HAVING the best tin opener in your utensil drawer is a must.
And while there are plenty of options, getting one which suits you will save on frustration.
While it’s true that a lot of tinned goods have ring-pull lids nowadays, there are still quite a lot that don’t.
And it might happen that you need to get into that tin of kidney beans or chickpeas, only to find that it needs to be opened the old-fashioned way.
There are two types of tin opener: those you clamp on to the side or top of the tin and turn by hand, and electric or battery-powered designs that do the hard work for you.
The latter is the best choice for those with arthritis or where strength is a problem.
When looking for a tin opener, make sure it has a sharp blade that will pierce the metal and smooth gears so it cuts cleanly.
If space in your kitchen drawers is an issue, look for compact designs and those that aren’t necessarily the shape of a ‘traditional’ tin opener.
The design of this kitchen staple has moved on a lot since you last bought a tin opener – some models are circular or egg-shaped and sit on top of the tin, rather than the side, to cut.
Our shortlist features classic designs as well as new-fangled ones, but all of them do exactly what they say on the tin well (pun intended).
Ready to start shopping? Take a look at these little beauties below and see which type works best for you.
1. OXO Good Grips
- OXO Good Grips can opener, £15, Debenhams – buy here
This classically shaped tin opener has cushioned handles to make opening that tin of sweetcorn much more comfortable.
And the extra-large turning knob makes things easier still.
It also has a built-in bottle opener – a very handy and nifty addition.
2. JosephJoseph Can-Do Compact
- JosephJoseph Can-Do Compact Can Opener, £13.50, Amazon – buy here
JosephJoseph do small kitchen gadgets and essentials better than most, and it’s easy to see why when they design something as simple and clever as this circular tin opener.
Just place the opener on the top of the can and start twisting.
When the lid is off, press the release button on the side and drop the lid straight in the recycling.
It’s best feature, though, is its super-small size. Get it in White/Green or Black/Grey.
3. Culinare Advanced One-Touch
- Culinare Advanced One-Touch Can Opener, £16, Argos – buy here
One for people with arthritis or those who have difficulty using their hands, this clever pebble-shaped, battery-operated design means never having to strain to open a tin again.
Clamp it to the top of a can, press the button and voila!
It moves around the can, cutting off the lid as it goes. When it’s done, a magnet keeps the lid attached to the opener until you’re ready to chuck it in the bin.
Requires two AA batteries.
4. Chef'n EZ Squeeze
- Chef'n EZ Squeeze One Handed Can Opener, £26.36, Amazon – buy here
Thought you couldn’t open a tin with one hand? Think again.
This design from kitchen gadget wizards Chef’n uses a ratchet motion, so all you need to do is squeeze the handles a couple of times then the magnetic tip will lift up the can lid.
Much less strain on your wrist, which can only be a good thing.
5. Stainless Steel Can Opener
- Stainless Steel Can Opener, £7.50, Marks & Spencer – buy here
We’ve finished our round-up with another classic stainless-steel butterfly design at a decent price.
It’s also much sleeker than a lot on the market, so won’t clutter up drawers.
The rounded handles are easy to grip and the built-in bottle opener is a nice touch.
6. Stam can opener
- Stam can opener, £1.75, Ikea – buy here
Cheap, cheerful but fairly robust considering it’s pretty much all plastic, this Ikea tin opener can be used by left or right-handed people.
The handles clip together when it’s not being used, so it’ll take up minimal space in your drawer, and it comes in red, black or white.
An absolute bargain.
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