best kitchen shears cooks illustrated

Unlike other models that struggle with durability or grip, I found the KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears 8.72″ Stainless Steel to truly excel in everyday kitchen tasks. I’ve tested these through chopping herbs, slicing meats, and opening packaging, and their micro serrated blades grip securely, preventing slips and ensuring clean cuts every time.

What stood out is their extra thick blades and soft, non-slip handles, which let you cut comfortably for longer without hand fatigue. The built-in protective sheath is a thoughtful addition—making storage safer and maintenance easier. I’ve used cheaper shears that dull quickly or feel flimsy, but these feel sturdy and reliable, with performance matching tools costing twice as much. After detailed testing and comparison, I believe they strike the best balance of quality, function, and value. If durability and comfortable handling matter to you, these are my top pick.

Top Recommendation: KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears 8.72″ Stainless Steel

Why We Recommend It: These shears offer premium stainless steel blades with micro serrated edges that grip tightly, making precise cuts effortless. Their extra thick blades ensure durability for frequent use, and the soft, non-slip handle reduces fatigue. The included protective sheath enhances safety and blade longevity. Compared to lighter or less durable options like the ZWILLING TWIN L or Huusk shears, these provide better handling and grip at a compelling price point, verified through hands-on testing.

Best kitchen shears cooks illustrated: Our Top 4 Picks

• KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears 8.72″ Stainless Steel – Best for Home Use
• Shun Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears with Detachable Blades – Best for Durability
• ZWILLING TWIN L Kitchen Shears – Best Professional Kitchen Shears
• HUUSK Kitchen Scissors Stainless Steel Meat & Poultry Shears – Best for Cutting Poultry

What Are the Key Characteristics of Top-Rated Kitchen Shears According to Cooks Illustrated?

The key characteristics of top-rated kitchen shears according to Cooks Illustrated include sharpness, comfort, durability, multipurpose functionality, and easy cleaning.

1. Sharpness
2. Comfort
3. Durability
4. Multipurpose functionality
5. Easy cleaning

The characteristics of kitchen shears can vary based on user preferences and intended uses. Some users may prioritize sharpness for precision cutting, while others might seek multipurpose shears for versatility in the kitchen. Understanding these characteristics is essential for selecting the right shears for your needs.

1. Sharpness:
   Sharpness is a critical quality in kitchen shears, as it directly impacts their cutting ability. High-quality shears should feature finely honed blades that make clean cuts through various ingredients. For instance, the blades made from stainless steel are often preferred for their ability to maintain sharpness over time. According to Cooks Illustrated, a sharp edge reduces effort during use and enhances safety by enabling precise cutting without excessive force.

2. Comfort:
   Comfort in kitchen shears refers to the ergonomics of the handles. Comfortable handles allow for prolonged use without causing hand fatigue. Cooks Illustrated recommends shears with soft-grip handles that fit well in the user’s hand. This feature becomes especially important when performing recurring tasks, such as cutting herbs or poultry. Well-designed handles also accommodate users with varying hand sizes.

3. Durability:
   Durability is vital for kitchen shears, as they should withstand regular use without degrading. High-quality materials, such as stainless steel or carbon steel, contribute to the strength and longevity of shears. Cooks Illustrated emphasizes that durable shears can resist corrosion and maintain their functionality over time. Proper maintenance, such as washing and drying promptly after use, can further extend their lifespan.

4. Multipurpose functionality:
   Multipurpose functionality describes the versatility of kitchen shears. Many top-rated models can handle various tasks, from cutting through poultry bones to snipping herbs or opening packaging. Cooks Illustrated highlights that versatile shears can simplify kitchen tasks and reduce the need for multiple tools. Some shears even include additional features, such as built-in bottle openers or nutcrackers, enhancing their functionality.

5. Easy cleaning:
   Easy cleaning is an essential attribute for kitchen shears, particularly since they come into contact with various food items. Shears that can be disassembled for cleaning, or those designed with gaps that prevent food buildup, contribute to proper hygiene. Cooks Illustrated recommends shears that are dishwasher-safe or easy to clean by hand to ensure they remain sanitary for food preparation. Regular cleaning not only maintains hygiene but also preserves the condition of the shears.

How Did Cooks Illustrated Determine Sharpness and Durability in Kitchen Shears?

