Spatchcock, Snip Herbs or Pull Apart to Wash? The Best Kitchen Shears by Job

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t change our recommendations or the price you pay.

The best kitchen shears depend on what you cut most. Light, all-purpose scissors handle herbs, bacon, pizza and packaging. Heavy-duty poultry shears, often spring-loaded with a lock, are built for chicken backbones and wing tips. Some pairs come apart for cleaning, and some ship with a sheath or blade cover for the drawer.

We compared six pairs from their Amazon listings, from Amazon’s top-ranked all-purpose shears and a three-pack to Henckels poultry shears and three heavy-duty meat scissors. We quote blade materials, locks, covers and care instructions exactly as each listing gives them, and we say plainly when a listing leaves something out, such as a warranty term or a believable weight.

Steel grades, sharpness promises and strength figures are each brand’s own claims, and we label them that way.

Our Top Kitchen Shears Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears With Sheath: Best Overall

KitchenAid’s All Purpose Kitchen Shears are an 8.72-inch pair of stainless steel scissors with a soft grip handle and a plastic sheath. KitchenAid says the blades are built to resist rust and maintain sharpness, and the listing names vegetables, herbs, meat and packaging as everyday jobs.

In daily use, these are the shears you reach for to snip chives, cut bacon into lardons, trim fat from chicken thighs, slice a pizza or open a bag of frozen peas. The listing describes micro serrated edges that grip food and materials to minimize slips, and extra thick blades for strength with frequent use. The handle has a soft, non-slip coating that KitchenAid says reduces hand fatigue.

A sturdy plastic sheath covers the blades when the shears are not in use, which protects both the edge and your fingers in a crowded drawer. The listing says they are dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to maintain blade quality. The listed weight is 0.3 pounds, and the manufacturer field names Lifetime Brands Inc., which makes KitchenAid-branded tools.

They suit nearly any kitchen as a first or replacement pair of shears. The black version we link to is one of several colors. The listing doesn’t describe a take-apart design, a lock or a spring, so heavy poultry work is better left to a dedicated pair.

Why we like it

• #1 in Shears on Amazon
• Sheath for safe drawer storage
• Micro serrated stainless blades

Watch out for

The warranty field is a placeholder, and the listing doesn’t say the blades come apart for cleaning.

Check Price on Amazon →

2. HENCKELS Poultry Shears: Best Poultry Shears

HENCKELS’ poultry shears are a heavy-duty pair with serrated steel blades and a locking mechanism, sold under a title that calls them dishwasher safe and heavy duty. The brand says the serrations and specially designed handle will make quick work of breaking down poultry.

Poultry shears are built for jobs that ordinary scissors struggle with: cutting out a chicken’s backbone to spatchcock it, splitting a breast, trimming wing tips or cutting a roasted bird into pieces at the table. The serrated blades grip slippery skin and cartilage, and the listing says they are meant to take on tough materials.

The blades lock closed for safety when storing, which keeps the points shut in a drawer. The bullets list 3.5-inch steel blades, while the title says 4-Inch, so we quote both. The listing gives the warranty as a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects, and the manufacturer field names J.A. Henckels International, part of the same company as ZWILLING. The listed weight is 0.3 pounds.

They suit cooks who roast whole chickens or buy family packs of bone-in thighs and want a dedicated poultry tool from a long-established knife brand. The listing doesn’t mention a spring, so expect to open the blades by hand between cuts.

Why we like it

• Lifetime warranty field
• Serrated blades for poultry
• Locks closed for storage

Watch out for

The title and bullets disagree on blade length, and the listing is short on detail such as steel grade.

Check Price on Amazon →

3. Astercook 3-Pack Kitchen Scissors With Blade Covers: Best Value Multipack

Astercook’s kitchen scissors come as a three-pack of all-purpose shears, each with stainless steel blades, non-slip handles and a blade cover. Astercook pitches them for meat, poultry, vegetables, herbs, seafood and packaging, and the title calls them heavy duty.

The point of a multipack is simple: keep one pair for raw meat, another for herbs and vegetables and a third for opening packages, so you aren’t washing the same pair between every task. The listing describes a serrated blade edge that helps grip slippery ingredients for cleaner, more controlled cuts, and handles made of PP and TPR plastics for a secure hold during repeated use.

Each pair comes with a blade cover for safer storage in drawers, cabinets or countertop organizers, and the listing says the shears are dishwasher safe. The listed weight of 0.46 pounds and size of 10.87 by 9.57 by 0.1 inches appear to describe the whole pack rather than one pair. The pack comes in mixed handle colors.

