The OXO Good Grips company has earned a solid reputation for its line of kitchen tools and gadgets, and their line of manual can openers is no exception. A well-designed manual can opener makes this common kitchen task much easier to perform, and OXO models are known for their durability and ease of use. Whether it is a traditional can opener with a cutting blade or a smooth-edge model with pliers, it will definitely get the job done safely.
OXO can openers feature oversized handles for maximum torque, an ergonomic knob for easier turning and stainless steel cutting blades or pliers for lid removal. Some OXO models also incorporate other useful tools such as jar openers or bottle openers. One of the best and most affordable OXO can openers on the market is the OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener, a side-opening option that creates a smooth lid and requires minimal hand strength to operate.
What to know before you buy an OXO can opener
Top opening or side opening?
OXO and other kitchen-tool manufacturers offer two options when it comes to manual can openers: A top-opening model with a rotary cutting blade or a side-opening model with ratchet pliers. A top-opening can opener travels around the lid and cuts through the top of it. A side-opening can opener grips the outer seam of the lid and pries it open. There are advantages and disadvantages to both styles to consider. A top-opening can opener creates a lid with sharp edges, which can be a safety hazard. A side-opening can opener removes the entire lid without creating sharp edges, but some people find it more challenging to use.
Ergonomic design
OXO Good Grips has earned a reputation for taking standard kitchen tools and gadgets and making them much easier to operate. This is especially true when it comes to manual can openers, which can be too minimalist for comfort or durability. OXO can openers often include oversized handles, knobs and cutting mechanisms to maximize ergonomics. An oversized knob can provide more torque, for example, while oversized handles create more leverage for the cutting blade or pliers.
Ease of use
Manual can openers may be a little more challenging to use than their electric counterparts, but they shouldn’t require exceptional effort to operate. One important design element is the angle of the cutting blade or plier assembly. The blade on a top-opening model should penetrate the lid with minimal pressure and the mechanism should turn smoothly until the entire lid is removed. Side-opening OXO can openers should get a firm grip on the seam and require minimal effort to pry it off. With any can opener, the blade assembly should be easy to clean between uses.
If you would like to learn more about the best can openers, including our top OXO selection, take a look at the full can opener review at BestReviews.
OXO can opener features
Accessories
A number of OXO manual can openers incorporate a few additions that improve their functionality. The handle often contains a notched bottle opener and possibly a lid punch for releasing pressure on sealed jars and cans. The oversized handles can also provide enough grip to open stubborn jar lids. Some higher-end manual can openers also include a magnet for removing sharp lids without direct contact.
Color options
OXO and other manufacturers do offer a range of colors when it comes to manual or electric can openers. Handles and knobs can commonly be found in black or stainless steel, but there are other colors available, such as white, avocado, brown or red.
OXO can opener cost
A basic top-cutting manual OXO can opener can be found in the $10-$15 range, with side-cutting models costing a few dollars more. Higher-end OXO can openers in the $20-$30 range have improved ergonomics and slip-resistant handles.
OXO can opener FAQ
Can I sharpen the blade on my manual OXO can opener?
A. As long as the can opener is being used and maintained properly, the blade should remain sharp for the life of the can opener. However, you can restore some cutting power by inserting a folded piece of aluminum foil or light sandpaper into the blade assembly and rotating it several times.
My mother has limited hand strength due to arthritis. What would be a good manual OXO can opener for her to use?
A. Some manual can openers can indeed be challenging to use with minimal hand strength or dexterity. One highly recommended OXO can opener for arthritis sufferers is the OXO Good Grips Snap Lock, with soft silicone-covered handles and oversized mechanisms.
Which OXO can opener should I get?
Best of the best OXO can opener
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener: available at Amazon
Our take: This smooth-edge model is ideal for users with limited mobility or hand strength and those who want to eliminate sharp edges.
What we like: The opener has built-in pliers for easy lid removal. An oversized side-winding mechanism works smoothly with minimal effort. The stainless steel cutting wheel does not make direct contact with food. A soft, nonslip handle improves safety.
What we dislike: Some dissatisfied customers report metal slivers after using the opener.
Best bang for your buck OXO can opener
OXO Good Grips Soft-Handled Can Opener: available at Amazon
Our take: This budget-friendly traditional can opener is a good choice for a kitchen-gadget shower or housewarming gift.
What we like: The handles are large and well-cushioned for a sturdy grip. The oversized turn knob provides good torque during operation. A bottle opener is incorporated into the handle. The stainless steel cutting blades are sharp.
What we dislike: There are some concerns about inconsistent lid cutting and loose handles.
Honorable mention OXO can opener
OXO SteeL Can Opener: available at Amazon
Our take: The OXO SteeL can opener’s most appealing feature is its modern stainless steel design, which fits in well with other chrome or stainless kitchen tools on display.
What we like: The turning knob is oversized and soft, making it easy to operate. There is a bottle opener built into the handle. The handles are large, but still comfortable in the hand. The stainless steel cutting blade is sharp and easy to clean.
What we dislike: There are some consumer complaints about irregular or incomplete cuts. Durability of the cutting blade is an issue.
Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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