The Best Poultry Shears Of 2021 (Everything You Need When Buying One)

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Poultry or meat is one of the fundamental parts of almost any diet. It is an essential part of what we eat and offers a lot of protein that should make up most of the diet.

However, cutting it with a knife can often be frustrating, leading many people into using regular scissors. Now, you can use the best poultry shears to get the meat cut up faster when preparing your BBQ or any meal.

The problem with buying shears is the vast number of options available on the market today. For many people, having a lot of options is great, but this also means that you can buy shears that do not complement your cooking. We have done some research to find some of the best poultry shears for every kitchen.

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Top 3 Recommendations
Editor's Choices
OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears, Black*
Blade length
4.7-inches
Weight
8.5-ounces
Price
$27.95
Prime
Customer Rating's
Kitchen Shears by Gidli - Lifetime Replacement Warranty- Includes Seafood Scissors As a Bonus -...*
Blade length
4-inches
Weight
7-ounces
Price
$21.95
Prime
Customer Rating's
Best Selling
MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears- Ultimate Heavy Duty Scissors for Cutting...*
Blade length
3.25-inches
Weight
3.8-ounces
Price
$6.99
Prime
Customer Rating's

9 of Best Poultry Shears on the Market Today

As mentioned, there are numerous shears on the market today, and all of them have some great features. However, some are better than others are.

Before we look at a few crucial elements that set the best ones apart, we need to review some of the options we selected to see how well they could work for you.

OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears – Best Overall Poultry Shears

Since cutting through meat and trimming portions can always be an issue, the OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears are some of the best at getting the job done. They feature a 4.7-inch blade that has been constructed from stainless steel. The blade is also coated to resist any potential rust that could harm your meat.

The handles on these OXO shears have been constructed from plastic, but you will notice that they are spring-loaded. Since they are spring-loaded, the shears will pop open quite wide once you use them. The additional width adds some more leverage for cutting tougher meat to the correct size. Additionally, the handles feel ergonomic.

Looking at the blade, you will notice the serrated edges that make a big difference to shears. Instead of merely cutting your meats, these blades tend to add some more grips. Should you run into complications with bones, it will hold the meat in position. It is worth noting that the shears are strong enough to penetrate bones as well.

While these shears are a little more expensive than some of the cheaper versions, they do not have a lot of drawbacks that you need to deal with. One of the only issues is that the spring clip might come loose when used for heavy-duty tasks.

If you have large pieces of poultry to cut through, these OXO shears will get the job done.

Pros
  • Ergonomic design
  • Wide opening capabilities
  • Slip-resistant
  • Cuts through bones
Cons
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty use
  • Not dishwasher friendly

Gidli Kitchen Shears – Best High-End Kitchen Shears

One look at the Gidli Kitchen Shears and you can understand why they are becoming popular among some of the top chefs. These shears are some of the most stylish when we need to judge them on classic looks but still get the job done. Made from durable stainless steel, they are considered to be ideal for large poultry tasks.

This is also backed up by the giant blades that can span up to 4-inches. As we have mentioned, the larger blades are, the more leverage you will have when cutting.

However, it also features serrated edges that allow you to grip the meat in the shears. The serrated edges are near perfect for the cutting of bones.

Aside from the bottle opener added, you also have a unit in between the handles that can be used for cracking open some of your favorite nuts. These Gidli shears have an ergonomic handle that should be perfect for right and left-handed users. Additionally, the grips are also quite soft.

In terms of the price, they are a little expensive, but one cannot replicate or replace the quality steel that has been used here. The combination of all these features will surely make a massive difference to your cooking.

Additionally, Gidli has included a lifetime replacement warranty if you run into any issues with the shears.

Pros
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Soft grips for more comfort
  • Stylish design
  • Ideal for heavy-duty use
  • Limited lifetime replacement warranty
Cons
  • Expensive

MAIRICO Sharp Heavy Duty Shears – Best Budget Poultry Shears

The MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium Heavy Duty kitchen shears are what you will be looking for when you have a few heavy-duty cutting tasks. The blades have also been constructed from stainless steel, and they are around 5-inches, making them slightly longer. In turn, this allows the handles to open wider for more significant poultry cuts.

