A zester takes the colorful outer peel from citrus and leaves the bitter white pith behind. Most also work on hard cheese, garlic, ginger and nutmeg, which is why many cooks keep one near the stove.
The six zesters below are all handheld models with stainless steel blades. Sizes, materials and features come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these zesters ourselves, and maker claims are described as the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Blade | Etched or photo-etched teeth give fine zest |
| Handle | A soft, non-slip grip helps control |
| Cover | Protects the teeth and some double as a tray |
| Length | A long body is easier to hold over a bowl |
| Base | A non-slip foot helps on a counter |
Specs at a Glance
| Zester | Material | Size from listing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microplane 46301 | Plastic, stainless steel | 4.96 x 0.54 x 0.47 in as listed | Zests citrus without the pith; also hard cheese |
| OXO Etched | Plastic, stainless steel | 14.9 x 4.6 x 1 in as listed | Blade cover; non-slip foot; hang hole |
| Cuisinart CTG-21-ZES | Stainless steel | Not given; weight 0.16 kg | Etched surface; soft-grip handle; lifetime warranty |
| Deiss PRO | Stainless steel | 1.77 x 1.02 x 14.76 in | Curved sides add rigidity; non-slip handle |
| Calphalon Prime | Stainless steel, thermoplastic rubber | Not given; weight 0.18 kg | Protective cover that doubles as a tray |
| ZWILLING Pro Tools | 18/10 stainless steel | Not given; weight 254 g | Anti-slip base; soft-touch handle; hanging hook |
The 6 Best Zesters
1. Microplane 46301 Premium Zester Grater
A slim stainless steel zester with a blade the maker says takes the rind off citrus while leaving the bitter white pith. The maker also lists Parmesan, Asiago and Pecorino, plus ginger and garlic, and says it is made in the USA. The listing size looks small for a full-length tool, so check the product page.
Suits: fine zest and hard cheese. Strengths: a well-known blade design. Weaknesses: the listed dimensions are unclear. Skip it if you want a cover included.
View Microplane 46301 Premium Made in USA Zester Grater, citrus and zesting, White on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater
An etched stainless steel surface for citrus, chocolate, hard cheese, garlic and ginger, with a soft handle, a non-slip foot, a hang hole and a blade cover. The listing gives 14.9 inches in length.
Suits: use on a counter. Strengths: a foot that grips and a cover. Weaknesses: a long body for a small drawer. Skip it if you want a short tool.
View OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater on Amazon
3. Cuisinart Long Zester and Grater, CTG-21-ZES
A stainless steel head with an etched surface for citrus or hard cheese, a soft-grip non-slip handle, dishwasher-safe care and a lifetime warranty per the listing. No dimensions appear in the specs table.
Suits: a simple, long handheld. Strengths: dishwasher safe, with a lifetime warranty. Weaknesses: no size listed. Skip it if you need exact dimensions.
View Cuisinart Long Zester and Grater, CTG-21-ZES on Amazon
4. Deiss PRO Lemon Zester and Heavy Duty Grater
A stainless steel zester and grater 14.76 inches long with a non-slip handle. The maker says its curved sides add rigidity and let you press harder, and that the teeth do not clog.
Suits: firm cheese and tough skins. Strengths: a rigid frame. Weaknesses: the no-clog claim is the maker’s. Skip it if you want a blade cover.
5. Calphalon Prime Lemon Zester
A heavy-gauge stainless steel zester with a flat shape and a thermoplastic rubber handle. The protective cover keeps the teeth safe in storage and doubles as a tray to catch zest or cheese. The maker lists lemon, garlic, ginger and hard cheese.
Suits: a tidy drawer. Strengths: a cover that catches zest. Weaknesses: no size in the table. Skip it if you want a long handle.
6. ZWILLING Pro Tools Grater, Zester
An 18/10 stainless steel grater and zester with a wide, stable frame, an anti-slip base, a soft-touch handle, a hanging hook and plastic covers for drawer storage. The maker describes a two-way cutting design, and the listing says it is dishwasher safe.
Suits: a stable, premium-feel tool. Strengths: a wide frame and covers. Weaknesses: no dimensions listed. Skip it if you only need a basic zester.
View ZWILLING Pro Tools Grater, Zester, Grey on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Zest unwaxed or well-washed fruit and dry it first.
- Move the fruit over the blade, not the blade over the fruit.
- Brush the teeth clean right after use.
- Keep the cover on in the drawer.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing into the white pith, which is bitter.
- Leaving citrus oil to dry on the blade.
- Skipping the cover and dulling the teeth in the drawer.
- Assuming every zester is dishwasher safe; check the listing.
Zester FAQ
Is a zester the same as a fine grater?
They are close. Zesters have small teeth for citrus peel, and most also handle hard cheese and spices.
Can I use one on garlic and ginger?
Many makers list both. Check each listing before you buy.
The Short Version
For classic zest, the Microplane. For a grippy foot, the OXO. For a long handheld, the Cuisinart. For a rigid frame, the Deiss. For a cover that catches zest, the Calphalon. For a stable premium-feel tool, the ZWILLING.
