Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch vs OXO Good Grips: Electric or Manual?
Both of these open cans from the side, leaving a smooth edge and a lid that doesn't touch the food — that's the shared feature and it's the reason to buy either over a cheap twist opener.
Everything else diverges. The Hamilton Beach takes up counter space and needs an outlet but requires almost no effort. The OXO lives in a drawer, works in a power cut, and asks for a fair bit of hand strength.
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Side by side
| Compare |  Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener$39.95 |  OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener$24.95 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28 | $25 |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 stars | 4.4 stars |
| Effort required | Effortless — press and walk away | Noticeably more effort by hand |
| Storage | Dedicated counter footprint | Fits in a drawer |
| Power needed | Mains electricity | None |
| Can types | Pop-top and regular, including extra-tall | Standard cans |
| Left-handed use | No handedness issue | Designed for right-handed operation |
| Small hands | Not a factor | Large handles can be unwieldy |
| Maintenance | Cutting mechanism needs cleaning | Wheel never touches contents |
The verdict
If you have the counter space, the Hamilton Beach is the easier tool and the better rating reflects it — especially for anyone with arthritis or reduced grip strength, or who is left-handed. The OXO is the right answer for small kitchens, occasional use, and anyone who'd rather not give up counter real estate to a single-purpose appliance.
Where to buy
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener
The #1 can opener brand in the U.S. Cuts along the side for smooth, touchable lids — opens pop-top and standard cans with a single push-down lever.
OXO Good Grips Smooth Edge Can Opener
A manual side-cut opener that leaves smooth edges without electricity. Built-in pliers grip lids for contact-free removal — Amazon's Choice in manual openers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best option if grip strength is the main issue?
Between these two, the Hamilton Beach. If counter space rules it out, the Bangrui cordless electric opener is battery-powered and needs no hand strength either, though it's slower.
Does side-cutting really matter?
Yes, and it's the main reason to upgrade from a basic opener. Cutting the side seam means no sharp lid edge and no blade contact with the food, which is both safer and more hygienic.
Still deciding?
See how these stack up against everything else we've tested.
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