Cutting Guide Archives - Page 12 of 12

Knives are the most common kitchen utensil, but what do you use kitchen shears for? Kitchen shears or kitchen scissors are a multipurpose tool that you can use for various tasks in the kitchen. Any home cook knows that slicing and chopping ingredients can be tedious. Still, kitchen shears make the job a lot easier. If you're utilizing your kitchen shears just like any ordinary scissors you have in your home, there are a few key things you're missing out on. It's time to become resourceful and learn how to use kitchen shears for different kitchen tasks. Reasons Why You Should Own Kitchen Shears If you haven't already decided to invest in a good pair of kitchen shears, here are some reasons why you should. ✔Faster than knives When you're chopping or slicing vegetables with a knife, you have to be careful and make sure each cut is even. With kitchen scissors, all you have to do is hold them in one hand and the food in the other and snip away. It makes quick work of dicing vegetables, and you'll have less risk of cutting yourself. ✔No more missed cuts Kitchen shears make it easy to cut things like herbs or dough too small for a knife. All you have to do is place the herb or dough between the blades of the shears and snip away. It will help reduce wasted ingredients and give you more precise cuts. ✔Fix lazy chopping tasks Sometimes you put off chopping vegetables because it's a tedious task. With kitchen scissors, that's no longer a problem. You can quickly chop up vegetables for a salad or stir-fry with kitchen scissors, so there's no need to dread chopping. Just cut the vegetable in half or thirds and snip away at the slices until they're the size you want them. ✔Precision cutting Kitchen shears give you more precision when cutting than a knife. It is beneficial when cutting delicate ingredients like onions or tomatoes. With kitchen shears, you can avoid cutting them into uneven pieces. ✔Open stubborn packaging with ease Package design has come a long way, but some packages are still challenging to open. Kitchen shears can easily cut through the packaging and free whatever is inside. ✔Easy to clean Since kitchen shears are made of stainless steel, they're easy to clean. You can rinse them off with hot water and soap or put them in the dishwasher. ✔It's just cool and fun to use! Kitchen scissors are just really cool and fun to use, period. They're a great way to show your culinary skills when cooking for guests. Must-Have Kitchen Shears Photo Credits: Cooks Illustrated For most people, kitchen shears are optional, but for anyone who wants an all-in-one kitchen tool, a good pair of kitchen shears is a must-have. Not only will they make your cooking tasks more manageable, but they'll also save you time and frustration. So, if you don't have a pair of shears yet, it's time to get one. Here are a few of our favorite kitchen shears to get you started. ✂All-purpose kitchen shears These kitchen scissors are perfect for any task you might need them for. The all-purpose kitchen scissors can do almost anything. They have a built-in bottle opener, making them ideal for opening stubborn packaging or cracking open a cold one after a long day of cooking. ✂Poultry shears Poultry shears are designed specifically for cutting poultry. They have a curved blade that makes it easy to cut through bone and skin. These shears are usually made of surgical stainless steel, making it easier to snip through the meat. If you're cooking poultry, these are the perfect kitchen shears to have. ✂Triple blade herb shears Triple blade herb shears are perfect for anyone who loves to cook with herbs. They have three sharp blades that make it easy to chop herbs quickly and evenly. The blades are also curved, so they're perfect for grabbing those pesky stems. ✂Seafood shears If you like cooking seafood dishes, you'll want a pair of seafood shears. Seafood shears can cut through fish and shellfish's tough flesh and bones. They have a sharp blade and a serrated edge that makes them easy to cut through fish, lobster, and shrimp. The curved design also makes it easy to grab slippery seafood. ✂Pizza shears Pizza shears are a must-have for anyone who loves to make pizza. They have a sharp blade that makes it easy to cut through the dough and the toppings. The serrated edge is perfect for cutting through cheese and pepperoni, and the curved design helps you grip the pizza crust. Kitchen Shears vs. Regular Scissors Many people wonder if they can use regular scissors instead of kitchen shears. The answer is no. While regular scissors might work for some tasks, they're not designed for the kitchen. Here's a breakdown of the differences between kitchen shears and regular scissors. Uses: Kitchen shears are designed for cutting food, while regular scissors are used to cut paper, fabric, and other materials. Also, kitchen scissors have a blunt end perfect for crushing garlic, while regular scissors do not. Blade: Kitchen scissors have a curved blade that's perfect