They suit busy households, new apartments and anyone who keeps losing the one good pair of scissors. They’re also an easy way to put a pair in the kitchen, the grill kit and the craft drawer. The seller is Astercook’s own store.

Why we like it

• Three pairs for different jobs
• Covers for every pair
• Dishwasher safe

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t state a warranty or steel grade, and the weight appears to cover all three pairs.

Check Price on Amazon →

4. MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears: Best Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears

MAD SHARK’s heavy-duty poultry shears pair 3.5mm blades of what the brand calls rust-proof molybdenum-vanadium steel with aluminum handles and a spring between them. MAD SHARK says they cut through poultry bones effortlessly and that a corrosion-resistant coating prevents stains.

The spring is what changes the experience. After each squeeze, it pushes the blades back open, so you can work down a chicken’s backbone or through a rack of wing joints with one hand while the other holds the bird. A thumb-activated safety lock keeps the blades closed for storage; MAD SHARK says it clicks shut in 0.2 seconds, a figure that is the brand’s own.

The listing names a long list of extra jobs: deboning poultry, cracking walnuts with a built-in nutcracker, scaling fish with a serrated edge, cutting pizza crusts, trimming pastry, snipping herbs and bacon, and cleaning shrimp. The handles have a non-slip finish and a thumb rest, and the shears are described as dishwasher safe. MAD SHARK also mentions a lifetime sharpness guarantee in the bullets, though the warranty field itself is empty.

They suit cooks who roast or grill whole birds often and want a dedicated spring-loaded pair. Strength comparisons and chef-testing figures in the listing are marketing claims we can’t verify, and the weight and size fields don’t give usable numbers.

Why we like it

• Spring reopens the blades
• Thumb lock for storage
• Nutcracker and fish scaler extras

Watch out for

The weight field is a placeholder, and the lifetime sharpness promise appears only in the bullets, not the warranty field.

Check Price on Amazon →

5. Huusk Japanese Steel Kitchen Scissors: Best Take-Apart Shears

Huusk’s kitchen scissors are a 9-inch pair with mirror-polished blades of 2.0mm SK5 steel, which the brand says are honed by Japanese metallurgy masters. The title calls them Japanese steel kitchen shears, and the listing pitches them for poultry joints, fresh herbs and household materials.

The feature that sets them apart is in the third bullet: Huusk says the shears detach, giving a compact 9-inch size that slips into drawers or picnic baskets. Pulling the blades apart lets you wash and dry the pivot area, where bits of raw chicken and herb stems tend to collect in fixed scissors. Huusk also says they can cut fish, lamb and pork bones.

The handles are described as ergonomic and suitable for left- or right-handed users. The pair arrives in a gift box, and Huusk says every pair goes through quality control. The listing doesn’t say whether the shears are dishwasher safe, so hand washing and drying them apart is the cautious choice. The listed weight is 0.55 pounds.

They suit cooks who want to clean their shears thoroughly between raw meat and other foods, and anyone shopping for a gift. One wording note: the title says Japanese steel, while a later bullet describes Japanese-inspired craftsmanship, and the listing doesn’t state where the shears are made.

Why we like it

• Detaches for cleaning, per listing
• SK5 steel blades
• Gift box packaging

Watch out for

Dishwasher use isn’t mentioned, and the listing’s “Japanese” wording is inconsistent.

Check Price on Amazon →

6. DRAGON RIOT Heavy Duty Poultry Shears: Best Heavy-Duty Meat Scissors

DRAGON RIOT’s heavy-duty poultry shears are a large pair made of what the brand calls high quality German stainless steel, described as corrosion resistant, sharp and durable. The listing pitches them for dismembering cooked and raw meat, chicken, turkey and seafood.

DRAGON RIOT says the shears are bigger and stronger than regular kitchen shears, and the listing gives a size of 9.84 by 3.74 inches and a weight of 0.73 pounds. Micro-serrated blade edges are meant to give non-slip cutting, which helps on slick poultry skin and shellfish. Ergonomic handles are described as giving a soft, secure grip for both right- and left-handed cooks.

When you’re done, the handle locks closed for easy storage. A bottle opener is built into the blade for bottles and jars. The listing says the handles are specially treated so the shears are dishwasher safe, and it mentions 30-day no-hassle returns, though the warranty field itself is empty.

They suit cooks who carve holiday turkeys, cut up whole chickens and break down large cuts of meat, and who prefer a heavier pair in the hand. The listing doesn’t mention a spring, so the blades are opened by hand between cuts, and a sturdy cutting board underneath helps keep large pieces steady while you work.

Why we like it

• Large, heavy build
• Micro-serrated blades
• Lock and bottle opener

Watch out for

Sales rank is the weakest here, and the listing offers 30-day returns rather than a stated warranty.

