Zyliss E930038U Electric Can Opener Side-Cuts Smooth Edges With One Touch

Opening a can is simple until the crank is hard to grip, the opener wanders off the rim, or a permanent countertop appliance feels excessive. The Zyliss E930038U EasiCan takes a different approach: set its compact body on the lid, press Start/Stop, and let the battery-powered wheel travel around the can. It is most convincing for people who value a smooth side cut and drawer-friendly storage, but its placement routine and light plastic construction make it a poor universal replacement for every opener.

Side cutting changes what comes off the can

Instead of cutting down through the lid, the EasiCan follows the outer seam. Zyliss says this side-cut design leaves a smooth edge, while the built-in magnet lifts the separated lid. That combination addresses two annoyances at once: there is no loose lid to fish out of the food, and the cut edge is less aggressive to handle than a conventional top-cut edge.

The benefit still depends on using the opener as directed. It must sit level on an undamaged rim, and the cutting wheel has to engage the seam. A badly dented can or one with an unusual lip can defeat the neat, repeatable path that the design expects. This is a convenience tool, not a promise that every container will open perfectly.

One button replaces the crank, not the setup

The operating sequence is short but specific. Align the opener on the lid, press and release the Start/Stop button, then let it travel around the rim. After the cut, press the button again to reverse and release the wheel; wait until the motor and indicator have stopped before lifting the unit. The magnet should bring the lid with it.

That hands-free cutting cycle is the clearest reason to buy it. It avoids maintaining a tight grip while turning a manual handle, which may help anyone with limited hand strength or anyone opening several ordinary pantry cans. Yet “one touch” does not mean “no attention.” Correct placement, a second button press, and a brief wait remain part of the job.

Two AA batteries buy drawer-friendly portability

The E930038U is cordless and uses two AA batteries, which are not included. There is no charging cable to keep on the counter and no appliance base consuming workspace. Amazon's exact product listing gives a 4.5-inch length and a 177-gram weight, so it is compact enough to store beside other small utensils rather than claim a permanent spot beside the stove.

Battery power is also the tradeoff. Fresh cells need to be available, and a weakening pair can interrupt the convenience at exactly the wrong moment. Buyers who dislike disposable batteries or who open cans heavily every day may be happier with a sturdy manual model or a corded countertop opener. The EasiCan makes the strongest case in a kitchen where cans are opened periodically and compact storage matters more than maximum-duty construction.

Who should choose it—and who should not

Choose the Zyliss E930038U if the main goals are avoiding a hand crank, keeping sharp lid edges under better control, and storing the opener in a drawer. The smooth side cut and magnetic lift are separate, practical advantages, while the cordless body avoids giving up counter space.

There is a meaningful caution behind those benefits. In Food & Wine's 2025 electric-can-opener testing, the EasiCan felt flimsy and awkward, and the testers preferred other handheld models. Their result does not erase the documented mechanism, but it does challenge the idea that compact automatically means effortless or robust. If you routinely open large or damaged cans, want rechargeable power, or expect a substantial appliance feel, skip this model. If ordinary cans, lighter handling, and small storage are the priorities, its design is easy to understand—and its limitations are equally clear.