8 Best Lemon Zester 2023 – From Citrus to Spice

I feel you when you say that you are tired of using the old zester that gives you a hard time to finish zesting even one lime. I bet that it tests your patience when it comes to spices too.

If I am right, then perhaps you need to search for a new better model and upgrade your kitchen tool. No matter how small it can be, missing a tool when preparing food could give you discomfort in many different ways.

Hence, do not underestimate the absence of a zester. Look for one now, and end your misery.

Check out the top zesters that I found in the market today and see if you will fall in love with one to bring home. Keep in mind that each product has different features to offer and picking one could be a bit tricky.

The Best Zesters For Your Home

In my search for the best lemon zester for my kitchen, I came across the top brands that rank highest in terms of positive reviews, sales, and the most recommended by users all over. See if you find one that would match what you are looking for.

1. AdeptChef Lemon Zester and Cheese Grater

This Citrus lemon zester and cheese grater by AdeptChef is suitable as a lemon zester but is also great with garlic, nutmeg, ginger, and in grating cheese like parmesan. You can also use the zester for vegetables and other fruits. The zester comes with a protective cover, and it is safe to clean it using a dishwasher.

The razor-sharp stainless steel blades allow you to grate even the hardest cheese with less pressure.

Because of the blade’s high-quality stainless steel, the grater-zester guarantees to be resistant to rust. It also provides a comfortable non-slip handle for stress-free and easy grating at home.

Notice the exceptional arched sides that make the zester tremendously rigid so that it is firm enough to withstand any force applied to it. If you still have the old-style zester in your drawer, I suggest upgrading your kitchen tools with this AdeptChef zester/grater.

Unlike the old zester designs that were bulky and unsafe, this product is easy to use and robust enough to last a long time. The metal grater’s teeth will not clog up as others do. Besides, this is so simple to clean.

A quick splash under running water will do the cleaning job well. If you decide to pick this tool, AdeptChef offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to take away your worries.

2. Raniaco Stainless Steel Zester and Grater

Raniaco stainless steel zester/grater is suitable for cheese, lemon, ginger, potato, and other fruits or vegetables that you love. It has a long ergonomic handle design, black rubber base, and comes with a safe plastic cover upon purchase.

Though some reviews say that it is hard to put on the cover, I know that it is all worth it. The razor-sharp blade of the zester guarantees to be highly resistant to blunting even after a long time of use.

The genuine Raniaco zester is of food-grade stainless steel and non-slip silicone rubber. The manufacturer produces the product with exclusive etching technology that is excellent for grating cheese, lemon, ginger, and coconut, among other choices.

The zester is easy to clean, handy, and safe for storing. Put the zester under running water, and it is already clean. It is entirely dishwasher safe, but make sure to dry it off first before storing it.

The size of the blades is 8”, while the handle is approximately 4.8”. The blades cut range from soft to hard fruits and vegetables. The product works very well and is genuinely sharp.

Hence, you must remember to take precautions to prevent hurting your fingers when working with it. I suggest that you also buy protection for your fingers.

3. Microplane 46720 Premium Classic Zester/Grater

The Microplane premium classic zester/grater is excellent for zesting citrus for great lemon and lime zest. It is also perfect for grating cheese that ranges from soft to hard types. However, it is also great for grating spices and condiments like nutmeg, cinnamon, and chilies for a perfect powder form.

Its construction is of 18/8 of photo etching and surgical-grade stainless steel with Microplane razor-sharp edges.

Photoetching is responsible for creating a finer point that adds to its better performance. You will also love the premium handle that is ergonomic and soft to the touch. It is available in various colors for a wide range of choices.

The tool features non-slip rubber feet for security and stability during work and protects your plate surfaces at the same time.

The zester comes with a reusable cover upon purchase and is dishwasher-safe. Please be reminded that the cover must not be included in the dishwasher but is suitable for hand wash only.

4. Deiss Pro Citrus Zester/Grater

The Deiss Pro Citrus Zester and grater is excellent for parmesan cheese, lemon, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, chocolate, vegetables, and fruits. This product is comfortable to use and is durable to last a long time.

It features a razor-sharp stainless steel blade that is resistant to rust. It also has a non-slip soft handle for ease and safety during use.

