
Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist striving to make the perfect cocktail, a baker extraordinaire, or a connoisseur when it comes to Italian cuisine, a zester is a super handy kitchen utensil that will help you with many culinary ventures. From grating Parmesan over pasta dishes and chocolate over puddings, to zesting lemons and oranges, a zester tool will delight foodies and chefs alike and add an array of intricate flavors and colors to any dish.
Zesters come in an array of shapes and sizes and are usually created with stainless steel. Stainless steel is a super durable material and will ensure that your zester lasts for a long time and does not erode, or rust with frequent use. Zesters are used in order to obtain the flavorful zest from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and clementine’s and the bladed area is usually about 4 inches long. They are made up of a micro-bladed section and a handle (which is usually made of plastic, or rubberized silicone for easy handling) and they truly enable you to add flavor and style to any meal.
As always our list of top picks contains a number of models to suit all monetary and style requirements. So let’s have a look at the snazzy zesters on our list and find the best one for you and all your cooking needs. If food truly adds zest to life, then zesters really add a zest to your food!
The Best Zester
1
Microplane 40020 Classic Zester
The first pick on our list is an amazing model by Microplane. This US brand uses specialized ‘photoetched technology’ to ensure brilliantly sharp grating abilities for all your zesting needs. The blade has been ergonomically designed to zest cirtus fruits in the most useful of ways. Thanks to the spaces between the teeth, this model can grate away the flavorful zest, while leaving the bitter white part of the fruit behind. You can also use this fabulous model to grate hard cheeses like paramsan and thus this zester is perfect for pasta dishes, breakfast delights, and all your culinary masterpieces.
The blade is made with surgical grade stainless steel for extra precision, and the handle is made with BPA free plastic to ensure it’s super safe around food. This awesome zester is also dishwasher safe and thus cleaning it is an absolute breeze. For best cleaning, just rinse it under the tap after use, and then scrub it with a brush to ensure the leftover zest is removed. This brand combines amazing value, with wonderful quaility and is truly a great pick for anyone who enjoys being a whizz in the kitchen.
Photoetched technology to ensure sharp grating
Perfect for citrus fruits, or hard cheese
Made with medical grade stainless steel
BPA free plastic handle
Dishwasher safe
Great Value
- BrandMicroplane
- Model40020
- Weight8 ounces
2
OXO Good Grips Zester
When it comes to kitchen utensils, OXO are seriously in the know and they produce top-quaility products for an absolute steel. This stainless steel blade is specifically etched to ensure ultimate grating and zesting precision. This is perfect for citrus fruits and hard cheeses and will make culinary tasks a total breeze. Thanks to its large grating and zesting surface you can work quickly and generate a lot of cirtus rind, or cheese grating in a matter of moments. The non-slip handle grip makes this totally easy and comfortable to use and once you’re done you can simply wash it, brush away the rind, and pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Stainless steel blade
Large grating surface
Perfect for cirtus and hard cheese
Non-slip handle
Dishwasher safe
- BrandOXO
- Model1122180
- Weight1.12 ounces
3
Raniaco Stainless Steel Zester
Number 3 on our list is a fantastic pick by Raniaco. This awesome zester combines amazing quaility with fantastic value and is sure to be a hit for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen. This zester is made from a cobination of kitchen grade stainless steel and specialized silicone rubber that has non-slip quailities for extra user ease and satisfaction.
These blades can withstand hours of use and will not blunt easily. They are thus perfectly suited to anyone who has lofty grating or zesting ambitions in the kitchen. Whether you are grating paramsan over your pasta, chocolate or coconut over a dessert, or citrus zest over a culinary masterpiece, this awesome little zester has your sorted. The blade is 8 inches in length, and the handle is 4.8 inches. It also comes with a plastic cover for easy storage. This model amalgamates an amazing price with great value and won’t dissapoint.
