OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener: Cutting and Lifting the Lid

Product guide October 17, 2026

OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener, model 1049953.

See how the OXO Smooth Edge opener cuts beneath the rim, releases the can and lifts the lid with pliers. Manual operation; hand wash only.

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Choose the OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener if you want to cut beneath the can rim and lift the lid with built-in pliers instead of gripping its edge. It is still a manual tool. You turn the knob to cut; the gray button is for the lid pliers, not automatic opening.

Model 1049953 requires a reverse turn to release the can before you lift the lid. It also needs hand washing. Check that sequence and care requirement before switching from a conventional top-cut opener.

Where the wheel cuts changes how you remove the lid

OXO model 1049953 uses a stainless steel cutting wheel at the outside seal, below the can edge. A conventional top-cut opener cuts into the top of the lid instead. The OXO's lid pliers are a separate part of the process—not a substitute for finishing the cut.

Side view of the OXO opener engaging the outside seam of a can — The cutting wheel meets the outside seam, below the can edge.

That distinction matters when switching tools: seat this opener against the outside seam rather than trying to position it like a top-cut model. OXO's smooth-edge design is not a reason to handle cut metal carelessly.

The opening sequence, including the reverse turn

The model-specific OXO instructions describe these steps:

Open the handle and bring the opener against the can. Match the can's top edge to the curved top of the opener.
Close the handle to start the cut. Turn the knob clockwise until the resistance drops.
Turn the knob counterclockwise one full turn, then open the handle to release the can.
Use the built-in lid pliers to lift away the lid.

Two hands holding the OXO opener and turning its manual knob — Hold the handle while turning the knob; this is a manual opener.

The reverse turn and handle release come before lid removal. This is not a one-button opener: you still position the tool, turn the knob and move to the lid-removal step. We have not measured its turning force or tested it for limited hand strength.

What the gray button actually does

The product photo identifies the button as the control for the built-in pliers. Once cutting is complete and the opener is released, use those jaws to grip the lid's rim and lift it. The button does not cut the can or eject the lid by itself.

Gray button beside the built-in lid pliers on the OXO opener — The gray button operates the lid pliers, not a motor.

OXO lid pliers gripping the rim of a removed can lid — After cutting, the pliers lift the lid by its rim.

The practical benefit is a dedicated grip on the lid without having to pick up its edge with your fingers. The photos show the product's intended operation, not our own test. Cans and food shown are demonstration props.

Follow the current hand-wash instruction

OXO's current product page specifies hand wash only. Older editorial copy on the Amazon listing describes dishwasher cleaning; we follow the manufacturer's current instruction here.

The linked item is the OXO Smooth Edge model 1049953. The listing also uses part number 1049953V2, but we found no basis to describe that suffix as a separate upgrade. Check the selected offer's contents: its item-count and pack-count fields conflict, so this guide does not promise a multipack.

View the OXO Smooth Edge Can Opener on Amazon

Based on OXO's product information and instructions, plus the selected Amazon listing and supplier images. No hands-on testing.