Best Zesters of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Zesters are an essential tool for any home cook or professional chef. These handheld kitchen gadgets are designed to quickly and easily remove the zest, or outer layer of citrus fruit, without removing the bitter white pith. The resulting zest can be used to add bright, tangy flavor to a wide range of dishes, from baked goods to cocktails. Zesters come in a variety of styles, including those with sharp blades for precise cuts and those with wider blades for larger strips of zest. They are also available in a range of materials, including stainless steel and plastic, to suit different preferences and budgets.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater Cover #TOP 1
Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater Cover #TOP 2
Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater
ftb score rating icon 9.8
MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater Cover #TOP 3
MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Zesters

#TOP 1

Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater

cheese grater
Yellow
Wide
Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater Cover
Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater — Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel Grater

The Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater is a durable and versatile kitchen tool. Its stainless steel blade and non-slip handle make it comfortable to use and built to last. It saves space in your kitchen and drawers by replacing multiple bulky tools with a single grater that is easy to clean. The grater offers precision zesting and shredding, allowing you to add new and exciting flavors to your cooking. The Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater comes with a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.

What We Like
Sharp and effective
Easy to clean
Sturdy and durable
Protective cover included
Great for multiple ingredients
What We Don't Like
Large size
Preference for color
#TOP 2

Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater

46020
Black
18/8
Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater Cover
Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater, 18/8, Black - Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Citrus, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Chocolate - Stainless Steel Grater

The Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater is an ultra-sharp tool that can zest citrus, grate ginger and garlic, and create ground spices from whole hard cinnamon or nutmeg. It is made of surgical grade stainless steel, which stays rust-free and maintains sharpness over time. The non-scratch end tabs help protect counter tops, and it is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.

What We Like
Sharp and effective grater
Comfortable grip
Easy to clean
Slip-resistant design
Space-saving storage
What We Don't Like
Protective sheath could be sturdier
#TOP 3

MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater

Lemon Zester Grater with Handle
Black
12 inches
MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater Cover
MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater with Handle, Kitchen Tool for Zesting Citrus Fruits & Finely Grating Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Coconut, Nutmeg, Wasabi, Chocolate etc, Stainless Steel, 12 inches

The MasterChef Lemon Zester Grater is a professional quality kitchen gadget that is perfect for fine grating and zesting various food items including nuts, cheese, chocolate, lemon, lime, citrus, Parmesan, ginger, coconut, orange, nutmeg, cinnamon, and garlic. The non-slip grip of this handheld grater ensures stability while grating and the sharp stainless steel blades are designed to prevent clogging and produce minimum waste. Additionally, this zester is easy to clean by simply rinsing it under a stream of water and hanging it to dry.

What We Like
Good quality and value
Sharp and efficient
Comfortable to hold
Easy to clean
Includes protective cover
What We Don't Like
Sharp edges require caution
#TOP 4

Spring Chef Premium Zester/Grater

Black
2”x1.3"x12.9"
Spring Chef Premium Zester/Grater Cover
Spring Chef Premium Lemon Zester Grater with Handle - Fruits, Garlic, Chocolate, Nutmeg, Ginger Grater - Heavy Duty Kitchen Tool - Stainless Steel Citrus Zester with Blade Cover - Fine Shred, Black

Spring Chef Zester is a handheld kitchen tool made of professional grade 304 18/8 stainless steel. Its incredibly sharp blade won't bend or rust, allowing you to easily zest citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, as well as grate cheese, chocolate, ginger, garlic, nutmeg and more. The soft grip handle and anti-slip tip make it comfortable to hold and use, and the 3 in 1 multi-purpose blade cover protects your hands and the tool when stored. This lightweight yet heavy-duty zester is also dishwasher safe and backed by a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Sturdy and well-built
Easy to use and clean
Protective cover for safety
Efficient grating performance
Great for arthritic hands
What We Don't Like
Size larger than expected
Can be too harsh on lemons
#TOP 5

OXO Good Grips Citrus Zester With Channel Knife

OXO
11261400
Black
One Size
OXO Good Grips Citrus Zester With Channel Knife Cover
OXO Good Grips Citrus Zester With Channel Knife,Black

The OXO Good Grips Citrus Zester is a 2-in-1 tool that allows you to easily create citrus zest and garnishes. It features sharp, stainless steel holes that easily zest citrus fruits, and a channel knife that makes strips or twists for garnishes and cocktails. The durable, stainless steel head stays sharp and won't rust, while the soft, comfortable, non-slip handle provides a secure grip. This zester is perfect for adding flavor and style to your drinks and dishes.