Notice that it has a distinctive curved side that makes it tremendously firm to withstand the application of force when needed. If what you have right now is the old and bulky zester, it is about time that you replace it with this new style.

The metal grater’s teeth are surprisingly easy to clean and do not clog up. A short wash by placing it under running water will do the cleaning job.

The product comes with a plastic protective cover upon purchase. It does not only guarantee safety in handling, but it also makes storing easier for you. Besides, Deiss offers a lifetime guarantee as well. The total length of this zester is 12 inches, and the width is approximately 1 ½”.

5. Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater

Microplane is dominating the market when it comes to zesters/graters. The US-made sharp zesters use photoetched technology to produce ultra-sharp grating blades. Hence, you should put extra protection to keep your fingers from hurt. The surgical grade stainless steel material makes the zester resistant to rust.

The design of the tooth set can take the flavorful rind of the lemon or any other citrus fruit. It also features a handle that is of BPA-free plastic construction. However, the kind makes the handle soft to touch rather than hard plastic. In addition, you can buy and pick a choice from a variety of colors available in the market.

The large handle is for you to keep a firm grip and the flat grating surface makes it easy for you to transfer the cheese. Besides, the stainless steel is magnetic so you would be able to hang the item into your magnetic knife strip. The zester is easy to clean, but it is advisable to rinse it right away after use. Lastly, this product is dishwasher safe.

Do you know what to watch out for when buying a lemon zester?

It is true that not all the time you need to use zesters when preparing a meal. However, when your recipe calls for one, your best lemon zester can do wonders in making your food tastes good. Do you know that it could be time-consuming and stressful when you do not have a zester at home? I have tried zesting lemons the hard way, and the thought of zesting other ingredients such as spices will be beyond what I can imagine.

Hence, learning from experience, I know that zester is essential to a part of my kitchen tools. Do you know the significant factors that you need to consider when buying one?

1. Quality

When you have enough experience in zesting, then you should know the exact quality to look for when purchasing a zester. However, let me warn you on tricks you will find from false advertisements. Some products create an attractive list of features that makes customers confused about what to choose. I suggest verifying the validity of each feature presentation to discover its real worth in terms of quality.

One easy way to know the quality of the product is to learn the construction material of the model. For graters, stainless steel is a natural choice. Remember the better the quality, the expensive the price can be. Rustproof and coated surfaces are examples of durable zester.

2. Versatility

Do you know that versatility is a critical factor that you need to consider when choosing a zester? You know that cooking meals especially multiple recipes in one setting calls for different kitchen tools. It would be a great convenience when your zester could also be of use for grating and other functions. Check the various features and functions of the product first and find out if it is multifunctional.

Some models are capable of zesting different kinds of ingredients and can be both a zester and grater.

3. Sharpness and Zest type

I observe that robust construction for zesters is usually of surgical blade stainless steel with rust-proof material to guarantee extended use. Take note that dull-resistant blades and the capability to grate even the hardest cheese are signs of good quality. This means you will not have the trouble of replacing it or deal with bluntness.

However, be aware that stainless steels have different grades. Each type has its own capability to zest particular food. Hence, make sure to pick the kind that can cater to all the ingredients that you often use for zesting. Check out the label of the product to know the ingredients that it is capable of working.

4. Zesting Surface

You should know that the bigger the surface, the more comfortable you are in zesting and the more zest it produces. Plenty of zesters out there offer different zesting surfaces. Pick one that suits your need.

5. Handle Material and Ease of Use

For me, the handle is always a big issue. I need a handle that is soft enough to be gentle on my hands. It is also essential that the size is big enough for my grip. The more comfortable it is, the easier it is for me to use it. The best handle design is the type that prevents my fingers from being hurt.

My favorite handle is slip-resistant, firm enough to withstand pressure, has smooth and coated surfaces, and is comfortable for my grip.

6. Other Features

Some manufacturers go the extra mile to make their products attractive to customers. Watch out for additional features they offer that can be helpful for your cooking activities. One essential feature that I always consider is the protective cover that makes my storage safe and secure.

There was one zester that I could not resist having an extra container to catch the zests. I thought that it is actually convenient to have a feature like it. Besides, it also comes with a squeegee that I love. It actually helps in taking out fresh zest from the surface and protecting my fingers from the sharp edges.

