Photo: 1Easylife
A zester is the only tool you can rely on to produce fresh and flavor-rich zests from your favorite citrus fruits. You can use it on lemons, lime, oranges, and many other fruits.
It will even grate garlic, ginger, and cheese for that pasta you love making. The best zester will have sharp stainless-steel blades.
Most zesters are multipurpose or dual-use. They can both zest and peel. You can get one with a peeler if you want to make stylish garnishes to complement your cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks.
Below, we review the top 10 zesters in the market today and provide a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the ideal one.
In this post:
- 10 Best Zesters – Review
- 1. 1Easylife H696 – Best Value for Money Zester
- 2. Microplane 46202 – Best Microplane Zester
- 3. Deiss PRO Grater – Top Rated Zester
- 4. Raniaco RANZOO1 – Best Lemon Zester
- 5. Microplane 40020 – Best Citrus Zester
- 6. OXO 26781 – Best Non-Slip Zester
- 7. Crisp TCR70001 – Best 4-in-1 Zester
- 8. OXO 1122180 – Wide and Sturdy Zester
- 9. Messermeister 800-152/R – Heavy Duty Zester
- 10. KitchenIQ 50196 – Feature-Packed Zester
- How to Buy the Best Zester
- Conclusion
10 Best Zesters – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. 1Easylife H696 (Best Value for Money) |
| |
 | 2. Microplane 46202 (Best Microplane Zester) |
| |
 | 3. Deiss PRO Grater (Top Rated) |
| |
 | 4. Raniaco RANZOO1 (Best Lemon Zester) |
| |
 | 5. Microplane 40020 (Best Citrus Zester) |
| |
 | 6. OXO 26781 (Best Non-Slip Zester) |
| |
 | 7. Crisp TCR70001 (Best 4-in-1 Zester) |
| |
 | 8. OXO 1122180 (Wide & Sturdy) |
| |
 | 9. Messermeister 800-152/R (Heavy Duty) |
| |
 | 10. KitchenIQ 50196 (Feature-Packed) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. 1Easylife H696 (Best Value for Money)
|
2. Microplane 46202 (Best Microplane Zester)
|
3. Deiss PRO Grater (Top Rated)
|
4. Raniaco RANZOO1 (Best Lemon Zester)
|
5. Microplane 40020 (Best Citrus Zester)
|
6. OXO 26781 (Best Non-Slip Zester)
|
7. Crisp TCR70001 (Best 4-in-1 Zester)
|
8. OXO 1122180 (Wide & Sturdy)
|
9. Messermeister 800-152/R (Heavy Duty)
|
10. KitchenIQ 50196 (Feature-Packed)
|
1. 1Easylife H696 – Best Value for Money Zester
Photo: 1Easylife
For less than $7, you can get yourself the 1Easylife H696, which is both a zester and a peeler thus offering double value. It is specialized for maximizing on flavor extraction from fruits.
It’s not your typical zester. An award-winning design places five stainless steel holes on the zester’s head. With minimal and controlled pressure, the tool makes perfect zests from your oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits while avoiding the bitter pith.
The zester comes with a built-in channel knife for peeling citrus fruits. You can also use the peeler to make elegant twisty garnished for cocktails and mocktails.
For ease of storage, a hanging loop is included at the handle’s end.
A 100% lifetime 1Easylife Guarantee ensures that if you encounter problems with the tool or find it unsatisfactory, you can simply return it for a replacement or refund.
It is also dishwasher safe hence cleaning is fast and effortless.
The 1Easylife H696 offers the best value for money, but sometimes the channel knife may prove to dull for daily peeling.
Pros:
- Multipurpose zester and peeler
- Requires minimal pressure
- Built-in channel peeling knife
- Hanging loop for easy storage
- 100% lifetime 1Easylife Guarantee
Cons:
- Channel knife can be dull
2. Microplane 46202 – Best Microplane Zester
Photo: Microplane
Microplane 46202 is the best zester by Microplane as it combines premium features with durability, efficiency, precision, and ease of cleaning.
The zester especially boasts of ultra-sharp blades made by Microplane using photo-etched technology and stainless steel. You are guaranteed of long-lasting sharpness from the blades, which are also rust-free.
