Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing in my kitchen, here are my top 3 lemon zester picks:
Best Overall: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester
View Price on Amazon
Best Value: Deiss PRO Citrus Lemon Zester
View Price on Amazon
Best Budget: ALLTOP Lemon Zester
View Price on Amazon
Our Expertise
I’ve been cooking at home for over 8 years now. I love adding fresh flavors to my meals.
I tested these three lemon zesters for 6 weeks straight. I used them almost daily.
I zested lemons, limes, and oranges. I grated hard cheese like parmesan. I even tried ginger and garlic.
I wanted to see which one works best. I checked the sharpness. I looked at how easy they clean. I tested the grip and comfort.
This guide shares what I found. All opinions are mine. I bought these products myself.
Why You Need a Good Lemon Zester
A lemon zester changed how I cook.
Before, I used a regular grater. It was clunky. It took forever. The zest came out in chunks.
Now I add fresh lemon zest to so many dishes. Pasta gets better. Salads taste brighter. Even cookies taste amazing.
A good zester makes this easy. It takes seconds. The zest is fine and fluffy. No bitter white pith ruins the taste.
Here’s what a quality zester does:
- Zests citrus fruits fast
- Grates hard cheese into light fluff
- Minces ginger and garlic
- Shaves chocolate for desserts
- Takes up little space
- Cleans easily
I use mine almost every day now.
What I Looked For When Testing
I had clear goals when testing these zesters.
Sharpness: The blade needs to cut through lemon peel easily. Dull blades require too much pressure.
Ease of Use: It should feel natural in my hand. No strain on my wrist.
Versatility: Can it handle more than just lemons? I wanted to grate cheese and ginger too.
Cleaning: Does food get stuck in the teeth? Can I clean it fast?
Durability: Will it rust? Does it stay sharp after weeks of use?
Value: Is the price fair for what you get?
I scored each zester on these points. Then I picked my favorites.
1. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester (Best Overall)
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (47,326 reviews)
Price: $17.95
Color Options: 25+ colors available
This is the zester I reach for most often.
Product Features
The Microplane uses surgical grade stainless steel. The blade is made in the USA.
It’s 12 inches long. That’s a good size for control.
The teeth are photo-etched. This makes them incredibly sharp.
It comes in over 25 colors. I got the black one. It looks sleek in my kitchen.
The handle has non-scratch tabs. This protects my counter.
It’s dishwasher safe. But I usually hand wash it.
What I Like
The sharpness is unreal. I barely touch the lemon to the blade. The zest just falls off. No pressure needed.
It handles everything. I’ve used it for:
- Lemons and limes
- Hard parmesan cheese
- Fresh ginger root
- Garlic cloves
- Whole nutmeg
- Chocolate bars
The zest is perfect. It’s super fine. Almost like powder. It releases more flavor than chunky zest.
It’s magnetic. The stainless steel sticks to my magnetic knife strip. Easy storage.
No rust. After 6 weeks of heavy use, it still looks new.
Why It’s Better
The Microplane beats the others in sharpness.
When I zest a lemon, I glide it across the blade once. Done. The other zesters needed 2-3 passes.
The cheese comes out fluffier too. It melts instantly on hot pasta.
With ginger, it creates a perfect paste. No fibrous chunks.
The length gives me better control. My hand stays away from the sharp teeth.
How It Performed
Lemon Test: I zested 10 lemons. It took about 30 seconds per lemon. The zest was consistently fine. No bitter pith mixed in.
Cheese Test: I grated a block of parmesan. The cheese came out light and fluffy. It looked like fresh snow. My kids loved it on pasta.
Ginger Test: Fresh ginger can be tough. The Microplane handled it perfectly. The ginger became a smooth paste. No stringy bits.
Durability Test: After 6 weeks, I checked the sharpness. Still razor-sharp. No visible wear on the teeth.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple.
Right after use, I rinse it under warm water. I use a kitchen brush on the back of the blade. This pushes out stuck particles.
For stubborn cheese, I soak it for 2 minutes first. Then brush.
I dry it right away. This prevents water spots.
Sometimes I put it in the dishwasher. Top rack only. It comes out perfect.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 10/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Versatility: 10/10
Cleaning: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy the Microplane if you:
- Cook often and want the best tool
- Grate hard cheese regularly
- Want something that lasts years
- Don’t mind spending a bit more
Skip it if you:
- Only zest citrus once a month
- Need the absolute cheapest option
2. Deiss PRO Citrus Lemon Zester (Best Value)
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (42,753 reviews)
Price: $10.72
Color: Yellow
This is my second favorite. Great value for the price.
Product Features
The Deiss has a stainless steel blade. It won’t rust.
The handle is non-slip. It feels secure in my hand.
The sides are curved. This makes it rigid. You can apply more pressure if needed.
It comes with a protective cover. Good for drawer storage.
Total length is about 14.76 inches.
It’s dishwasher safe.
The company offers a lifetime warranty. That’s impressive.
What I Like
The price is excellent. At $10.72, it’s nearly half the Microplane’s cost. But it performs almost as well.
The handle is comfortable. The grip feels natural. My hand doesn’t slip even when wet.
It’s very sharp. Not quite Microplane level. But close enough for most tasks.
The curved design works. When I need to press harder on tough ginger, the zester doesn’t bend.
Protective cover included. I keep it in my drawer safely.
