Photo: KitchenAid
Among the many kitchen tools, a kitchen shear is a versatile and convenient tool that should be in every kitchen.
With the best kitchen shear, you will not only cut and snip but also get a reliable tool for cracking nuts and for opening jar and bottle tops as they typically have built-in bottle openers and nutcrackers.
In addition to this, kitchen shears have stainless steel blades that cut and snip effortlessly. And one of the blades is often serrated to keep it non-slip when cutting.
These shears also have easy-grip and comfy handles for convenient hold when cutting. If you are on the hunt for a convenient and durable kitchen shear, here are the top-rated kitchen shear reviews and a comprehensive buying guide.
In this post:
- Kitchen Shear Vs. Kitchen Scissor
- 9 Best Kitchen Shears – Review
- 1. KitchenAid KC351OHOBA – Best Overall
- 2. OXO 1072121 – Sturdy Multipurpose Kitchen Shears
- 3. Victorinox 87771 – Built for Durability and Top Notch Performance
- 4. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 11517-100 – Heavy-Duty and Efficient
- 5. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 43967-200 – Top Quality Shears with Forged Steel Blades
- 6. Wusthof WU5558-1 – Ruggedly-Built for Top Notch Performance
- 7. MAIRICO ATT-01 – More Budget-Friendly Option
- 8. Tojiro FK-843 – Conveniently Separable All-Metal Shears
- 9. Shun DM7300 – Sharp Multipurpose Shears
- How to Buy the Best Kitchen Shear
- Conclusion
Kitchen Shear Vs. Kitchen Scissor
In some instances, you may confuse the kitchen shear with a kitchen scissor since they both have two handles and blades. They, however, differ in shapes, length of blades, and size of handles.
For the shears, they have longer blades of 6-inches and above while for the scissors, they have shorter blades of below 6-inches. However, for shears, the popular snip types will have shorter blades that are between 4 and 5 inches long.
Apart from this, the shears have a larger bottom handle, which is also oblong in shapes. On the other hand, the scissors have symmetrical and equally sized handle loops.
Lastly, the shears are more advances as they have built-in features like jar opener and nutcrackers that are not found in scissors.
9 Best Kitchen Shears – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. KitchenAid KC351OHOBA (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. OXO 1072121 (Sturdy Multipurpose Shears) |
| |
 | 3. Victorinox 87771 (Built for Durability) |
| |
 | 4. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 11517-100 (Heavy-Duty & Efficient) |
| |
 | 5. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 43967-200 (With Forged Steel Blades) |
| |
 | 6. Wusthof WU5558-1 (Ruggedly-Built for Top Notch Performance) |
| |
 | 7. MAIRICO ATT-01 (More Budget-Friendly) |
| |
 | 8. Tojiro FK-843 (Conveniently Separable All-Metal Shears) |
| |
 | 9. Shun DM7300 (Sharp Multipurpose Shears) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. KitchenAid KC351OHOBA (Best Overall)
|
2. OXO 1072121 (Sturdy Multipurpose Shears)
|
3. Victorinox 87771 (Built for Durability)
|
4. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 11517-100 (Heavy-Duty & Efficient)
|
5. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 43967-200 (With Forged Steel Blades)
|
6. Wusthof WU5558-1 (Ruggedly-Built for Top Notch Performance)
|
7. MAIRICO ATT-01 (More Budget-Friendly)
|
8. Tojiro FK-843 (Conveniently Separable All-Metal Shears)
|
9. Shun DM7300 (Sharp Multipurpose Shears)
|
1. KitchenAid KC351OHOBA – Best Overall
Photo: KitchenAid
- Blade Material: Stainless steel
- Handle Material: Plastic
- Blade Size: 4-inches
Constructed from a combination of stainless steel and plastic materials, KitchenAid KC351OHOBA Shear is a highly durable kitchen shear designed for a long service life which is one of the key elements that make it our best overall.
Featuring quality micro-serrated steel blades, it is a very sharp shear that will cut and snip precisely and effortlessly. The blades are relatively thicker to bring about added durability plus strength.
The comfort grip handles provide a better way of holding the shear when cutting. The soft grip coating brings about comfortable feeling plus added durability.
In addition to this, the shear is dishwasher safe, making it elementary to clean. You can also handwash it for easy maintenance. Despite being a dishwasher, it doesn’t easily dismantle for deep cleaning.
The sleek and compact design of the shear makes it convenient to store after use. Moreover, it is a versatile shear that can be used for a wide range of tasks like trimming meat, cutting, and snipping herbs.
