OXO vs Cuisinart Can Opener Compared (2026)

OXO's manual can opener has a rubberized soft-grip handle, a stainless steel cutting wheel, and an oversized turn knob that reduces wrist torque during opening — a meaningful difference from thin-handled budget openers that fatigue the hand on larger cans. The gear mechanism is designed for smooth, consistent rotation without slipping off the rim mid-cut. It produces the standard cut style: the lid separates with a sharp edge on both the can and lid. At $19.90, this is the most affordable option on this page. The OXO Smooth Edge model at $24.95 costs $5 more and uses a different cutting mechanism that produces no sharp edges — worth considering for households with children. Against Cuisinart's electric SCO-60 at $55.21, OXO costs $35 less, requires no counter space, and handles occasional can opening without any maintenance or power source. Best for most home cooks who open cans regularly and want a reliable, comfortable manual opener without paying for smooth-edge technology. Upgrade to the OXO Smooth Edge at $24.95 if sharp lid edges are a safety concern, or to Cuisinart's electric at $55.21 if hands-free one-touch operation is worth the counter space.

OXO's Smooth Edge Can Opener cuts along the outside of the can rim rather than through the top, removing the lid as a smooth disc with no sharp edges on the can or the lid. This is the key differentiator from a standard can opener: neither the remaining can nor the detached lid poses a cut risk after opening. The lid can be replaced to reseal the can temporarily. The opener also doubles as a bottle cap opener, and the soft-grip handle maintains the same ergonomic quality as OXO's standard manual model. At $24.95, this costs $5 more than OXO's standard manual can opener at $19.90 on this page — the entire premium is for the side-cutting mechanism. The blade can rust if left wet, which requires hand drying after washing. Against Cuisinart's SCO-60 electric at $55.21, OXO is $30 less and fully manual with no counter footprint required. Best for households with children, older adults handling sharp edges less safely, or anyone who repurposes empty cans for storage or crafts. The $5 premium over the standard OXO is easy to justify for the safety benefit. Skip if sharp edges aren't a concern and you want to save $5.

Cuisinart's SCO-60 is an electric can opener with a one-touch hands-free mechanism — place the can, press the lever, and the opener runs the full circumference automatically without holding it in place. The brushed stainless finish matches most kitchen appliance sets. A built-in two-stage knife sharpener on the side adds utility: it handles light edge restoration on kitchen knives between professional sharpenings, though it's not a substitute for a whetstone or quality pull-through sharpener. The extra-wide base keeps it stable on the counter during operation. At $55.21, Cuisinart costs nearly 3x the OXO manual opener ($19.90) and $30 more than OXO's Smooth Edge ($24.95). The premium buys true hands-free operation and the integrated sharpener. The trade-off is counter footprint — this is a countertop appliance that needs a permanent home, unlike manual openers that fit in a drawer. The bulk is also noted in the cons: larger than comparable electric models. Best for users who open cans frequently and want one-touch electric operation, particularly those with limited hand strength or arthritis who find manual openers difficult. The knife sharpener is a useful bonus. Skip if counter space is limited or you only open cans occasionally — OXO's manual at $19.90 handles infrequent use without the footprint.