Once again, serrated blades are what will make the difference when it comes to holding the meat in place. The MAIRICO shears allow you to slice through tough meat, and if you encounter bones, it should eventually break through them. At only 3.8-ounces, they are some of the lightest shears that you can find.

Versatility is one of the top reasons we have selected them. Aside from the cutting feature, you also have a slight hook in one of the blades. Should you need to open cans or bottles, the shears allow you to hook the levers or the bottle cap. We also noticed that the blade retention is excellent, reducing the need for sharpening.

One of the most significant benefits is the price. These shears are by far some of the most affordable on the market today, and they come with a whole host of great features to back this up. Some people have also claimed that it can effectively be used outside the kitchen.

We would recommend it to those who need some versatility.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent blade retention
  • Heavy-duty performance
  • Affordable
  • Can be used outside the kitchen
Cons
  • Blades are not rust resistant

#4. Hurikry Kitchen Shears Poultry Scissors - Best Performance

Hurikry Kitchen Shears Poultry Scissors - Best Performance

We adore the best poultry shears due to their multi-functionality!

As you will find, the Hurikry shears are more cost-effective and safer than knives. This way, they provide more versatility, and you could use them to cut meat, seafood, fish, and other food effortlessly. So, you won't need any additional tools or devices to cut your fare instantly.

Due to the perfect materials, such as 3CR14 steel and micro-serrated blade, the shears will include better gripping of slippery materials and food. In addition, of course, the unit consists of premium-quality stainless steel, rust-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, to show maximum durability and sturdiness.

Therefore, it provides ultra-sharp blades, performing better than regular shears, and it's effortless and light to operate and regulate according to your needs.

Thanks to the design, the Hurikry shears offer a slip-proof cutting process for precise snipping and a firm, secure grip whenever you use them.

Moreover, the safety lock mode and the spring-loaded handle will reduce stress and toughness on your hands and wrists. Even when your hands are wet, their non-slip and soft grip will allow maximum safety, security, and comfort.

It would be ideal if you remembered that you need to clean them after every use thoroughly to keep them practical and ready for more excessive use. Clean them with water and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust. You should hand-wash them to avoid the edges losing their sharpness.

The shears are suitable for all people.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Sturdy
  • Durable
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Negligible design flaws

Spring Chef Kitchen Shears with Blade Cover – Best Long Poultry Shears

Using shears is not one of the hardest tasks that you will perform, but when you have a decent set, it could make some of these mundane tasks a little easier. The Spring Chef Kitchen Shears have been designed to be used around the house. They also include a stainless steel blade with a rust-resistant coating added.

The blade is an impressive 5.4-inch in total, giving you ample space to use them for cutting larger chunks of poultry when needed. The serrated edges will hold everything in place and ensure that bones do not let the meat slip from your grasp. It also helps for cutting up herbs and your favorite vegetables in the kitchen.

Since we all love something versatile, it is essential to note that with these shears you have an additional bottle opener between the handles. However, it can also be utilized as a nutcracker if needed. The only downside is in the sharpness area, and you might need to have a decent knife sharpener to keep them sharp.

On the price scale, these Spring Chef shears can compete with some of the best on the market today. They can easily be some of the most affordable as well.

When you take into account the additional blade cover, you have a real winner. The manufacturer has also slapped on a limited lifetime warranty for some added peace of mind.

Pros
  • Cuts all kitchen ingredients
  • Large blades
  • Blades are serrated
  • Affordable
  • Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Blades don’t stay sharp for too long

iBayam 2-Pack Kitchen Shears - Best for Ergonomic Design

The following shears will wow you, thanks to their all-purpose functions.

Being heavy-duty shears, they offer 8.5 inches of dimensions, two-pack in one set, comfortable, and soft-grip handles. This way, they're perfect for your kitchen needs, but all others too - household, car, general or outdoor use. So they're suitable for all users.

Additionally, the iBayam shears include the highest-quality stainless steel blades, hardened enough to cut effortlessly through the meat, vegetables, and other food, but also through any other harder or softer surfaces. That's how versatile they are.

