A can opener is a simple kitchen staple that is easy to operate. As you age, you may experience joint inflammation with pain, swelling, stiffness, arthritis and limited range of motion that can also affect your ability to go about your everyday activities. Particularly, for older adults with arthritis, their joints become stiff or stressed when they try holding their hands in a flexed position or tight grip resulting in muscle fatigue.
5 Best Can Openers for Seniors/Elderly
If you are short on time, watch this video on best can openers for seniors.
Operating basic appliances, squeezing tight handles and knobs can be a headache for older adults with limited dexterity. Here’s a round-up of some reliable, headache free and easy-to-use can openers for seniors:
1. Home Basics Electric Can Opener
AVAILABLE ON WALMART
A continuous grip even if the squeeze is super light than your regular opener can make your joints stiff and muscles fatigued. This is where an electric can opener comes in handy. Electric can openers are best suited for older adults with limited hand movement. Home Basics is one of the best can openers for seniors.
Home Basics Electric Can Opener is compact, easy to use, and equally affordable. You only need to flip down the lever to lower the blade on the can. It will then start turning automatically to open the can with ease. It features a magnet that holds the can as you lift away the can.
The electric can opener for seniors works well on large and standard circular cans. It however doesn’t cut dented cans and oddly shaped ones. Most devices usually cut off the top part with jagged edges. The best part about this can opener for the elderly is that it typically makes a wavy line when you cut the lid. This way, you won’t hurt yourself when taking off the lid. This feature is ideal for older adults with weaker grips as they tend to drop the can once they remove the opener.
2. Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener
AVAILABLE ON HAMILTON
Most people use can openers to crack into messy yet delicious ingredients like pumpkin puree or tomato sauce. Always go for an easy-to-clean and mess-free can opener to save yourself the trouble – this means that the can opener is dishwasher safe.
Just as the name suggests, Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Can Opener is heavyweight and extra tall which makes maneuvering and grabbing quite easy. What’s more, it’s easy to operate since it’s electric. It features a built-in base and a removable cutting unit. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe! The cutting unit is crafted with some patented technology to ensure the can open every time you try to.
Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome Heavyweight Can Opener isn’t very loud. You can press start and do other things since you don’t need to hold it in place as the magnet works its way. However, this only applies to standard-size cans. Safety is guaranteed when using this appliance as it automatically shuts off when it’s done opening the can.
3. Cuisinart SCO-60 Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener
AVAILABLE ON WALMART
If you’ve always landed on cheap and flimsy can openers, then it’s time to try out the Cuisinart SCO-60 Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener. It’s made of stainless steel with the company’s stellar reputation backing. The appliance also comes with a three-year warranty.
Cuisinart SCO-60 Deluxe Stainless Steel Can Opener is easy to operate, and ideal for seniors with limited hand mobility. Position the can properly then lower the lever, the blade will effortlessly open the can since it’s electric. When it’s done, the magnet holds the lid as you remove the can so you have to worry about hurting yourself in the process. This appliance is best suited for different can sizes and features an extra wide base so it stays in place when you are unlocking a can. It’s compact, lightweight and easy to clean and all these features make it one of the best can openers for the elderly.
4. OXO Good Grips Snap Lock Can Opener
AVAILABLE ON WALMART
OXO Good Grips Snap Lock is one of the best hand-held can openers for seniors. It’s not electric but features a snap-and-lock design with a cushy handle that makes it easy to operate. Plus, you can easily grab the side wind since it’s oversized. It also moves smoothly and effortlessly with minimum finger strength.
The can opener doesn’t touch the contents. This typically saves you the hassle of cleaning it up after use. However, you can always clean the stainless steel part by hand as it’s not dishwasher safe. After cutting the can fully, you can use the can opener as a plier to take off the lid without necessarily touching it.
OXO Good Grips Snap Lock Can Opener is uniquely designed to open cans effortlessly. Plus, it doesn’t leave sharp edges when you remove the lid. This significantly reduces the chances of cutting yourself as you scoop out the contents in the can.
5. Hamilton Beach Can Opener, Built-In Knife Sharpener and Removable Bottle Opener
AVAILABLE ON HAMILTON
Hamilton Beach Can Opener is electric which makes it equally easy to operate ideal for older adults with limited hand movement. It’s a bit pricey but hands down the best can openers for seniors based on customer reviews. First, this appliance is well made. While holding up the can to the blade level, press the top lever down.
The top lever is huge and has minimal resistance which typically makes pressing down easy regardless of strength or mobility. The opener holds up the can independently as it cuts the lid all around. Your only focus should be on pushing down the lever and then releasing it once it’s done. This leaves you with an open can without sharp edges.
The blade creates a smooth edge as it cuts along the line between the can and lid. It’s so smooth that you can even touch it with your bare hands. The best part about the Hamilton Beach Can Opener is that it opens pop-tops, standard-size cans, and irregularly shaped tins which other appliances can’t do.
Hamilton Beach Can Opener additionally features a chrome and sleek black design with a clean finish. It’s so compact and inconspicuous that it fits perfectly well in any kitchen space. The appliance has a wide base that helps it securely stay in place. Plus, it comes with a retractable cord for ease of storage especially if you have it on the kitchen countertop all the time.
Find the Best Can Openers for Seniors/Elderly
Oversized Features
If you are going for a handheld can opener, opt for those with big knobs and handles to reduce grip pressure. This way, you’ll use larger joints and preserve their smaller counterparts for the same motion and use less energy on the job.
Limited Touch Requirements
For battery-operated and electric can openers, always go for those with minimum touch requirements to avoid stress and joint pain. A can opener with a magnet will also come in handy to avoid holding up the can as it’s being opened.
Weight and Size
Handheld can openers are lightweight and easy to store. However, if you are going for an electric can opener, ensure it’s not only light but also convenient when it comes to storage to make up for the limited mobility and strength.
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