Ever found yourself wrestling with a stubborn package or trying to cleanly cut through herbs, only to end up with a messy kitchen? You’re not alone! Many home cooks face this frustration. Choosing the right kitchen shears can feel overwhelming, with so many brands and features advertised. It’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder which ones will actually make your life easier.
But what if we told you there’s a way to cut through the confusion? We’ve done the research to help you find the best kitchen shears that America’s Test Kitchen trusts and recommends. Inside this post, you’ll discover exactly what makes a great pair of shears, learn about the top-rated models, and understand why these tools are essential for any kitchen. Get ready to tackle any cutting task with confidence!
Our Top 5 Kitchen Shears America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kitchen Shears America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath Durable Stainless Steel Scissors
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of flimsy scissors that can’t handle your kitchen tasks? The KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears are here to rescue your culinary adventures. These sturdy scissors, made from durable stainless steel, are designed to make chopping, dicing, and trimming a breeze. They come with a handy sheath for safe storage and are even dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
What We Like:
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL BLADES: These blades resist rust and stay sharp. They cut through vegetables, herbs, meat, and packaging easily and precisely.
- ENHANCED CUTTING PERFORMANCE: Micro serrated edges give a better grip on food and materials. This means less slipping and smoother cutting. The extra thick blades make them strong and durable for lots of use.
- SOFT, COMFORT GRIP HANDLE: The handle is designed for comfort during long cutting sessions. Its soft, non-slip coating makes it easy to hold and control, reducing hand strain.
- INCLUDES PROTECTIVE SHEATH: A sturdy plastic sheath protects the blades when you’re not using them. This keeps you safe and helps the scissors last longer.
- DISHWASHER SAFE FOR EASY CLEANING: While hand washing is best for keeping the blades sharp, you can pop these shears in the dishwasher for a quick clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended for optimal blade longevity, which adds an extra step for some users.
These KitchenAid shears are a reliable tool for any kitchen. They offer great performance and comfort, making them a smart addition to your kitchen drawer.
2. Kitchen Shears by Gidli – Liftime Replacement Warranty* – Includes Seafood Scissors As a Bonus – Heavy Duty Utility Stainless Steel All Purpose Ultra Sharp Scissors for Food/Cooking
Rating: 9.1/10
Elevate your kitchen tasks with the Gidli Kitchen Shears set. This durable, ultra-sharp set includes all-purpose shears and bonus seafood scissors, making meal prep a breeze. Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel, these shears are built to last and designed for comfort and efficiency.
What We Like:
- Ultra-sharp 3Cr13 stainless steel blades slice through various foods effortlessly.
- Includes a dedicated bonus pair of seafood scissors for easy shrimp and crab preparation.
- Ergonomic handles with soft-touch TPR offer a comfortable and secure grip for both right and left-handed users.
- Dishwasher safe for easy and convenient cleaning.
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee with a one-time free replacement for peace of mind.
- Versatile enough for kitchen tasks, opening packages, and even light gardening.
- Makes a fantastic and practical gift for any home chef.
What Could Be Improved:
- While rust-resistant, hand drying after washing is recommended to extend product life.
- The “lifetime guarantee” offers only a one-time free replacement per order, which might be a limitation for some users.
This Gidli Kitchen Shears set is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both performance and value. You’ll find yourself reaching for these reliable tools for countless culinary adventures.
3. Dream Reach Poultry Shears – Heavy Duty Kitchen Scissors for Food with Ergonomic Handle
Rating: 8.8/10
The Dream Reach Poultry Shears are heavy-duty kitchen scissors designed for all your food preparation needs. These red culinary shears boast a sleek design and promise precision cutting, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The blades are super sharp and made from strong Japanese high-carbon steel. They cut through chicken, meat, and seafood easily.
- These shears are built tough with reinforced rivets. They can even cut through chicken bones without a problem.
- The aluminum handles are shaped for comfort. They feel good in your hand and won’t slip, making them easy to use with just one hand.
- They are more than just regular scissors! A serrated edge helps crack nuts and hold onto slippery foods.