Kitchen grade stainless steel and rubber silicone model
Non-slip handle
Extra plastic cover
Great value
Perfect for citrus, hard cheese, chocolate, or coconut
8 inch blade, 4.8 inch handle
- BrandRaniaco
- ModelRANZOO1
- Weight0.8 ounces
4
Microplane 46220 Premium Zester
Up next is another snazzy zester by Microplane. The specialized stainless steel micro blades will take care of all your grating and zesting needs. This gorgeous model comes in an array of colors including tuquoise, gray, black, coral, fucshia, orange, and baby blue and is bound to brighten up your kitchen and cooking experience. The ergonomically designed handle is fitted to ensure comofrtable use and a non-slip feature. Users have commended this model on its stunning design, great value, and user ease. It’s also dishwasher safe, but the cover should be hand washed.
Stainless steel
Non-slip handle
Dishwasher friendly
Comes in a choice of 14 colors to suit all style and design preferences
- BrandMicroplane
- Model46220
- Weight2.08 ounces
5
1Easylife Stainless Steel Zester
Number 5 on our list is a stylish stainless steel zester by 1Easylife. This amazing product combines awesome value with brilliant ease and is a handy little utensil to have in the kitchen for all your zesting needs. This snazzy gadget has been ergonomically design to remove the delicious zest from the bitter pith of the lemon and thus it will take away any possible bitterness from your dishes. This dual model also has a built-in channel knife that can peel your citrus fruits.
You can also zest them with this device and it thus makes the job quick and easy for busy chefs on the go. The hanging loop makes storage super easy and you can simply hang it up when you’re finished with zesting. It’s also easy to clean and can simply be rinsed under a tap or placed in the dishwasher after use. The makers truly believe in the quaility of their product and offer customers a lifetime gaunratee if they are not totally satisfied with their product. This is also a fantastic tool for any aspiring mixologist and will create gorgeous garnish for various cocktails.
Stainless steel zester
Built-in channel knife to peel citrus fruit
Hanging loop for easy storage
Great value
Lifetime gaurantee
- Brand1Easylife
- ModelH696
- Weight1.6 ounces
6
monochef Lemon Zester
This amazing little kit by Monochef contains an amazing zester for citrus and cheese, a plastic zester cover, and a little brush to make cleaning your gadget a total breeze. Made with premium style stainless steel, this zester is built to last and will be a trusty sidekick to all your culinary needs. This is a truly versatile device and can aid you in grating mounds of delicious Parmasan, zesty citrus, or decadent chocolate. Thanks to the non-slip silicone handle, this device is super easy to use and will be an absolute delight in any kitchen.
This brand also truly believe in the value and quaility of their product and if you are not 100 percent happy they will offer you a 100 percent money-back gaunrantee or a replacement product. Users have commended this set for the amazingly handy cleaning brush that has been included to enhance user ease, and for it’s amazing fine zesting abilities.
Stainless steel sharp blade
Silicone non-slip handle
Case and cleaning brush included
100 percent money back if you are unhappy
Great value
- Brandmonochef
- Weight4 ounces
7
BelleGuppy Lemon Zester
Bellguppy have created a serious must-have when it comes to your kitchen apparell. This amazing zester has been created with durable stainless steel and a specialized ergonomic slip-handle to ensure easy use and ultimate precision. When you aren’t zesting away and creating culinary delights, this fabulous pick comes with an antibacterial cover and you can simply slot it over the blade when it isn’t in use.
The specialized anti-slip silicone handle means this model won’t slip out your hand and cause injury, or zest to fly all over your kitchen counters. This amazing zester also comes with a protective cover and this will keep it safe and clean when not in use. This model combines fantastic quaility and amazing user ease and certainly won’t dissapoint.
