The Best Zesters

Deiss Pro Citrus Zester and Cheese Grater

Versatility is important in the kitchen. The more any one product can do, the less clutter you have in your cabinets and on your counters. That’s why we love this multipurpose zester from Deiss Pro for tackling nearly any grating job. Use it for citrus fruits, cheeses, garlic, ginger, chocolate, and anything else you want grated. It’s easy to use, and the textured handle makes it comfortable to hold and safer to use by preventing your hands from sliding around.

Pros:

• This small tool can replace your large grater and bulky shredders
• It’s made of stainless steel for extra durability
• When it gets dirty, you can simply put it in the dishwasher

Cons:

• The zest often gets stuck in the grates, so it helps to go over it by hand a bit
• It has a rounded shape, which can make it easier to nick yourself if you’re not careful

Jofuyu Zester and Grater

The sharper the tool, the easier the job. That is where the Jofuyu Zester and Grater comes in. This fantastic zester has a super sharp blade that easily cuts through a wide variety of foods, including citrus, coconut, cinnamon, hard cheeses, and so much more. It’s made to last for years and stand up to even the toughest jobs, which makes it well worth the price.

Pros:

• The handle is soft yet gives you lots of grip for safety and ease of use
• There is a handy anti-slip foot for added convenience
• This zester includes both a safety cover and a little brush that gets anything that gets stuck out of the grates

Cons:

• It’s long and takes up quite a bit of drawer space
• The steel will rust if you don’t dry it well after washing

NSpring Zester

We love when new kitchen tools come with little extras, which is why we are excited to show you the NSpring Zester. It’s sharp and versatile, so you can quickly grate or zest nearly anything. In addition, you get a little brush that clears the grates for you and a cover that keeps you and your family safe from accidental cuts and scrapes. When it gets dirty, simply put it in the dishwasher for easy care. Between the accessories and easy maintenance, this is an extra convenient option.

Pros:

• The silicone handle makes it safer to hold and use
• Because it’s smaller than many other zesters, it’s super easy to store
• It’s very affordable

Cons:

• Sometimes the grated food gets stuck in the small blades
• You need to be careful not to push down too hard to avoid cutting too deeply into the zest of your citrus, which can make it bitter

Prepworks by Progressive Pocket Zester

Whether you travel a lot or just need to save space in a small kitchen, the Prepworks by Progressive Pocket Zester is a fabulous choice. It fits easily into any bag, pocket, or purse so that you can bring it along with you no matter where you’re going. We love it for extended business trips or family gatherings where you may want to add a little flair to your food. The comfortable grips on the sides help ensure safe use, making it a good choice for anyone.

Pros:

• The handy cover snaps on the front to cover the blades or on the back to catch your zest or cheese
• There are grooves in the soft grips for more comfortable handling
• It’s dishwasher safe

Cons:

• This little zester costs more than most full-size options
• It takes a long time to zest a whole lemon or an entire block of cheese, so you are better off using it for smaller jobs

Vovoly Citrus Zester

If you’re looking for a simple zester for simple jobs and you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, the Vovoly Citrus Zester may be the right choice for you. Its sharp stainless steel blades do an excellent job at zesting and grating fruits, cheeses, and other ingredients, while the thick, non-slip handle keeps you safe. We love that it’s durable and lasts for years, so not only is it priced well, but it also holds its value. It is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to save money on a quality zester.

Pros:

• There is a safety sheath included
• The price is very affordable
• It is rust-resistant and doesn’t dull easily, which ensures a lasting product

Cons:

• This zester is hard to clean
• It doesn’t include a brush or any other accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a zester better than a regular cheese grater?

Cheese graters tend to have wider teeth and deeper blades than zesters do, making it way too easy to cut into the pith. The pith is the white area in citrus fruit. When you cut into the pith, you dilute your zest and add a bitter aftertaste. The entire point of zest is to make your dish taste fresher and more vibrant, so you want to avoid that bitterness. To do that, use a zester.

How do I use a zester?

A zester is usually a long, thin tool with a handle and lots of little grates or blades going down its length. These grates are sized perfectly for removing the zest without digging into the pith. To use one, simply hold the handle firmly and run the fruit down the grates with light to moderate pressure. That will get the zest off of the fruit without getting into the bitter pith.