Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener Review: More Than Just Opening Cans

Looking for a reliable electric can opener that does more than just open cans? The Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener might have caught your attention with its bold claim of opening cans “the first time, every time.”

The Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener is a countertop kitchen appliance featuring SureCut patented technology, automatic shutoff, and some unexpected bonus features. What sets it apart from basic can openers is the integrated cord storage and built-in knife sharpener.

I’ve been using this can opener for over three years of regular kitchen use. It’s handled everything from small tuna cans to large 28-ounce tomato cans without missing a beat.

The short answer? It’s delivered exactly what I expected from Hamilton Beach, and then some. But there are a few things worth knowing before you buy.

What I Liked

The Hamilton Beach electric can opener impressed me in several key areas during my three-plus years of testing. Here’s what stood out.

Slim and Portable Design

This can opener has a slim design that fits practically anywhere in the kitchen. It can sit right by the coffee maker, stove, or sink without taking up much counter space.

The magnet that holds the can also folds down when not in use, saving even more space. For smaller kitchens or anyone who values countertop real estate, this compact footprint is a genuine advantage.

Built-In Cord Storage

One of my favorite features is the cord storage built into the base. You can pull out exactly the length of cord you need and tuck the rest away inside the unit.

If you’re moving the can opener around or just don’t want cords cluttering your countertop, this is a thoughtful touch. It keeps things neat without needing to wrap the cord awkwardly around the appliance.

Hidden Knife Sharpener

Here’s the surprise feature I didn’t expect: there’s a knife sharpener built into the back of the unit. Simply slide your blade through the slot to give it a quick edge.

The sharpener works best for smaller kitchen knives. Larger chef’s knives won’t fit the slot. But for everyday paring knives or smaller blades, it’s a handy bonus that saves buying a separate sharpening tool.

Easy to Clean

The cutting unit pops off with the press of a button for easy cleaning. Just press down on the top, and the whole assembly detaches so you can wash it.

Hamilton Beach designed the removable cutting unit to be dishwasher safe. Snap it back on just as easily, and you’re ready for the next can.

Opens Cans on First Try

The SureCut patented technology lives up to its name. In three years of use, this opener has never failed to open a can on the first attempt. You press down the lever, the motor starts, and the can rotates smoothly until it’s open.

The automatic shutoff feature means it stops on its own once the can is fully open. No need to stand there watching or time it yourself. This frees up your hands for other kitchen tasks while you wait. Pair it with the COSORI Pro Gen 2 air fryer and you have a quick weeknight meal setup: open the cans, prep the ingredients, and air fry in minutes.

What Needs Improvement

No product is perfect, and there are a few areas worth noting about this Hamilton Beach electric can opener.

Short Power Cord

The cord is fairly short, which means you need to position this opener close to an outlet. If your countertop is far from a plug, you might find yourself rearranging things or using an extension cord. The built-in cord storage is convenient, but having a longer cord to begin with would be better.

Lever Pressure

The lever requires a firm press to engage. While I had no issues, Consumer Reports testers noted that the lever might be challenging for anyone with severe arthritis or limited hand strength. If hand mobility is a concern, test the lever pressure before committing.

Small Cans Need Holding

When opening smaller cans like tuna or tomato paste, the magnet doesn’t hold them quite as securely. I found myself steadying these smaller cans during operation. Not a dealbreaker, but larger cans work more smoothly.

Knife Sharpener Limited to Small Blades

The built-in knife sharpener only accommodates smaller knives. Your larger chef’s knives won’t fit the slot. It’s a nice bonus feature, but think of it as sharpening for paring knives rather than your main cooking blades.

How It Compares

The electric can opener market has several solid options. Here’s how the Hamilton Beach stacks up against popular alternatives.

vs Kitchen Mama Auto Electric Can Opener

The Kitchen Mama is battery-powered, which gives it portability. However, it takes an average of 46 seconds per can compared to the Hamilton Beach’s 12 seconds. The Kitchen Mama also requires four AA batteries, adding ongoing costs. If counter space and cord placement aren’t concerns, the Hamilton Beach wins on speed and reliability.

vs Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener

The Cuisinart features a stainless steel design that looks more premium on the countertop. It handles cans up to 32 ounces just like the Hamilton Beach, but costs about ten dollars more and isn’t as compact for storage. Choose the Cuisinart if aesthetics matter most. Pick the Hamilton Beach if you want the extra features like cord storage and the knife sharpener at a lower price.

Expert Recognition

America’s Test Kitchen named the Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch their test kitchen favorite, praising its ability to latch onto cans of all sizes, fast operation, and smooth safety edge cuts. Consumer Reports also highlighted it as a fan favorite for its solid design and reliable performance.

For most home cooks who want a dependable electric can opener with useful extras, the Hamilton Beach delivers the best balance of features and value.

Final Verdict

The Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener does exactly what you expect and then some. After more than three years of daily use, it remains my go-to can opener with zero complaints.

I’m giving it a 4.2 out of 5.

The short cord and lever pressure keep it from a perfect score, but those are minor trade-offs. The cord storage and built-in knife sharpener are genuine bonuses that set it apart from basic models.

Bottom line: Buy if you want a reliable electric can opener with thoughtful extras at a reasonable price. Skip if you have severe hand mobility issues or need countertop placement far from outlets.