KNIVES · BUYING GUIDE

Best Kitchen Shears

Updated

The best kitchen shears and scissors: take-apart, poultry, heavy-duty and premium pairs from OXO, Henckels and Shun, compared by blades, size, cleaning and dishwasher safety.

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Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
Best overall 7.4 Check price
Best budget 7.6 Check price
Shun Kitchen Shears Japanese 420J2 stainless steel
Best premium 7.8 Check price
Best for poultry 8.1 Check price
Henckels Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Best for left-handers 8.4 Check price
How the editorial score works

The score rates documented features and practical tradeoffs on a 10-point scale, using the weighted criteria below. An 8 means strong support with one clear limit; a 9 means particularly complete support with minor limits. It is our editorial judgment from manufacturer information, not a hands-on test or a customer rating.

  • Blades & cutting jobs35%
  • Cleaning & care25%
  • Grip & handedness20%
  • Extras & warranty20%

The order of the picks also reflects who each product suits best, so it is not decided by the score alone. More on our method

  1. 01 · Best overall
    OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors

    OXO · 1072121

    OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors

    7.4/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades
    7.5
    Cleaning
    7.5
    Grip
    8.0
    Extras
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Blades & cutting jobs · 7.5
    Micro-serrated stainless blades for herbs and twine; no bone notch listed
    Cleaning & care · 7.5
    Blades separate for cleaning; dishwasher use not stated
    Grip & handedness · 8.0
    Soft non-slip handles with cushioned pads
    Extras & warranty · 6.5
    Herb stripper above handles; no warranty listed

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forEveryday prep, from herbs to twine and meat

    An all-round pair from OXO's Good Grips line with micro-serrated stainless steel blades and soft handles with cushioned pads. A herb stripper sits above the handles, and the blades separate for cleaning.

    Strengths

    • Blades separate for easy cleaning
    • Built-in herb stripper above the handles

    Weaknesses

    • Dishwasher use not stated on OXO's product page
    • No bone notch listed, so less suited to poultry joints than a dedicated poultry shear

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    8.75" x 3.5" x .5"
    Material
    Stainless steel
    Blade edge
    Micro-serrated
    Handle
    Soft non-slip grip with cushioned pads
    Blades separate
    Yes
    Dishwasher safe
    Not stated on manufacturer page

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best budget
    Henckels Take-Apart Kitchen Shears

    Henckels · 11517-100

    Henckels Take-Apart Kitchen Shears

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades
    6.5
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Grip
    7.5
    Extras
    8.0
    Why this score?
    Blades & cutting jobs · 6.5
    Stamped stainless, light 0.23 lb, not described as heavy-duty
    Cleaning & care · 9.0
    Blades come apart and dishwasher safe, per Henckels
    Grip & handedness · 7.5
    Non-slip handles; no left-hand claim made
    Extras & warranty · 8.0
    Integrated bottle opening tools and lifetime warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forCooks who want a low-cost pair they can put in the dishwasher

    Stainless steel kitchen shears with non-slip handles and integrated bottle opening tools. Henckels says the blades come apart for thorough cleaning and the shears are dishwasher safe.

    Strengths

    • Dishwasher safe and blades come apart, per Henckels
    • Lifetime warranty

    Weaknesses

    • Stamped construction rather than forged
    • Light at 0.23 lb and not described as heavy-duty

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    10.47 x 4.09 x 0.08 in (L x W x H)
    Material
    Stainless steel
    Weight
    0.23 lb
    Blades separate
    Yes
    Dishwasher safe
    Yes
    Warranty
    Lifetime

    Details checked against the henckels.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best premium
    Shun Kitchen Shears

    Shun · DM7240

    Shun Kitchen Shears

    7.8/ 10
    Editorial score 3 of 4 criteria rated
    Blades
    8.5
    Cleaning
    7.0
    Grip
    n/a
    Extras
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Blades & cutting jobs · 8.5
    420J2 stainless, partially serrated edge, bone notch for thin poultry bones
    Cleaning & care · 7.0
    Blades fully separate, but Shun recommends hand washing, not the dishwasher
    Grip & handedness · Not rated
    The documented information does not establish this criterion.
    Extras & warranty · 7.5
    Made in Japan, limited lifetime warranty; highest price in guide

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forCooks who want Japanese-made shears for BBQ, herbs and spatchcocking

    Made in Japan with 420J2 stainless steel blades, one partially serrated edge and a bone notch for flower stems or thin poultry bones. The blades fully separate for cleaning.