The handles of the affordable shear are kind of smaller, which implies that they may not suit some users. But for the majority of adults the size is okay. Also, it does not dismantle easily, but cleanup is still a breeze.
Pros:
- Delivers long-term performance
- Cuts and snips precisely
- Have comfortable grip handles
- Widely applicable
Cons:
- Doesn’t dismantle easily
- Hands are relatively smaller
2. OXO 1072121 – Sturdy Multipurpose Kitchen Shears
Photo: OXO
- Blade material: Hardened stainless steel
- Handle material: Plastic with cushion pads
- Blade size: 2.7-Inches
Due to the quality and durable hardened stainless steel and plastic material construction, the shear offers increased longevity. This implies that the kitchen shear will serve for years and delivers top-notch performance.
Besides being sturdy, this is also multipurpose shears that will come in handy for various applications in the kitchen including. The versatile kitchen tool is ideal for cutting things like flowers, meat, vegetables, and twine. More interestingly, it features herb stripper just above the handles. This aids in the quick removal of fresh herbs from the stem.
Indeed, it has serrated stainless steel blades that can easily grip on items without slipping. Because of this, it will cut and snip perfectly without applying much force.
Featuring the quality plastic ergonomic handles with cushion pads, it offers a soft feeling for convenient use. The cushion pads also aid in absorbing the pressure when you cut or snip.
Despite not being dishwasher safe, the shear is hand wash, which makes it elementary to clean. The two blades easily separate for deep cleaning.
The shear is kind of heavier though still delivers excellent cutting and many users will not have any difficulties handling it.
Pros:
- Sturdy design for maximum durability
- Highly versatile
- Easily cuts without slipping
- Provides a comfortable easy-grip
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Relatively heavier
3. Victorinox 87771 – Built for Durability and Top Notch Performance
Photo: Victorinox
- Blade Material: Carbon stainless steel
- Handle Material: Polypropylene
- Blade Size: 4-inch
Carefully crafted from polypropylene and carbon stainless steel material, Victorinox 87771 Shear is a high kitchen shear for years of service. The materials ensure that it is resistant to rust and corrosion and, therefore, built for durability and performance.
Additionally, the kitchen shear features 4-inch carbon steel blades that deliver excellent cutting. The good news is that the blades can be re-sharpened over and over to keep them sharp for efficient and effortless cutting.
The polypropylene ergonomically designed handles not only offer easy-grip but also long-term service. You can easily hold the shear comfortably to cut in different angles. Despite being comfy, they are not larger enough.
The kitchen tool has a built-in bottle opener, which makes it highly versatile. It will, therefore, suit a number of kitchen tasks including cutting, snipping herbs, opening bottle tops, and much more.
The hand wash kitchen shear is relatively easier to clean even though not being dishwasher safe. The blades move easily and can open wider for deep cleaning.
Due to the compact and smaller design, the handle is relatively smaller, but its ergonomic design will ensure it is still comfortable enough to hold.
Pros:
- Designed for durability and performance
- Have thick and sharp blades
- Comfortable to hold
- Ideal for different tasks
Cons:
- Handle not large enough
4. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 11517-100 – Heavy-Duty and Efficient
Photo: Zwilling J.A. Henckels
- Blade Material: Stainless steel
- Handle Material: Polyamide plastic
- Blade Size: 3.375-inches
The ZWILLING J.A Henckels 11517-100 Shear is an efficient kitchen shear built from polyamide plastic and stainless steel material. Due to this, the shear delivers excellent cutting and prolong lifespan.
With the quality 3.375-inches micro-serrated blades, the shear delivers a slip-proof cutting, which makes it great for any kitchen. The thick blades are very strong and sharp, which makes them durable and efficient.
The heavy-duty break-resistant plastic handles ensure that you comfortably hold the shear though kind of heavier. The handles are relatively larger enough to suit all users irrespective of the size of the hands.
Furthermore, the kitchen shear is dishwasher safe and hand washable too. This makes the entire cleaning process easier. The blades easily come apart to allow for easy and deep cleaning.
The versatile kitchen shear is appropriate for a number of functions including cutting, snipping, and trimming. Due to the small and sleek design, you will conveniently keep it.
The handles are entirely plastic which makes them more prone to braking than those with metal inside but for the price of these shears, they are still good enough.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty stainless steel built
- Excellent cutting without slipping
- Easy to hold and use
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Handles are entirely plastic
5. ZWILLING J.A Henckels 43967-200 – Top Quality Shears with Forged Steel Blades
Photo: Zwilling J.A. Henckels
- Blade Material: Forged stainless steel
- Handle Material: Polyamide plastic
- Blade Size: 3.375-inches
Introducing the ZWILLING J.A Henckels 43967-200 Shear kitchen shear, it is a versatile shear designed from forged stainless steel material plus polyamide plastic for the handles. This explains why the shear is rust and corrosion resistant and durable.
