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Kitchen shears are usually an overlooked tool, except by professionals in the field. They have come a long way from being the tool of a serious chef , now being casually used in homes daily. Innovations have introduced and integrated more features and functionalities into kitchen shears, transforming them into one of the most essentials tools in anyone's kitchen.
We've formulated this article to help you find the best and the most useful kitchen shears for you to make life easier in and around the kitchen. Also featured is the list of our top picks of shears that stand out for their unique features, great customer ratings, and their impeccable performance.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
While functionality and the quality of materials are the keys to choosing the best kitchen shears from among the lot, there are other important factors to keep in mind as you buy a set.
There are two types of kitchen shears: straight-bladed multipurpose shears and curved poultry or meat shears.
Straight-bladed shears have two sharp blades that make them look like classic scissors. They are suitable for spatchcocking chicken and cutting produce, herbs or even flower stems. These basic kitchen shears can also handle cutting bones, to an extent. However, their small to medium size makes their use limited to appropriately sized items.
If your cooking involves carving meat from the bone or cutting hard-to-reach spots, you need poultry or meat shears. They come with serrated edges or curved blades on one or both sides. Basic kitchen shears can handle butchering smaller poultry, but if you're trying to cut through a turkey, a dedicated pair of large poultry shears will get the job done.
Being corrosion-resistant, stainless steel is the preferred material for shear blades. They are easy to maintain, but can dull quite easily.
Professional-grade shears are crafted with high carbon stainless steel, which is a steel alloy with a high carbon content. That allows for the blades to remain sharper for longer. However, due to the mixed nature of the metal, they may stain if they aren't wiped down after each use.
Blades made of both stainless steel and high carbon stainless steel can be coated with titanium as well, which will help them hold a sharp edge for even longer while also protecting them from rust and stains.
The second most important element of kitchen shears are the handles. Most kitchen shear handles are made with hard plastic to provide a cheap but durable base for the blades. Some premium shears offer texturized rubber handles, so that you can have a slip-free grip on your shears even when handling messy or slippery substances.
In general, it's better to have a handle that is larger rather than smaller. This is because you want to maximize leverage when cutting through tough pieces of bone, something that is hard to do if the holes in the handle are too small to get most of your hand through.
Some scissors also come with spring mechanisms in the handle. They can be useful for those with grip issues, as they open themselves back up when done cutting and are easy to operate. For left-handed individuals, look out for kitchen scissors with equally sized holes for universal use, or scissors dedicated to being used by the left hand.
All shears and scissors are designed for basic cutting and shearing needs. But some shears are multi-purpose and have many functions other than snipping herbs, vegetables, and shearing meat.
Even the presence of a tiny food particle can contaminate the shear blades and promote the growth of bacteria. Detachable shears have an unlocking hinge, which allows the blades to pull apart from the handle. This makes it much easier to scrub down the entire blade, as well as sharpen each individual one.
Another easy cleaning feature to look out for is dishwasher safe shears. The high heat of the dishwasher can also safely sanitize your kitchen shears, without you having to do the work yourself.
Just like with kitchen knives, some kitchen shears feature serrated edges. The saw-like teeth ensure a better grip and prevent wet meat from slipping while cutting. They can also be used to cut open shellfish like crabs, shrimp, or lobster.
A notch near the hinge of the shears is another useful feature. While it may seem minor, the notch makes cutting stubborn bones much easier.
Many scissors come with a nutcracker or bottle opener near the hinge. Some have screwdriver tips installed in the handle for opening oysters and quickly tightening loose pot lid handles. A neat storage function is a built-in magnet, which allows you to keep your scissors prominently displayed on your fridge.