for cutting through food, while regular scissors have a straight blade. The curved blade of kitchen shears makes it easy to cut in a rocking motion, which prevents the food from sticking to the blade. Handle: Kitchen shears have a T-shaped handle designed for gripping with both hands, while regular scissors have a looped handle designed for gripping with one hand. The T-shaped handle of kitchen scissors gives you more control when cutting food. Length: Kitchen scissors are usually about 12 inches long, while regular scissors are only 8 inches long. Longer kitchen scissors make it easier to reach the food and cut it in half. Cleaning: Kitchen shears are hand washed only, while you can't get regular scissors wet. The blades of kitchen scissors are also removable, making it easy to clean them. Cost: Kitchen scissors are more expensive than regular scissors, but they're worth the investment. They'll make your cooking tasks easier and faster, and they'll last longer than regular scissors. What Do You Use Kitchen Shears For? Kitchen shears are a versatile tool used in different food preparation. But if you don't know their uses, here's a breakdown of the most common uses for kitchen scissors. ✅Snip fresh herbs Ingredients like basil, cilantro, and parsley are often added to dishes at the last minute. Snipping them with kitchen scissors is the perfect way to chop them quickly and evenly. Throw your fresh herbs into a small bowl and cut them with the shears. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can chop them up. ✅Cut bacon Bacon is a delicious addition to any breakfast dish, but it can be a challenge to cut it into pieces. If you've been slicing raw, slippery bacon with a knife, you know that getting precise cuts are hard to achieve and often frustrating. Kitchen scissors make bacon slicing a breeze. Just place the bacon on a cutting board and snip it into pieces. ✅Trim fins off fish You'll need to remove the fins before cooking if you're cooking fish. It can be challenging with a knife, but it's easy with kitchen shears. Place the fish on a cutting board, hold the shears parallel to the fish, and snip off the fins. ✅Cut dough Bread or pie dough can be challenging to cut, especially wet. Kitchen shears make cutting the dough quick and easy. Instead of tucking in lattice pie tops, you can cut the excess dough with kitchen scissors. Place the dough on a cutting board, hold the shears parallel to the dough, and snip off the excess. ✅Trim dried fruit Dried fruit is a healthy snack, but it can be tough to cut into pieces. Kitchen scissors will produce the cuts you want for your dried fruits without any trouble. ✅Slice pizza and pita These bread-based and cheesy meals are tough to cut to slice with a knife, but kitchen scissors make the job easy. Disregard the pizza slicer, and snip through pizza, pita, or quesadillas with the kitchen scissors. ✅Peel shrimps If you're not a fan of shrimps with the shell on, kitchen shears can help you peel them quickly and easily. Place the shears' tip between the shrimp and its shell, and snip from its back to the tail. Then, peel the rest of the shell using your hands. You'll have a peeled shrimp in no time. ✅Carve a Thanksgiving turkey A sharp knife is the best tool for carving a Thanksgiving turkey, but kitchen shears can come in handy, too. If the knife slips while you're carving, you can quickly fix the mistake with kitchen shears. Just cut off the end of the mistake and continue carving. ✅Crack nuts and shells If you're making a dish that calls for nuts or shells, it's easy to crack them open with kitchen scissors. Those pliers-like grippers serve as the perfect nutcracker. All you need to do is place the nut in between the grippers and squeeze. The nut will break open easily. ✅Open jar lids If you don't have a can opener, kitchen shears can come to the rescue. The metal-teeth grippers inside the shear handle are excellent for opening jar lids or twist-off bottles. Just place the jar lid in between the grippers and twist. The lid will pop off in no time. ✅Open bottles Of course, kitchen scissors are not only for cutting ingredients. You can open bottles with it. Its blades usually have a built-in bottle opener that makes popping the top off a bottle easy. How to Choose the Best Kitchen Shears There are a few things you need to consider when choosing kitchen shears. First, think about what you'll be using them for. If you're looking for an essential pair of shears for general use, any old pair will do. But if you need something specific, like shears that can cut through chicken bones, you'll need to find a specifically designed pair for that purpose. Excellent quality: Kitchen scissors should have a quality metal that won't rust or corrode. They should also be able to withstand being washed in the dishwasher. Sharp blades: The blades of kitchen shears need to be sharp to cut through food items easily. Look for a pair of shears with blades that are serrated or have a micro-serrated edge. Grippers: The