These shears have a heavy-duty build and comfortable rubber-edged handles, so they are a pleasure to use—I can spatchcock a chicken in mere seconds and don’t feel as if I just had my hand put through the wringer! The 3.5-inch cutting edge is relatively short compared to the weight and length of the rest of the scissors, which means you can exert a lot of force without a lot of effort (much like having a long, heavy crowbar to turn over a rock). And they easily come apart for cleaning but will not fall apart during use, unlike some models. You can also use these shears for cutting up a chicken or trimming off fat or bones. Hands down, this is my favorite pair of poultry shears. — Christopher Kimball

Japanese company Kai, who makes our favorite poultry shears, also produces a line of kitchen graters: the Pure Komachi Series, which has sharper cutting edges than most brands because its stainless steel is precision-cut using an innovative etching method. The Fine Grater & Zester, which comes in a cool slate gray hue, shreds food similar to a wand-style rasp grater, but with finer, more delicate results—it's also easier to clean. We especially like it for a dusting of lemon zest or nutmeg over a dish. The ergonomic handles are made of plastic treated with a nonslip coating that wraps around the whole device to form a grippy base at the other end, which is helpful if you choose to brace the grater against a surface.

Japanese company Kai, who makes our favorite poultry shears, also produces a line of kitchen graters: the Pure Komachi Series, which has sharper cutting edges than most brands because its stainless steel is precision-cut using an innovative etching method. This magenta Julienne Slicer produces fine ribbons that are slightly thinner than a matchstick and too fussy to cut by hand. It's excellent for delicate shreds of cheese that won’t immediately melt when sprinkled on your dish and for hard vegetables. Grate ginger with the grain, not against, for shreds perfectly sized to add to stir-fries and soups. The grater's ergonomic handles are made of plastic treated with a nonslip coating that wraps around the whole device to form a grippy base at the other end, which is helpful if you choose to brace the grater against a surface.