What it is
Kitchen shears are a two-bladed, hinged cutting tool for food preparation. Their closing action can make it convenient to cut directly over a bowl, pot or tray, and may help with flexible or slippery ingredients. They do not replace a knife for every kind of cut.
When to use it
They can be used to snip herbs, cut bacon, pizza and dough, trim fish fins, and handle some poultry-preparation tasks. Whether they can cut bones depends on the design: use shears for that task only when they are intended for it, and follow their instructions.
How to use it
Open the blades and place the ingredient between them; cut with controlled movements without twisting the blades. If a cut stalls or the blades catch, stop and reposition them rather than forcing the handles. For herbs, you can snip directly over a dish or bowl.
How to choose it
Look for blades that align well and a pivot that moves smoothly without looseness. Check that the handles feel comfortable and are easy to clean. Detachable blades can make the pivot easier to reach, but they should be designed to separate and reassemble securely. The blades of OXO Kitchen And Herb Scissors separate for easy cleaning.
Cleaning and storage
Wash the shears after every food-preparation task. Clean both sides of the blades and around the pivot; if the design comes apart, separate it only as directed. Rinse and dry every surface promptly, especially the joint, before storing the shears clean and closed. IKEA’s TROJKA scissors are dishwasher safe and must be washed before first use. This compatibility does not extend to other models.
Alternatives for each use
A chef’s knife can chop vegetables, cut meat and fish and make uniform cuts. Shears are practical for cutting directly over a container. These tools complement each other; choose the one suited to the task.
Common mistakes
Do not force a stalled cut or twist the blades through a hard ingredient. Separate the blades only if the design allows it. Keep a clean pair for food and avoid household projects that may leave residue.
Safe use
After cutting raw meat or poultry, clean the shears thoroughly before using them with ready-to-eat food. Pay attention to the pivot and the spaces between the blades, where residue can collect. Dry them well and store them closed or protected to help prevent accidental cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Can kitchen shears be used to cut herbs?
Yes. Kitchen shears are useful for snipping herbs directly over a plate, bowl or dish.
Can every pair of kitchen shears be taken apart?
No. Separate the blades only if the design allows it and the instructions explain how; never force fixed shears apart.
How should I clean shears after cutting raw poultry?
Wash both sides of the blades and around the pivot, separating the blades if the design permits. Rinse and dry every surface before using or storing them.
Sources and review
Sources consulted for this utensil’s documented uses, care and characteristics.
- How to Clean and Care for Kitchen Shears - MAIRICO mairico.com/knife-care/kitchen-shears-care/
- Tijeras de cocina: para qué sirven y cómo elegirlas – SAMURA.com samura.com/blogs/news/kitchen-shears-prep-workhorse?srsltid=AYCX9vK2Qh3oybi8NC2mvEqwXBv0MH8T…
- Cook's Tools: 30 Time-Saving Kitchen Tools | UNL Food | Nebraska food.unl.edu/article/cooks-tools-30-time-saving-kitchen-tools/
- OXO UK — Kitchen And Herb Scissors www.oxouk.com/products/kitchen-and-herb-scissors/
- IKEA — TROJKA scissors www.ikea.com/us/en/p/trojka-scissors-light-green-20578364/