Therefore, the shears will last for an extended time, serve you well, and won't show any traces of damage or harm. You won't break them quickly, and when optimally used and cleaned, they will offer the most extended lifespan.

We love them for their ergonomic design. Namely, the shears have soft and comfortable handles; therefore, your hand or wrists won't hurt you when using the shears, and you could adjust them to your needs.

This way, the unit will reduce pressure and fatigue and increase the relaxing and comfortable atmosphere and working conditions. In addition, the soft grip also adds extra stability for more convenient use, and the cushioning pads will prevent pressure.

Although the experts recommend hand-washing as the primary cleaning process, still, the iBayam shears are dishwasher-safe and optimal for cleanup. Also, you will get a lifetime warranty period for the unit and one year for a money refund or replacement.

Pros
  • Easy to hold
  • Easy to clean and use
  • Sturdy
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not that safe for dishwasher

Gerior Heavy Duty Poultry Shears - Best Quality

Why are these Gerior shears so unique?

Well, you might notice their multi-functions. Thus, they're spring-loaded and easy to come-apart for cleaning. Consequently, they include the three-mode design, an effortless operation in the user mode, and a safety lock mode.

Preventing hand strains, the Gerior shears will maximally adjust to your cutting needs, thanks to the spring-loaded handle, and serve you well without additional pressure. Thus, you won't need to worry about safety and security while using them.

Whether you use them for fish, meat, or vegetables, the kitchen tasks will become effortless due to the premium-quality materials and maximum versatility the shears offer. Thus, you could finish the job effectively and efficiently and use the unit without additional pressure.

Thanks to the sturdy and reliable design - the German CNC design technology, the shears provide the micro-serrated blades and edges and an anti-slip grip for a more accurate and precise cutting process, snipping, and a firm, secure grip. The primary material includes food-grade stainless steel.

As they include heavy-duty materials and construction, three millimeters thick blades, and engineering to last for an extended period, the high-quality shears are rust-resistant, solid, and durable enough to endure more robust use.

Also, they measure 9.35 inches; therefore, they're a perfect accessory to every kitchen, as they won't take too much space, and you might store them away quickly.

You need to clean them thoroughly after every use to prolong their lifespan, maintain them better, and prevent rust or corrosion.

Pros
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Durable
  • Sturdy
  • Materials
Cons
  • Minor design issues

KitchenAid KC351OHERA All Purpose Shears – Best Versatile Shears

If you are looking for something basic, the KitchenAid KC351OHERA kitchen shears is one of the top options. The blades are durable and made from high-quality stainless steel while giving you a decent blade length that spans 3.25-inches in total. For smaller cuts, it is a great option to have.

With the blades being smaller, you might not get the same leverage or the ability to make significant cuts. However, we noticed that these shears tend to stay sharp for a little longer than most of the others on the market. The manufacturer also recommends them mostly for smaller cuts when used in the kitchen.

One of the best features is probably the grip. While we often find plastic on the grip that is hard, the KitchenAid KC351OHERA kitchen shears have a softer feel to them. It is still plastic, but having thinner grips makes them more comfortable to use. Unfortunately, these blades do not have serrated edges to help you.

In terms of the price, you can pick up these shears for an extremely affordable price. The price should be high for those on a budget or new couples moving into their homes. Additionally, you will receive a lifetime warranty.

We would recommend them as a great versatile option for people that love to cut at home.

Pros
  • Blades remain sharp
  • Soft and comfortable grip
  • Ideal for short cuts
  • Reasonably priced
  • Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
  • No serrated edges

Chefbar Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Spring Loaded Shears – Best Heavy-Duty Shears

When we think of shears that are commonly used for meat or poultry, you might think of those with an angle. The Chefbar Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Spring Loaded Shears have this slight angle and bend to ensure that they have better cutting penetration. Made from 4mm thick stainless steel, they are ideal for heavy-duty work.

One of the best features is the slight hook that you will notice in the lower blade. This hook can be used for a variety of tasks, but it generally helps to grip the meat. Once you have the beef securely gripped, you can cut with a little more ease. The additional serration also adds to the grip to help get through bones and tough meats.

