Guide to Poultry Shears
Also known as chicken scissors, chicken shears, poultry scissors, kitchen shears, and kitchen scissors, are a versatile kitchen tool. Learn about the different types, features, and uses, and get a buying guide to help you choose the right one.
If you're an avid cook or a professional chef, you know the importance of having the right tools in the kitchen. One essential tool when dealing with poultry may be a good pair of shears/scissors.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced chef, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose and use the best poultry shears for your kitchen.
Types of Poultry Shears
Traditional Scissors-Style Shears
These are the most common type of poultry shears and have been around for centuries. They are designed with two straight blades that pivot at a single point and are operated by two opposing handles. They are ideal for general purpose use, but not suitable for cutting through bones or joints.
Advantages: Affordable, versatile, and easy to find.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for cutting through bones or joints.
Spring-Loaded Shears
These shears are similar to traditional scissors-style shears, but they have a spring-loaded mechanism that opens the blades automatically after each cut. This makes them easier to use and reduces hand fatigue. They can cut through bones and joints, but may not be suitable for larger or thicker bones.
Advantages: Easy to use, reduce hand fatigue, and can cut through bones and joints.
Disadvantages: May not be suitable for larger or thicker bones.
Cleaver-Style Shears
These shears are designed like a cleaver, with a heavy, curved blade that can cut through bones and joints with ease. They often have a serrated edge that provides extra grip and can be used for other kitchen tasks, such as cracking nuts or opening bottles.
Advantages: Can cut through bones and joints with ease.
Disadvantages: May be heavier and more expensive than other types of shears, and may not be as versatile for other kitchen tasks.
Features of Poultry Shears
Blade Material
The blade material is an important feature to consider when choosing poultry shears. Stainless steel is a common choice, as it is durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. High-carbon stainless steel is even more durable and can hold an edge longer, but may be more expensive. Ceramic blades are also an option, but they can be brittle and may chip or break.
Importance: Blade material affects the durability, rust-resistance, and cutting ability of the shears.
Blade Design
The blade design can also affect the cutting ability of the shears. Straight blades are best for general purpose use, while serrated blades can provide extra grip and are better for cutting through bones and joints. Some shears have a combination of straight and serrated blades, which can be more versatile.
Importance: Blade design affects the cutting ability and versatility of the shears.
Handle Material
The handle material can affect the comfort and grip of the shears. Rubber or silicone handles can provide a comfortable grip and prevent slipping, while plastic or metal handles may be less comfortable and more prone to slipping. Some handles also have ergonomic designs that can reduce hand fatigue.
Importance: Handle material affects the comfort, grip, and hand fatigue of the shears.
Uses of Poultry Shears
Trimming fat
Poultry shears can be used to trim excess fat from meats like chicken, turkey, and pork. The sharp blades can easily cut through the fat without damaging the meat.
Cutting vegetables
Poultry shears can be used to cut vegetables like lettuce, kale, and chard into smaller pieces for salads or stir-fries. They can also be used to snip fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Breaking down whole chickens
Poultry shears are particularly useful for breaking down a whole chicken into smaller pieces, such as cutting through the backbone or separating the drumstick from the thigh. This can be difficult to do with a regular knife.
Opening packaging
Poultry shears can also be used to open packaging, such as cutting through plastic wrap or cardboard boxes. However, be sure to clean the blades thoroughly after using them for this purpose.
Cutting Meat
Poultry shears are great for cutting meat, especially chicken and turkey. They can easily cut through bone and joints, making it easier to prepare the meat for cooking. However, for thicker cuts of meat or tougher meats like beef, a meat cleaver or a chef's knife may be a better option.
How well poultry shears can handle this use: Very well for poultry, but not as well for thicker cuts of meat or tougher meats.
Better alternatives: Meat cleaver, chef's knife.
Trimming Herbs
Poultry shears can also be used for trimming herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro. They can make quick work of snipping the leaves and stems into the desired size. However, for more delicate herbs like thyme or chives, a pair of kitchen scissors may be a better option.
How well poultry shears can handle this use: Very well for most herbs, but not as well for delicate herbs.
Better alternatives: Kitchen scissors.
Cracking Nuts
Some poultry shears have serrated blades that can be used for cracking nuts like walnuts or pecans. However, for larger or harder nuts like almonds or Brazil nuts, a nutcracker or a pair of pliers may be a better option.
How well poultry shears can handle this use: Fairly well for smaller and softer nuts, but not as well for larger or harder nuts.
Better alternatives: Nutcracker, pliers.
Care and Maintenance of Poultry Shears
Cleaning
It is important to clean your poultry shears after each use to prevent bacteria buildup. Use warm water and dish soap to clean the blades, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If there is any stubborn residue, use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub it away. Rinse the shears thoroughly and dry them completely before storing them.
You should also clean the shears before using them if they haven't been used in a while or if they have been stored for a long time.
Sharpening
Poultry shears should be sharpened regularly to maintain their sharpness. How often you need to sharpen them will depend on how often you use them and how hard the materials you are cutting are. As a general rule, sharpen your poultry shears every 6 months to a year.
To sharpen your poultry shears, you will need a sharpening stone or a honing rod. Hold the shears at a 20-degree angle and run the blade across the stone or rod, applying light pressure. Repeat on the other blade. Test the sharpness by cutting through a piece of paper. If it doesn't cut smoothly, repeat the sharpening process.
Buying Guide for Poultry Shears
When looking to buy poultry shears, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right one for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Type: Consider the different types of poultry shears available and choose one that is best suited for the tasks you will be performing.
- Features: Look for features such as comfortable handles, sharp blades, and a locking mechanism for safety.
- Uses: Consider the various uses for poultry shears and determine if there are better alternatives for certain tasks.
- Quality: Choose a brand and model that is made with high-quality materials and is durable enough to last for years of use.
- Price: Compare prices between different brands and models to find one that fits your budget.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the performance and reliability of different poultry shears.
It's also worth considering alternatives to poultry shears, such as kitchen scissors or chef's knives, depending on the tasks you need to perform and the current availability of alternatives.
