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Buying guide

The Best Zesters

We reviewed seven zesters based on owner ratings and specs. The Microplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan Grater (B078Q9MH16) is our top pick for its sharpness and versatility.

Updated

The bottom line

The Microplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan Grater (B078Q9MH16) is our top pick for its sharpness, durability, and versatility at $17.77. The Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Grater (B0738C7RXF) is a close runner-up at $10.72, offering similar performance for less money. Those on a budget should consider the Microplane Zester Grater (B001BR2PFY) at $12.99, which provides solid zesting and grating capabilities. The Microplane Classic Printed Citrus Fruit Zester (B0B5L4NKVH), Microplane Premium Classic Zester (B01BGSD3RG), Microplane Premium Classic Rasp Zester (B083JJLNLT), and Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester (B00151WA06) are all solid zesters, but they do not offer significant advantages over the top picks.

Top pick
Microplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan GraterMicroplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan Grater $17.77

Best zester for citrus and cheese

The Microplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan Grater excels in zesting citrus fruits and grating cheese, with ultra-sharp blades and a durable stainless steel construction. At $17.77, it offers great value for its performance. The tradeoff is its slightly higher price compared to other options.

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Runner-up
Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty GraterDeiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Grater $10.72

Budget-friendly zester with sharp blades

The Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Grater provides excellent zesting and grating performance at $10.72. Its sharp stainless steel blade and comfortable handle make it a good choice for those looking for a budget option. The tradeoff is its slightly lower durability compared to the top pick.

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Budget pick
Microplane Zester GraterMicroplane Zester Grater $12.99

Affordable zester for everyday use

The Microplane Zester Grater offers solid zesting and grating capabilities at $12.99. Its 18/8 stainless steel construction and ergonomic handles make it a good choice for those on a budget. The tradeoff is its slightly lower performance compared to the top pick.

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The field, ranked

  1. Microplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan Grater Best for citrus zesting and cheese grating 10.0/10 $17.77 Amazon
  2. Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Grater Sharp blades and budget-friendly 9.0/10 $10.72 Amazon
  3. Microplane Zester Grater Affordable zester for everyday use 8.0/10 $12.99 Amazon
  4. Microplane Classic Printed Citrus Fruit Zester Good zester for citrus and spices 8.0/10 $18.99 Amazon
  5. Microplane Premium Classic Zester Versatile zester for citrus and spices 8.0/10 $12.99 Amazon
  6. Microplane Premium Classic Rasp Zester Durable zester for citrus and spices 8.0/10 $12.99 Amazon
  7. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Versatile zester for citrus, cheese, and spices 8.0/10 $17.95 Amazon

Where the differences show up in daily use

Owners consistently report that the Microplane Premium Citrus Zester and Parmesan Grater (B078Q9MH16) provides the sharpest and most efficient zesting experience. The Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Grater (B0738C7RXF) is also praised for its sharpness and versatility, but some users note that it may not be as durable as the top pick. The Microplane Zester Grater (B001BR2PFY) is a solid choice for those on a budget, but it may not offer the same level of performance as the top picks.

Also-rans

The Microplane Classic Printed Citrus Fruit Zester (B0B5L4NKVH), Microplane Premium Classic Zester (B01BGSD3RG), and Microplane Premium Classic Rasp Zester (B083JJLNLT) are all solid zesters, but they do not offer significant advantages over the top picks. The Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester (B00151WA06) is a versatile option, but it is slightly more expensive than the top pick without offering a clear performance advantage.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings (totaling over 240,000 ratings) and product specs. No products were tested hands-on. The evidence is strongest for the top picks, with thinner evidence for the also-rans.