Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After years of cooking and testing kitchen tools, I found three zesters that work great. Each one has its own perks. Let me share what I learned.
1. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester – Best Overall
This is my go-to zester. I use it almost every day. It works like a charm.
2. Microplane Classic Zester Grater – Best Value
This one costs less. But it still does a great job. Perfect if you want to save money.
3. Microplane All-Stainless Steel Zester – Most Durable
This zester is all steel. No plastic parts. It feels solid and strong.
Our Expertise
I cook at home every day. I make lots of dishes with lemon, lime, and orange zest. Over the years, I tried many zesters. Some broke fast. Others did not work well.
I zest citrus for pasta, salads, cakes, and drinks. Good zest makes food taste better. It adds a bright flavor that you cannot get from juice alone.
I learned what makes a zester good. It needs to be sharp. It must be easy to clean. And it should last a long time.
These three zesters passed my tests. I used each one for weeks. I zested lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. I also grated cheese and ginger.
Now I want to share what I found. This guide will help you pick the right zester for your kitchen.
Why You Need a Good Citrus Zester
A zester is a simple tool. But it can change how you cook.
Zest is the outer peel of citrus fruit. It has oils that smell and taste great. When you zest a lemon, you get all that flavor. But you leave the white part behind. That white part tastes bitter.
A good zester makes this easy. You glide it over the fruit. Fine shreds come off. These shreds melt into your food. They add flavor without chunks.
I use zest in many ways:
- Lemon zest in pasta with olive oil
- Lime zest in tacos and guacamole
- Orange zest in cakes and cookies
- Grapefruit zest in salad dressing
You can also use a zester for other things. Grate hard cheese like Parmesan. Mince garlic and ginger. Shave chocolate over desserts.
Once you have a good zester, you will use it all the time.
What Makes a Great Zester?
Not all zesters work the same. Here is what to look for:
Sharp Blades
The blades must be very sharp. Sharp blades cut clean. They do not tear the fruit. They take just the zest, not the white pith.
Dull blades make you press hard. This is tiring. And you might get pith in your zest.
All three zesters I picked have sharp blades. They are made in the USA. The company uses a special process to make them sharp.
Good Material
The best zesters use stainless steel. This metal does not rust. It stays sharp for years.
Some zesters use cheap metal. These rust fast. They also get dull.
Stainless steel is easy to clean too. Food does not stick to it.
Comfortable Handle
You hold a zester in your hand. If it feels bad, you will not want to use it.
A good handle is easy to grip. It does not slip. And it does not hurt your hand.
Two of my picks have plastic handles. One is all steel. The steel one feels heavier. But it is still comfy to hold.
Easy to Clean
Zest can get stuck in the blades. This makes cleaning hard.
A good zester should be easy to clean. You should be able to rinse it fast. Or put it in the dishwasher.
All three zesters I picked are dishwasher safe. You can also use a brush to clean them.
Right Size
Most zesters are about 12 inches long. This size works well. It is long enough to grate easily. But not too big for your drawer.
Some zesters come with covers. These protect the blade when you store it.
Detailed Product Reviews
Let me tell you about each zester. I will share what I like and what you should know.
1. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester – Best Overall
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (47,827 reviews)
This is the zester I reach for most. It has been in my kitchen for two years. It still works like new.
Key Features
- Size: 12 inches long, 1.83 inches wide
- Material: Surgical grade stainless steel blade
- Handle: Plastic with soft grip
- Colors: 20+ colors to choose from
- Made in USA: Yes, the blade is made in America
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What I Like About This Zester
The blade is super sharp. I tested it on a hard lemon. The zest came off with no effort. I barely pressed at all.
The zest comes out fine and fluffy. This is perfect. Fine zest melts into food. You get all the flavor but no texture.
I also love the color choices. I got the black one. It looks sleek in my kitchen. But you can pick from over 20 colors. Get one that matches your style.
The handle feels good in my hand. It has a soft grip. Even when my hand is wet, it does not slip.
The end tabs are a nice touch. They protect your counter. When you put the zester down, the blade does not touch the surface.
This zester is magnetic. I stick it to my magnetic knife strip. It is always within reach.
What I Use It For
I use this zester for so many things:
Citrus: Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits. The zest is always perfect.
Cheese: Parmesan grates into fluffy clouds. It looks so good on pasta. I also grate Romano and Asiago.
Ginger: Fresh ginger turns into a fine paste. No chunks at all.
Garlic: One clove becomes minced garlic in seconds.
Nutmeg: I grate whole nutmeg for baking. The flavor is so much better than pre-ground.
Chocolate: I shave dark chocolate over ice cream. It looks fancy.
Why I Think It Is the Best
This zester does everything well. It is sharp, durable, and easy to use. The price is fair too.
After two years, it still cuts like new. I have not had to sharpen it. The blade shows no rust.
I tried cheaper zesters before. They got dull fast. Or they broke. This one is worth the extra few dollars.
If you want one zester that does it all, get this one.
2. Microplane Classic Zester Grater – Best Value
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (11,063 reviews)
This zester costs less than the Premium model. But it still works great. It is a smart choice if you want to save money.
Key Features
- Size: 12 inches long, 1.31 inches wide
- Material: Surgical grade stainless steel blade
- Handle: BPA-free plastic
- Colors: Black
- Made in USA: Yes, the blade is made in America
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
What I Like About This Zester
The blade is just as sharp as the Premium model. I could not tell a difference when zesting. It cuts clean and easy.
At under $13, this is a great deal. You get a quality tool without spending much.
The handle is simple but works fine. It is made of BPA-free plastic. This means no harmful chemicals.
Like the Premium model, this one is magnetic. I can hang it on my knife strip.
How It Compares to the Premium Model
This zester is a bit narrower. It is 1.31 inches wide. The Premium is 1.83 inches wide.
The narrower blade means you cover less area. You might need a few more strokes to zest a whole lemon.
The handle is also more basic. It does not have the soft grip. But it still feels okay in my hand.
There are no color choices. You only get black.
The Premium model has end tabs to protect counters. This one does not.
Who Should Buy This
Get this zester if:
- You want to save a few dollars
- You only zest citrus once in a while
- You do not care about color options
- You want a simple, no-fuss tool
This is perfect for someone just starting to cook. Or someone who wants a backup zester.
3. Microplane All-Stainless Steel Zester – Most Durable
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,154 reviews)
This zester is all steel. No plastic at all. If you want something that will last forever, this is it.
Key Features
- Size: 12 inches long, 1.33 inches wide
- Material: All stainless steel (blade and handle)
- Handle: Stainless steel with holes for grip
- Colors: Steel/silver only
- Made in USA: Yes, the blade is made in America
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Comes with: Protective cover for storage
What I Like About This Zester
The all-steel design feels solid. It has weight to it. This makes it feel premium.
There are no plastic parts to break. The whole thing is one piece of steel. This will last for decades.
The handle has holes in it. These give you grip. And they make it lighter.
It comes with a protective cover. This is great for storage. The cover keeps the blade safe. And it protects your hands when you reach in the drawer.
Like the others, this is magnetic. Stick it on any magnetic surface.
The Downsides
The all-steel handle can feel cold. In winter, it is a bit chilly to hold.
The handle is also harder than plastic. It does not have a soft grip. If you have arthritis or weak hands, this might not be comfy.
The steel finish shows fingerprints. You need to wipe it down to keep it looking clean.
Who Should Buy This
Get this zester if:
- You want the most durable option
- You like the look of stainless steel
- You want a protective cover
- You do not mind a heavier tool
This is great for serious cooks. Or people who use their zester every day.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is how the three zesters compare:
| Feature | Premium Classic | Classic Grater | All-Stainless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $15.26 | $12.99 | $11.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 stars | 4.8 stars | 4.7 stars |
| Width | 1.83 inches | 1.31 inches | 1.33 inches |
| Handle | Soft grip plastic | Basic plastic | Stainless steel |
| Colors | 20+ options | Black only | Steel only |
| End Tabs | Yes | No | No |
| Cover | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | Overall use | Budget pick | Durability |
How to Use a Citrus Zester
Using a zester is easy. But here are some tips to get the best results:
Pick Ripe Fruit
Use fresh citrus fruit. The peel should feel firm. Avoid soft or wrinkled fruit.
Wash the Fruit
Always wash citrus before zesting. Use warm water and scrub gently. Dry it with a towel.
Many citrus fruits have wax on the peel. Washing removes this.
Use Light Pressure
Do not press hard. Let the sharp blade do the work. Glide the zester over the peel.
If you press too hard, you will get the white pith. This tastes bitter.
Turn the Fruit
Zest one area, then turn the fruit. This way you only get the colored part.
Stop when you see white. That means you reached the pith.
Measure After Zesting
Recipes usually call for a certain amount of zest. Like “1 teaspoon lemon zest.”
Zest into a small bowl. Then measure what you need.
One lemon gives about 1 tablespoon of zest. One lime gives about 1-2 teaspoons.
Clean Right Away
Clean your zester as soon as you finish. Dried zest is hard to remove.
Rinse it under warm water. Use a brush on the back of the blade. This pushes out any stuck bits.
Or just put it in the dishwasher.
Caring for Your Zester
Take care of your zester and it will last for years.
Clean After Every Use
Never let zest dry on the blade. Clean it right away.
Use warm soapy water. Or put it in the dishwasher.
Use a Brush
Get a small kitchen brush. Use it to clean the back of the blade. This removes stuck particles.
Dry It Well
After washing, dry your zester. This prevents water spots.
Stainless steel does not rust easily. But it is still good to dry it.
Store Safely
Store your zester in a drawer or on a magnetic strip.
If you keep it in a drawer, be careful. The blade is sharp. You could cut yourself when reaching in.
The all-steel zester comes with a cover. Use it.
Do Not Drop It
The blade is thin. If you drop the zester on a hard floor, it might bend.
A bent blade does not work as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are mistakes I made when I first started using a zester:
Pressing Too Hard
I used to press hard. I thought this would work better. But it made things worse.
Hard pressure gives you pith. The zest also comes out in chunks, not fine shreds.
Use a light touch. Trust the blade.
Not Washing the Fruit
I forgot to wash citrus once. The zest tasted like wax. Not good.
Always wash first.
Letting Zest Dry on the Blade
Early on, I would zest and then leave the zester on the counter. Later, I tried to clean it. The dried zest was stuck hard.
Clean right away. It takes 10 seconds.
Using the Wrong Side
The blades cut in one direction. If you push the wrong way, nothing happens.
Look at the blade. The sharp edges face one way. Push in that direction.
Zesting Too Much Fruit
I once zested three lemons for a recipe that needed one. I had so much extra zest.
Zest what you need. You can always add more.
Creative Ways to Use Citrus Zest
Once you have a good zester, you will find so many uses:
In Cooking
- Add lemon zest to olive oil pasta
- Mix lime zest into rice
- Put orange zest in stir fry
- Add zest to salad dressing
In Baking
- Lemon zest makes cakes taste bright
- Orange zest is great in cookies
- Lime zest works in key lime pie
- Grapefruit zest adds flavor to muffins
In Drinks
- Add zest to cocktails
- Put it in iced tea
- Mix it into lemonade
- Garnish drinks with a twist
Other Ideas
- Make lemon sugar by mixing zest with sugar
- Infuse olive oil with citrus zest
- Add zest to salt for a seasoning blend
- Freeze zest in ice cube trays with water
Other Things You Can Grate
Your zester is not just for citrus. Use it for:
Hard Cheese
Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Pecorino all work great. The cheese comes out fluffy and light.
Ginger
Fresh ginger grates into a fine paste. This is perfect for stir fries and marinades.
Garlic
One clove becomes minced garlic fast. No need for a garlic press.
Nutmeg
Whole nutmeg tastes so much better than pre-ground. Grate it fresh for baking.
Cinnamon
You can grate cinnamon sticks. Fresh ground cinnamon is amazing.
Chocolate
Shave dark chocolate over desserts. It looks fancy and tastes great.
Butter
Frozen butter grates easily. Use this for making biscuits or pie crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a zester and a grater?
A zester has smaller holes. It makes fine shreds. A grater has bigger holes. It makes thicker pieces.
For citrus, you want a zester. The fine shreds blend into food better.
Can I use a regular grater instead?
You can. But it does not work as well. A regular grater makes thick pieces. These do not melt into food. And you might get pith.
A zester is made for citrus. It is worth having one.
How long does a zester stay sharp?
A good zester stays sharp for years. The ones I recommend use surgical grade steel. This holds an edge.
I have had my Premium zester for two years. It is still sharp.
Can I sharpen a dull zester?
No. The blades are too small and too many. You cannot sharpen them.
If your zester gets dull, you need a new one.
This is why you should buy a quality zester. It will stay sharp longer.
Is it safe to put a zester in the dishwasher?
Yes. All three zesters I recommend are dishwasher safe.
But hand washing is fine too. It only takes a few seconds.
Why is my zest bitter?
You are getting pith. This is the white part under the colored peel. It tastes bitter.
Use light pressure. Only take the colored part.
How much zest does one lemon give?
One medium lemon gives about 1 tablespoon of zest.
One lime gives about 1-2 teaspoons.
One orange gives about 1-2 tablespoons.
Can I zest frozen citrus?
No. Frozen citrus is too hard. The zester will not work.
Let the fruit thaw first. Or use fresh fruit.
How do I store extra zest?
Put it in a small container. Keep it in the fridge for up to one week.
Or freeze it. Frozen zest lasts for months. Just scoop out what you need.
What if I do not have a zester?
You can use a vegetable peeler and a knife. Peel the colored part. Then chop it very fine.
This works. But it takes longer. And the zest is not as fine.
Are Microplane zesters made in the USA?
The blades are made in the USA. The handles are made elsewhere.
Microplane uses a special photo-etched process. This is done in America.
My Final Recommendation
All three zesters work well. But here is what I recommend:
Get the Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester if you cook often. It is the best all-around choice. It is sharp, durable, and comfy to use.
Get the Microplane Classic Zester Grater if you want to save money. It costs less but still works great. Perfect for casual cooks.
Get the Microplane All-Stainless Steel Zester if you want the most durable tool. It will last forever. Great for serious cooks.
You cannot go wrong with any of these. They all have sharp blades made in the USA. They are all easy to clean. And they all have great reviews.
Pick the one that fits your needs and budget. You will be zesting like a pro in no time.
Why Trust My Reviews?
I cook at home every day. I am not a professional chef. But I love to make good food.
I bought these zesters with my own money. I used them for weeks. I tested them on lemons, limes, oranges, cheese, and ginger.
I am sharing what I really think. These are tools I use in my own kitchen.
My goal is to help you find the right zester. I want you to enjoy cooking as much as I do.
A good zester makes cooking more fun. It adds flavor to your food. And it is so easy to use.
I hope this guide helps you choose. Happy zesting!