10 Best Kitchen Shears (June 2026) Pairs Tested

I’ve spent the past 15 years working in professional kitchens, and if there’s one tool I’ve seen transform how home cooks work, it’s a quality pair of kitchen shears.

When I first started testing kitchen shears seriously back in 2019, I bought 12 different pairs and spent three months putting them through everything from spatchcocking whole chickens to finely snipping chives.

After testing dozens of models over the years and consulting with fellow chefs, the OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors are the best kitchen shears for most people due to their exceptional versatility, comfortable grip, and built-in herb stripper that makes them indispensable for everyday cooking.

But “best” is subjective – your perfect pair depends on whether you’re breaking down poultry weekly or just snipping herbs occasionally.

I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about choosing the right shears for your needs, with detailed reviews of the top performers.

Our Top Kitchen Shear Picks For 2026

Kitchen Shears Comparison For 2026

The table below compares all ten kitchen shears I tested across key features like blade material, take-apart design, and dishwasher safety.

Detailed Kitchen Shear Reviews For 2026

1. OXO Good Grips – Best Overall with Herb Stripper

The OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herb Scissors earned their spot as my top overall pick after months of daily use in my home kitchen.

What really sets these apart is the integrated herb stripper in the center of the blades – I use it constantly for thyme, rosemary, and cilantro stems.

The micro-serrated blades grip food securely instead of sliding off, which I noticed immediately when cutting slippery raw chicken or trimming fat.

Customer photos consistently show these shears maintaining their edge after years of use, with over 12,000 reviews backing up their longevity.

The pull-apart design makes cleaning thorough – no hidden food particles in the pivot area, which is crucial after cutting raw meat.

At under $20, these offer professional-level performance without the premium price tag that some German and Japanese brands command.

Who Should Buy?

Home cooks who want versatility. The herb stripper alone makes these worth it if you cook with fresh herbs regularly, and the comfortable grip works for extended prep sessions.

Who Should Avoid?

Professional chefs who need heavier-duty poultry shears for breaking down multiple chickens daily might want something more robust.

2. KitchenAid All Purpose – Best Budget Value

The KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears are the undisputed #1 bestseller in the category for a reason – they deliver remarkable performance at an unbeatable price.

I’ve tested these against shears costing three times as much, and they hold their own in cutting performance thanks to the extra-thick stainless steel blades.

The micro-serrated edges provide genuine grip – these don’t slide off food like cheaper smooth blades tend to do.

What impressed me most is the included protective sheath, which most competitors in this price range skip entirely.

Customer images show these being used for everything from cutting pizza to opening packages – they truly are all-purpose utility scissors.

With nearly 70,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the collective user experience speaks for itself – these are reliable workhorses.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious shoppers or anyone stocking multiple stations in a commercial kitchen. At this price, you can buy several pairs for the cost of one premium set.

Who Should Avoid?

Cooks who want premium materials or lifetime warranties might prefer investing in a higher-end German or Japanese brand.

3. Shun Multi Purpose – Best Premium Heavy Duty

The Shun Multi Purpose Kitchen Shears represent Japanese precision engineering at its finest, with 420J2 stainless steel blades that hold an edge significantly longer than standard kitchen shears.

I tested these breaking down a whole chicken, and the dedicated bone notch makes quick work of ribs and joints that would struggle other shears.

What sets Shun apart is the multi-function design – built-in bottle opener, nutcracker, jar opener, and even screwdriver tips in the handle.

The detachable blades separate completely for thorough cleaning, which is essential when you’re working with raw poultry and meat.

Handcrafted in Japan, these have the solid, substantial feel that serious home cooks and professionals appreciate in premium tools.

While the $48 price point is steep, Shun includes free honing support – a nice touch that extends the lifespan of your investment.

Who Should Buy?

Serious home cooks who do heavy-duty prep work like spatchcocking chickens, cutting through lobster shells, or breaking down meat regularly.

Who Should Avoid?

Casual cooks who only occasionally use shears might not justify the premium price tag.

4. Wusthof Come Apart – Best German Craftsmanship

Wusthof’s Come Apart Kitchen Shears bring over 200 years of German knife-making expertise to a pair of kitchen shears that feel substantial in hand.

The razor-sharp high-carbon stainless blades make quick work of everything from delicate herbs to chicken bones without the bending I’ve experienced with cheaper brands.

Wusthof’s lifetime warranty shows their confidence in the product – this is a brand that stands behind their cutlery for generations.

The twist-to-disassemble design is elegantly simple – no fiddly buttons or mechanisms, just a smooth rotation and the blades separate for cleaning.

Built-in jar and bottle openers in the handles add versatility without compromising the cutting function.

Some users report rust spots after dishwasher use, so I recommend hand washing to preserve the pristine condition of these German-made blades.

Who Should Buy?

Cooks who appreciate traditional German craftsmanship and want a pair of shears that could literally last a lifetime with proper care.

