How to Cut Onions Without Crying? The short answer: chill the onion, use a sharp knife, and avoid releasing too many tear-inducing gases. But the real secret? Having the right tools and knowing the proper techniques.
In this guide, ChopChop USA will show you how to cut onions without shedding a single tear—and how our premium knives and cutting boards can make the whole process cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.
Why Do Onions Make You Cry?
It’s not personal—it's chemistry. When you cut into an onion, you’re breaking its cell walls. This releases a compound called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide, a gas that irritates your eyes. Your body responds by producing tears in an attempt to flush the gas out.
The good news? You can reduce the amount of this gas released—and keep it away from your eyes—with a few smart techniques and tools. Knowing how to cut onions without crying starts with understanding what causes the problem in the first place.
How to Prep Onions Before Cutting
Before you even grab your knife, a little prep goes a long way toward a tear-free experience. These first steps are crucial if you’re serious about mastering how to cut onions without crying.
Chill Before Cutting
Cold onions release fewer irritating gases. Try refrigerating your onions for at least 30 minutes—or place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. The cold slows the enzymes responsible for producing those tear-inducing vapors.
Pro tip: Store onions in the fridge if you prep them often. You'll always have a chilled one ready to go when you're trying to figure out how to cut onions without crying in a hurry.
Grab a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife is one of your best defenses. Why? A dull blade crushes and tears the onion more, rupturing more cells and releasing more gas. A sharp knife slices cleanly, keeping the irritants inside.
At ChopChop USA, we recommend:
- Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife – Perfect for everyday use, this knife stays sharp and glides effortlessly through onions.
- Japanese Kiritsuki Knife – A chef-favorite, precision-balanced blade ideal for clean, accurate cuts and professional performance.
A better knife = fewer tears. It’s a must for anyone learning how to cut onions without crying.
Stabilize Your Cutting Board
If your cutting board slips around while you're chopping, you not only risk injury—you also end up spending more time cutting, which increases your exposure to onion gases.
To keep things safe and efficient, use:
- Titanium Cutting Board – Lightweight, non-slip, and highly durable.
- Double-Sided Titanium Cutting Board – Offers two hygienic surfaces for cutting onions on one side and other ingredients on the other.
Using a stable surface is another smart move if you're serious about how to cut onions without crying effectively.
6 Tips on How to Cut Onions Without Crying
Cutting onions shouldn’t feel like an emotional experience—but thanks to syn-Propanethial-S-oxide, it often does. Here are six practical tips that can help you finally master how to cut onions without crying.
Breathe Through Your Mouth
Inhale through your mouth instead of your nose. It diverts onion gas away from your nasal passages and eyes. Some cooks even stick their tongue out slightly to help redirect the fumes—a surprisingly helpful trick when learning how to cut onions without crying.
Turn on a Fan or Open a Window
Good airflow makes a big difference. Turn on your kitchen vent, set up a small fan, or open a window to push the onion gas away from your face while you chop.
Use Onion Goggles
Yes, they exist—and they work! Onion goggles create a tight seal around your eyes, blocking the irritating vapors. If you chop onions regularly, they’re a worthwhile (and tear-saving) investment.
Remove the Root End Last
The root holds the most tear-inducing compounds. Cut the top off first, peel the onion, and leave the root end intact until the very end to reduce the release of sulfuric gases.
Place a Wet Paper Towel Nearby
A damp paper towel near your cutting area can absorb some of the gas before it reaches your eyes. It’s a quick, no-fuss hack that often helps.
Use a Food Processor or Onion Chopper
Reduce exposure altogether by using a food processor or onion chopper. These tools contain the gas and keep it farther from your eyes—plus, they speed up your prep time.
ChopChop Tip: Tools That Work for You
Knowing how to cut onions without crying is easier when you use tools that are designed for performance. At ChopChop USA, we believe great kitchen tools should do more than get the job done—they should make cooking feel effortless.
From ultra-sharp knives to hygienic, slip-resistant cutting boards, our gear is built for performance, durability, and ease of use. Whether you're prepping one onion or ten, these essentials will change the way you cook.
Titanium Cutting Board
The everyday hero of your prep station.
Sleek, lightweight, and incredibly durable, our Titanium Cutting Board is the perfect surface for anyone practicing how to cut onions without crying while resisting stains, odors, and bacteria. Its non-slip design keeps it firmly in place—even when wet.
Key Features:
- Non-porous surface resists odors and cross-contamination
- Scratch- and stain-resistant titanium finish
- Anti-slip edges for safety and stability
Double-Sided Titanium Cutting Board
Twice the surface, double the functionality.
Need to prep veggies and meat separately? Our Double-Sided Titanium Cutting Board has you covered. Each side is designed for different tasks, helping you stay organized and hygienic in the kitchen.
Key Features:
- Dual-surface design for safe, cross-contamination-free prep
- Ultra-durable, non-stick titanium coating
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Japanese Kiritsuki Knife
Precision meets performance.
Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, the Kiritsuki Knife is perfect for precision slicing, fine cuts, and chef-level control. It’s balanced, razor-sharp, and crafted for cooks who take their prep seriously.
Key Features:
- Razor-sharp, high-carbon stainless steel blade
- Tapered edge for ultra-precise cuts
- Balanced, ergonomic handle for comfortable control
Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife
Your all-purpose kitchen workhorse.
Strong, dependable, and ready for anything, our Stainless Steel Knife handles everyday chopping with ease. It stays sharp longer and glides through onions, meat, and produce without the strain.
Key Features:
- Durable stainless steel blade with long-lasting sharpness
- Comfortable grip for extended use
- Versatile for all types of kitchen tasks
Conclusion: No More Tears
You don’t need to cry over dinner prep. Once you understand how to cut onions without crying, the process becomes faster, cleaner, and far less frustrating. With the right prep—like chilling the onion—a sharp knife, and a stable cutting board, you can slice onions quickly and cleanly without the sting.
At ChopChop USA, we’ve designed tools that make the job easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Our precision knives ensure cleaner, smoother cuts with less effort, while our premium titanium cutting boards offer superior stability, hygiene, and durability. Upgrade your onion game with kitchen essentials that work as hard as you do.