Mixing it up in the kitchen
Kitchen Shears

The Best Kitchen Shears of 2023

Kitchen shears are a must-have tool for any home chef. They are versatile, easy to use, and can be used for a wide range of tasks to save you time and frustration, from cutting herbs and vegetables to trimming meat and poultry and even opening a box or can. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Types of Kitchen Shears

In general, there are two main types of kitchen shears: all-purpose and specialized. All-purpose shears are designed for general use and can handle a variety of tasks. Specialized shears, on the other hand, are designed for specific tasks, such as cutting through poultry bones or snipping herbs. To find out more click to go to out our General Guide to Kitchen Shears

Blade Material

The blade material is an important factor to consider when choosing kitchen shears. Stainless steel is the most common material used for kitchen shears, as it is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust and corrosion. High-carbon stainless steel is also a popular choice, as it is more durable and holds its edge for longer.

Handle Design

The handle design is another important factor to consider when choosing kitchen shears. Look for handles that are comfortable to grip and easy to use, even with wet or greasy hands. Non-slip handles are a good choice, as they provide a secure grip and help prevent accidents.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your kitchen shears in good condition. Make sure to clean them after each use, dry them thoroughly, and store them in a safe, dry place. Sharpen your shears regularly to keep them sharp and efficient.

Top Picks

After thorough research and testing, we have compiled a list of our top picks for the best kitchen shears. These shears have been chosen based on their performance, durability, and user reviews.

  1. OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors - These all-purpose kitchen shears are our favorite Overall Utility Kitchen Shear. They OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors are versatile and easy to use, with comfortable, non-slip handles and sharp, stainless steel blades. The blades seperate to allow for better cleaning and addtional utility. They will not be the best tool for any particular job. But they will help save you time and energy search for the best tool by just getting the job done.
  2. OXO GOOD GRIPS SPRING-LOADED POULTRY SHEARS - Our favorite Heavy Duty/Poultry Shears are the OXO GOOD GRIPS SPRING-LOADED POULTRY SHEARS. Once again we were impressed by the thoughtfulness of the OXO design and materials. In particular, the open handle allows for better position for additional pressure when needed. These high-quality kitchen shears are designed for heavy use, with sharp, serrated blades that can easily cut through meat and poultry.
  3. CANARY Japanese Kitchen Shears Heavy Duty - For those looking for the Ultimate Utility Shear, we like the CANARY Japanese Kitchen Shears Heavy Duty. Beyond the normal utility found in kitchen shears, the CANARY Japanese Kitchen Shears have built-in features to help open lids, bottle caps, nuts and cans as well as a tnederizer and garlic crusher. The blades seperate (of course) but we found are better designed than most as they do not seperate as easily at the wrong time (ie when you are cutting something). We did not choose these as our favorite overall as most folks won't use (or may be intimidated by) all of the added features. The can opener on top of the handle is one feature we found to be a bit of a nuisance as we banged our hand on it when we forgot it was there when poking a hole.
  4. KITCHENAID ALL PURPOSE SHEARS WITH PROTECTIVE SHEATH - For those that want Simple Scissors for Kitchen use, the KITCHENAID ALL PURPOSE SHEARS WITH PROTECTIVE SHEATH will probably fit the bill. The large handle and blades can handle most duties found in the kitchen. What it lacks is any additional utility (like bottle opener) and the blades don't seperate for additional utility or easier cleaning

No matter what your needs are, there is a kitchen shear out there that is perfect for you. By considering factors such as blade material, handle design, and maintenance, you can find the perfect pair of shears to make your cooking tasks easier and more efficient. If you are looking for a more general buing guide checkout our General Buying Guide to Kitchen Shears

Kitchen Shears

Kitchen Shears/Scissors Reviews and Information

A few moments of time and a bit less frustration almost every day, that is what kitchen scissors can do for you and your loved ones.

Kitchen scissors may be the most underutilized tool in most kitchens today. Kitchen scissors are a useful tool to have in the kitchen for a variety of tasks. They can be used to cut through meats, poultry, and fish, as well as vegetables, herbs, and fruits. They can also be used to snip twine or other materials, open packages, and cut through packaging or bags. Some kitchen scissors even have serrated edges that can be used to saw through tough materials like bones. In addition, kitchen scissors can be used to cut out recipes or coupons from newspapers or magazines. They are a versatile tool that can make many tasks in the kitchen easier and more efficient


What to look for and what you are paying for

The kitchen shears we review range from prices of $1 to $30. The reason for the difference in price is a combination of the utility offered and the quality of the materials. Quality matters the more a product is used. I snapped a pair of scissors trying to cut ice cream. Other pairs had no problems with the same task. When the user starts to use the shears in an unexpected manner, they may wish they spent a little more for the higher quality pair. Shears can offer different levels of utility. Some shears separate, which allows them to act as knives and easier cleaning. Some have nut crackers, lid openers and various other functionality. For some these additional feauters will be nothing more than distractions and for others they will be a great convenience.


Care/Maintenance

Similar to knives, kitchen shears will require maintenance and care to continue to perform. The more expensive shears seem to generally require more maintenance than the lower cost alternatives. Though many of the shears we review say dishwasher safe, in most cases rust still forms (especially around the pivot point). So our general recommendation is to hand wash and dry your shears/scissors immediately after use and store in a dry area. Food grade mineral oil has been suggested for those in environments where rust is more likely. A honing or sharpening rod will help ensure the sharpness of the blade. Even out of the box, complaints about sharpness of shears may require some honing to get the blades to the anticipated level. You should be able to use the ones that come in knife sets but honing rods can generally be found for under $20. For those using their kitchen shears in areas where dirt or other debris are common, a little rubbing alcohol can be used to help the shears ready for the next use.