- They come in a really nice gift box. This makes them a perfect present for the special men in your life.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the red color is stylish, some users might prefer other color options.
- The “Big Head Series” name might not appeal to everyone.
These Dream Reach Poultry Shears are a fantastic tool for any cook. They offer excellent performance and a comfortable grip, all wrapped up in a stylish package.
4. Ethyxe Kitchen Scissors All Purpose – Heavy Duty Poultry Shears
Rating: 9.2/10
Say goodbye to flimsy, dull kitchen shears and hello to the Ethyxe Kitchen Scissors All Purpose. These aren’t just any scissors; they’re heavy-duty poultry shears built with ultra-sharp Japanese steel, designed to tackle everything from raw chicken to tough herbs. If you’re looking for a reliable tool that makes food prep a breeze, these could be your new kitchen essential.
What We Like:
- Made from strong, premium stainless steel that stays sharp and resists rust.
- Comfortable, non-slip handles fit most hands and reduce strain.
- Super versatile – they cut meat, veggies, open bottles, crack nuts, and even scale fish!
- Easy to clean by hand or pop them in the dishwasher.
- They make a fantastic and useful gift for anyone who loves to cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While heavy-duty, some might find them a bit bulkier than standard kitchen scissors.
- The ultra-sharpness requires careful handling and storage to prevent accidents.
These Ethyxe Kitchen Scissors are a powerful and practical addition to any kitchen. They offer incredible sharpness and versatility, making them a top choice for home cooks.
5. SHAN ZU 8.4″ Titanium Heavy Duty Kitchen Scissors – Japanese 5Cr15MoV Stainless Steel Shears
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the SHAN ZU 8.4″ Titanium Heavy Duty Kitchen Scissors, your new go-to tool for all kitchen tasks. These aren’t just any scissors; they’re built tough with Japanese steel and a special titanium coating. They can handle everything from chopping herbs to cutting through meat, making your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- These scissors are made from strong Japanese 5Cr15MoV stainless steel with a titanium coating. This makes them super durable and resistant to rust, so they’ll stay sharp for a long time.
- They are very versatile. You can use them for breaking down poultry, cutting vegetables, or even opening tough packages. They really can do it all in the kitchen.
- The detachable design makes cleaning a breeze. You can take them apart to get into all the nooks and crannies, and they are dishwasher safe.
- The ergonomic handle is designed for comfort. It has a non-slip texture that gives you a secure grip, even if your hands are wet. This helps prevent accidents and makes them comfortable to use for longer periods.
- They come in a nice gift box, making them a fantastic present for anyone who loves to cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the titanium plating adds durability, some users might find the “heavy duty” aspect makes them a bit weighty for very fine or delicate tasks.
- The sharp blades, while excellent for most tasks, require careful handling during cleaning due to their sharpness.
Overall, these SHAN ZU kitchen scissors are a robust and reliable addition to any kitchen. They offer excellent performance and thoughtful design for a great cooking experience.
The Kitchen Shears America’s Test Kitchen: Your Ultimate Cutting Companion
When you need to tackle tough tasks in the kitchen, good kitchen shears are a must-have tool. America’s Test Kitchen is known for putting products to the test. Their recommended kitchen shears are designed to make your cooking easier. Let’s explore what makes them a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for kitchen shears, keep these important features in mind.
- Comfortable Handles: You’ll be using these shears a lot. Handles that fit well in your hand prevent fatigue. Look for ergonomic designs that feel good to grip, even for extended use. Some have rubberized grips for extra comfort and a secure hold.
- Sharp Blades: This is the most important feature. Sharp blades cut through anything with ease. They should be made of high-quality steel that stays sharp over time. Serrated edges can help grip slippery items like herbs.
- Durable Construction: Kitchen shears take a beating. They need to be strong and built to last. Look for shears made from a single piece of metal or those with sturdy rivets. This means they won’t fall apart after a few uses.
- Versatility: The best kitchen shears can do more than just cut food. Many can open bottles, crack nuts, or even act as a screwdriver in a pinch. Consider what other tasks you might want your shears to handle.
- Easy to Clean: Food bits can get stuck in shears. Look for designs that are easy to wipe down. Some can even go in the dishwasher, which is a big plus for busy cooks.