Apart from this, the kitchen shear is quality and sharp forged stainless steel blades. The sharp blades can easily snip and cut without applying much effort.
With the polyamide plastic handles, they offer a soft feeling hen holding. This means that you can comfortably cut even the harder items without feeling pain on the hands.
The shear has been equipped with a screw that allows for easy and precise movement of the blades. This also brings about an elementary sharpening of the blades when needed.
While these shears will not dismantle fully, it is still fairly easy to give them a thorough cleanup since they are dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Cuts effortlessly
- Have ergonomic easy-grip handles
- Equipped with screw
Cons:
- Doesn’t fully dismantle
6. Wusthof WU5558-1 – Ruggedly-Built for Top Notch Performance
Photo: Wusthof
- Blade Material: High-carbon stainless steel
- Handle Material: Rugged synthetic
- Blade Size: 3-Inches
The Wusthof WU5558-1 Shear is a rugged kitchen shear designed from rugged synthetic and high carbon steel, which ensures that it serves long. With this combination, the sheer delivers top-notch performance plus increased longevity.
More interestingly, it has quality carbon stainless steel blades that are curved inwards. Due to this, the blades only meet at one point for smooth and effortless cutting. One blade has been serrated to prevent it from slipping.
Equipped with rugged synthetic handles, the shear delivers a super smooth and ergonomic sure-grip. This implies that you can easily hold the shear even when hands are wet.
Featuring a steel-tooth insert in the handles, this is a versatile kitchen shear to handle a number of tasks in the kitchen including opening jar caps and bottle caps. The shear is also suited for cutting and snipping.
While the handle works well for both right and left-hand users, the opening seem relatively smaller, but most adults should still be able to hold the shears comfortably.
Pros:
- A highly durable and rugged shear
- Works for both left and right hand users
- Delivers smooth and non-slip cutting
- Have sure-grip handles
- Great for different tasks
Cons:
- Smaller handle holes
7. MAIRICO ATT-01 – More Budget-Friendly Option
Photo: MAIRICO
- Blade Material: Top-grade stainless steel
- Handle Material: High-impact polymer
- Blade Size: 3.5-Inches
Due to the quality construction of top-grade stainless steel and high-impact polymer, this is a highly durable kitchen shear suited for long-term performance.
The shear is also resistant to both rust and corrosion for extended durability and functionality. But, its highly affordable price tag is what will draw most users to it as it is more budget-friendly despite the quality.
Furthermore, it has stainless steel blades that deliver impeccable performance. The blades are ultra-sharp with one serrated to ensure that it doesn’t slip when cutting.
In addition to this, the kitchen shear has high-impact polymer handles that are soft for sure-grip. This means that you can comfortably hold the handles when cutting or snipping. The space in each handle is limited, making unsuitable for some users.
This affordable shear is widely applicable. You can use it for a number of activities like cutting meat, chicken, butterflying poultry, and poultry bones, making it the best kitchen shear for cutting chicken.
Indeed, it is a dishwasher safe shear that is elementary to clean. Despite this, hand wash is recommended in order to maintain the edges of the blade.
Since the blades don’t fully open, deep cleaning becomes harder. But, with a little patience, you should be able to clean it thoroughly enough.
Pros:
- Relatively more affordable
- Extended durability and functionality
- Delivers non-slip cutting
- Comfortable to handle and use
- Widely applicable
Cons:
- Blades don’t fully open
8. Tojiro FK-843 – Conveniently Separable All-Metal Shears
Photo: Tojiro
- Blade Material: Stainless steel
- Handle Material: Stainless steel
- Blade Size: 4-inches
Made from all stainless steel material, the Tojiro FK-843 Shear is a durable kitchen shear with an elegant finish. Due to the quality built, it delivers top-notch performance for years.
The kitchen shear features sharp stainless steel blades that can cut and snip effortlessly. The blades are easy to sharpen since they come apart. This also allows for easy cleaning.
The ergonomic stainless steel handle provides a very secure and easy-grip for elementary use. You can, therefore, comfortably hold on the shear for easy cutting and snipping.
Since it has been equipped with a bottle opener and nutcracker, this is a highly versatile kitchen shear that will suit your kitchen. Additionally, it can also be used for cutting meat and vegetables.