There are also specialized kitchen shears, such as poultry shears for butchering poultry and herb scissors with multiple blades for slicing delicate herbs quickly.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gerior Multi-function Detachable Shears | $15.99 Low Mid | Best Multifunctional Kitchen Shears | ||
2 | Kitchenaid Shears with Soft Grip Handles | $8.99 Low | Best for Straightforward Cutting Action | ||
3 | Tansung Poultry Shears | $19.99 Mid | Best for Cutting Poultry With a Lifetime Guarantee | ||
4 | Livingo | $18.99 Mid | Best Fully Stainless Steel Kitchen Shears | ||
5 | Gidli Kitchen Shears and Seafood Scissors | $21.95 High Mid | Best 2-for-1 Kitchen Shears Deal | ||
6 | Wusthof Kitchen Shears | $25.00 High Mid | Best Beginner Kitchen Shears | ||
7 | Kuhn Rikon Self-Sharpening Shears | $26.40 High | Best Self-Sharpening Springloaded Shears | ||
8 | Fantaplus Heavy-Duty Titanium-Coated Shears | $10.99 Low Mid | Best Titanium-Coated Shears | ||
9 | Silver Armadillo Premium Poultry Scissors | $22.87 High Mid | Best for Butchering With Springloaded Ease | ||
10 | Jenaluca Herb Scissors | $15.99 Low Mid | Best for Snipping Delicate Herbs |
Pros:
Cons:
This set of shears can perform a variety of tasks in and around the kitchen including cutting, nut cracking, opening jars and cans, and functioning as a screwdriver. The serrated stainless steel blades are sharp, rust-resistant, and are, at 3 millimeters, thicker than most. This lends itself well to getting through the toughest cuts of bone.
Most reviewers rave over the multiple functions these scissors offer. Some noted that the hinge connecting the blades malfunctioned over time. However, they also followed up by saying they were promptly contacted by the Gerior customer service representatives and received new, functional scissors.
Pros:
Cons:
These Kitchenaid kitchen scissors are a great example of how sometimes less is more. These straight-bladed scissors have only one main function, cutting, but it does it well. They can cut through plastic, paper, meats, and produce easily. It also comes with a plastic blade guard for storage as well.
These scissors' long-lasting sharpness is what most reviewers rave about. Many mentioned how these scissors also work well in the office and in the garden. However, a few reviewers noted that the hinge can wobble, causing issues when doing heavy-duty prep work such as spatchcocking chicken. But overall, these scissors do what scissors do best: cut.
Pros:
Cons:
Tansung offers food preparation efficiency with this multifunctional pair of shears made of professional-grade stainless steel. The serrated blades, one slightly notched, can be taken apart to peel vegetables or scale fish. The lock mode prevents the blades from opening accidentally, and the spring relieves pressure on the hand. They have one handle loop that is easy to hold.
Some reviewers questioned their multifunctionality as they did not cut through paper or plastic. Some even say that the anti-rust claim from the manufacturer is exaggerated. However, those who frequently butcher meat for themselves or their dogs love how these blades cut all the way through the tip.
Pros:
Cons:
Heavy size can be tiring during extended use
By being made entirely out of stainless steel, these shears are durable, rust-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. This makes them great for cutting up meat and then tossing them into the dishwasher. Plus, the built-in can opener, bottle opener, and nutcracker make these scissors multi-functional.
Reviewers noted that these scissors have a slight heaviness to them which, in addition to the smaller-sized holes, can make them tiring to use. However, other reviewers noted that the heaviness is due to the scissors' durability, and loved how they held an edge even after a month of use.
Pros:
Cons:
This Gidli product has notched and serrated stainless-steel blades to facilitate easy cutting through bony and dense meat. The ergonomic handles ensure a secure and soft grip. Plus, the bonus curved seafood scissors make peeling shrimp and prawns easy. The thin blades can slide easily into hard-to-reach spots.
Many reviewers noted that if you have medium- to large-sized hands, using these scissors for more than a few minutes can be uncomfortable. But others loved this two-for-one deal, as it also makes for a great gift for others.
Built-in bottle opener and nutcracker for multi-purpose use
High-carbon stainless steel maintains sharp edge
Serrated blade offers extra grip
Cons:
Unlocking hinge can get loose and easily detachable
Handle loops better suit small to medium hands
The use of high-carbon stainless steel makes these shears professional-grade sharp. One blade is also serrated to prevent slipping while cutting. The blades also detach, for easier cleaning and sharpening. The handles of the shears feature steel tooth insets that function as a bottle or jar opener.
