Buy It For Life
Can Openers

Cookware & Kitchenware

Buy it for life: the most durable can openers,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit —
recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Kuhn Rikon LidLifter

Side-cutting safety opener that leaves smooth edges and avoids touching food contents.

Mentioned 15 times in the threads we read

• Smooth, safe edges
• Long-lasting
• Doesn't touch food

This is the only answer. I’ve had mine for something like 15yrs and it’s looks and works like new to this day.
– iwantmy-2dollars

I've had the same Kuhn Rikon "Lid Lifter" for 20+ years and it hasn't failed me yet.
– hopefullyAGoodBoomer

Slightly different, but for a tin opener, I can't praise the Kuhn Rikon LidLifter enough. Best opener I've ever used, it's lasted for ages and... no rust.
– Y-Bob

OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener

Ergonomic side-cutting opener that removes lids cleanly and avoids sharp edges.

Mentioned 14 times in the threads we read

• Safe smooth edges
• Easy to use
• Lid can be reused

Ive had the oxo smooth edge can opener for at least 15 years and it’s going strong.
– Glad_Awareness_5134

I have one and can confirm it works great. Easy to use, reliable, and doesn’t produce a sharp edge.
– skyo

They’re so much better than regular can openers: safer and less likely to cut yourself on the lid or can; the top of the can can be pressed back on the can as a lid
– amd2800barton

Swing-A-Way Can Opener

Classic hand-crank opener, especially prized in older vintage U.S.-made versions.

Mentioned 13 times in the threads we read

• Works smoothly
• Long service life
• Widely trusted older versions

Got fed up. Searched r/buyitforlife and bought a swing-a-way.
– Into-the-stream

That Swingaway is still with me 22 years later, having followed me from that first apartment all through the milestones of adulthood.
– SeaQueenXV

I second this, OP. I’ve had mine for years and it just churns through cans - no signs of struggle or slowing down.
– beardofzetterberg

EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener

Traditional U.S.-made hand-crank opener often recommended as the modern Swing-A-Way equivalent.

Mentioned 12 times in the threads we read

• Sturdy build
• Traditional design
• Good longevity

EZ-Duz-It. Bought mine in 2021 after my old one failed. It’s built like a tank
– Bornin1462

I bought an EZ-DUZ-IT in March 2019 and it's still going great so far.
– donslaughter

We have had an EZ-DUZ-IT for 9 years or so. Still going strong.
– pbshooter1217

Ganji Kankiri Japanese Can Opener

One-piece Japanese opener with no moving parts, valued for durability and easy cleaning.

Mentioned 10 times in the threads we read

• No moving parts
• Very durable
• Easy to clean

A Japanese can opener (Ganji Kankiri) is truly BIFL. One piece, no moving parts, and washable.
– Bobcat-Plus

After going through 3 standard can openers, I bought one of these. Truly BIFL.
– moby__dick

I own a restaurant and this is all we use now. I bought one for my home, and threw one in my camping box.
– Itromite

P-38 Can Opener

Tiny military-style folding opener with minimal parts and extremely durable construction.

Mentioned 7 times in the threads we read

• Extremely durable
• Compact
• Simple design

I've lost them, but never had one break or stop working.
– screenaholic

You realize that people have P-38s their grandfather or great grandfather got in WWII?
– SVAuspicious

In my opinion the only BIFL can opener is the P38
– man2112

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