grippers on the shears should be able to securely grip food items so that they can easily cut them. Avoid shears with soft or weak grippers. Excellent balance: Kitchen scissors should have good balance to be easily controlled and operated. Make sure the kitchen shears are sturdy enough to avoid breaking in between. Ease of use: Kitchen scissors should be easy to open and close. Look for a pair with a spring-action design so that the blades stay open when you release them. It makes it easier to handle the shears. Tightening mechanism: Some kitchen shears come with a tightening tool that allows you to adjust the tension of the blades. It is vital to use them for heavy-duty tasks like cutting chicken bones. Price: Kitchen scissors can range from around $10 to $50. Decide how much you're willing to spend on kitchen scissors before you start shopping. Kitchen Shears Cleaning and Storing Tips Photo Credit: Serious Eats Excellent quality kitchen shears can serve you for several years, but you need to do your part in taking care of them. Here are a few tips for keeping your kitchen shears in good condition: ❗Rinse under warm water You can wipe the shears with a dry cloth to remove any residue after each use. However, it would be best to rinse the kitchen shears under warm water to remove any food particles or grease. ❗Oil periodically If you're not using your kitchen scissors daily, you should oil them every few months. It will help to keep them in good condition and free from rust. ❗Sharpen when needed If the blades of your kitchen shears become dull, you can sharpen them with a sharpening stone. Just be sure to do it correctly to don't damage the blades. But preferably, it would be best to hire a professional to sharpen your shears to ensure that they can do it correctly. You can do it whenever you notice you're having a hard time cutting through herbs or meats. ❗Dry thoroughly After you've rinsed and sharpened your kitchen scissors, be sure to dry them thoroughly. Use a dry cloth to pat them down and ensure there's no water left in the joint. Moisture can cause the metal to rust, and you don't want that. Although kitchen utensils are stainless steel that is not prone to rust, oxidation can still occur when not dried properly. ❗Store in a dry place Properly storing your kitchen scissors is as essential as cleaning, sharpening, and oiling them. You have the option to use some protective pouch, sheath, or box. Another option is to use a magnetic strip. Place it in front of a kitchen sink, where it's easy to grab. It will help to keep the shears sharp and in good condition. Keep in mind that avoid putting them together with glass, metal, or any ceramic kitchen wares as much as possible. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are kitchen shears scissors? A: Yes, kitchen shears are scissors. However, they're a type of scissors specifically designed for kitchen use. It is usually made with heavy-duty stainless steel that can withstand frequent use. Q: Can I clean the kitchen shears with a dishwasher? A: You can clean the kitchen shears with a dishwasher, but experts won't recommend it. The intense heat and harsh chemicals can damage the blades and affect their performance. Q: Can I use the kitchen shears to cut through chicken bones? A: Yes, you can use the kitchen scissors to cut through chicken bones. They're strong enough to handle this type of task. However, be careful not to cut yourself. Q: Can I store my kitchen shears in a drawer with my knives? A: It would be best if you won't store your kitchen shears in a drawer with your knives. The blades of the kitchen shears can get dull and scratched if they're stored together with knives. Q: What should I look for when buying kitchen shears? A: When purchasing kitchen shears, you should consider the following factors: the types of tasks you'll be using them for, the quality of the blades, how often they will be used, and how easy it is to clean. You also need to decide how much you're willing to spend on kitchen scissors. Q: Can I use regular scissors for food? A: You can use regular scissors for food, but it's not recommended. Kitchen shears are specifically designed for food. Also, they have a different blade shape that allows them to cut through food more efficiently. They're also made with stainless steel that is less likely to rust. Final Thoughts Just about every home cook keeps a pair of scissors in their kitchen. However, a regular pair of scissors just won't do when it comes to preparing food. You need a good pair of kitchen shears. Kitchen shears are a multifunctional kitchen tool that you can use for various tasks, such as cutting through chicken bones, herbs, and vegetables. You can also use it to peel shrimp or crack open lobster shells. Be sure to keep them in good condition by cleaning them properly, sharpening them when needed, oiling them every few months, and storing them in a dry place. Now that you know all about kitchen shears, it's time to go out and get yourself a good pair.