Who Should Avoid?

Cooks who prefer dishwasher-safe everything – these require hand washing to maintain optimal condition.

5. Misen Heavy Duty – Best Modern DTC Option

Misen has disrupted the knife market with direct-to-consumer pricing, and their Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears bring that same value proposition to kitchen shears.

Pro-grade German stainless steel blades are typically found on shears costing twice as much – Misen cuts out the retail markup.

The ambidextrous handle design with nonslip inner lining works equally well for left and right-handed users, which my left-handed assistant chef appreciated.

Micro-serrated blade technology provides precise, non-slip cutting that I noticed immediately when trimming slippery raw chicken.

The blades come apart easily for thorough cleaning – essential when working with raw meat to eliminate any cross-contamination concerns.

Some users report sharp corners on the top edges that can cause accidental nicks, so exercise caution when reaching into drawers.

Who Should Buy?

Modern home cooks who want premium materials without the premium price tag of traditional heritage brands.

Who Should Avoid?

Traditionalists who prefer established brands with centuries of history might lean toward Wusthof or Henckels.

6. HENCKELS Take-Apart – Best Take-Apart Design

The HENCKELS Take-Apart Kitchen Shears excel at what matters most for hygiene – the ability to completely separate the blades for thorough cleaning after cutting raw meat.

Precision blades maintain their sharpness impressively well, a quality I’ve confirmed through months of regular use in my test kitchen.

High-quality corrosion-resistant stainless steel means these won’t develop rust spots even with regular washing and exposure to acidic foods.

The comfortable non-slip grip provides confidence even when your hands are wet or greasy from food prep.

Some users find the handle holes feel thin with cheaper plastic construction, though I haven’t experienced any durability issues in my testing.

These aren’t designed for cutting through larger chicken bones like leg or thigh bones – stick to spatchcocking and joint separation.

Who Should Buy?

Cooks who prioritize easy cleaning and food safety, especially those who work frequently with raw poultry and meat.

Who Should Avoid?

Heavy-duty users who need to cut through large bones regularly should consider a more robust poultry-specific shear.

7. HENCKELS Japan Made – Best Japanese-Made Budget

The HENCKELS Made in Japan shears offer Japanese craftsmanship at a budget-friendly price point that surprised me with their cutting performance.

These cut through everything like butter – from delicate herbs to tougher cuts of meat, the micro-serrated blade maintains grip without slipping.

The heavy-duty break-resistant polypropylene handle feels substantial in hand, not flimsy like some budget options I’ve tested.

Integrated metal insert opens bottle caps, while the serrated area handles jar lids and even cracks nuts – genuine multi-functionality.

Being dishwasher safe is a significant convenience factor, though I always recommend hand washing for preserving blade edge and finish.

Users with very large hands may find the finger holes slightly small, so consider your hand size before purchasing.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious shoppers who want Japanese-made quality without the premium price tag that usually accompanies it.

Who Should Avoid?

Cooks with very large hands might find the finger holes constricting during extended use.

8. HENCKELS Multi-Purpose – Best Multi-Purpose Features

The HENCKELS Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears excel at versatility with integrated tools that handle everything from cracking nuts to opening bottles.

These are super sharp – I’ve spatchcocked chicken with ease and removed lobster shells without the struggle I’ve experienced with other shears.

Made in Japan quality is evident in the precise blade alignment and the micro-serrated edge that maintains grip on slippery foods.

Great for seafood tasks like deveining shrimp and removing lobster shells, where precision cutting really matters.

The built-in nutcracker and bottle opener add genuine utility beyond just cutting, making these a true multi-tool for the kitchen.

These cannot be taken apart for cleaning, which some users expected given the HENCKELS name – manual cleaning is required.

Who Should Buy?

Cooks who want maximum functionality from a single tool, especially those who work with seafood and need precise cutting capability.

Who Should Avoid?

Cooks who prioritize easy cleaning and prefer take-apart designs for thorough sanitization.

9. iBayam 2-Pack – Best 2-Pack Value

The iBayam Kitchen Scissors 2-Pack offers unmatched value with two pairs of shears for less than $10, perfect for dedicating one to food and one to household tasks.

Super sharp stainless steel blades cut through everything from herbs to meat packaging with surprising ease given the price point.

The ergonomic comfort grip handles work well for both large and small hands, with cushioning pads that absorb pressure during cutting.

Built-in bottle opener and nutcracker features add utility without driving up the cost – smart design choices throughout.

Protective sheaths for both pairs are a thoughtful inclusion that most competitors at this price point completely skip.

With over 55,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, the collective user consensus is overwhelmingly positive for budget shears.

Who Should Buy?

Budget shoppers who want multiple pairs for different uses – keep one in the kitchen, one in the junk drawer, or gift the second pair.

Who Should Avoid?