As you might have noticed by now, it has a spring-loaded system that will jump open when you need to use them. The spring adds more advantages to the shears, and they can potentially cut with a little more force. However, these Chefbar shears are only made for right-handed users, and the spring can be prone to rust if not dried.

Made for the top aspiring chefs or those that love spending time in the kitchen, these Chefbar shears will make life much easier when dissecting poultry. The shears are price affordable and should be ideal for those that have to cut through tough meat.

We would even recommend it for use in restaurants if you need to cut meat.

Pros
  • Spring-loaded design
  • Excellent gripping
  • Durable 4mm steel design
  • Reasonably priced
Cons
  • A little heavy
  • Only for right-handed users

Key Features to Look for in the Best Kitchen Shears

As we have mentioned at the start, not all kitchen shears have been designed equal. Since there are different options on the market today, you need to be careful in what you are selecting by looking at the top features.

To help you make sure you are finding the best, here are the top features that we used.

1. Blades

best poultry shears for spatchcocking turkey

The blades can be broken down into a whole host of different sections. However, you will be looking at the materials that are used for the edges, along with the length.

Having additional length will make them open full. This can enable you to cut larger chunks of meat in one single setting. However, it might also make them more substantial.


2. Comfortable Handle

The handle is the part that you will have in your hands most of the time. However, you need to ensure that it is comfortable. Most shears have been designed for right-handed users.

However, it is possible to find ambidextrous options that will cover all basis. When looking at the handle, you would like something soft in your hands that feels comfortable.


3. Accessories

While shears are commonly designed for cutting, most of us will be using them to do other tasks as well. If you need to open bottles or can, having an additional opener will do a lot to ensure that the shears are incredibly versatile.

However, you might notice that having other accessories could significantly spike the price as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use poultry shears?

You need to have a firm and strong grip, so you need to hold them tightly. If, for instance, you want to cut a chicken, you need to cut a backbone first. Then you could cut a breastbone.

Now, it's time to separate the dark from light meat or leave it in huge parts if you want to serve the larger meals. Simply follow the lines, and divide the meat.

Next, you could separate the breast from the wings. You can also detach the thigh and leg when you find the line, but this might be tricky.

Make sure you hold the handles strongly to prevent slipping away.


How to sharpen poultry shears?

best poultry shears 2019
  • Use a rotary tool - a steel one, and when you separate the blades, you match the steel to the edge and run across it several times until it's sharpened.
  • Apply a whetstone and run shears across it several times.
  • Apply a mason jar or a glass bottle and cut their tops with the kitchen shears. Repeat the process 15-20 times.
  • Use aluminum foil and cut a sheet at least ten inches long, and repeat it ten to twenty times.
  • Use sanding paper and cut through the coarse side between ten and fifteen times to achieve better results. Wipe the blades with a towel.

How to clean poultry shears?

Wash and clean them with soap and hot water after you use them.

Put an accent on the area between the handle and blades. Dry them by hand and use a clean towel immediately after washing, specifically to the hard-to-reach parts.


What are the best poultry shears in America's Test Kitchen?

The best shears are the OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears, as the best overall, due to their qualities and advantages.

Which Shears Are the Best?

All the options that we have reviewed have their merits, and they can stake claims for being the best.

However, the OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears are versatile, and they have a spring-loaded in the grip for better leverage. If you are cutting up larger meats, this will be one of the best poultry shears to consider.

OXO Good Grips Spring-Loaded Poultry Shears, Black*
  • Suctions directly to the table, making it nearly impossible for small hands to remove
  • Suction and non-slip base minimize messes during mealtime
  • 100% food-grade silicone suction pad removes for easy and thorough cleaning
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe
  • BPA, phthalate and PVC free

Wrap-Up

Cutting should not only be restricted to using a knife in the kitchen. Shears can easily make it possible for you to cut through tough meat with little to no effort. Shears are ideal for doing things around the house, and their versatility should be something that you need to look into.

Be sure to share some of your thoughts on our selections.

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