A great can opener doesn’t need to be complex or packed with advanced features, but it should be able to effortlessly and dependably open cans of all sizes. “Above all, I want a can opener that works every time—I don’t want it to slip as I open the can, and I want it to cut through the lid cleanly,” stated Emma Christensen, former recipe editor at The Kitchn. Matthew Amster-Burton, the co-host of Spilled Milk, also emphasized the importance of reliability, comfort, and strong mechanical advantage.