My winner cracks cans without a hitch. The best can opener is the no-frills Beneno Can Opener, priced under $20. It has grippy handles, punctures cans easily, and slices lids off smoothly. I also ...

Can openers are a staple in modern kitchens — but not until relatively recently. According to food writer Jackie Alpers, “the can opener was invented almost 50 years after the can, and before that ...