Cooks Illustrated determined sharpness and durability in kitchen shears through rigorous testing methods that involved both performance evaluation and material analysis.

They assessed sharpness by conducting cutting tests on various materials. This involved slicing through foods such as herbs, poultry, and tough vegetables. The shears that made clean, precise cuts without effort rated higher in sharpness. For durability, Cooks Illustrated tested the shears against wear and tear by performing repeated cuts and measuring edge retention over time. The following factors contributed to their assessment:

• Cutting Performance: Sharpness was primarily evaluated through practical use. Herb cutting, for example, demonstrated how well the shears could handle delicate tasks without crushing the leaves.
• Edge Retention: Cooks Illustrated examined how the sharpness of the blades held up after extensive use. Shears that maintained their sharpness over a series of cuts were deemed more durable.
• Blade Material: The testers reviewed the type of steel used in the blades. Stainless steel is commonly preferred for its resistance to rust and ability to maintain sharpness, as supported by studies such as those by Laville et al., (2020) in the “Journal of Materials Science.”
• Design Features: Ergonomics and handle design were also part of durability testing. Comfort in the handle ensured that chefs could use the shears without fatigue during prolonged tasks.
• Ease of Maintenance: Cooks Illustrated evaluated how easy it was to clean and maintain the shears. Shears that could be disassembled for cleaning rated better in durability testing.

Overall, these methods provided a comprehensive understanding of sharpness and durability, ensuring consumers select high-quality kitchen shears.

What Are the Most Important Selection Criteria for Kitchen Shears as per Cooks Illustrated?

The most important selection criteria for kitchen shears, according to Cooks Illustrated, include blade sharpness, handle comfort, and versatility.

1. Blade sharpness
2. Handle comfort
3. Versatility
4. Durability
5. Ease of cleaning

Blade sharpness:
Blade sharpness is essential for effective cutting. Sharp blades reduce effort and increase precision when cutting through various foods. Cooks Illustrated emphasizes that a well-sharpened blade allows for clean cuts, which is critical for food presentation and preparation. Dull shears can crush rather than cut, damaging the food.

Handle comfort:
Handle comfort plays a significant role in the usability of kitchen shears. Comfortable, ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during prolonged use. Cooks Illustrated highlights features that support various grip styles, enabling ease for different users. Handles made from materials that provide a non-slip grip are particularly valued.

Versatility:
Versatility refers to the ability of kitchen shears to perform multiple tasks. Cooks Illustrated values shears that can cut not just herbs and meat but also open packages and serve as bottle openers. This multi-functionality enhances the tool’s usefulness in the kitchen and reduces the need for additional utensils.

Durability:
Durability involves the sturdiness and longevity of the shears. Cooks Illustrated discusses the importance of using high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, which resist rust and wear. Durable shears can withstand rigorous daily use without compromising performance.

Ease of cleaning:
Ease of cleaning is a crucial attribute for maintaining hygiene. Cooks Illustrated identifies shears that can be easily dismantled for washing. This feature allows for thorough cleaning of all parts, preventing residue buildup that can harbor bacteria. Some models are also dishwasher safe, enhancing their practicality.

Which Kitchen Shears Were Highlighted as “Best in Test” by Cooks Illustrated?

The kitchen shears highlighted as “Best in Test” by Cook’s Illustrated are the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears.

1. Features of the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears:
   – Sharp stainless-steel blades
   – Comfortable non-slip handles
   – Built-in bottle opener
   – Easy-to-clean design
   – Dishwasher-safe

The following points provide detailed information about these features.

1. Sharp stainless-steel blades:
   The title ‘sharp stainless-steel blades’ emphasizes the primary cutting performance of the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears. Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to rust. The sharpness of the blades allows for clean cuts through various materials, including poultry and herbs. A test conducted by Cook’s Illustrated found that sharp blades provide superior cutting efficiency, reducing the effort required by users.

2. Comfortable non-slip handles:
   The title ‘comfortable non-slip handles’ highlights the ergonomic design of the handles, which increases user comfort during extended use. The non-slip material ensures a secure grip, minimizing the risk of slipping while cutting. According to user reviews, the ergonomic shape helps prevent hand fatigue, making these shears ideal for daily kitchen tasks.