Stainless steel blade and silicone handle
Safety cover
Ergonomic design
Great value
- BrandBelleGuppy
- ModelLemon Zester & Cheese Grater Stainless S
- Weight3.52 ounces
8
Integrity Chef PRO Citrus Zester
Integrity Chef’s PRO citrus zester and cheese grater is a fantastic pick for anyone who is passionate about spending time in the kitchen. This amazing tool is made with highly durable stainless steel. It’s rust-proof and will thus last you a long time. The handle has been ergonomically designed to reduce hand-stress and it’s non-slip feature creates extra precision and reliability while you’re creating masterpieces in the kitchen. This gorgeous zester is truly one of a kind and its artisanal quailities will make it a truly remarkable addition to your kitchen kit.
This brand also believe in the quaility of their product and if you are not entirely satisfied they will offer a fully money back gaurantee, or replace your product. This model is also dishwasher safe and thus super easy to clean once you’re finished with it. Whether you’re zesting citrus fruit over desserts, or Parmasan over Italian dishes, this pick won’t let you down and combines gorheous style with fantastic quaility.
Stainless steel blade and anti-slip handle
Perfect for zesting citrus, ginger, chocolate, hard cheese
Antibacterial cover included
Dishwasher safe
Money back gaurantee if you’re not happy with your product
- BrandIntegrity Chef
- Weight3.2 ounces
9
AdeptChef Zester
The second last pick on our list of amazing zesters is a tool by AdeptChef. This amazing zester combines brilliant value with amazing quaility and is certainly a must-have when it comes to perfecting your culinary tasks. Whether you are grating cirtus fruits, ginger, garlic, veggies, or cheese, this zester won’t let you down. The razor sharp stainless steel blade creates ultimate precision and ensures that you get the job done properly every single time. This pick also comes with an amazing protective cover to keep the blade clean and protected when not in use.
Thanks to its ergonomic design the teeth won’t fill up with food when used and thus cleaning is an absolute breeze. Since this model is dishwasher safe it adds to it’s overall user ease. Users have commended this brand on its fantastic value, user-ease, and great qaility. When it comes to amazing kitchen-ware AdeptChef are seriously in the know and are bound to add great excitment to all your cooking jobs. What’s more is that they believe in the amazing value of their product, and if you are not entirely satisfied they offer you a 100 percent money back gaurantee.
Sharp stainless steel blade
Ergonomic design to ensure teeth don’t clog
Protective cover
Dishwasher friendly
- BrandAdeptChef
- ModelSYNCHKG106856
- Weight1 pounds
10
Norpro 113 Grip-Ez Zester
The last item on our list is a fantastic zester by Norpro. Thanks to its stainless steel construction this model is highly durable and will certainly stand the test of time. Stainless steel is a great material for any chef and will ensure that your tools remain rust-free and sturdy. This zester boasts a soft santoprene handle and this ensures a sturdy, non-slip grip. This is important when zesting, as you don’t want the tool to fall out your hands and the ingredients to fall on the floor.
For added safety, this model also has specialized finger indents and this ensures that your hands remain far away from the bladed section of the tool. Compact in nature, this device measures 6.25 inches and is thus perfect for smaller dwellings and apartments. When not in use you can simply put it in a draw, or hang it up thanks to the hanging loop on the end. This model is also really easy to clean as it is dishasher safe. This takes away the hassle of having to hand was it and adds to user ease. Users have commended this brand for its great price, sophisticated design, and user ease. It really combines quaility with practicality and is a great choice for any foodie.
Stainless steel construction for added durability
Soft santoprene handle for easier use
Specialized finger indents for safety
Dishwasher safe
Great value
- BrandNorpro
- Model113
- Weight3.2 ounces
Best Zester Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Look for in a Zester
When opting for a zester you will need to think about what ingredients you want to zest. If you want to simply zest citrus fruits you can opt for a conventional zester, however if you want the possibility of grating other ingredients like chocolate, ginger, coconut, and hard cheese, opt for a microplane which offers finer grating abilities. You will also need to think about the kinds of materials you want your zester to be made of. Stainless steel is always a brilliant option as it is hardy and safe around food. You might also want to opt for a model with rubberized silicone as this is a great anti-slip option and will enable you to handle your zester with ease and efficiency. If you own a dishwasher, you will want to opt for a dishwasher safe model as this will make cleaning your device a total breeze.