7. Warranties

Of course, warranties are a big plus as well. Some manufacturers give guarantees of replacement. It could be a lifetime or several years. It is always an assurance for customers to know that whatever happens, we can get a refund or replacement of what or how much we invested.

8. Storage

Where you will store your zester is essential when buying one. Each model features different alternatives. Mine has a magnetic stainless steel material, so I can conveniently place it together with the knives in the magnetic knife strip. I also have another multifunctional type that has a plastic cover safe enough to store in my cabinet.

Whatever you prefer, I am sure you can find one that suits your needs.

How to Use a Lemon Zester?

I have given you the buying guide to help you with your choices. I have also oriented you on what a lemon zester is. It is about time to let you see how to use the tool. Here is a video to give you an idea of how a lemon zester works.

FAQ

How do you use a lemon zester tool?

Using a lemon zester tool is a simple and effective way to add citrus flavor to your dishes. Here’s how to use it:

1. Wash and dry the lemon thoroughly.
2. Hold the lemon firmly in one hand and the zester tool in the other.
3. Place the zester tool on the surface of the lemon and apply gentle pressure.
4. Move the zester tool in a back-and-forth motion along the surface of the lemon, being careful not to press too hard and remove the bitter pith.
5. Continue zesting until you have removed as much of the outermost layer of the lemon as desired.

The resulting zest can be used in a variety of recipes, such as lemon bars, lemon chicken, and lemon vinaigrette. It can also be used to garnish drinks or desserts.

Is a zester better than a grater?

A zester and a grater are two different kitchen tools that are used for different purposes. A zester is designed to remove the thin outer layer of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges, to produce a fine and fragrant zest that can be used to add flavor to dishes. A grater, on the other hand, is a kitchen tool that is used to shred or grate foods into small, uniform pieces, such as cheese, vegetables, and spices.

While a grater can be used to zest citrus fruits, it is not as effective as a zester. This is because a greater produces larger pieces of zest that can be more difficult to incorporate into dishes and can also contain more of the bitter pith. A zester, on the other hand, produces a finer and more fragrant zest that is easier to work with and adds more flavor to dishes.

Is the peel of a lemon the same as its zest?

The peel of a lemon and its zest are not the same thing. The peel refers to the outer layer of the lemon that includes both the zest and the bitter white pith beneath it. The zest, on the other hand, refers specifically to the thin, brightly colored outer layer of the lemon that is rich in essential oils and contains most of the fruit’s flavor.

When using lemon in cooking, it is important to remove only the zest and not the bitter pith, which can give dishes an unpleasant flavor. This is why a zester or microplane is often used to remove the zest from the lemon, as it allows for precise and easy removal of the outer layer without removing the pith.

Sure, here are three additional questions and answers about lemon zesters:

Can you use a vegetable peeler as a zester?

While a vegetable peeler can be used to remove the zest of a lemon, it is not the most effective tool for the job. Vegetable peelers remove large strips of zest, which can be difficult to chop finely or use in recipes. Lemon zesters, on the other hand, create smaller, more manageable pieces of zest that can be used more easily in cooking and baking.

Can you zest a lemon that has already been juiced?

Yes, you can still zest a lemon after it has been juiced. In fact, the act of juicing can actually make it easier to remove the zest, as the lemon will be softer and more pliable. Just be sure to wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting, to remove any residue or leftover juice.

Can you use a zester for other fruits besides lemons?

Absolutely! While lemon zesters are specifically designed for removing the zest of lemons, they can be used on a variety of other citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes, and grapefruits. Some zesters may also work well for removing the zest of other fruits, such as ginger or nutmeg. Just be sure to clean the zester thoroughly between uses, to avoid any cross-contamination of flavors.

Conclusion

You may have a different preference than mine. No matter how diverse it is, the market surprisingly can provide what we need. It is vital to learn first the factors that you need upon choosing what you want to buy to end up picking the best lemon zester there is. Patience while searching for the perfect match aids in bringing how the real prize.

Level up your culinary skills by acquiring the right tools for your kitchen. Having the proper tools in perfecting your passion for cooking helps tremendously in achieving your dreams in comfort and ease. Good luck!

If this wasn’t enough for you, check the list below to find more lemon zesters: