As people age, it can become increasingly difficult to perform everyday tasks that they may have once taken for granted. One such task is opening cans and jars, which requires a bit of muscle power — something that seniors often lack. But don’t worry! In this article we will help you find the best manual can opener for seniors.
Here are the best manual can openers for seniors you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Arthritic Hands (Top Cut Can Opener): OXO 28081
- Best For Larger (Top Cut Can Opener Cans): Swing-A-Way 6090
- Best For Easy Lid Removal (Top Cut Can Opener): Zyliss 20362
- Easy To Clean (Side Cut Can Opener): OXO 1049953
- Slim Design (Side Cut Can Opener): Kuhn Rikon Auto
- Durable (Side Cut Can Opener): Rosle 12757
| 6 Best Manual Can Openers For Seniors | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Arthritic Hands | OXO 28081
| |
Best For Larger | Swing-A-Way 6090
| |
Best For Easy Lid Removal | Zyliss 20362
| |
Easy To Clean | OXO 1049953
| |
Slim Design | Kuhn Rikon Auto
| |
Durable | Rosle 12757
| |
Best For Arthritic Hands: OXO 28081
- Suitable for arthritis hands - a larger and more comfortable handle
- Easy to use - oversized knob
- Heavy
The OXO 28081 is a must-have for anyone suffering from arthritis and struggling to open cans.
This device comes with a larger and more comfortable handle than many other counterparts, which dramatically takes the pain out of opening cans. In addition, the oversized knob turns easily, taking the hard work out of opening cans.
We appreciate this manual can opener comes with a built-in bottle opener.
| OXO 28081 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1 Pound |
Dimension | 7 x 1.88 x 2.75 inches |
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Highlight Features | a larger and more comfortable handle oversized knob |
Truly incredible in comfort and support, the OXO 28081 is an excellent helper for people with arthritis in their hands when it comes to can-opening.
Best For Larger: Swing-A-Way 6090
- Perfect for larger cans - extra-long crank handle
- Built to last - durable all-steel construction & high carbon cutting wheel
- Convenient – a built-in bottle opener
- Pricey
- A bit cumbersome
The Swing-A-Way 6090 is our solid pick for opening larger cans.
This unit separates itself from most other top-cut can openers for its durable all-steel construction and extra-long crank handle, which makes it easy to use—even on tough and large can tops.
Plus, the cutting wheel is made of high carbon and glides smoothly across can tops for effortless opening.
The built-in bottle opener is a handy addition.
| Swing-A-Way 6090 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.2 ounces |
Dimension | 10.4 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches |
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Highlight Features | extra-long crank handle durable all-steel construction & high carbon cutting wheel a built-in bottle opener |
If you want to open larger cans with less strain and effort, you can’t go wrong with the Swing-A-Way 6090
Best For Easy Lid Removal: Zyliss 20362
- Easy to remove lid with less mess - magnet lifts
- Deliver sharp cuts with great consistency - unique locking mechanism
- The cut isn’t as smooth as the more expensive options
Compared to other contenders in the same category, we find the Zyliss 20362 is easier to remove lids.
The secret? It features a magnet, so when the lid is removed, it will be automatically lifted off.
Its unique locking mechanism is also notable.
This feature is built to hold the can better in place, making it easier to open without straining your hands. Additionally, its stainless steel teeth puncture cans easily and produce sharp cuts with great consistency.
| Zyliss 20362 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.008 ounces |
Dimension | 2 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches |
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Highlight Features | unique locking mechanism magnet lifts |
The Zyliss 20362 is our top recommendation for those in need for the best manual top-cut can opener for easy lid removal.
Easy To Clean: OXO 1049953
- Easy to clean - simple construction
- Able to open the toughest cans - an oversized side-wind mechanism
- Super-lightweight - 0.011 ounces
- Wish the handle was slightly larger
While all manual can openers allow hand-washing only, the OXO 1049953 seems to be easier to clean than many of its counterparts, thanks to its simple construction.
Built with an extra-large side-wind mechanism, the OXO 1049953 can open any cans, even the most stubborn, without making any sharp edge on the lid or the can. So, seniors take less risk of cutting their hands while using this unit.
But that’s not all.
This can opener offers a comfortable grip, thanks to its non-slip handle and soft-to-touch knob. As a plus, the built-in pliers allow for contact-free lid removal.
| OXO 1049953 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.011 ounces |
Dimension | 6.5 x 10.75 x 11 inches |
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Highlight Features | simple construction an oversized side-wind mechanism |
When it comes to the best easy-to-clean side-cut can opener for seniors, we find the OXO 1049953 is unbeatable.
Slim Design: Kuhn Rikon Auto
- Compact & space-saving – the dimensions of 8 (L) x 2.5 (W) x 2. 75 (H) inches
- Easy to open pull-tab cans/tins – a ring-pull opener
- Not friendly for left-handed
The Kuhn Rikon Auto is an excellent option for anyone looking for a slide-cut can opener with a slim design.
With a modest size of 8 (L) x 2.5 (W) x 2. 75 (H) inches, this unit can be stored away easier and stay neatly in a purse, pocket, or drawer without taking up too much space.
The device attaches automatically to cans/tins and opens them without cutting the metal, which doesn’t create any sharp edge.
No handling is needed because the can lids are lifted via pincers. The ring-pull opener also makes it easy to open pull-tab cans/tins, which is a great plus.
| Kuhn Rikon Auto Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.6 Ounces |
Dimension | 8 x 2.5 x 2.75 inches |
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Highlight Features | the dimensions of 8 (L) x 2.5 (W) x 2. 75 (H) inches a ring-pull opener |
The Kuhn Rikon Auto stands out from the rest for its incredibly slim design, allowing it to stay neat and compact in any places, no matter if it's inside a pocket, a drawer, or a purse.
Durable: Rosle 12757
- Durable - made of 18/10 stainless steel
- Smooth and effortless to turn – a thumbscrew with ergonomic design
- Easy to store away - a hanging ring
- Very expensive
- A steep learning curve
Searching for a side cut can opener that's both durable and easy to use? Look no further than the Rosle 12757.
This model is made of 18/10 stainless steel, making it both hygienic and durable. The can opener grips the top of the can with no difficulty, thanks to the pliers. It opens the can without leaving the lid coming in contact with the food.
For extra smooth and effortless turning, its thumbscrew is designed with an ergonomic shape.
We also like the hanging ring which ensures easy storage.
| Rosle 12757 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.66 Pounds |
Dimension | 7.9 x 1.5 x 2 inches |
Materials | Stainless Steel |
Highlight Features | made of 18/10 stainless steel a thumbscrew with ergonomic design a hanging ring |
Extremely durable, functional, and easy to use, the Rosle 12757 is an unbeatable value for a side cut can opener.
How To Choose The Best Manual Can Opener For Seniors?
Which To Choose: Top Cut Can Openers Or Side Cut Can Openers?
There are two main types of can openers: top cut and side cut.
Top-cut can openers are more common and are usually less expensive. They work by cutting into the top of the can, which can be easier for some people.
Side-cut can openers are less common, but they may be a better choice for seniors. They work by cutting into the side of the can, which can be easier for arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to grip.
Comfort
For seniors, comfort is key when it comes to choosing a manual can opener.
A comfortable handle will make it easier to open cans without putting too much strain on the hands or wrist.
Look for a can opener with a cushioned grip or ergonomic design to make opening cans more comfortable.
Ease Of Use
When it comes to choosing a manual can opener, seniors should look for one that is easy to use. One that has a large, comfortable grip is a good option. Additionally, look for a can opener with a smooth motion and a blade that is easy to clean.
Safety
There are a few things to consider when selecting a manual can opener that will be safe for seniors to use.
Look for a can opener with a large, easy-to-grip handle. This will make it easier for seniors to hold onto the can opener while they are using it.
Choose a can opener with an easy-to-turn knob. This will make it easier for seniors to open cans without having to use a lot of force.
Finally, look for a can opener with a blade guard. This will help protect seniors from accidentally cutting themselves while they are using the can opener.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your senior loved one will be able to safely and easily use a manual can opener.
Which Brands Make The Best Manual Can Opener For Seniors?
OXO
The OXO company was founded in 1990 in New York City and manufactures kitchen utensils, office supplies, and household items. Their products are well-known for their functionality and durability.
Zyliss
Founded in 1951 as a Swiss manufacturer of kitchen utensils, Zyliss offers a wide selection of bestselling food preparation tools based on the latest innovations.
In addition to being a delight to use, Zyliss products feel and look wonderful as well. They have over 70 years of Swiss expertise behind everything they make.
FAQs
Can left handed people use a can opener?
Yes, they can. But take note that because a regular can opener is built with a crank on the right side. So, if you’re a left-handed person, you’ll need to reach the crank on the other side.
How long does a can opener last?
On average, a can opener lasts around 3 years.
How do you use a manual can opener?
To help you learn how to use a manual can opener, please watch this tutorial video:
How do you keep a manual can opener from rusting?
To keep a manual can opener from rusting, wash it after each use. Once the can opener is dried completely, apply a few drops of food-grade mineral oil on a clean cloth, then wipe the wheels and gears.
Why do can openers break so easily?
There are many reasons making can openers break so easily, such as:
- Insufficient pressure
- Improper cleaning
- Rust
- Excessive use
- You buy a cheaply-made can opener
- You misalign the can opener while trying to open a can
Conclusion
Having a good manual can opener can make life easier for seniors. Whether it is to open a canned food item or something else, having the right type of manual can opener that caters to their needs is important.
We hope this comprehensive guide helped you find the best manual can opener for seniors that works well and suits your particular needs.
Always bear in mind safety tips while using manual can openers, especially when they are being used by seniors!
Thanks for reading.