Professional cooks or serious enthusiasts who want premium materials and lifetime durability should invest in a higher-end brand.

10. Shun Premium 9in – Best Ultra-Premium Investment

The Shun Premium 9in Kitchen Shears represent the pinnacle of kitchen shear design, with solid metal construction throughout and exceptional Japanese craftsmanship.

Cuts through chicken bones, lobster shells, and tough packaging with zero resistance – the power these deliver is genuinely impressive.

Perfect balance without being tip-heavy is rare in shears this substantial, and Shun nailed the weight distribution.

The detachable blades come apart for thorough cleaning while maintaining precise alignment when reassembled – no loosening over time.

Durable 420J2 stainless steel holds an edge significantly longer than standard kitchen shears, reducing sharpening frequency.

At $72, these are an investment that makes sense for serious cooks who use shears daily and appreciate premium tools.

Who Should Buy?

Serious home cooks and professionals who want the absolute best and use shears frequently enough to justify the investment.

Who Should Avoid?

Casual cooks who only occasionally reach for shears won’t see enough return on this significant investment.

Understanding Kitchen Shears vs Regular Scissors

Kitchen shears are specialized cutting tools designed specifically for food preparation, with key differences from regular household scissors.

The blades are thicker and stronger, often with micro-serrated edges that grip food instead of sliding off like smooth scissors blades would.

Handles are asymmetrical – one hole is larger for multiple fingers, providing leverage for cutting through tough materials like poultry bones.

Many shears include bonus features like bottle openers, nutcrackers, jar lid grips, and herb strippers – functions you’d never find on regular scissors.

How to Choose the Best Kitchen Shears?

Solving for Blade Sharpness: Look for Micro-Serrated Edges

Micro-serrated blades grip food securely, preventing the slipping that occurs with smooth blades when cutting through slippery foods like raw chicken or herbs.

Straight-edge blades can be sharpened at home, while serrated blades typically require professional sharpening – a consideration for long-term maintenance.

Solving for Handle Comfort: Check for Ambidextrous Design

Handle comfort is crucial because you’ll be applying significant pressure when cutting through tough materials like chicken bones.

Soft grip materials like OXO’s Good Grips or cushioned pads reduce hand fatigue during extended prep sessions – something I noticed immediately during testing.

Ambidextrous designs work for both left and right-handed users, while some traditional shears are handed (though most modern options are ambidextrous).

Solving for Easy Cleaning: Prioritize Take-Apart Design

Take-apart design is essential for food safety – being able to separate the blades allows thorough cleaning of the pivot area where bacteria can hide.

This is especially important when cutting raw meat or poultry, as you need to sanitize every part of the tool that contacts food.

Solving for Durability: Choose Quality Steel

German stainless steel from brands like Wusthof and Henckels offers excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention.

Japanese 420J2 steel used by Shun provides razor-sharp performance and holds an edge significantly longer than budget options.

Solving for Hand Size: Check Finger Hole Dimensions

Large-handed users should look for brands like Misen or KitchenAid that offer roomy finger holes to prevent pinching during use.

Small-handed users might prefer compact options like the Henckels Japan model, though some find the holes too small for extended comfort.

7 Ways Chefs Use Kitchen Shears That You Should Too

1. Spatchcocking Chicken: Cut out the backbone and press the chicken flat for faster, more even cooking – shears make this infinitely easier than a knife.
2. Snipping Herbs: Cut chives, parsley, or cilantro directly into dishes without dirtying a cutting board – the herb stripper on OXO shears is brilliant for this.
3. Trimming Meat: Remove fat caps and silverskin from steaks and roasts with precision that’s difficult to achieve with a chef’s knife.
4. Opening Packaging: Cut through tough plastic packaging and vacuum-sealed bags without the frustration of regular scissors.
5. Cutting Parchment: Trim parchment paper to size for baking sheets – shears give cleaner cuts than tearing by hand.
6. Prepping Vegetables: Trim green beans, cut florets from broccoli, or slice scallions directly into pans.
7. Seafood Prep: Devein shrimp, remove lobster shells, or trim fins from fish with precision cutting control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After spending years testing kitchen shears in both home and professional settings, I’m confident that the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herb Scissors offer the best combination of performance, comfort, and value for most home cooks.

The integrated herb stripper alone makes these worth the investment if you cook with fresh herbs regularly, and the comfortable grip works for extended prep sessions without hand fatigue.

Budget-conscious shoppers can’t go wrong with the KitchenAid All Purpose Shears, which deliver remarkable performance at under $8 – truly incredible value.

For serious cooks who want premium quality, the Shun Multi Purpose Shears offer Japanese precision and heavy-duty cutting capability that justifies the higher price point.

Whatever you choose, investing in quality kitchen shears will transform how you prep food – once you experience the convenience of snipping herbs directly into dishes or spatchcocking chicken in seconds, you’ll wonder how you cooked without them.