Kitchen shears are a crucial cooking tool, offering speed and versatility for various culinary tasks. While knives can do similar jobs, shears excel at quickly handling delicate herbs and breaking down poultry. Their multi-functionality, including extras like bottle openers or can openers, makes them an all-in-one kitchen gadget. With hundreds of options available, the key factors to consider are comfort and sharp, durable blades. At Food And Meal, we recently tested Best Kitchen Shears, finding a budget-friendly option that met our high standards. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, investing in reliable kitchen shears can significantly streamline your cooking experience.
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Best Kitchen Shears
OXO Good Grips Kitchen And Herb Scissors
Comfortable soft-grip handles for enhanced control
Integrated herb stripper for added convenience
Micro-serrated blade ensures precise cutting
Includes a protective cover for safe storage
Limited color options available
The OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors quickly emerged as the top contender in our testing. As soon as we picked them up, we were impressed by their comfort and ease of use. The soft, cushioned finger loops on the handles fit both large and small hands securely without causing hand strain, even during extended cutting tasks. The thick, squishy pads on the insides of the handles prevented slippage and absorbed pressure. Overall, the ergonomic handles provided a comfortable, non-slip grip that made these shears a pleasure to use.
Beyond the exceptional comfort, the OXO scissors were thoughtfully designed for functionality. The blades stayed securely together during use but could be easily detached for thorough cleaning. Opening and closing the blades was smooth and quiet, with just a satisfying click when closing. The ultra-sharp blades effortlessly sliced through all materials, with one micro-serrated blade gripping slippery foods like raw chicken while the other cleanly sheared through. These shears handled tough tasks like cutting through chicken bones capably, outperforming nearly every other model we tested. Cardboard, hard plastic, herbs, and kitchen twine were no match for the OXO shears’ sturdy stainless steel blades.
While the OXO lacks some of the bells and whistles of other kitchen shears, like bottle openers and nutcrackers, it excels at the basics. The herb stripper efficiently removes herbs from stems, providing ample utility for most kitchen needs. Ultimately, the OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors offer an unbeatable combination of comfort, durability, versatility, and value. Their stellar ergonomic design and sharp, sturdy blades make them a workhorse in the kitchen for all cutting tasks. For quality shears without all the frills, the OXO model is a top choice.
Shun Classic Kitchen Shears
Ergonomic handle design for comfortable and precise handling
Multi-functional features including a nutcracker and bottle opener
Retains sharpness over extended use, reducing the need for frequent sharpening
Limited color and design options available
If finances are not a concern and you want to invest in the absolute best kitchen shears, consider the Shun Classic Kitchen Shears made in Japan. These are the sharpest shears we have tested, easily cutting through tough materials like cardboard and hard plastic, and even easily removing chicken backbones like specialized spring-loaded shears. When cutting delicate items, the Shun shears glided smoothly over parchment paper and made swift, clean cuts on herbs and kitchen twine. The stainless steel blades are slightly longer than our top pick OXO, giving Shun an advantage when making continuous cuts on materials like cardboard. However, despite the length of the blades, the shears remain extremely agile, easily cutting corners and moving around chicken bones and joints.
The soft plastic handles are extremely comfortable, not putting pressure on fingers during use. Additionally, the shears operate very quietly, only making a faint swooshing sound when cutting, and the closing click is barely audible. Like most of our favorite kitchen shears, the blades can be easily detached for cleaning and sharpening.
In addition to super sharp blades and comfortable handles, the Shun shears have many extra features. Between the handles is a multifunctional nut cracker, jar opener, and crab cracker. Under the handle is a bottle opener. Moreover, the top has a lid lifter and screwdriver, while one blade has a large groove for scoring poultry bones. Although you may not use these extra features, having them available is very convenient if needed.
Misen Kitchen Scissors
Multi-functional design for added convenience
Precision cutting performance for various kitchen tasks
Comfortable grip for prolonged use
Limited color and design options available
When it comes to kitchen tools, durability is of utmost importance. The Misen Kitchen Scissors are crafted from robust stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance and resilience. During our testing, we found that these scissors effortlessly handled a variety of tasks in our kitchen, from cutting through meats and herbs to managing packaging materials. The sturdy build and comfortable grip make them a dependable and enduring companion in all our culinary endeavors.
