Draft Top LIFT Beer Soda Can Opener Review: A Handheld Top Remover for Smooth-Edge Sipping

The Draft Top LIFT is a manual can opener designed to remove the entire top of a beer or soda can, leaving a smooth edge for drinking directly from the can. Marketed as a “topless can opener,” it aims to offer an alternative to traditional can openers or pulling the tab. In practice, it works by cutting through the can’s rim, allowing the lid to be lifted off cleanly.

Using the LIFT is straightforward: you place the device over the can’s top, align the cutting blade with the rim, and rotate it around the can. The cutting action is manual and requires a bit of pressure, but the handle provides decent leverage. After a full rotation, the top pops off with a gentle lift, revealing a wide opening. This design is intended to eliminate sharp edges, though in testing, the edge was smooth but not entirely razor-free—some minor roughness remained, especially on thinner cans.

Key functional features include a compact, handheld build that fits in a pocket or drawer, a cutting blade that claims to be durable, and a magnetic mechanism that holds the lid after cutting to prevent it from falling into the drink. The magnet works well for most standard cans, but it struggled slightly with taller or narrower cans, like some energy drinks, causing the lid to tilt before being fully detached. The device is made of plastic and metal, with the blade being replaceable, though replacements are not widely available yet.

A notable limitation is that it only works with standard 12-ounce cans and some 16-ounce sizes, but larger or smaller cans may not fit properly. The cutting blade also dulls over time, especially with frequent use on thicker cans, leading to more effort required. Additionally, the initial learning curve can be tricky—if you don’t apply even pressure, the cut can be uneven, leaving a jagged edge that defeats the smooth-edge promise.

Compared to a traditional can opener, which punctures and lifts the lid, the Draft Top LIFT offers a different experience: it preserves the can’s structure for drinking, similar to how a beer can is often consumed at a bar. However, a traditional opener is faster and more reliable for simply opening a can. Another alternative is the pull-tab, which is already standard on most beverage cans and requires no extra tool. The LIFT adds a step but provides a wider opening for those who prefer to drink from the can without the tab interfering.

Who is it suitable for? This product works best for casual drinkers who enjoy the novelty of a topless can or want to avoid the metal taste sometimes associated with pull-tabs. It’s also useful for people who have difficulty using pull-tabs due to arthritis or grip issues, as the LIFT requires less fine motor control. However, it is not ideal for those who need to open cans quickly or in bulk, such as at a party or event, because the process takes about 10–15 seconds per can. It’s also not for people who prefer the convenience of a simple twist-off cap or a bottle opener.

In terms of durability, the plastic handle feels sturdy but not premium, and the blade may need replacing after several dozen uses. The device is easy to clean by rinsing, but the blade area can trap residue. Overall, the Draft Top LIFT does what it claims—removes the top of a can with a smooth edge—but it’s a niche tool rather than a must-have. It adds a bit of effort to a simple task, and the results are good but not flawless. If you’re curious about the topless can experience, it’s a fun gadget, but it’s not a replacement for a standard opener.

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