How To Properly Use A Zester
When zesting, you simply need to rub the ingredient of choice (e.g a lemon, chocolate slab, piece of ginger, or Parmesan block) against the blade of the zester. When zesting a citrus fruit, continually turn the fruit around to ensure that you are grating the rind, and not the bitter pith - because this bitterness might ruin your dish!
NB: Before zesting fruit, always be sure to wash your produce really well to ensure that you get rid of any pesticides and chemicals that might be left on them.
When it comes to zesting other food types like chocolate or cheese, you simply hold the ingredient against the zester and rub it against the blade until you have grated your desired quantity.
Microplane VS. Zester
Citrus zesters and microplanes are very similar tools and they are often used interchangeably. However, a microplane usually allows you to grate and zest finer particles and is thus also perfectly suited for grating chocolate or coconut over desserts or hard cheese over pasta and other dishes. A microplane is similar to a grater and can be used for a greater array of dishes. Zesters will usually grate longer strands of rind and choosing your appliance of choice will depend on the dish you are making. If you are creating a dessert and need delicate garnish, opt for a microplane zester. Most of the models on our list are microplane style zesters and thus perfectly suited for a diverse range of foods.
Best Zester FAQ:
Q: What is a Zester?
A: A zester is metal kitchen tool that allows you to shave away the citrusy zest of fruits like oranges, lemons, and clementine’s. Good zesters will be able to grate away the zest, without grating too much of the bitter white pith. Zesters are usually made from stainless steel and made up of numerous micro blades that enable the tool to carve away at the surface of the citrus fruits, without peeling them. Zesters can also be used to grate ingredients like chocolate and coconut over desserts, or even to grate Parmesan or hard cheeses over pasta dishes, eggs, salads, and more.
Zesters are small tools that can easily be stored in your kitchen draw and some models have a loop, which can be easily utilized if you want to hang the zester up. The zesting blade is usually about 4 inches since it's usually used to work with smaller foods, and thus they can be easily stored in small apartments and spaces.
Q: Why do I need a zester?
A: Adding citrus zest to various dishes will add extra flavor and will garnish your meals in wonderful ways. A zester offers and easy way to gather citrus rind and is able to separate it from the bitter pith of the fruit. Zesters and microplanes are able to grate super fine particles (more so than a regular grater) and if you are into baking this is an absolute must have. They allow you to adorn your desserts and baked treats with magical sprinklings of delight and add nuance and decadence to your dishes. Whether you want to grate fuit, veggies, chocolate, coconut, hard cheeses, ginger, or more, a zester is the perfect tool for your kitchen. It's really a must-have for anyone who takes cooking seriously.
If you want to add an array of interesting flavors to your food and make it seriously stand out, a zester is the tool for you. They are super affordable and easy to use, yet make an absolute world of difference to your dishes. Since they are small, they are also super easy to store and can be popped in a draw when not in use. Other models have little hanging loops and can be easily hung up when they aren't in zesting mode.
Our Top Pick
Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater, Black
While we love all the zesters on our fabulous list, we have gone for this fantastic zester by Microplane as our best zester pick.This local US brand uses specialized 'photoetched technology' to ensure brilliantly sharp grating for a variey of ingredients. The blade has been ergonomically designed to zest and grate effectively. You can also use this amazing kitchen zester to grate hard cheeses like paramsan and thus this zester is perfect for pasta dishes, breakfast meals, and all your culinary gems. The blade has been created with surgical grade stainless steel for ultimate precision, and the handle is made with super safe BPA free plastic to ensure it is safe in the kitchen. This zester is also dishwasher safe and thus cleaning it is an absolute breeze. For best cleaning results, simply rinse it under the faucet and then scrub it with a brush to get rid of the leftover zest. This brand combines amazing value, with wonderful quaility and is truly a great pick for anyone who enjoys being a whizz in the kitchen.
Source:
- Lemon Zest – How To Zest Lemons - What's Cooking America