Important Materials
The materials used in kitchen shears greatly affect their performance and lifespan.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most common and best material for kitchen shear blades. Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion. It also holds a sharp edge well. High-carbon stainless steel is even better because it stays sharp longer.
- Plastic or Rubber Grips: These are used for the handles. They provide comfort and a non-slip grip. Durable plastics are good. Rubber grips offer extra cushioning and prevent your hands from slipping, especially when wet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make kitchen shears great, while others make them not so great.
What Improves Quality:
- Full Tang Construction: This means the metal of the blade extends all the way through the handle. It makes the shears much stronger and more durable.
- Precision Sharpening: Blades that are sharpened precisely will cut cleaner and smoother. This means less effort for you.
- Smooth Pivot Point: The screw or rivet that holds the blades together should be smooth. This allows the shears to open and close easily without sticking.
- Micro-Serrated Edges: These tiny teeth along the blade help grip food. They prevent things like herbs or tomatoes from sliding away as you cut.
What Reduces Quality:
- Thin, Flimsy Metal: Cheaply made shears often use thin metal. This can bend or break easily.
- Loose Rivets: A wobbly pivot point makes cutting difficult and can be dangerous.
- Handles that Feel Cheap: If the handles are uncomfortable or feel like they might snap, the quality is likely low.
- Blades That Dull Quickly: If you find yourself sharpening your shears constantly, they aren’t made of good material.
User Experience and Use Cases
America’s Test Kitchen’s recommended shears aim to provide a great user experience.
Imagine this: You’re making a salad. You need to chop fresh herbs. Your old scissors struggle. But with good kitchen shears, the herbs fall easily into neat pieces.
These shears are perfect for many kitchen tasks.
- Cutting Herbs: Finely chop parsley, basil, or cilantro.
- Trimming Meat: Remove excess fat from chicken or pork.
- Opening Packages: Cut through tough plastic packaging for groceries.
- Cutting Pizza or Dough: Some sturdy shears can even cut through pizza crust or dough.
- De-boning Poultry: Many shears have a notch to help grip bones.
- Husking Corn: Some people find shears easier than a knife for removing corn husks.
When you choose kitchen shears that are well-made and designed for comfort, you make cooking and food prep much more enjoyable. America’s Test Kitchen’s recommendations focus on tools that truly perform.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Shears America’s Test Kitchen
Q: What makes America’s Test Kitchen’s recommended kitchen shears stand out?
A: They stand out because they are tested rigorously. America’s Test Kitchen checks for sharpness, durability, and comfort. They pick shears that perform the best for everyday cooking tasks.
Q: Are these shears good for left-handed people?
A: Some kitchen shears are ambidextrous, meaning they work for both right and left-handed users. It’s good to check the product description for this feature.
Q: Can I put these kitchen shears in the dishwasher?
A: Many high-quality kitchen shears are dishwasher safe. However, hand washing can help them last longer and keep the blades sharper.
Q: How do I sharpen my kitchen shears?
A: You can use a knife sharpener or a sharpening steel designed for scissors. Some shears come with their own sharpening instructions or tools.
Q: What is the most important part of a kitchen shear?
A: The sharpness of the blades is the most important part. Sharp blades make cutting easy and safe.
Q: Can kitchen shears cut through bone?
A: Some heavy-duty kitchen shears have a notch that can help with small bones, like chicken bones. However, they are not meant for large, thick bones.
Q: What is the difference between kitchen shears and regular scissors?
A: Kitchen shears are stronger and designed for tougher materials found in the kitchen. They often have features like bottle openers or nut crackers.
Q: How do I store my kitchen shears?
A: It’s best to store them in a dry place. Some come with a sheath or a magnetic strip to keep the blades protected and safe.
Q: Are more expensive kitchen shears always better?
A: Not always. America’s Test Kitchen looks for the best value. They find shears that perform well without being overly expensive.
Q: What kind of tasks can I do with good kitchen shears?
A: You can cut herbs, trim meat, open packages, snip vegetables, and even cut through pizza crust. They are very versatile.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!