A durable and well-maintained set of kitchen shears has dozens of uses, if not more. Knowing what to look for when purchasing a pair and how to care for kitchen shears is important if you want to get everything out of this food preparation tool.
Not Just Scissors
Kitchen shears are more than a pair of scissors exclusively for kitchen use. Several models of kitchen shears come with extra features like nutcrackers, bottle openers, screwdrivers, or fish scalers. These features are not vital to the handiness of kitchen shears, but they can come in handy and help to eliminate clutter where you store your utensils.
Shears of Steel
When picking a pair of kitchen shears or scissors, it is important to pay attention to the materials used. While most shears on the market are made from either carbon steel or food-grade, high-quality stainless steel, knowing the difference will determine their cost and care.
Stainless steel is the most common material for home kitchen shears. Scissors and shears made from stainless steel are durable and resistant to rust and stains. Kitchen shears are usually made from high-quality stainless steel meaning they can be sharpened like other high-quality cutting tools. Some models even come apart easily for cleaning. Because of the combination of durability and rust resistance, stainless steel is a top choice for home chefs.
Carbon steel is the favorite of many professional chefs. It will create a sharper edge, keep a sharper edge, and is easier to sharpen than stainless steel. Carbon steel will rust if not properly cared for, however. Shears made from this material will not only need to be cleaned and dried properly but also kept oiled regularly. Because of carbon steel’s less durable nature, it is not ideal for home kitchen use.
What Knife?
The question is not what can be done with a pair of kitchen shears or scissors, it is whether you will need to dust off your knife block from disuse. Of course, your shears will be there for you when you need to open those clamshell packages. There is no doubt your kitchen scissors will be there to make quick work of cutting herbs. A good pair of shears will also be able to cut through the bones of poultry and fish.
Have you considered the spatchcock? A spatchcock chicken is one where the spine has been removed and the chicken is laid flat. It is a great way to roast or grill a chicken. This method of cooking will reduce cooking time and expose more of the surface to “crisping” and seasoning. The technique is best achieved by using a good set of kitchen shears, such as those from Joyce Chen.
Besides cutting through bones and pesky packaging, try using your kitchen scissors to slice pizza or quesadillas. Cut food into bite-size pieces for toddlers. Slice through parchment paper for baking. Cut herbs without crushing them.
Not all kitchen shears are created equally. A pair of these gems may be included in a knife set, but often these shears are not meant to go the distance. Consider a purposeful purchase of a pair of kitchen shears and let them become as indispensable as duct tape is to a handyman.