What Are Kitchen Shears?
Kitchen shears are heavy-duty cutting tools designed specifically for food prep. While they look similar to scissors, they’re built stronger and wider to handle tougher kitchen tasks. Most kitchen shears have thicker blades, a reinforced pivot point, and ergonomic handles for better grip and control.
Many kitchen shears include extra features like serrated edges, bone notches, or blades that come apart for easy cleaning. They’re commonly used for trimming meat, cutting poultry, snipping herbs, opening food packaging, and even cracking nuts. Because they’re made for contact with raw food, kitchen shears are designed to be durable, safe, and easy to sanitize.
What Are Scissors?
Scissors are general-purpose cutting tools used for light tasks both inside and outside the kitchen. They typically have thin blades, a simple pivot, and equal-sized handles, making them ideal for cutting paper, string, plastic packaging, or thin materials.
While scissors can handle small kitchen jobs like opening bags or cutting parchment paper, they’re not designed for heavy food prep. Using regular scissors on meat, bones, or thick materials can dull the blades quickly and create hygiene concerns. In most kitchens, scissors work best as a basic utility tool—not a replacement for kitchen shears.
Kitchen Shears vs Scissors: Key Differences
1 Blade Strength & Design
Kitchen shears are built with thicker, stronger blades and a reinforced pivot. This allows them to cut through tougher foods like poultry joints, thick stems, or packaging without bending or dulling quickly.
Scissors have thinner blades designed for light materials. They work well for paper or thin plastic but struggle with dense or slippery food items.
2 Handle Shape & Leverage
Kitchen shears usually feature larger, ergonomic handles, often with one oversized loop. This design improves leverage and grip, especially when hands are wet or greasy.
Scissors typically have smaller, equal-sized handles, offering less power and control for heavy cutting tasks.
3 Specialized Features
Many kitchen shears include built-in extras, such as serrated edges, bone notches, bottle openers, or blades that separate for cleaning.
Scissors rarely include these features and are designed for simple, single-purpose use.
4 What Kitchen Tasks Each Tool Excels At
Kitchen shears: trimming meat, cutting poultry, snipping herbs, opening food packaging
Scissors: cutting paper towels, opening dry packaging, trimming labels or twine
Using the right tool improves efficiency and safety in the kitchen.
5 Safety & Ergonomics
Kitchen shears are designed for food prep safety, with non-slip grips and stable cutting action. Their controlled movement reduces the risk of slipping.
Scissors may feel less secure when used on food, especially raw or wet ingredients.
6 Maintenance & Care
Kitchen shears often come apart for deep cleaning, helping prevent bacteria buildup. Some models are dishwasher safe.
Scissors are easier to store but can dull quickly if used on tough materials and usually aren’t meant for frequent washing.
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Kitchen
Choosing between kitchen shears and scissors depends on how you cook and what you cut most often. Use these simple tips to decide:
For food prep: Choose kitchen shears for trimming meat, cutting poultry, and snipping herbs safely.
For light tasks: Keep scissors for paper, twine, and opening dry packaging.
For hygiene: Use shears that separate for cleaning if you handle raw food often.
For comfort: Look for shears with ergonomic, non-slip handles for better control.
For durability: Shears last longer when used for tough kitchen jobs.
Best setup: Many kitchens benefit from having both tools, each used for its proper role.
Using the right tool makes prep faster, safer, and more efficient every day.
Looking for Quality Kitchen Tools?
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or sourcing tools for a project or business, choosing the right cutting tools makes all the difference. We offer well-designed kitchen shears and accessories built for performance, safety, and everyday use.
Contact us today to explore options, request details, or get expert guidance tailored to your needs.
FAQs
Do chefs use kitchen shears?
Yes — kitchen shears are commonly used in both home and professional kitchens for cutting herbs, trimming meat, breaking down poultry, and opening food packaging. They are considered a versatile and essential culinary tool.
Can you use kitchen shears as regular scissors?
Yes — kitchen shears can handle many light tasks like opening packaging or snipping herbs just like regular scissors, but they are stronger and designed for tougher food prep.
Are shears the same as scissors?
Not exactly — shears are generally larger and more heavy-duty than regular scissors, with stronger blades and handles designed for tougher cutting tasks. Regular scissors are thinner and built for lighter materials.