A standout feature that distinguishes the Misen Kitchen Scissors from standard scissors is their versatile design. Beyond basic cutting, they incorporate various practical features that broaden their capabilities. From cracking nuts to opening bottles, these multi-functional scissors truly simplify numerous kitchen tasks, allowing us to work swiftly and efficiently.
Throughout our evaluation process, we consistently found the Misen Kitchen Scissors to excel at producing precise and efficient cuts, even on tougher materials. The sharp blades retain their edge over extended use, minimizing the need for frequent sharpening. Whether we’re accomplished chefs or novice cooks, these scissors provide an accuracy that can significantly enhance our cooking experience.
Other Kitchen Shears We Tested
Gerior Come Apart Kitchen Scissors
Versatile, suitable for various cooking methods.
Effortless cleaning, dishwasher safe. The neutral design complements any kitchen decor.
Relatively higher price point compared to some competitors.
The Gerior Come Apart Kitchen Scissors are a versatile and essential tool for any kitchen. Designed with a convenient come-apart mechanism, these scissors can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning, ensuring hygienic food preparation. Equipped with ultra-sharp stainless steel blades, these scissors effortlessly tackle a variety of kitchen tasks, from cutting through poultry bones to snipping herbs and opening packaging.
The ergonomic design of the Gerior Come Apart Kitchen Scissors offers a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. The sturdy build and robust construction ensure long-lasting performance, making them a reliable and durable addition to any culinary arsenal. With their ability to handle a range of cutting tasks with precision and ease, these scissors streamline food preparation and cooking processes, making them an indispensable companion for any home chef or professional cook. Whether it’s for delicate culinary tasks or heavy-duty cutting, the Gerior Come Apart Kitchen Scissors provide the versatility and reliability needed for efficient and seamless kitchen operations.
Kitchen Scissors (DH-3005)
The Kai shears had some unique features – rectangular finger loops and a wider cutting blade. However, these design quirks did not perform well in testing. The blades lacked sharpness, struggling on chicken skin and bones. The shorter blades couldn’t cut as much in one motion compared to other shears. The wide blade made maneuvering difficult. The rectangular handles caused uncomfortable pressure points. With no price advantage over better performing shears, we don’t recommend the Kai model.
Context: The Kai DH-3005 Select 100 Kitchen Shears had a few unique features: The finger bows on the handles were rectangular-shaped instead of rounded, and the cutting blade is wider than the micro-serrated blade. We were interested to see if this odd shape would pan out in the tests, and unfortunately it did not. The blades weren’t as sharp as we’d like, struggling on chicken skin and the tough breastbone. They were also shorter than most of the shears we tested, so we couldn’t cover as much ground in one swipe. The wide cutting blade made it hard to maneuver around the chicken as we cut, and the rectangular handles put a lot of uncomfortable pressure on our index finger knuckle. Seeing as it’s no less expensive than most of the shears we tested, we recommend looking to another pair.
The Tests
| Blade Sharpness Tests | We used a professional blade edge tester to measure initial sharpness and checked for dulling after use. |
| Parchment Paper Test | We evaluated the straightness and clean cutting ability of each shear by making a single cut and sliding through parchment. |
| Fine Herbs Test | We tested how quickly and cleanly each shear could snip 2-millimeter sections from a bundle of 10 chives. |
| Cleanup and Durability Tests | We disassembled and reassembled the shears multiple times, checked for ease of cleaning, and tested their sturdiness by cutting a cardboard box. |
| Spatchcocking and Thigh Removal Test | We assessed how well the shears cut through chicken bone and skin during spatchcocking and thigh removal. |
While the search for the best kitchen shears can be overwhelming, investing in a reliable and versatile pair is well worth the effort. With their ability to effortlessly handle a multitude of culinary tasks, from snipping herbs to tackling tough cuts of meat, a quality set of shears can truly elevate your cooking experience. Considering factors such as comfort, sharpness, and additional functionalities can guide you towards making an informed decision. At Food And Meal, we understand the value of a dependable kitchen tool, and our testing process has led us to discover exceptional shears that combine performance with affordability. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, finding the best kitchen shears can undoubtedly become a valuable asset in your culinary endeavors.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.