism minimizes the amount of food that the blade touches. Leakage from the can is reduced because the lid doesn’t separate from the can until it is lifted off.
Best Handheld Electric: Kitchen Mama Auto Handheld Electric Can Opener
Pros
- Battery power facilitates operation during a power outage
- Compact and easy to store
- Side-cutting action to eliminate sharp edges
- Push-button operation
Cons
- Requires batteries (not included)
This Kitchen Mama battery-powered can opener is small, portable, and simple to use for senior cooks who don’t want to clutter their countertops. In a drawer or cabinet, it fits neatly.
This handheld model lacks a handle and runs on four AA batteries. The stainless steel blade cuts along the can’s side just below the lid when a button is pressed. To begin the cutting action, press the button once. Push the button once more to put an end to the blade’s rotation around the can.
Sharp edges on the detached lid are prevented by the side-cutting action. Additionally, the wide, rounded surfaces offer arthritis-suffering seniors an ergonomically sound user experience.
Best Ergonomic Grip: OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener
Pros
- Large cushioned handles
- Oversized turning knob
- Stainless steel rotary cutting wheel
- Built-in bottle opener
Cons
- Manual operation
- No magnet to lift the lid
- Doesn’t eliminate sharp edges on the lid
This OXO Good Grips soft-handled can opener is created for ergonomic use by people with arthritic hands. The challenge of grasping a small object is reduced thanks to the oversized turning knob. Additionally, the handles are broad and cushioned for comfortable gripping.
To lock the blade onto the top of a can, simply squeeze the handles together. Next, turn the large knob while holding the handles in one hand and a utensil in the other. Release the separated lid by turning the can one full turn. There is no lid-holding magnet on this can opener.
Other components are made of plastic and stainless steel, including the cutting wheel. OXO advises washing the can opener by hand.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Can Openers for Seniors?
Shoppers may want to take into account a number of variables when looking for can openers for seniors.
Manual Vs. Automatic
Your arthritis’ severity will determine whether you should choose a manual or electric can opener.
A good electric can opener is something we would suggest if you frequently have trouble holding, twisting, and pressing with your hands.
However, if you rarely have hand pain, using a manual can opener might be sufficient for you. The handles will be held by one hand, and the crank will be operated by the other, so keep in mind that you will need both hands to operate them. To keep it firm, you’ll also need some hand strength.
A manual can opener has the benefit of not requiring batteries or an electrical outlet. As a result, they frequently become more compact, smaller, and better suited for kitchens with limited space.
Oversized Features
Even without glasses, it is simple to locate large buttons and levers.
Consider the size and shape of the components you need to use the can opener if you have trouble with buttons. Bright colors can also make it easier to find the buttons, as well as spot the can opener in your drawer.
To ensure you can fit large cans under a tabletop model, size is crucial. In most cases, they operate with sizable, simple levers.
Minimum-Touch Requirements
Many door openers allow for one-touch operation, which users activate by pressing a lever downward. To stop the device, pull back on the lever.
By including a magnet that holds the lid in place until it is removed, many can openers address the additional challenge of grasping and discarding the detached can lids. Some models have a button that when pressed opens the lid, while others have tiny pliers that can be used to open the lid.
Safety & Sharp Lids
Due to the jagged, sharp edges that many can openers leave on the lids, opening cans can present a safety risk. You’re more likely to cut yourself if the lid later falls inside the can and you have to remove it with regular kitchen tools.
Some of the best can openers for seniors cut the lid off on the outside, leaving smooth edges on the outside of the lids. However, jagged edges still frequently occur on the can itself (as opposed to the lid), necessitating cautious handling. But because a can has much more surface area for gripping than a lid, handling them is typically safer.
Also, keep in mind that some can openers leave some metal scraps behind after cutting through the metal. If you attempt to remove the lid with your fingers, you risk getting cut by these potentially sharp parts!
Lightweight
You should look for a lightweight can opener if you lack upper body strength. Typically, portable models like the Kitchen Mama Electric Can Opener are a good choice. You don’t need to lift the can or keep the opener in your hand with them.
On the other hand, a countertop model might be the best choice if you frequently open cans. The can opener’s weight is less of a concern because it is always available and you don’t have to lift or move it.
Are Electric Can Openers Worth It?
Electric can openers, in our opinion, can be a great help for people with arthritis as they require little to no pressure to operate and can produce a smooth edge that can reduce the risk of hand cuts.
You must determine whether the convenience of an electric can opener outweighs the potential cost premium over a manual can opener.
Conclusion: Best Electric Can Openers for the Elderly
In addition to pain and stiffness, many seniors also experience a loss of hand strength, which can make it difficult for them to perform daily tasks like opening cans. Many of the can openers on the market today have features that make them simpler for seniors to use.
Given its premium construction, design, and functionality, we suggest the Cuisinart can opener. An alternative that is less expensive but still functional is the Amazon Basics can opener.