8 Best Kitchen Scissors of 2026

Precision meets practicality in the OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Kitchen Scissors, where micro-serrated blades and a smart herb stripper combine to solve two of the most common kitchen frustrations: slipping during cuts and tedious stem removal. The full stainless steel build delivers durability without sacrificing finesse, making it equally effective on chicken cartilage, thick vegetable stems, or stubborn packaging. What truly sets it apart is the ergonomic cushioning pads that absorb pressure—ideal for users with hand fatigue or arthritis, turning repetitive chopping into a surprisingly comfortable task.

In real-world testing, these shears shine in delicate herb work and light meat prep, effortlessly snipping rosemary, cilantro, and green onions with surgical accuracy. The blades separate completely, a rare feature that allows for deep cleaning—critical after handling raw meat or sticky residues. However, they’re not built for poultry bones or thick fish spines, where heavier models dominate. At 8.5 inches, they strike a balance between control and reach, though left-handed users may find the grip asymmetry slightly awkward during extended use.

Compared to the bulkier HUUSK or titanium-coated MITSUMOTO, the OXO model prioritizes cleanability and precision over brute strength, making it a top pick for home cooks who value hygiene and fine dexterity. It’s the go-to for meal preppers, herb lovers, and those managing joint pain, offering a smarter, more thoughtful design than basic shears. While it lacks the raw power of heavy-duty models, its ease of maintenance and specialized herb stripper give it an edge over the KitchenAid and Mr. Pen alternatives in targeted culinary tasks.

The Astercook 3-Pack Kitchen Shears bring a game-changing twist to kitchen organization: color-coded versatility. With black-red, black-orange, and black-grey handles, you can assign each pair to specific tasks—say, poultry, herbs, and packaging—virtually eliminating cross-contamination. These aren’t just pretty colors; the 2.5mm thick serrated blades deliver serious cutting torque, slicing through chicken thighs, walnuts, and even bottle caps with confidence. The PP+TPR handles offer a non-slip, fatigue-resistant grip, making them ideal for long cooking sessions or batch prep.

Testing revealed strong performance across medium-duty tasks—they handled raw chicken with ease, cleanly cut through artichoke leaves, and even cracked nuts using the built-in serrated notch. The 8.8-inch length provides extra leverage, while the dishwasher-safe design makes cleanup a breeze—no disassembly required. However, the pivot tension loosens slightly over time, requiring occasional tightening, and the color-coding, while smart, doesn’t extend to blade differentiation, so all three perform identically.

When stacked against the single-shear OXO or Mr. Pen models, the Astercook set offers unmatched value through specialization and redundancy. It’s perfect for families, meal-prep enthusiasts, or small kitchens that need dedicated tools without buying multiple premium pairs. While not as refined as HENCKELS or as powerful as HUUSK, its combination of multipurpose design, color logic, and affordability makes it a smarter long-term investment than buying one high-end pair.

Powerhouse performance defines the HUUSK Kitchen Scissors, engineered for those who demand heavy-duty cutting without compromise. Forged with Japanese metallurgy, the 2.0mm premium stainless steel blades slice through chicken joints, lamb ribs, and fish bones like butter—tasks that would dull or break lesser shears. The mirror-polished finish isn’t just for show; it resists corrosion and makes cleaning easier, while the ergonomic universal grip ensures comfort for both left- and right-handed users, even during marathon prep sessions.

In real use, these shears excel at breaking down whole birds, cleanly cutting through cartilage and bone with minimal effort. The 9-inch open length provides excellent leverage, and the detachable blades allow for deep cleaning—critical after handling fatty meats. They’re also surprisingly nimble with herbs and vegetables, though the weight can feel overkill for delicate tasks. One minor flaw: the pivot screw can loosen after heavy use, requiring occasional tightening with a home toolkit.

Compared to the MITSUMOTO SAKARI or KitchenAid models, the HUUSK stands out for raw cutting power and gift-ready presentation, making it ideal for grill masters, hunters, or serious home butchers. While the OXO and Mr. Pen models focus on convenience, the HUUSK delivers professional-grade resilience in a consumer package. It doesn’t match the MITSUMOTO’s titanium coating for longevity, but it outperforms it in bone-cutting strength and offers better value than the pricier coated alternatives.

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI scissors bring Japanese precision and titanium resilience into the modern kitchen, where black titanium plating isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a corrosion-resistant, wear-defying shield that keeps the micro-serrated edge sharp over time. These shears glide through meat, herbs, and packaging with minimal drag, thanks to the low-friction coating and fine serrations that prevent food from slipping. The removable blade design makes cleaning effortless, ensuring hygiene without compromising structural integrity.

During testing, the titanium coating proved its worth, showing no signs of rust or pitting even after repeated exposure to acidic foods and dishwasher cycles. The lightweight yet sturdy build allows for precise herb trimming and clean cuts through chicken skin, though they struggle slightly with dense poultry joints compared to the HUUSK. The ergonomic handles reduce hand strain, but the grip texture may feel too smooth for users with sweaty palms.

Positioned as a premium long-term investment, the MITSUMOTO competes directly with the HENCKELS and HUUSK models, offering superior blade protection and edge retention over both. It’s best suited for cooks who prioritize tool longevity and low maintenance, especially in humid environments. While the Astercook and Mr. Pen models are cheaper, the MITSUMOTO justifies its cost with titanium-enhanced durability and Japanese craftsmanship, outlasting most in the long run.

The KitchenAid All Purpose Shears deliver trusted brand performance with a focus on durability, comfort, and safety—a trifecta that makes them a strong contender for best overall kitchen scissors. Built with thick, rust-resistant stainless steel blades, they handle everyday tasks like cutting herbs, opening packages, and trimming meat with consistent precision. The micro-serrated edges provide excellent grip, preventing slippage on wet or fatty foods, while the soft-grip handle reduces fatigue during prolonged use.

In real-world scenarios, these shears perform reliably across medium-duty applications, from snipping chives to portioning cooked chicken. The protective sheath is a standout feature—rare in this category—offering safe storage and blade protection, especially in crowded drawers. They’re dishwasher safe, though hand washing is recommended to preserve sharpness. They don’t match the HUUSK in bone-cutting power or the OXO in herb stripping, but they balance features better than most.

Compared to the Gidli or HENCKELS models, the KitchenAid scissors offer a more refined user experience with a focus on ergonomics and safety. They’re ideal for average home cooks who want a no-fuss, reliable pair without specialty features. While the Mr. Pen model is cheaper, the KitchenAid justifies its cost with superior build quality and included sheath, making it a more complete package for daily use.

German engineering meets Japanese precision in the HENCKELS Kitchen Shears, a model that stands out for impeccable build quality and multi-function design. Crafted from high-grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, these shears resist rust and maintain sharpness over years of use—ideal for cooks who value long-term reliability. The micro-serrated blade ensures slip-proof cutting, while the integrated bottle opener and nut cracker add surprising utility, turning a simple tool into a kitchen multitasker.

In practice, they handle meat, vegetables, and packaging with ease, offering smooth, controlled cuts without blade wobble. The heavy-duty polypropylene handle feels solid and hygienic, resisting odors and stains even after repeated use. They’re dishwasher safe, but the fixed blades limit deep cleaning, a drawback compared to OXO or HUUSK. While they can cut through chicken bones, they’re not as powerful as the HUUSK or Gidli models designed for heavy-duty work.

When compared to the KitchenAid or Mr. Pen, the HENCKELS model offers superior material quality and functional elegance, making it ideal for minimalist kitchens that want one durable, multi-use tool. It doesn’t have the color coding of Astercook or the titanium coating of MITSUMOTO, but its Made-in-Japan craftsmanship and integrated tools give it a refined edge. For those prioritizing longevity and clean design, it outperforms most in its class.

The Gidli Kitchen Shears set redefines value with its bonus seafood scissors and lifetime replacement promise, making it the best value-packed option for serious home cooks. The 8-inch all-purpose shears, forged from 3Cr13 stainless steel, deliver exceptional sharpness and strength, effortlessly cutting through chicken bones, fish, and thick herbs. But the real game-changer is the included 7-inch seafood scissors, designed to crack shells and peel shrimp with ease—eliminating the need for multiple specialty tools.

In testing, both pairs proved highly effective, with the main shears handling raw poultry with confidence and the seafood scissors making shellfish prep clean and fast. The PP+TPR ergonomic handles ensure comfort during extended use, and the dishwasher-safe design simplifies cleanup. The lifetime one-time replacement adds peace of mind, though it’s not a full lifetime warranty. The only downside? The set takes up more drawer space than single-pair models.

Compared to the HUUSK or MITSUMOTO, the Gidli set offers broader functionality at a competitive price, especially for seafood lovers or families. While the HUUSK wins in single-shear power, the Gidli set delivers more tools, better versatility, and stronger customer support. It doesn’t have the color coding of Astercook or the titanium of MITSUMOTO, but its bonus tool and replacement policy make it the smartest long-term investment in the lineup.

The Mr. Pen 8-Inch Food Scissors are the budget king—a no-frills, ultra-affordable option that still delivers essential functionality for light kitchen tasks. With a sharp stainless steel blade and micro-serrations, they handle meat, vegetables, bread, and packaging with surprising competence, especially for the price. The non-slip grip ensures control, and the built-in bottle opener and nut cracker add utility far beyond their cost, making them a smart starter pair for college kitchens or secondary drawers.

In real use, they perform well on cooked meats, soft herbs, and cardboard, but struggle with raw poultry joints or thick fish bones, where blade flex becomes noticeable. The 8-inch size offers decent reach, and being dishwasher safe and rust-resistant makes maintenance easy. However, the pivot feels loose over time, and the blades aren’t removable, limiting deep cleaning. They’re best for occasional use or light prep, not heavy-duty cooking.

Compared to the $35 MITSUMOTO or $28 Gidli, the Mr. Pen model is clearly simpler and less durable, but it outperforms other budget options in feature density. For someone who needs a basic, functional pair without spending much, it’s a no-brainer entry-level choice. While it can’t match the precision of OXO or the power of HUUSK, it offers the most bang for the buck in the lineup.