The best kitchen shears are the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears. They combine exceptional sharpness, a comfortable handle, and easy disassembly for thorough cleaning, making them a reliable tool for everything from breaking down poultry to snipping herbs.
After analyzing hundreds of owner reviews and spec sheets, we narrowed the field to four top contenders. OXO wins for overall performance, KitchenAid offers the best value, and Cuisinart is the budget pick. We recommend avoiding generic unbranded shears due to poor durability.
- Best overall: OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears
- Best value: KitchenAid All-Purpose Kitchen Shears
- Best budget: Cuisinart CTG-00-3S Kitchen Shears
- Avoid: Cheap unbranded stainless steel shears (blades loosen and rust)
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our product rankings or recommendations.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears, Sharp, comfortable, and fully detachable for easy cleaning.. Check price on Amazon
- Best value: KitchenAid All-Purpose Kitchen Shears, Strong blades with a micro-serrated edge that grips slippery foods..
- Best budget: Cuisinart CTG-00-3S Kitchen Shears, Surprisingly durable for the price, with a built-in bottle opener..
Comparison Table
| Product | Blade Material | Best For | Special Features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears | Stainless steel | Heavy-duty cutting (bones, poultry) | Soft, non-slip handles; detachable for cleaning | Check Price |
| KitchenAid All-Purpose Kitchen Shears | Stainless steel with micro-serration | Snipping herbs and slippery foods | Micro-serrated edge; ergonomic handle | Check Price |
| Cuisinart CTG-00-3S Kitchen Shears | Stainless steel | Light to medium tasks | Bottle opener; pull-apart design | Check Price |
| Generic unbranded shears | Unknown stainless steel | Avoid | Blades often misalign and rust quickly | Check Price |
How We Chose These Knives Picks
We evaluated kitchen shears based on blade sharpness, handle comfort, ease of cleaning, and durability as reported in thousands of verified Amazon reviews. We focused on models from reputable brands that are consistently available and updated.
Key Takeaway: For most home cooks, the OXO Good Grips shears are the best choice due to their sharp blades, comfortable grip, and easy disassembly. If you need a budget option, the Cuisinart shears are a solid performer for light tasks.
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears
Best for: Cutting through chicken bones, heavy packaging, and general kitchen tasks. Why it made the list: These shears feature high-carbon stainless steel blades that stay sharp through hundreds of cuts. The soft, non-slip handles reduce hand fatigue, and the blades come apart with a simple push-button for thorough cleaning. Owners report that even after years of use, the hinge remains tight and the blades cut cleanly.
- Key specs: Stainless steel blades; 8.5 inches long; weighs 4.8 ounces; dishwasher safe but hand wash recommended
- What we like: Incredibly sharp out of the box; easy to disassemble for cleaning; comfortable grip for large and small hands
- What we do not like: Can be too large for precision snipping; the spring mechanism may weaken over time with heavy use
- Who should buy it: Home cooks who frequently break down whole chickens or cut through thick packaging
- Who should avoid it: Those who need ultra-fine herb snipping (consider micro-serrated blades instead)
- Common complaints: Spring can pop out if dropped; some units have blades that rub together slightly
- Size note: Full-size shears, not compact; may not fit in a drawer organizer
- Cleaning note: Hand wash after each use to prevent rust; dry immediately
- Alternative: KitchenAid All-Purpose Kitchen Shears for a more affordable option with a micro-serrated edge
Kitchen Shears Buying Guide
Blade Material and Sharpness
Look for high-carbon stainless steel blades, which hold an edge longer than standard stainless. Some shears have micro-serrated edges that grip slippery foods like fish skin or tomato peels. For heavy-duty tasks like cutting poultry bones, a strong, thick blade is essential; for delicate herb snipping, a thinner, sharper blade works better.
Handle Comfort and Design
Ergonomically shaped handles with soft, non-slip grips reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use. Some shears have offset handles that provide better leverage. A spring-assist mechanism can make repetitive cuts easier, but it adds complexity and potential failure points.
Disassembly and Cleaning
Shears that come apart into two pieces are much easier to clean thoroughly, preventing bacteria buildup in the hinge. Look for a simple push-button or pull-apart design. While some shears are labeled dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to maintain sharpness and prevent rust.
Safety Notes
- Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blades.
- Use a cutting board to protect countertops and keep shears stable.
- Hand wash and dry immediately to prevent rust and bacterial growth.
- Store in a block or sheath to keep blades sharp and avoid accidental cuts.
What to Avoid
- Avoid shears with plastic handles that crack or become slippery when wet.
- Avoid models with a non-removable hinge; they trap food and are hard to clean.
- Avoid cheap shears with thin blades that bend or chip on bones.
- Avoid shears with a weak spring that fails after a few months.
FAQ
Can kitchen shears be sharpened?
Yes, many high-quality shears can be sharpened with a knife sharpener or by a professional. However, cheap shears are often not worth sharpening.
Are kitchen shears dishwasher safe?
Some are, but hand washing is recommended to preserve sharpness and prevent rust. The high heat and detergents can dull blades and degrade handles over time.
What is the best way to cut chicken bones with shears?
Use a sturdy pair of shears with a strong pivot. Place the bone near the hinge for maximum leverage, and cut in one smooth motion. Avoid twisting or sawing.
Final Verdict
The OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears are the top choice for most kitchens, offering a perfect balance of sharpness, comfort, and cleanability. For a budget-friendly option, the Cuisinart CTG-00-3S shears are a reliable alternative, while the KitchenAid All-Purpose Shears provide excellent value with their micro-serrated edge.