A unique feature of the tool is that its steel is magnetic. You can hang it on your magnetic knife strip. To protect your countertop, the tool has non-scratch end tabs.
You not only get to zest fruits, but it is also a superb cheese grate. Use it to make fluffy mounds, which you can melt with ease if you’re making pasta.
It is dishwasher safe. You can also rinse it as soon as you’re done zesting. For particles that accumulate beneath the blades, running a soft kitchen brush on the underside removes them easily.
Although the Microplane 46202 is the best Microplane zester, it is only a single-purpose tool, and will not peel fruits.
Pros:
- Durable and efficient
- Ultra-sharp stainless-steel blades
- Magnetic steel for easy hanging
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons:
- Single purpose use
3. Deiss PRO Grater – Top Rated Zester
Photo: Deiss
The highest rated zester on our list is the Deiss PRO Grater, which is also surprisingly very affordable at slightly over $10.
You will love it for its ability to zest citrus and also grate cheese. It is ideal for lemon, ginger, garlic, fruits, and even vegetable zesting.
All that is made possible by the tool’s premium build and materials, including a razor-sharp stainless-steel blade for uniform effortless cuts.
It also comes with a non-slip handle that is very comfortable in the hand. Rigidity is enhanced by its curved sides, which also help it accommodate more force when necessary.
For ease of cleaning, the zester is dishwasher safe. Also, you can pass it under running water and within seconds, it will be sparkling clean.
Although the Deiss PRO Grater is a top-rates zester, it is not designed for heavy-duty or round-the-clock usage.
Pros:
- Premium and affordable
- Zests fruits and grates cheese
- Stainless steel blade for uniform cuts
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not well-suited for heavy-duty usage
4. Raniaco RANZOO1 – Best Lemon Zester
Photo: Raniaco
The Raniaco RANZOO1 has a unique design not seen in other zesters, which makes it ideal for lemon and similar citrus fruits. It has long 8-inch blades providing an optimal grating surface.
An ergonomic silicone handle makes for superior handling and grip while offering easy control.
For a stable grinding experience, the zester comes fitted with non-slip silicone feet.
It has an ABS plastic casing that covers the edges of the zester blade to protect your fingers and hand from injury while grinding fruits or spices. It also has a plastic cover for safe storage and transportation.
The Raniaco RANZOO1 proves to be ideal for lemons and other fruits given its long blade, but extra caution is needed when using it to prevent injury to your hand from the ultra-sharp blades.
Pros:
- Long grating blade
- Affordable zester
- Ergonomic silicone handle
- Non-slip silicone feet
- Protective case for safety
Cons:
- Requires extra caution to avoid hand injury
5. Microplane 40020 – Best Citrus Zester
Photo: Microplane
Easily the best citrus zester on our list, Microplane 40020 boasts of a special tooth set designed to extract that flavor-rich rind directly from citrus fruits.
The photo-etched technology used to make the grating blades ensures that the bitter pith is not extracted alongside the rinds. It is also ideal for grating cheese.
A BPA-free plastic handle is designed to offer maximum grip and comfort.
You won’t feel the pain of cleaning this zester as it is dishwasher safe. A kitchen brush also comes in handy when removing the debris that may get stuck on the zester’s underside.
Its stainless-steel blade not only cuts uniformly but is also magnetic for easy hanging on a magnetic knife strip.
Microplane 40020 may be the best citrus zester, but extra caution is necessary while zesting to prevent injury on the hand or knuckles from the ultra-sharp blade cutters.
Pros:
- Special tooth set for rind extraction
- Photo-etched grating blade
- Plastic handle for maximum grip
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons:
- Blade cutters can be too sharp
6. OXO 26781 – Best Non-Slip Zester
Photo: OXO
OXO 26781 is a simple zester with a non-slip handle to maximize grip and efficiently when zesting your favorite citrus fruits. Whether your palm is wet or dry, the zester promises to stick firmly and not slip.
It is a 2-in-1 tool that will both zests, and peel your citrus fruits. The five sharpened stainless-steel holes mounted on the zester produce even and uniform cuts on fruits. A channel knife is also included for peeling and creating elegant garnishes that you can use for cocktails and mocktails.
An over-sized opening at the handle’s end makes hanging the tool easy. If you prefer to store it in a drawer or cabinet, its compact size consumes very little space.
For ease of cleaning, the zester is dishwasher safe. You can also run some warm water through it immediately after use, and it will restore that shiny stainless-steel look.
Although the OXO 26781 is a non-slip too designed to maximize grip, its channel knife can also prove too dull for some fruits.
Pros:
- Non-slip handle to maximize grip
- 2-in-1 zester and peeler
- Stainless steel zest holes
- Oversized handle opening
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons:
- Channel knife can dull for some fruits
7. Crisp TCR70001 – Best 4-in-1 Zester
Photo: Crisp
While other zesters tend to have 1-2 main uses, Crisp TCR70001 outshines then with its 4-in-1 package that can zest, peel, channel, twill, and score your favorite citrus fruits.
The zester has an ergonomic handle design, which not only offers superior grip on the tool but makes it comfortable to use. The non-grip handle will also prevent your hand from slipping.
For ease of storage, the zester has a very compact design despite its abundance of features. You will hardly notice it in your drawer or on the wall if you prefer hanging it.
Cleaning the zester is effortless as the tool is dishwasher safe. You can also run some warm water on and through it after use, a task that takes less than a minute.
At only 3.2 ounces, it is lightweight and highly portable.
Crisp TCR70001’s 4-in-1 bundle makes it superior to many of its rivals, but its zesting surface is notably shorter than many standard zesters.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 multipurpose tool
- Ergonomic handle design
- Non-slip rubber grip
- Compact design
- Aesthetic appeal
Cons:
- Shorter zesting surface
8. OXO 1122180 – Wide and Sturdy Zester
Photo: OXO
The OXO 1122180 offers a generously wide grating surface that covers a large surface area of the fruits you are zesting. This design makes it impressively sturdy.
This feature allows for fast zesting with minimal effort. To provide even more stability and control while grating, the zester has a non-slip foot.
Its blades are etched and made of stainless steel. They make grating and zesting fast, and easy.
A non-slip grip handle maximizes comfort and prevents injury to your hands when using the tool.
You can clean it on the top rack of your dishwasher or run water through it immediately after use. Both options take the least amount of time.
The zester is compact and will occupy very little drawer space.
Although the OXO 1122180 proves to be wider and sturdier than most of its rivals, it struggles when zesting fruits with tough skins, such as lemons.
Pros:
- Wide grating surface
- Sturdy build
- Non-slip foot for enhanced stability
- Compact for easy storage
Cons:
- Struggles to zest tough fruit skins
9. Messermeister 800-152/R – Heavy Duty Zester
Photo: Messermeister
The dual-purpose Messermeister 800-152/R is a heavy-duty zester and peeler made of premium materials for durability and versatility.
You will not be in a hurry to replace this zester as its blade is made of thick gauge 18-8 stainless steel, which does not deform, rust or bend.
Its soft, rubber non-slip handle promises a firm grip and is designed for both the left and right hands. You don’t have to worry about discomfort when handling this zester.
It will zest and peel citrus fruits. The second function uses a channel knife on the tool and is especially useful if you are looking to produce elegant garnishes to complement your cocktails, mocktails, or other drinks.
Your purchase is risk-free with the zester’s lifetime manufacturing warranty, and 100% Messermeister quality, an offer you will not find in many of the other products on our list.
Although the Messermeister 800-152/R is suited for heavy-duty usage, its channel knife can prove dull for some uses.
Pros:
- Premium stainless-steel blade
- Large soft grip handle
- Suitable for both left- and right-hand use
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
Cons:
- Channel knife can be dull
10. KitchenIQ 50196 – Feature-Packed Zester
Photo: KitchenIQ
KitchenIQ 50196 is a feature-packed and superior quality zester as it boats of over 300 V-etched teeth for optimal zesting.
The unique V-shaped design is innovative and aims at producing uniform and even cuts while using the least efforts. Simply glide the fruit over the zester, and it does the rest.
It is designed to zest all kinds of citrus fruits including lemons, lime, grapefruit, oranges, and many more. An ergonomic frame will make your zesting experience smooth and steady.
A non-stick coating on the zester allows food to glide smoothly over the blade and its teeth. Not only does this feature increase efficiency, but it also makes cleaning easier.
Another impressive feature is the Fresh Zest Container. Its purpose is to hold the grated zests and enable you to place the zests on their dishes with ease.
You need not worry about zest sticking on the tool’s underside. An innovative squeegee slides across the blade’s back to remove the fresh flavor-rich zests from the blade’s backside.
KitchenIQ 50196 may be the most innovative and feature-packed zester, but its paint is prone to peeling with repeated usage, something that can be very annoying.
Pros:
- Over 300 V-shaped teeth
- V-shaped design for uniform cuts
- Ergonomic frame
- Non-stick knife coating
- A Fresh Zest collection container
Cons:
- Paint is prone to peeling
How to Buy the Best Zester
Photo: Microplane
1. Blade
Blade type and build material is a decisive factor when choosing the ideal zester. The most common hand-held zester has hundreds of ultra-sharp blades that cut through the fruit’s zest.
Some will have as many as 300 micro-blades that cover a significant surface area of the fruit you are zesting.
To maintain the blades’ sharpness, pick a zester whose cutting surface is made of stainless steel. You can count on its long-lasting service and durability since stainless steel is also rust-free.
Blades with protective coatings along the edges can offer extra safety and protection for your fingers.
2. Ergonomic Handle
The handle is an important component of a zester because it determines how you handle the tool, its safety, and your comfort while using it.
Look for a zester with an ergonomic handle for maximum comfort. Also, a non-slip soft handle will help you grip the tool more firmly as you zest or grate. Plastic and rubber handles offer great grip and ergonomics.
Some zester handles are specifically designed for use by both left and right-handed people. You can get one if it will be used by multiple persons without worrying about their dominant hands.
3. Dishwasher Safe
Just like with every other kitchen tool and utensil, you want a zester that is easiest to clean. No need to spend minutes cleaning one while you could be enjoying the zests you just made.
Most zesters are dishwasher safe, but it pays to check manufacturer specifications to be certain of the recommended mode of cleaning.
4. Material Construction
Zesters tend to share a common design. They have stainless steel blades and plastic or rubber handles.
Stainless steel blades have many benefits. They are rust-free and tend to retain their sharpness for long or throughout their lifetime.
Hardened steel is durable and agile. Most zesters neither fold nor bend. They will hold firmly on surfaces such as countertops so that you can focus on zesting or peeling.
For optimal slip-free grip, an enlarged rubber handle is the most recommended. Plastic also does a neat job at ensuring a firm grip.
5. Safety
Bearing in mind that a good zester will probably have hundreds of sharp blades sticking out of the cutting surface, then your safety becomes a top priority.
Generally, zesters are safe to use and their design does not allow your hands or fingers to come into contact with the blades. However, some extra safety features never hurt.
You can get a zester with a plastic coating around the blade’s edges. This is an extra protective measure that will ensure that your hand doesn’t hurt even when the fruit accidentally slips.
6. Ease of Cleaning
You don’t want to spend minutes cleaning your zester with no guarantee that it will be spotless. Luckily, it is incredibly easy to clean even the most advanced zesters.
Because many come with blades shaped as holes that allow the zests to pass through easily, they do not accumulate a lot of debris. Therefore, you are likely not going to be dealing with a huge mess afterward.
Even zesters that are not dishwasher safe still promise ease of cleaning by running water through them as soon as you’re done zesting. The whole process should take less than a minute. Just make sure you clean it immediately after use.
Conclusion
A zester is a must-have tool in your kitchen if you want to enjoy the zests from your favorite citrus fruits.
It guarantees fresh flavorful zests while ensuring you never have to worry about the bitterness of the pith. As simple as a zester may seem, it is important to pay attention to the finer details and get one that meets your usage and safety preferences.
When you consider factors such as blade, materials used, ease of cleaning, safety, and ergonomics, you’re all set for the perfect zester.
Our top 10 zester review provides you with all the details you need to kickstart your search for the ultimate kitchen companion.