In the kitchen, the right pair of scissors can save you time on small daily tasks. Multi-purpose kitchen scissors, also called kitchen shears, can help you cut herbs, trim meat, open food packaging, snip twine, and handle quick prep work without reaching for a knife and cutting board every time.
This guide compares five useful kitchen scissors and kitchen shears for different needs, from everyday meal prep to herb cutting, heavier-duty jobs, and easy cleanup. The goal is to help you choose the pair that fits how you cook, clean, and store your tools.
This roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links, we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.
Quick Verdict
- Best Overall: KitchenAid Multipurpose Shear Set, a strong everyday choice with useful built-in tools.
- Best for Herbs: OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors, ideal if you want an herb stripper and detachable blades.
- Best Premium Heavy Duty: Shun Multi Purpose Kitchen Shears, a higher-end pick for serious home cooks.
- Best Dishwasher-Safe Option: CGBE Kitchen Scissors, a practical choice if easy cleanup matters most.
- Best Compact 2-in-1 Set: 2-in-1 Kitchen Scissors and Peeler Set, useful if you want scissors and a peeler in one small set.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: KitchenAid Multipurpose Shear Set
- Best for Herbs: OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors
- Best Premium Heavy Duty: Shun Multi Purpose Kitchen Shears
- Best Dishwasher-Safe Option: CGBE Kitchen Scissors
- Best Compact 2-in-1 Set: 2-in-1 Kitchen Scissors and Peeler Set
How We Selected Our Top Picks
When comparing multi-function kitchen scissors, focus on blade material, grip comfort, cleaning method, safety features, and useful extras such as a bottle opener, nutcracker, herb stripper, blade cover, or detachable blades. The best kitchen shears should feel steady in your hand, cut cleanly through everyday foods, and be simple to clean after contact with raw meat or sticky ingredients.
We also considered who each product is best for. Some cooks need a simple everyday pair, while others want herb scissors, a premium heavy-duty shear, or an easy-clean design. No single pair is perfect for every task, so the strongest choice depends on how you plan to use it.
KitchenAid Multipurpose Shear Set
The KitchenAid Multipurpose Shear Set is the best fit for most kitchens because it balances everyday cutting power, comfort, and practical extras. You can use it for herbs, vegetables, food packaging, twine, and light meat prep. The built-in nutcracker and bottle opener add extra value if you like tools that can handle more than one job.
Why You’ll Like It
- Good all-around choice for daily cooking tasks
- Includes a nutcracker and bottle opener for extra utility
- Ergonomic handles help with control during repeated cuts
- Protective blade covers make drawer storage safer
- Useful for quick prep, opening packages, and trimming herbs
Keep in Mind
This is a general-purpose shear set, not a dedicated poultry shear. If you often cut through thick bones, choose a heavier-duty option and clean the blades carefully after raw meat contact.
Best For
Choose this set if you want one dependable pair of kitchen scissors for everyday use, simple food prep, and common kitchen tasks.
OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors
The OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors are a smart choice if you cook with fresh herbs often. The micro-serrated stainless steel blades help grip food while cutting, and the built-in herb stripper makes it easier to remove leaves from stems. The soft, non-slip handle pads also make these scissors comfortable for longer prep sessions.
Why You’ll Like It
- Micro-serrated blades help hold food while cutting
- Built-in herb stripper saves time with fresh herbs
- Soft, non-slip handles improve grip comfort
- Blades separate for more thorough cleaning
- Useful for herbs, vegetables, twine, and general prep
Keep in Mind
The serrated blade edges can trap small food bits, so clean them carefully. For best long-term care, hand washing and drying right away is safer than leaving them wet.
Best For
Pick these if you want comfortable herb scissors that can also handle many everyday kitchen cutting jobs.
Shun Multi Purpose Kitchen Shears
The Shun Multi Purpose Kitchen Shears are the premium pick in this roundup. They are made for cooks who want a more durable, feature-rich tool instead of basic kitchen scissors. The listed features include stainless steel construction, detachable blades, a nutcracker, a bottle opener, and a poultry bone notch.
Why You’ll Like It
- Premium build for cooks who use kitchen shears often
- Detachable blades make deeper cleaning easier
- Includes built-in tools such as a nutcracker and bottle opener
- Poultry bone notch adds more control for tougher prep jobs
- Good choice for serious home cooks who want long-term durability
Keep in Mind
These are likely more than casual cooks need. They are best for buyers who value premium construction and are comfortable paying more for a kitchen tool.
Best For
Choose these if you want a heavy-duty, premium kitchen shear for regular cooking, meat prep, and multi-purpose kitchen tasks.
CGBE Kitchen Scissors
The CGBE Kitchen Scissors are a practical pick if you want a sturdy pair of kitchen shears with low-fuss cleanup. The stainless steel blades are made for common kitchen tasks such as cutting herbs, meat, fish, and packaging. The non-slip grip helps you keep control, especially when your hands are busy during meal prep.
Why You’ll Like It
- Heavy-duty stainless steel blades for daily kitchen use
- Comfortable non-slip grip for better control
- Useful for meat, herbs, fish, and packaging
- Dishwasher-safe design adds convenience
- Includes extra functionality such as a bottle opener
Keep in Mind
Some buyers may prefer lighter scissors for delicate prep. Even if you use the dishwasher, drying the blades quickly can help reduce the chance of spotting or rust over time.
Best For
Pick these if you want a sturdy, easy-clean pair of kitchen scissors for everyday cooking and quick cleanup.
2-in-1 Kitchen Scissors and Peeler Set
The 2-in-1 Kitchen Scissors and Peeler Set from KINTEGOOD is best for shoppers who want a compact prep set instead of a single pair of shears. It gives you kitchen scissors and a peeler together, which can be helpful for small kitchens, dorms, RVs, or anyone trying to reduce clutter in a utensil drawer.
Why You’ll Like It
- Includes both kitchen scissors and a peeler
- Compact set can save drawer space
- Standable design keeps the tool easier to reach
- Lightweight design may suit quick prep tasks
- Good for simple cutting, peeling, and package-opening jobs
Keep in Mind
This is the least proven pick in the roundup based on the smaller amount of visible buyer feedback in the source article. It makes the most sense if you specifically want the scissors-and-peeler combination.
Best For
Choose this set if you want a small, space-saving kitchen prep combo for light daily use.
Before You Buy Kitchen Scissors
- Blade material: Stainless steel is a common choice because it resists rust and holds up well in busy kitchens.
- Cleaning method: Detachable blades are helpful if you cut raw meat, sticky foods, or herbs that can get stuck near the hinge.
- Grip comfort: Look for handles that feel secure and do not pinch during repeated cuts.
- Task type: Herb scissors, daily-use shears, and heavy-duty poultry shears are not always the same thing.
- Storage safety: A blade cover or safe drawer spot helps prevent accidental cuts.
FAQ
What Should I Look For When Buying Multi-Function Kitchen Scissors?
Look for stainless steel blades, comfortable handles, good grip control, and a cleaning method that fits your kitchen habits. If you cut herbs often, an herb stripper can be useful. If you cut meat, detachable blades can make cleanup easier. Built-in tools such as a bottle opener or nutcracker are helpful, but only if you will actually use them.
Are Kitchen Scissors and Kitchen Shears the Same Thing?
The terms are often used together, but kitchen shears are usually built to be stronger than basic household scissors. Kitchen shears often have thicker blades, sturdier handles, and extra features for food prep. For cooking, choose scissors made for kitchen use rather than paper or craft scissors.
Can I Use Kitchen Scissors for Cutting Meat and Bones?
Many kitchen shears can cut meat, herbs, vegetables, packaging, and small joints. For thicker bones or frequent poultry breakdown, choose a heavy-duty pair or dedicated poultry shears. Always clean and dry the blades well after cutting raw meat to reduce cross-contamination risk.
How Do I Properly Maintain My Kitchen Scissors?
Wash kitchen scissors with warm, soapy water after use, especially after meat or fish prep. If the blades separate, take them apart for a more thorough clean. Dry them right away before storing to help prevent rust. If the blades start to feel dull, use a proper sharpening tool or have them sharpened professionally.
Are Dishwasher-Safe Kitchen Scissors Better?
Dishwasher-safe scissors are convenient, but hand washing is often gentler on blades, hinges, and handles. If you use the dishwasher, remove the scissors soon after the cycle and dry them fully. For detachable or premium shears, hand washing is usually the safer long-term choice.
Wrapping Up
A good pair of kitchen scissors can make cooking faster and less messy. If you want one reliable everyday pick, the KitchenAid Multipurpose Shear Set is the strongest overall choice. If herbs are your main focus, the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Herbs Scissors are the better fit. For premium heavy-duty use, Shun is the standout. For easy cleanup, CGBE is practical, while the KINTEGOOD set is best if you want a compact scissors-and-peeler combo.
| Product | Image | Best For | Highlights | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid Multipurpose Shear Set Check Price |
 |
Best overall everyday kitchen shears | Includes nutcracker and bottle opener, ergonomic design, and protective blade covers. | Versatile, comfortable grip, useful for daily prep. | Not a dedicated heavy-duty poultry shear. |
| OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Scissors Check Price |
 |
Best for herbs and easy cleaning | Micro-serrated blades, built-in herb stripper, pull-apart design. | Comfortable to use, easy to clean, useful for fresh herbs. | Serrated blades need careful cleaning. |
| Shun Multi Purpose Kitchen Shears Check Price |
 |
Best premium heavy-duty option | Heavy-duty stainless steel, detachable blades, and multi-functional built-in tools. | Sharp, durable, versatile, and built for frequent use. | Higher price point than basic kitchen scissors. |
| CGBE Kitchen Scissors Check Price |
 |
Best dishwasher-safe option | Heavy-duty, dishwasher safe, multi-purpose kitchen scissors. | Sharp, comfortable grip, good for various tasks. | Some users may find them heavier than lighter prep scissors. |
| 2-in-1 Kitchen Scissors and Peeler Set Check Price |
 |
Best compact 2-in-1 prep set | Multi-function kitchen scissors with a peeler, made of stainless steel. | Lightweight, space-saving, includes a useful peeler. | Smaller visible buyer-feedback base than the more established picks. |
This roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.