Check Price on Amazon →

How We Chose the Best Kitchen Shears

We compared each pair’s Amazon listing, specs and sales rank, and quoted only what the listings say:

• Blade steel and edge: the steel and serrations each listing names, labeled as the brand’s claim.
• Mechanism: spring-loaded or not, and whether the blades lock.
• Take-apart design: only where the listing says the shears detach.
• Storage: sheaths and blade covers.
• Care and warranty: dishwasher-safe status and the warranty field, flagged when empty or a placeholder.
• Availability: every pick was in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store when we checked, with one pick per brand.

All six picks fell in the same under-$50 price tier when we checked, so we sorted them by job rather than by price.

Kitchen Shears Buying Guide

Best Poultry Shears

Poultry shears are built for cutting out a backbone, splitting a breast and trimming wing tips. The HENCKELS pair has serrated, locking blades and the only lifetime warranty term in a warranty field here. The MAD SHARK adds a spring that reopens the blades, which helps when you make many cuts in a row. Our cutting board guide covers the board underneath.

Best Heavy Duty Kitchen Scissors for Meat

For bone-in cuts and turkeys, look for thick blades, serrations and a lock. MAD SHARK lists 3.5mm blades, the thickest stated here, while Huusk lists 2.0mm. DRAGON RIOT is the heaviest stated pair at 0.73 pounds and says its shears are bigger and stronger than regular kitchen shears. Strength figures in these listings are the brands’ claims.

Best Kitchen Shears That Come Apart

Take-apart shears separate at the pivot so you can wash between the blades. Of our picks, only Huusk’s listing says its shears detach. The other listings don’t mention it, so assume they stay together and clean the pivot carefully with a brush.

Best Dishwasher Safe Kitchen Shears

Five of the six listings call their shears dishwasher safe: KitchenAid, HENCKELS, Astercook, MAD SHARK and DRAGON RIOT. KitchenAid still recommends hand washing to maintain blade quality. Huusk’s listing doesn’t say either way. Whatever the label, drying the blades promptly is the gentle option.

Sheaths, Covers and Locks for Safe Storage

Loose shears in a drawer are how fingers get nicked. KitchenAid includes a plastic sheath and Astercook includes a cover for each pair. HENCKELS, MAD SHARK and DRAGON RIOT lock closed instead. Huusk’s listing mentions a gift box but no cover or lock.

Shears vs. Knives

Shears complement knives rather than replace them. If you’re building a full set, see our kitchen knife set guide, and our knife sharpener guide covers keeping edges sharp.

Food Safety: Clean Your Shears After Raw Poultry

Shears that touch raw chicken carry the same risk as a knife or cutting board. The FDA’s safe food handling guidance says to:

• Clean as you go. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
• Keep raw meat separate. Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.
• Wash your hands. Use warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.

A multipack like the Astercook makes it easy to keep one pair for raw meat only, and a take-apart pair like the Huusk lets you wash the pivot. Store any pair closed, locked or covered, away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kitchen shears for most people?

The KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears are our overall pick. They rank #1 in Shears on Amazon, have micro serrated stainless steel blades, come with a protective sheath, are listed as dishwasher safe and are sold by Amazon.com.

What are the best poultry shears?

The HENCKELS poultry shears have serrated, locking blades and a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects in the warranty field. If you want a spring that reopens the blades, the MAD SHARK is the only spring-loaded pick here.

Which kitchen shears come apart for cleaning?

Among our picks, only the Huusk listing says its shears detach. The other listings don’t mention a take-apart design, so clean their pivots with a brush and dry them well.

Are kitchen shears dishwasher safe?

Five of our six picks are listed as dishwasher safe: KitchenAid, HENCKELS, Astercook, MAD SHARK and DRAGON RIOT. KitchenAid still recommends hand washing, and Huusk’s listing doesn’t say.

How should I clean shears after cutting raw chicken?

The FDA says to wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item. Treat shears the same way, and consider keeping a separate pair for raw meat.

The Bottom Line

The KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears are the best kitchen shears for most kitchens: the #1 seller in Shears, with a sheath, micro serrated blades and Amazon.com as the seller. For poultry, the HENCKELS pair brings locking serrated blades and a lifetime warranty field, while the MAD SHARK adds a spring. The Astercook three-pack gives you separate pairs for different jobs, the Huusk detaches for cleaning, and the DRAGON RIOT is the heaviest pair for big cuts of meat.

Setting up a new kitchen and wondering what your policy covers? Ask your agent, and see our Ohio homeowners insurance guide or renters insurance cost guide. Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or schedule a free coverage review.