The GIs of World War II are considered the Greatest Generation for many reasons — not least of which is their mastery of flimsy little can openers. Those soldiers used tiny hooks of metal to help make meals in the trenches...and you, 60 years later, in the comfort of a granite-countered kitchen, have some hulking, plastic-handled gizmo that makes you feel as if you're all thumbs (thumbs in peril of being gouged by a jagged lid at that). Well, it's time you armed yourself with a better can opener. After testing 24 models, Real Simple found the five best crankers to use when you're battling that 16-ounce can of beans.

Grand Openings

No one wants to feel overpowered by a can opener. The tool should be user-friendly to everyone's hands — including those of a person with arthritis, someone who needs to open can after can after can, and a kid.

BEST ALL-AROUND

KUHN RIKON SAFETY LID LIFTER, $15

HOW IT WORKS: Unlike the common side-winding can openers (which require you to stick your finger under the lid's sharp cut edge), this ergonomic model is a smooth-edge opener, so it detaches the entire top of the can at once. In fact, if you use the needle-nose pincers to pick up the lid before you trash it, your fingers need never make contact with it. Another bonus: Because the can opener clamps onto the top of the can (not the side), it works well for lefties.

WHAT THE PANEL SAID:

ANN: "I really like the way the can opener removed the entire lid. It did put a little stress on my fingers. I do feel it's more safe and hygienic."

JESSICA: "It wasn't obvious that the can opener was on the lid properly. It took some time before I figured it out."

JACOB: "I thought it was neat the way the top came off, but it was hard to figure out. It took me three tries to open the can." (Jacob had assumed the can opener would clamp onto the side of the can rather than the top.)

TO BUY: Broadway Panhandler, www.broadwaypanhandler.com.

EASIEST TO USE

KITCHENAID CAN OPENER, $15

HOW IT WORKS: An upgrade of the classic clasp-on can opener. Its crank requires minimal effort. While you still need to pop out the sharp lid, which remains hinged at one spot, this sturdy model glides around the can and makes the process less of a chore.

WHAT THE PANEL SAID:

ANN: "Among the handheld can openers, it's one of the easiest on my fingers — very smooth."

JESSICA: "It wasn't difficult, but I did have to use my finger to pull the lid out of the can."

JACOB: "Now this is a can opener. It works a lot better than our can opener. I like the way it feels in my hands."

TO BUY: www.amazon.com.

MOST COMPACT

ROSLE CAN OPENER, $30

HOW IT WORKS: This model presses on the lid instead of clamping, and it produces a smooth-edged cut (no jagged edges). It can hang on a hook, but it's also compact enough to stash in a crowded drawer.

WHAT THE PANEL SAID:

ANN: "Not having to clamp it is a plus. I had a little problem turning the crank, but generally I found it light and easy to handle."

JESSICA: "It was hard to figure out, but it was less of a strain on my hands."

JACOB: "Wow, this is really cool. They should call it the Luke Skywalker can opener."

TO BUY: www.chefsresource.com.

BEST ELECTRIC

MICHAEL GRAVES ELECTRIC CAN OPENER, $20

HOW IT WORKS: Unlike many other electric versions tested, this model did not splatter soup or sauce, and it automatically stops after a full rotation. The blade arm detaches for cleaning, and as a bonus, the opener has a knife sharpener on the back. The downside: You'll still need to pop out the jagged lid, since electric can openers can't cut a smooth edge around the top.

WHAT THE PANEL SAID:

ANN: "I would choose to use the electric can opener because it requires the least effort from my hands. I liked how the lid does not fall into the can."

JESSICA: "It was easy to use, but I prefer a handheld can opener because it seems faster."

JACOB: "I liked the push-button operation. It's fun to use. I would use it every day."

TO BUY: www.target.com.

THE PANEL: Real Simple called in the following testers to critique the can openers.

Ann Ucci, 77, of Succasunna, New Jersey, who has arthritis in both hands.

Jessica Vergara, 25, of Queens, New York, an animal-care technician at the Manhattan branch of the ASPCA, where she opens about 25 cans of pet food each day.

Jacob Gager, 11, of Charlotte, Vermont, son of (and sous-chef to) Real Simple food editor Jane Kirby.

WALL POWER

Your countertop can accommodate only so much: toaster, coffee-maker, dish rack, that pair of hockey gloves you've asked to be removed no fewer than 13 times. All of which argues for a wall-mounted electric can opener. The Krups Open Control ($40) attaches to the wall and multitasks as a bottle opener and a knife-and-scissor sharpener. The blade arm detaches, so you can wash off any gunk. The sole drawback: It doesn't automatically stop after a rotation, so you have to hold the can as you open it. It also can't remove those hockey gloves — which are still there.

TO BUY: www.krups.com for stores.