Due to the fact that it has been fully made of stainless steel, the shear is relatively heavier, but it is still easy to balance and handle. In comparison with other products on the list, it is our most expensive shear but for an all-metal model it is still quite fairly priced.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Cuts smoothly and effortlessly
- Ergonomic kitchen shear
- A widely applicable shear
Cons:
- Relatively pricier
- Heavier in weight
9. Shun DM7300 – Sharp Multipurpose Shears
Photo: Shun
- Blade Material: High-quality stainless steel
- Handle Material: Plastic over-mold
- Blade Size: 3.5-inches
The Shun DM7300 Shear is a good kitchen shear made from high-quality stainless steel and plastic over-mold material. Because of this, the kitchen shear is nothing less than spectacular and a testament to the quality and great functionality.
Featuring quality stainless steel blades with one carefully serrated, it can easily cut the fibrous material easily. The blades are sharp for effortless cutting plus resistant to rust and corrosion. Their sharpness and design help to make these shears ideal for variety of cutting tasks.
Its comfortable non-slip plastic over-mold handles bring about the sure grip for easy cutting. You can, therefore, comfortably hold the kitchen shear when cutting or snipping for top-notch performance.
The multi-purpose kitchen tool features a number of built-in features like a nutcracker, bone notch, lid lifter, and jar opener. Due to this, you will find it ideal for a number of tasks besides cutting and snipping.
Even though it is not dishwasher safe, the blades fully open to allow for easy hand wash. The shear has a classic black/silver finish, which perfectly suits it for every kitchen.
Although these shears are not dishwasher safe, they are easy to take apart for quick and thorough cleanup.
Pros:
- Ideal for wide variety of uses
- Comes sharp and ready to use
- Easy dismantling for thorough cleaning
- Offers sure grip
- Widely applicable
Cons:
- Not dishwasher-safe
How to Buy the Best Kitchen Shear
Photo: MAIRICO
Here are some important things to consider when shopping for good kitchen shears.
1. Material
The kitchen shears have designed from different materials and, therefore, you have to consider the blade and handle materials.
For the blade material, stainless steel material is highly recommended since it is rust and corrosion resistant.
The handles of the kitchen shears have been made from different plastic material like polymer and polyamide. Some are also made from stainless steel.
When you value comfort and secure grip, then polymer plastic handles will suit you. However, when you need something durable, stainless steel handles recommended.
You can also get all-metal shears like Tojiro FK-843 which are designed to be super tough and highly long-lasting.
2. Size and Design
With the various sizes of kitchen shears, you need to find the best size and design that will suit you. Even though bigger shears are powerful and able to undertake different tasks, they may be uncomfortable and unwieldy.
On the other hand, smaller shears aren’t really powerful enough though kind of comfortable and user-friendly.
For the best heavy-duty kitchen shear, you need to consider a shear of about 8-inches in size. Such a shear will be comfortable to hold and still delivers excellent performance.
The design of the kitchen shear needs to be ergonomic. You need to check for shear with ergonomic handles with secure and sure-grip you can easily use.
3. Comfortable
You definitely need a comfy kitchen shear in your kitchen. The comfort of the shear will depend on the design of the handle.
To comfortably hold and use the shear, consider one that has a soft grip plus non-slip material like polymer plastic.
With such type of handle, you will not feel any kind of pain even cutting hard items that needs more force to be applied.
4. Safety
It is also vital to check out for the safety of the kitchen shear before making the purchase. First, the shear needs to have a locking mechanism to keep it safe when not in use.
Such a type of kitchen shear will be ideal for use even around kids as the blades are locked in.
Apart from this, the blades should fully dismantle for easy cleaning. Serrated blades are safer for easy cleaning.
Lastly, it should have a soft and secure grip to stop hurting the hands when cutting. You, therefore, need to find a kitchen shear that has rubber or polymer handles to safely cut or snip.
5. Ease of Cleaning
For long-term use, it is necessary to clean the shear after use. There are kitchen shears that are dishwasher safe and hand wash while others are only hand wash.
The dishwasher safe shears are easier to clean and maintain as compared to handwash. However, for better cleaning of the blade edges, you need a dishwasher safe and hand washable shear.
All in all, the easily separable shears like ZWILLING J.A Henckels 11517-100 will give you the easiest time when it comes to clean up.
Conclusion
A good kitchen shears is a must-have kitchen tools, and you can now be confident there is at least one option in our review above that will give you excellent service.
That said, the MAIRICO ATT-01 is a perfect choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the quality of the blade or handle.
On the other hand, the KitchenAid KC351OHOBA takes our top spot as the best overall shears as besides being well-built it offers superior cutting performance thanks to a micro-serrated blade.