Choosing the right kitchen scissors is about finding a comfortable, durable, and versatile tool that feels like an extension of your hand. It involves matching the tool’s features to your specific cooking tasks and personal comfort.
I’ve spent more time than I care to admit in my kitchen. Over the years, I’ve learned that the difference between a frustrating cooking experience and a joyful one often comes down to the tools you use. And one of the most underestimated, yet crucial, tools is a good pair of kitchen scissors. For the longest time, I used a cheap, flimsy pair that would rust, stick, and make simple jobs like snipping herbs or breaking down a chicken feel like a chore.
That all changed when I invested in a quality pair. It was a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, tasks were faster, safer, and just… easier. I’m here to share what I’ve learned from trial and error, countless hours of research, and conversations with other cooking enthusiasts. My goal is to help you find your perfect pair without the guesswork. Let’s talk about how to choose the right kitchen scissors for your kitchen.
More Than Just a Pair of Scissors
First, let’s clear something up. Kitchen shears are not the same as the craft scissors in your junk drawer. They are a hardworking kitchen tool built for a variety of tough jobs. A good pair is a multi-functional powerhouse. I use mine for everything from cutting parchment paper and opening stubborn packaging to snipping fresh chives from my windowsill herb garden and trimming the excess fat off a steak. This versatility is what makes them so indispensable.
Understanding the Different Types
Not all kitchen scissors are created equal. Knowing the main types will help you figure out which one fits your lifestyle.
1. Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears: This is your all-rounder, the workhorse of the kitchen. These are the ones I recommend for most home cooks. They typically have sharp, sturdy blades and often include helpful extras like a bottle opener or a nutcracker built into the handles. They are perfect for general food preparation.
2. Poultry Shears: If you regularly cook whole chickens or other birds, this type is a specialist worth considering. They are built with extra-strong blades and often have a curved or serrated design to help grip slippery skin and cut through small bones and joints with more control.
3. Herb Scissors: These are a fun and efficient niche tool. They usually have multiple blades that let you snip a large bunch of herbs into perfectly sized pieces all at once. They’re not essential, but if you use a lot of fresh herbs, they can save you a good bit of time.
4. Precision Scissors: These are smaller, often with fine, pointed tips. I find them perfect for delicate tasks like deveining shrimp, making decorative cuts on pastries, or carefully trimming away unwanted parts of vegetables.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re holding a pair in the store (or reading reviews online), here’s what really matters.
Comfort and Ergonomics: This might be the most important factor. How do the handles feel in your hand? Are they too big, too small? Look for soft, non-slip grip handles. Your hand shouldn’t feel strained or uncomfortable after a few snips. If you have any issues with hand strength or arthritis, seek out models specifically advertised as easy-to-use or with spring-action openings that reduce hand fatigue.
Build Quality and Material: You want a pair that will last. The best kitchen scissors are typically made from high-quality stainless steel. This material provides excellent corrosion resistance, meaning they won’t rust easily if you wash them properly. The blades should feel solid and substantial, not thin and flimsy. A full tang construction (where the metal of the blades extends into the handles) is a sign of greater durability and strength.
Blade Design: Consider the edge. Straight blades are great for clean cuts on herbs and paper, while serrated or micro-serrated blades excel at gripping slippery items like chicken skin or fish. Also, check if the blades are removable. This feature makes cleaning so much easier, as you can wash each part separately to get rid of any trapped food particles.
Safety Features: A good pair should have a secure locking mechanism when not in use. This keeps the sharp blades safely closed when stored in a drawer with other utensils, protecting both you and the blades.
Ease of Cleaning: Can you take them apart? As I mentioned, removable blades are a huge plus for hygiene. You want to be able to clean every surface to prevent bacteria from building up in the pivot point. Dishwasher-safe models are convenient, but hand washing is usually recommended to preserve the sharpness of the blades for longer.
Left-Handed Options: If you’re left-handed, this is a big one. Many scissors are ground for right-handed use and can feel awkward or not cut properly for lefties. Fortunately, many brands now offer true left-handed models that are ground opposite for a comfortable, clean cut.
Putting Them to the Test: What Can They Do?
A great way to judge a pair of kitchen shears is by their performance on common tasks. The right tool should handle these with ease:
- Herb Snipping: They should make clean cuts without bruising delicate leaves like basil.
- Spatchcocking a Chicken: This is the ultimate test. A strong pair can easily cut along both sides of the backbone to flatten the bird for quicker, more even cooking.
- Trimming Pie Dough: Quickly and neatly trim the overhang from a pie crust.
- Opening Packages: From plastic clamshell packaging to stubborn bags of chips, they are the safest way to get into things.
- Slicing Pizza: Yes, really! A strong, sharp pair of shears can cleanly cut through a crispy crust and gooey cheese.
“The best kitchen tools are the ones you reach for without thinking.” – Unknown Home Cook
My Personal Recommendations and What I Use
After trying many brands, I’ve settled on a primary pair of full-tang, multi-purpose stainless steel shears with removable blades. They are comfortable, can handle everything from herbs to chicken, and are a breeze to clean. I also keep a tiny pair of precision scissors for finer jobs. This two-scissor system covers all my bases.
For most people starting out, a single, high-quality pair of multi-purpose shears is more than enough. You don’t need to buy a full set immediately. Invest in one good pair and see how often you use it. You might be surprised.
Frequently Asked Questions for How to Choose the Right Kitchen Scissors for Your Needs
Can I just use regular scissors in the kitchen?
I really don’t advise it. Regular scissors aren’t made for food safety. The blades may not be made from food-safe materials and could contain elements you don’t want near your food. They also aren’t built for the rigors of cutting through bone or cartilage and will dull very quickly.
How often should I sharpen my kitchen scissors?
It depends on how much you use them. With regular home use, you might only need to sharpen them once or twice a year. You’ll know it’s time when they start to crush herbs instead of cutting them or require more effort to use. Many knife sharpeners have a special slot for scissors.
Are dishwasher-safe scissors okay?
While many are labeled dishwasher-safe, the harsh detergent and high heat can dull the blades over time. For the longest life, I always recommend a quick hand wash with soap and water, drying them immediately.
What’s the best way to store them?
Keep them in a utensil holder on your countertop or hang them on a magnetic strip if they have a hanging hole. If you must store them in a drawer, always engage the safety lock first to protect the blades and your fingers.
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
A Final Word on Safety and Care
Always cut away from your body. Keep your fingers clear of the blade path. And please, never try to use them for jobs they weren’t made for, like cutting wire or other hard materials. This will chip and ruin the blades instantly. Treat them with the same respect you give your best chef’s knife.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect pair of kitchen scissors might seem like a small detail, but it can genuinely change your flow in the kitchen. It’s about making your daily food preparation simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. By thinking about what you cook most often, prioritizing comfort and build quality, and choosing a tool that feels good in your hand, you’ll find a trusted helper that will serve you well for years to come.
Don’t be afraid to try a few different styles. Your perfect match is out there, ready to make your next cooking project a whole lot easier.
“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” – Julia Child