    Strengths

    • Made in Japan with a limited lifetime warranty
    • Bone notch and partially serrated edge

    Weaknesses

    • Highest price in this guide
    • Shun recommends hand washing its shears rather than the dishwasher

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    Overall: .6" thick x 3.75" wide x 9" long
    Blade material
    Japanese 420J2 stainless steel
    Weight
    9.1 oz (258 g)
    Blade edge
    Partially serrated, bone notch
    Blades separate
    Yes
    Dishwasher safe
    No; hand washing recommended (Shun shears care guidance)
    Warranty
    Limited Lifetime Warranty

    Details checked against the shun.kaiusa.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best for poultry
    OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears

    OXO · 1072292

    OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears

    8.1/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades
    8.5
    Cleaning
    7.5
    Grip
    8.5
    Extras
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Blades & cutting jobs · 8.5
    Curved tapered blades and bone notch built for poultry; specialist shape
    Cleaning & care · 7.5
    Comes apart for cleaning; dishwasher use not stated
    Grip & handedness · 8.5
    Handle loop and bolster stop the hand slipping forward
    Extras & warranty · 7.5
    Handle lock keeps blades closed for storage; no warranty listed

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forSpatchcocking and trimming chicken and other poultry

    Dedicated poultry shears with curved, tapered stainless steel blades and a blade notch that secures bones. A handle loop and bolster stop your hand slipping forward, and a handle lock keeps the blades closed for storage.

    Strengths

    • Blade notch and curved, tapered blades made for poultry
    • Handle lock for safe storage; comes apart for cleaning

    Weaknesses

    • Specialist shape, less of a general snipping tool
    • Dishwasher use not stated on OXO's product page

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    9.5" x 2.75" x .75"
    Material
    Stainless steel
    Blade shape
    Curved and tapered, with bone notch
    Storage
    Handle lock keeps blades closed
    Blades separate
    Yes
    Dishwasher safe
    Not stated on manufacturer page

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best for left-handers
    Henckels Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears

    Henckels · 11564-201

    Henckels Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears

    8.4/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades
    7.5
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Grip
    9.0
    Extras
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Blades & cutting jobs · 7.5
    Break-resistant stainless, twig notch; 3.35 inch blades for tougher jobs
    Cleaning & care · 9.0
    Blades come apart and dishwasher safe
    Grip & handedness · 9.0
    Grip designed for both left- and right-handed users
    Extras & warranty · 8.5
    Bottle opener, nut cracker, lid lifter and lifetime warranty; heavy at 0.38 lb

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forLeft-handed cooks and tougher jobs in and out of the kitchen

    An all-stainless, heavy-duty take-apart shear that Henckels describes as break resistant, with a grip for both left- and right-handed users. It adds a bottle opener, twig notch, nut cracker and prying tool/lid lifter.

    Strengths

    • Grip designed for both left- and right-handed users
    • Dishwasher safe, blades come apart, lifetime warranty

    Weaknesses

    • Heaviest Henckels pair here at 0.38 lb
    • Costs more than twice as much as the standard Henckels pair at list price

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    8.19 x 2.91 x 0.35 in (L x W x H)
    Material
    Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
    Blade length
    3.35 in
    Weight
    0.38 lb
    Blades separate
    Yes
    Dishwasher safe
    Yes

