Cutting through poultry joints, spatchcocking a chicken, or trimming excess fat requires a tool with serious power and precision. Standard kitchen scissors often buckle under the pressure, leaving you struggling with sinew and bone. The right pair of kitchen shears, however, can make these tasks effortless, turning a challenging job into a simple step in your cooking process.
When selecting shears for poultry, you need a design that combines robust construction with comfortable handling. Features like heavy-duty steel, secure grips, and specialized blades for piercing and cutting are essential. This roundup examines ten of the best options available, from multi-purpose workhorses to specialized poultry shears, to help you find the perfect tool for your kitchen.
The Best Kitchen Shears for Handling Poultry
- WÜSTHOF Stainless Kitchen Shears
- OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Scissors
- Joyce Chen Unlimited Kitchen Scissors, 2 Pack
- ZWILLING Twin L 8-inch Kitchen Shears
- MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears
- Victorinox Swiss Classic Come Apart Kitchen Shear
- Dexter Russell SofGrip Poultry/Kitchen Shears
- Kershaw Taskmaster Multi-Purpose Shears
- Cangshan 2-Piece Heavy-Duty Shears Set
- Cuisinart CSK-100 Kitchen Shears
WÜSTHOF Stainless Kitchen Shears
WÜSTHOF is a name synonymous with quality cutlery, and their kitchen shears are built to the same high standard. These shears are designed for heavy-duty tasks, making them a reliable choice for cutting through poultry bones and joints. The robust construction ensures they can handle the pressure without bending or breaking.
Beyond their primary function, these shears include several useful built-in tools. They feature a bottle opener, a screwdriver, and a jar clamp, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen drawer. This multi-functionality means you have several common tools consolidated into one well-made instrument.
OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors
OXO’s Good Grips line is celebrated for its user-friendly design, and these multi-purpose scissors are no exception. The micro-serrated blades are engineered to grip items securely, preventing slipping when cutting through slippery poultry skin or tough materials. This provides greater control and a cleaner cut.
These shears are not just for meat; they come with a dedicated herb stripper built into the handle, which efficiently removes leaves from tough stems. The comfortable, soft handles reduce hand fatigue, making them ideal for longer prep sessions that involve snipping herbs and other ingredients after handling the main poultry task.
Joyce Chen Original Unlimited Kitchen Scissors
For those who value both performance and convenience, the Joyce Chen shears are sold in a practical two-pack. They are crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, which is known for its ability to hold a sharp edge over a long period, ensuring clean cuts through poultry and other foods with minimal effort.
The handles are designed to be generous and pliable, offering a comfortable and secure grip that aids in maneuverability. Having two pairs means you can dedicate one to heavier tasks like cutting bones and the other to general-purpose kitchen duties, maintaining hygiene and blade integrity.
ZWILLING Twin L 8-inch Kitchen Shears
With a heritage dating back to 1731, ZWILLING brings its renowned German engineering to this pair of kitchen shears. They are built for universal usage, capable of handling everything from snipping delicate herbs to the more demanding job of cutting through poultry.
A key design feature is the combination of one straight and one serrated blade. This unique configuration provides superior cutting ease, as the serrated blade grips the material while the straight blade makes a clean cut. This is particularly helpful when dealing with slippery skin or tough tendons.
MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears
As the name suggests, the MAD SHARK shears are engineered specifically for heavy-duty poultry tasks. They are forged with rust-proof molybdenum-vanadium steel and feature thick, 3.5mm blades that are built to cut through bones effortlessly. The industrial-grade handles are rated to withstand significantly more pressure than standard scissors.
These shears are packed with user-friendly features, including a spring-loaded mechanism for one-handed operation and a rapid, thumb-activated safety lock. Beyond poultry, they function as a multi-tool with a built-in nutcracker, fish scaler edge, and can opener, making them an exceptionally versatile piece of kitchen equipment.
Victorinox Swiss Classic Come Apart Kitchen Shear
Victorinox, the maker of the original Swiss Army Knife, applies its expertise to this practical kitchen shear. The micro-serrated blades are excellent for holding herbs, vegetables, and poultry skin in place, preventing them from slipping during a cut. The ergonomic design ensures comfort and ease of use.
A significant advantage of this model is that it comes apart completely for thorough cleaning. This is a crucial feature after working with raw poultry, as it allows you to remove any residue from the pivot point, ensuring better hygiene and long-term durability.
Dexter Russell SofGrip Poultry/Kitchen Shears
Dexter Russell is a brand trusted by professional chefs, and their SofGrip shears are built for the rigors of a commercial kitchen. Made from high-carbon, stain-free steel, these shears are designed to tackle tough jobs like cutting through poultry bones while maintaining their sharpness.
The standout feature is the soft, non-slip rubber grip handle, which provides a secure and comfortable hold even when your hands are wet or greasy. Being NSF Certified, they meet strict standards for public health protection, making them a reliable and safe choice for any home kitchen.
Kershaw Taskmaster Shears
Kershaw brings a tactical edge to the kitchen with the multi-functional Taskmaster Shears. The 3.5-inch high-performance stainless steel blades include one serrated edge to power through tough or fibrous materials with ease, making them suitable for various kitchen challenges.
These shears are like a compact toolkit. The handles integrate a nutcracker, jar opener, lid lifter, a bone notch, and two screwdriver tips. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need a single, robust tool that can handle kitchen duties and other household tasks beyond food preparation.