What We Like
Sharp and effective zesting
Comfortable ergonomic design
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Durable and long-lasting
Great for cocktails and garnishes
What We Don't Like
Requires care when cleaning
Not ideal for grapefruit zest
#TOP 6

Stainless Steel Cheese and Citrus Zester Grater

Yellow
Stainless Steel Cheese and Citrus Zester Grater Cover
Stainless Steel Cheese and Citrus Zester Grater w/Extra Sharp Blade - Perfect for Lemons, Parmesan, Garlic, Chocolate - Spice Up any Kitchen Dish in Seconds with Your Premium Hand Held Shredder

This zester grater with handle is made with strong 430 stainless steel that can withstand rusting and corrosion. The razor-sharp blade allows you to easily zest and grate lemons, cheese, ginger, fruits, spices, and vegetables. The comfortable, non-slip handle is designed to give you a better grip, and the slim and flat design saves space in your pantry. It is a practical gift that comes in a black box that includes a cleaning brush and protective cover.

What We Like
Super sharp blades
Ergonomic, slip-resistant handle
Includes cleaning brush
Protective cover for storage
High-quality build
What We Don't Like
Requires practice for best results
#TOP 7

Rainspire Lemon Zester Tool

NMP-HEI
Black
Middle
Rainspire Lemon Zester Tool Cover
Rainspire Lemon Zester Tool with Channel Knife, Stainless Steel Citrus Zester Tool, Lemon Peeler, Zesters for Kitchen, Ultra Sharp 2-in-1 Tool Easily Creates Citrus Zest, Black

Rainspire Citrus Zester is a versatile kitchen tool that effortlessly creates citrus zest and garnishes. The sharp stainless steel holes make zesting citrus fruits quick and easy, while the durable head ensures long-lasting sharpness without rusting. With the added channel knife, you can create beautiful garnishes and twists for cocktails. The soft, non-slip handle provides comfort and control, making your zesting experience smooth and enjoyable.

What We Like
Amazing quality
Sharp and easy to use
Long handle for comfort
Includes safety covers
Versatile tool for multiple uses
What We Don't Like
Black smudge issue
One side came off
#TOP 8

Microplane Flexi Zesti Handheld Citrus Zester

34630
Yellow
One Size
Microplane Flexi Zesti Handheld Citrus Zester Cover
Microplane Flexi Zesti Handheld Citrus Zester (Yellow)

The Microplane Flexi Zesti Handheld Citrus Zester is a patented kitchen gadget with a flexible top made of BPA-free silicone that easily glides over citrus fruit allowing the zesting blade to maximize the amount of lemon zest you get in one stroke. It has an ergonomic profile that fits naturally into the palm of your hand, making it easy to control. The fresh zest falls from the blade to a collecting dish underneath the silicone top. It has sharp teeth which can pick up only the zest and not the bitter white pith.

What We Like
Easy to use
Efficient zest collection
Compact design
Easy to clean
Safe for children
What We Don't Like
Durability concerns
Blade could be sharper
#TOP 9

Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Zester

20049
Green
1 EA
Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Zester Cover
Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Multi-Function Zester with Blade Wiper, Green

The Joseph Joseph Zester is designed for effortless zesting and grating. Its sharp, etched stainless-steel blade helps you easily extract flavorful zest from citrus fruits, enhancing your dishes. The integrated cleaning blade ensures that you use every bit of zest, leaving no waste behind. With an ergonomic handle, this zester provides a comfortable grip, making the task enjoyable. For safe storage, it comes with a protective sheath, keeping the blade secure when not in use. This multi-functional tool is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cooking with fresh flavors.

What We Like
Efficient zesting action
Easy to clean
Protective cover for safety
Compact design
Great for multiple ingredients
What We Don't Like
Occasional sliding mechanism issue
#TOP 10

KITCHENDAO Citrus Lemon Peeler Zester Tool

KD0482
Yellow
2 in 1 Lemon Zester
KITCHENDAO Citrus Lemon Peeler Zester Tool Cover
KITCHENDAO Citrus Lemon Peeler Zester Tool with Specially Designed Channel Knife to Save Effort, Ultra Sharp Lemon Rind Twist Peeler Tool Bar Bartender Lime Lemon Stripper for Cocktails Kitchen

The KITCHENDAO Citrus Lemon Peeler Zester Tool is a 2-in-1 tool perfect for creating citrus zest and garnishes. It features five ultra sharp zester holes and a specially designed channel knife that is easy to use and saves effort. The soft-touch handle provides a comfortable, non-slip grip and the tool is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Additionally, it comes with a 90-day guarantee for added peace of mind.