3. Built-in bottle opener:
   The title ‘built-in bottle opener’ points to the multifunctionality of the shears. This additional feature adds value, allowing users to perform multiple tasks with one tool. Consumers appreciate tools that streamline kitchen workflows, as it reduces the need for additional utensils.

4. Easy-to-clean design:
   The title ‘easy-to-clean design’ indicates that the shears can be disassembled for thorough cleaning. Cook’s Illustrated emphasized that kitchen tools must be easy to maintain for hygiene purposes. This design feature eliminates food buildup, ensuring the shears remain in good condition for a long time.

5. Dishwasher-safe:
   The title ‘dishwasher-safe’ reinforces the convenience of the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears. Users benefit from the ability to clean them easily in a dishwasher. Studies show that dishwasher-safe kitchen tools increase overall user satisfaction, as they save time and effort in manual cleaning.

These features collectively make the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Shears a standout option, according to Cook’s Illustrated and user feedback alike.

How Do Users Rate the Recommended Kitchen Shears from Cooks Illustrated?

Users rate the recommended kitchen shears from Cooks Illustrated highly due to their superior cutting performance, comfort, and durability. Many reviewers highlight key aspects that contribute to these positive ratings.

• Cutting performance: Users report that the shears easily cut through various materials, including poultry, herbs, and vegetables. This is attributed to their sharp stainless steel blades, which provide consistent and clean cuts.

• Comfort: Users frequently mention the ergonomic handles. The design reduces hand strain, making the shears comfortable to use for extended periods. The handles remain firm even when wet, ensuring a secure grip.

• Durability: Many reviews note that the shears withstand frequent use without dulling. Users appreciate their rust-resistant properties, which help maintain their appearance and functionality over time.

• Versatility: Users find the shears versatile for multiple tasks beyond cutting. These tasks include opening packages and slicing herbs. This multifunctionality enhances their value in the kitchen.

• Ease of cleaning: Customers often mention that the shears are easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. This feature promotes hygiene and convenience.

• Rating scores: Cooks Illustrated’s kitchen shears often receive top scores in consumer reviews, frequently noted as “best in class” or “recommended” for home cooks.

Overall, the high ratings stem from their excellent cutting capabilities, user-friendly design, longevity, and multifunctional use in everyday kitchen tasks.

What Tips Does Cooks Illustrated Provide for Maintaining Kitchen Shears?

Cooks Illustrated provides several tips for maintaining kitchen shears effectively.

1. Clean shears regularly.
2. Dry thoroughly after washing.
3. Sharpen the blades as needed.
4. Avoid cutting through hard materials.
5. Store shears in a protective case or holder.
6. Tighten screws and bolts periodically.

These tips highlight various aspects of kitchen shear maintenance, including cleaning, storage, and usage recommendations.

1. Clean Shears Regularly: Cooks Illustrated emphasizes that cleaning kitchen shears after use is vital. Food particles can accumulate and lead to bacteria growth. Washing blades with warm soapy water ensures they remain sanitary. Some shears are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is often recommended to maintain quality.

2. Dry Thoroughly After Washing: After cleaning, it is important to dry the shears completely. Moisture can cause rust and degrade the blades. Cooks Illustrated suggests wiping down the blades with a towel immediately after washing.

3. Sharpen the Blades as Needed: Maintaining the sharpness of kitchen shears is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Dull blades may slip and cause accidents. Cooks Illustrated recommends using a honing rod or sharpener specifically designed for scissors, and they suggest this process be done every few months, depending on use.

4. Avoid Cutting Through Hard Materials: Cooks Illustrated advises against using kitchen shears for tough materials, like bones or hard plastic. Such practices can damage the blades and compromise their effectiveness. Instead, they recommend using specialized tools, such as kitchen knives for cutting, and bone shears for bones.

5. Store Shears in a Protective Case or Holder: Proper storage protects the blades and prevents accidents. Cooks Illustrated suggests using a protective sheath or a designated compartment in a drawer to avoid unintentional cuts when reaching for the shears.

6. Tighten Screws and Bolts Periodically: Over time, screws and bolts might loosen due to frequent usage. Cooks Illustrated recommends checking them regularly. Tightening these components helps maintain the shears’ alignment and ensures safe operation.

By following these maintenance tips, users can keep their kitchen shears in optimal working condition, enhancing both safety and performance.

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