Cangshan 2-Piece Heavy-Duty Shears Set
This Cangshan set offers a comprehensive solution for all your cutting needs by including two specialized shears: an 8-inch utility pair and a larger 9.5-inch poultry shear. This allows you to use the right tool for each specific job, from detailed herb snipping to breaking down a whole bird.
Both shears are crafted from durable 420 stain-resistant steel and are sharpened to a precise edge for clean cuts. The set also includes protective blade guards for safe storage. The handles are designed for a secure and comfortable grip, providing control and leverage for tougher cuts.
Cuisinart CSK-100 Kitchen Shears
Cuisinart is a staple in many kitchens, known for producing reliable and effective tools. The CSK-100 kitchen shears continue this tradition, offering a sturdy design ready to take on various food preparation tasks. They are built to provide a dependable performance when cutting through poultry and other ingredients.
While specific features may vary, Cuisinart tools are generally designed with the home cook in mind, focusing on a balance of functionality and value. These shears are a solid choice for someone seeking a trustworthy brand for their everyday kitchen needs, including breaking down chicken and other poultry.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kitchen Shears for Poultry
When I’m looking for a new pair of kitchen shears specifically for handling poultry, I don’t just grab the first pair I see. Poultry shears have a tough job; they need to cut through joints, skin, and small bones with ease, and they need to be durable and easy to clean. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost, I look at the build quality and material. A good pair of shears for poultry should be made from high-carbon stainless steel. This material is strong, resists rust, and holds a sharp edge through many uses. I avoid anything that feels flimsy or looks like it might be made from cheap materials. The handles are just as important. I prefer a comfortable, ergonomic grip, often made from a material like Santoprene or another non-slip rubber. When I’m dealing with a slippery chicken, the last thing I want is for the shears to slip in my hand. Some models even have a notch for cracking bones, which is a feature I find incredibly useful.
Next, I think about the design of the blades. Many of the best kitchen shears for poultry have a unique blade design, often with one serrated blade and one straight blade. The serrations help grip slippery skin and tendons, making the cut more controlled. I also check if the shears are fully ambidextrous or if they are molded for a specific hand. As a right-handed person, this isn’t always a deal-breaker for me, but it’s a critical feature for left-handed cooks. Another design element I always look for is whether the shears can be taken apart. Disassemblable shears are a game-changer for cleaning. After cutting up raw chicken, I want to be able to wash every nook and cranny to prevent any bacterial growth.
Finally, I consider the pivot point and the overall spring action. A strong, well-constructed pivot is what gives the shears their cutting power. I test them in my hand (if possible) to feel for a smooth, solid action. Some shears have a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically re-opens the blades, which really reduces hand fatigue if I’m breaking down multiple birds. While it might seem like a small detail, it makes the whole process much more efficient and comfortable. By focusing on these key areas—material, handle comfort, blade design, cleanability, and mechanics—I can find a reliable tool that makes preparing poultry a simple task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes kitchen shears for poultry different from regular scissors?
The main difference is in the strength and design. Poultry shears are built to handle much tougher jobs than regular scissors. They are made from heavier-gauge, hardened steel that can easily cut through small bones, joints, and tough poultry skin without bending or breaking. Often, one blade is serrated to grip slippery surfaces, and many have features like a bone notch or a built-in nut cracker. Regular household scissors simply aren’t strong or sharp enough for this kind of task and would likely be damaged.
Can I put my kitchen shears in the dishwasher?
This depends entirely on the specific model. Many high-quality kitchen shears are advertised as dishwasher safe, but I always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. However, even if they are dishwasher safe, I often prefer to hand-wash them, especially if they have wooden handles or complex mechanisms. The intense heat and harsh detergents in a dishwasher can sometimes degrade handle materials or affect the sharpness of the blades over time. For the best kitchen shears for poultry, which often come apart for cleaning, hand-washing is usually the safest bet to ensure their longevity.
How often should I sharpen my poultry shears?
There’s no fixed schedule, as it depends on how frequently you use them. I sharpen mine when I notice they are starting to tear the meat instead of making a clean cut, or when I have to apply a lot more pressure than usual. With regular home use, a good pair might only need sharpening once or twice a year. You can use a specialized sharpening tool designed for scissors, take them to a professional, or, if you’re confident, use a whetstone. Keeping them sharp not only makes your work easier but also safer, as dull blades are more likely to slip.
Is it worth spending more on a branded pair of shears?
In my experience, yes, it usually is. While you can find inexpensive options, a higher-priced pair from a reputable brand often means better materials, superior craftsmanship, and more thoughtful design features. You’re paying for durability, a more comfortable grip that reduces hand strain, and a blade that will stay sharp longer. A well-made pair of shears is an investment that can last for many years, making the higher initial cost worthwhile compared to replacing a cheap pair every year or so.
What safety tips should I follow when using poultry shears?
Safety is paramount. Always make sure your cutting surface is stable and won’t slip. Use a secure cutting board. Keep your fingers well away from the blades, and be mindful of the direction you are cutting—always cut away from your body. After using the shears on raw poultry, clean them thoroughly with hot, soapy water immediately to prevent cross-contamination. If they are disassemblable, take them apart to clean all the surfaces. Finally, store them safely, either in a block, a drawer with a blade guard, or hanging on a magnetic strip, so the sharp edges aren’t exposed.