What We Like
Ergonomic handle design
Sharp zester holes
Easy to clean
Durable and high-quality materials
Versatile for cocktails and cooking
What We Don't Like
Big strip maker may be dull
Requires ripe citrus for best results
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Zesters

Introduction

When it comes to cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Zesters are a staple in any kitchen, as they allow you to easily add flavor and zest to your dishes. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which zester to choose. In this article, we will cover some key factors to consider when selecting a zester, as well as some of our top recommendations.

Blade Material

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a zester is the material of the blade. The blade is the part of the zester that grates the zest from the fruit, so it needs to be sharp and durable. Stainless steel blades are a popular choice, as they are resistant to rust and easy to clean. However, some people prefer zesters with ceramic blades, as they are even sharper and can provide a more precise zest.

Handle Design

The design of the handle can also play a role in the effectiveness of the zester. A comfortable handle can make it easier to hold and control the zester, while a poorly designed handle can cause fatigue and strain on your hand. Look for zesters with ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in your hand, and avoid ones with sharp edges or corners that may cause discomfort.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the zester can also be important, depending on your needs. Smaller zesters are more portable and can be useful for grating zest directly onto a dish, while larger zesters may be better suited for grating larger quantities of zest. In terms of shape, zesters with a curved blade may be easier to use, as they can contour to the shape of the fruit.

Now that we've covered some key factors to consider when choosing a zester, here are a few of our top recommendations:

  • The Microplane Classic Zester has a stainless steel blade and an ergonomic handle, making it a great all-around option.
  • The OXO Good Grips Citrus Zester has a ceramic blade and a non-slip handle, making it a great choice for precise zesting.
  • The Zyliss Zester Grater has a curved blade and a comfortable handle, making it easy to use and perfect for grating zest onto a dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right zester can make a big difference in your cooking. Consider factors like blade material, handle design, size, and shape when making your decision, and consider trying out some of our recommended zesters. With the right zester in hand, you'll be able to add zest and flavor to your dishes with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Zesters used for?

A zester is essentially a tool that allows you to remove the zest from citrus. It also comes in handy for a variety of other uses which makes it multifunctional. In my opinion, there is no better way to remove the zest from citrus fruits while leaving behind the bitter pith.

2. Is there a difference between a zester and a grater?

Zesters are exclusively used for citrus fruits to get long, thin strips of zest. They're small with just a few round holes that you scrape along the fruit. A grater, on the other hand, is multipurpose. You can zest citrus with a grater, but you can't necessarily shred veggies with a zester.

3. Is a zester the same as a Microplane?

"Zester" is in the name of the tool, so it's no surprise that a Microplane is great for zesting citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges for desserts, pasta, veggies and much more.

4. What is a zester called?

A zester (also, citrus zester or lemon zester) is a kitchen utensil for obtaining zest from lemons and other citrus fruit.

Editor's Notes

During our zester research, we found 24 zester products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 399,597 customer reviews through our big data system to write the zesters list. We found that most customers choose zesters with an average price of $8.52.

The zesters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of zesters, including Deiss, Microplane, MasterChef, Spring Chef, OXO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 511 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Zesters Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Deiss Microplane MasterChef Spring Chef OXO GEROSSI Rainspire Microplane Joseph Joseph KITCHENDAO
Color Yellow Black Black Black Black Yellow - Yellow Green Yellow
Material Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel, Silicone Stainless Steel - Stainless Steel, Silicone, Plastic Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Style Modern Zester Modern Fine Zester Grips Modern - Compact Zester Modern
Item Weight - 110 Grams 0.13 Kilograms 6.4 ounces 1.92 ounces 0.12 Kilograms 1.76 ounces 0.04 Kilograms 0.17 Pounds 2.82 ounces
Shape - Rectangular Rectangular Rectangular - Rectangular - Rechteckig Rectangular -
Is Dishwasher Safe - - - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy