Kitchen shears are strong scissors designed for the kitchen, with different designs to meet different needs. When selecting a set, handle them to ensure they feel heavy and solid. They should be washed by hand and not put in the dishwasher. Sharpenable and replaceable blades are recommended.
Kitchen shears are extremely strong scissors designed especially for use in the kitchen. The design of a traditional set of scissors is slightly modified to allow the shears to create a stronger fulcrum that can snap a chicken’s sternum just as easily as it can open a packet of rice.
There are different designs of kitchen shears designed to meet different needs. Many have offset blades that allow you to cut at an angle while maintaining leverage. Others may have dull or softened tips so the ends of the scissors don’t snag or tear the foods the cook is working with, and some may have serrated blades for special projects. Try to avoid shears sold in knife sets and knife sets in general, as the individual components tend to be made cheaply.
When selecting a set of kitchen shears, it helps to be able to actually handle the shears before you buy them. They should feel heavy and solidly built, and the grip of the shears should feel comfortable in your hand. If you are left-handed, purchase a set of shears specifically designed for left-handed users, as they will make using them much more comfortable and easier for you. Check the shears for nooks and crannies that may be accumulating bits of food or bits of fat that may be difficult to remove.
You might also ask if the kitchen shears you’re looking at can be sharpened. Even with ideal use, kitchen shears will dull over time and an expensive pair should be sharpenable. It might be a good idea to collect replacement blades as well, so that you can replace a badly damaged or bent blade rather than having to buy a whole new set. It’s also a good idea to get a sheath for your shears so they can be left loose in a drawer without the risk of injury.
Like all blades, kitchen shears should not go through the dishwasher, as this can damage the integrity of the blade and wear down the handle. Wash the kitchen shears by hand with very hot water and plenty of soap, looking for any crevices in the design where food for bacteria might be hidden. Always dry the blades with a clean, soft cloth after washing and store them safely out of the reach of children and pets.
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