    Details checked against the henckels.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors Everyday prep, from herbs to twine and meat8.75" x 3.5" x .5"YesNot stated on manufacturer page
Henckels Take-Apart Kitchen Shears Cooks who want a low-cost pair they can put in the dishwasher10.47 x 4.09 x 0.08 in (L x W x H)YesYes
Shun Kitchen Shears Cooks who want Japanese-made shears for BBQ, herbs and spatchcockingOverall: .6" thick x 3.75" wide x 9" longYesNo; hand washing recommended (Shun shears care guidance)
OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears Spatchcocking and trimming chicken and other poultry9.5" x 2.75" x .75"YesNot stated on manufacturer page
Henckels Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears Left-handed cooks and tougher jobs in and out of the kitchen8.19 x 2.91 x 0.35 in (L x W x H)YesYes

How we chose

We compared kitchen shears from established brands using each manufacturer’s own product page: blade material and shape, notches and extra tools, overall size and weight, whether the blades come apart, what the maker says about dishwasher use, and warranty. We also aimed for a spread of prices and jobs, from an everyday pair to dedicated poultry shears and a premium Japanese-made option.

What to look for in kitchen shears

Choose shears that come apart. Food collects around the pivot. Shears whose blades separate let you wash and dry each half fully, which matters most after cutting raw meat or fish.

Match the blades to the job. Straight, micro-serrated blades suit herbs, vegetables, packaging and twine. For poultry, look for curved blades and a bone notch that holds the bone in place while you cut.

Check the care instructions. Some makers say their shears can go in the dishwasher, while others recommend hand washing to protect the edge and pivot. If you want dishwasher convenience, confirm it is stated for the exact model.

Think about grip and hand size. Soft, non-slip handles are easier to hold when your hands are wet or greasy. Left-handed cooks should look for a model the maker describes as suitable for both hands.

Look at the extras and the warranty. Herb strippers, bottle openers and lid lifters can be handy, but they add bulk. A lifetime or limited lifetime warranty is common at this level and is worth checking before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Are kitchen scissors and kitchen shears the same thing?

In practice the two names are used for the same tool. OXO sells its pair as Kitchen And Herb Scissors, while Henckels and Shun call theirs kitchen shears, and all of them are made for food prep jobs like snipping herbs, trimming meat and opening packaging. Look at blade shape, notches and cleaning features rather than the name on the box.

Can I put kitchen shears in the dishwasher?

It depends on the model. Henckels lists both its Take-Apart Kitchen Shears and its Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears as dishwasher safe, while Shun recommends washing its shears by hand because repeated dishwasher cycles can dull the blades and affect the pivot. OXO's product pages for its Kitchen And Herb Scissors and Poultry Shears do not state dishwasher use, so check the packaging.

Which kitchen shears are best for cutting chicken?

The OXO Poultry Shears are built for it, with curved, tapered blades and a blade notch that secures bones. The Shun Kitchen Shears have a bone notch for thin poultry bones, and Shun lists spatchcocking among their uses. Henckels also mentions prepping poultry for its Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears.

Are there kitchen shears for left-handed cooks?

Henckels says its Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears have a comfortable grip for both left- and right-handed users. The other picks in this guide do not make a left-handed claim on their product pages, so left-handed cooks should start with the Henckels heavy-duty pair.

What are the best kitchen scissors?

The OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors are the best overall pick, with micro-serrated stainless blades, a built-in herb stripper and blades that separate for cleaning. The Henckels Take-Apart Kitchen Shears are the budget pick, and the manufacturer lists them as dishwasher safe. For poultry, choose the OXO Good Grips Poultry Shears instead.

What are the best heavy duty kitchen shears?

The Henckels Heavy-Duty Take-Apart Kitchen Shears are the heavy-duty pick: all stainless, described by Henckels as break resistant, with a bottle opener, twig notch, nut cracker and lid lifter. They are dishwasher safe, the blades come apart and they carry a lifetime warranty. The Shun Kitchen Shears are heavier at 9.1 oz and have a bone notch, but Shun recommends hand washing.

What are the best Japanese kitchen shears?

The Shun Kitchen Shears are the Japanese-made pick, with 420J2 stainless steel blades, a partially serrated edge and a bone notch for flower stems or thin poultry bones. The blades fully separate for cleaning, and Shun recommends hand washing. It is the highest-priced pair in this guide.