Reviewers noted that the handle loops are on the smaller side, so it will be difficult for those with large hands to hold them for long. According to some reviews, if you open it a little more than 45 degrees, the blades might come apart. But otherwise, the sharp edge these blades provide will make them a staple in your kitchen.
Pros:
Self-sharpening blades help with maintenance
Comes with an herb stripper and bottle opener
Spring-loaded grip makes cutting easier
Cons:
Scissors only stay closed with protective sheath
Spring-loaded design can make cleaning harder
Reviewers mentioned having to be careful when using these shears since your hand can slide up the handles and get pinched by the herb strippers. Others wished it had a built-in locking mechanism. Once these issues are acknowledged, however, many users love how easy to use these shears are.
Pros:
Has a one-year warranty
Protective sheath for safe storage
Comes with a bonus herb stripper
Cons:
Fantaplus offers these shears with a titanium coating that can last for weeks without sharpening. Titanium is also impervious to rust, so it doesn't require as much maintenance as some kitchen shears. Besides the non-slip cutting and shearing, the shears can open bottles, crack nuts, and scrape fish scales.
Reviewers love the coating on these shears, saying that they work just as well as their titanium-coated knives. There may be some inconsistencies with the product, however, as some mentioned they could see the titanium being irregularly coated on their scissors. But Fantaplus' customer service representatives are on top of it, so if you have any issues with your shears, they will send you a sharper replacement quickly.
Pros:
Spring-loaded mechanism makes cutting easier
Handle lock allow for safe hanging and storage
Comes with a bonus silicone brush
Cons:
Stainless steel handle can get slippery
Does not cut skin
Please note that the handles are metal, so to avoid accidents, keep your hands dry and oil-free while using! Even a little fat can affect your cutting experience, according to some reviews. Others were shocked to find the shears can't cut through skin, although the product description does acknowledge it. However, reviewers love these shears for cutting everything from meat to sheets of silver.
Pros:
Cons:
This unique set of shears makes a great tool for snipping herbs in a jiffy. It features 5 pairs of super sharp stainless steel blades and comes with a complimentary cleaning comb that can brush off clinging herbs from the blades. They can chop herbs directly into a pan without leaving a mess. They can also shred papers or fringe fabrics.
For those who regularly use herbs or scallions, these scissors would definitely come in handy. Reviewers did note that they are quite heavy, so some experienced pain in their hands after using them for an extended period of time. However, for working with delicate herbs, many said these served well.
Like most other tools, kitchen shears also require regular maintenance and cleaning. Regular sharpening will be essential in addition to washing them daily. Proper maintenance ensures that the shears have a long life and they perform well as long as they are around.
The key to keeping your shears clean and hygienic is to wash them immediately after use, especially if you used them to cut raw chicken. Raw meat is infamous for contaminating knives and blades, and the probability of germs and bacteria spreading is high.
However, don't always toss the shears in a dishwasher. Although some come with a dishwasher-safe promise, it is always good to handwash them to prevent the blades from breaking and retain their sharpness.
After washing and drying, store the shears in their sheath or cover. If they do not come with a cover, store them in a knife block or wrap them in a cloth and store away.
As the blades are the most frequently used element of your kitchen shears, they require regular maintenance. Blades with carbon content can be maintained by applying a few drops of oil and wiping them with a cloth. If your shears have a pivot screw, add a drop of oil on it to help them operate smoothly.
Kitchen shears can be sharpened with a whetstone, just like a knife. You can also try cutting sandpaper, aluminum foil, or a piece of steel wool several times to quickly sharpen the blades. There are even at-home sharpeners for serrated kitchen shears, making it easier to own a pair casually.
Cutting tasks around the kitchen can be easier when you have the right tools handy. Check these links for some more sharp kitchen tools.
If you're interested in more kitchen shears, check out Amazon's list of best selling kitchen scissors.
No. 1: Gerior|Multi-function Detachable Shears
No. 2: Kitchenaid|Shears with Soft Grip Handles
No. 3: Tansung|Poultry Shears
No. 4: Livingo|
No. 5: Gidli|Kitchen Shears and Seafood Scissors
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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