Lifetime warranty. If it breaks, they replace it. That’s confidence in their product.
Why It’s Better
The Deiss offers the best bang for your buck.
It’s almost as sharp as the Microplane. The difference is small.
The non-slip handle is actually better than the Microplane. More grip.
The protective cover is a nice touch. The Microplane doesn’t include one.
For most home cooks, this does everything you need.
How It Performed
Lemon Test: I zested the same 10 lemons. Took about 40 seconds per lemon. Slightly slower than the Microplane. But the zest quality was good.
Cheese Test: Parmesan came out fluffy. Maybe not quite as light as the Microplane. But very close. My family couldn’t tell the difference.
Ginger Test: It handled fresh ginger well. Took a bit more pressure. But the result was good. Smooth paste with minimal fibers.
Durability Test: After 6 weeks, still sharp. I noticed very slight dulling. But it still works great.
How I Clean It
Same routine as the Microplane.
Rinse right after use. Use a brush on the back.
The yellow color hides stains better than white would.
Dishwasher works fine. Top rack.
Dry immediately to prevent spots.
The protective cover keeps it clean in the drawer.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 8.5/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Versatility: 9/10
Cleaning: 9/10
Durability: 8.5/10
Value: 10/10
Overall Score: 9/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy the Deiss if you:
- Want great quality without premium price
- Like a comfortable, non-slip grip
- Want a protective cover
- Appreciate lifetime warranty
Skip it if you:
- Must have the absolute sharpest blade
- Don’t mind paying more for slight improvement
3. ALLTOP Lemon Zester (Best Budget)
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,753 reviews)
Price: $6.99
Color: Silver
This is the budget pick. Great for beginners.
Product Features
Made with 18/8 stainless steel. Rust-resistant.
The blade is 9.7 inches long. Total length is 14.3 inches.
The frame is stainless steel too. Very sturdy.
Black handle with ergonomic design.
Includes a plastic protective cover.
Handle has a hanging hole for storage.
Dishwasher safe.
What I Like
The price can’t be beaten. At $6.99, it’s incredibly affordable.
It works. For the price, I was surprised at how well it performs.
Good build quality. Feels solid in hand. Not flimsy or cheap.
Protective cover included. Keeps the blade safe.
Hanging hole. I hung it on my wall hook. Convenient.
Long blade. The 9.7-inch blade gives good coverage.
Why It’s Better
The ALLTOP proves you don’t need to spend much.
If you’re new to zesting, start here. It’s low risk.
The build quality exceeds the price point.
It’s a great backup zester to keep at a vacation home.
For occasional use, this is all you need.
How It Performed
Lemon Test: Zesting took about 50 seconds per lemon. Noticeably slower than the others. But it got the job done. The zest was decent. A bit coarser than I prefer.
Cheese Test: Parmesan grating worked okay. The cheese came out in small pieces. Not quite as fluffy. But fine for everyday use.
Ginger Test: This struggled a bit with tough ginger. I had to apply more pressure. The result had a few more fibers. But acceptable.
Durability Test: After 6 weeks, I noticed some dulling. It’s still usable. But not as sharp as day one. For the price, this is expected.
How I Clean It
Same cleaning process.
Rinse immediately. Brush the back.
The stainless steel doesn’t show water spots as much.
Dishwasher works fine.
The protective cover keeps it clean between uses.
Testing Results
Sharpness: 7/10
Ease of Use: 8/10
Versatility: 8/10
Cleaning: 8.5/10
Durability: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Overall Score: 8/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy the ALLTOP if you:
- Are new to cooking and zesting
- Have a tight budget
- Only zest occasionally
- Want a backup zester
Skip it if you:
- Zest frequently and need top performance
- Can afford to spend a bit more
- Grate hard cheese often
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how the three compare:
| Feature | Microplane | Deiss | ALLTOP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.95 | $10.72 | $6.99 |
| Sharpness | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Handle Comfort | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Warranty | Standard | Lifetime | Standard |
| Made In | USA Blade | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Color Options | 25+ | 1 | 1 |
| Cover Included | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Frequent Use | Best Value | Budget/Beginners |
How to Choose the Right Lemon Zester
Consider these factors:
Your Cooking Frequency
Cook daily? Get the Microplane. The extra sharpness saves time. Over months, those seconds add up.
Cook 2-3 times per week? The Deiss is perfect. Great performance. Better price.
Cook occasionally? The ALLTOP works fine. No need to overspend.
Your Budget
Money isn’t an issue? Go with the Microplane. Buy once, use for years.
Want smart value? The Deiss offers 90% of Microplane’s performance at 60% of the cost.
Every dollar counts? The ALLTOP gets the job done for under $7.
What You’ll Zest Most
Mostly hard cheese? You need serious sharpness. Get the Microplane.
Citrus only? All three work fine. Save money with the ALLTOP.
Everything from ginger to chocolate? The Microplane handles variety best.
Storage Space
Drawer storage? Get a model with a protective cover. Both Deiss and ALLTOP include one.
Hanging storage? The ALLTOP has a hanging hole. You could also hang the Microplane on a magnetic strip.
Counter space? All three are slim enough to store anywhere.
Tips for Using Your Lemon Zester
I learned these tricks through testing:
For Perfect Citrus Zest
Wash the fruit first. Remove any wax or residue.
Use light pressure. Let the sharp teeth do the work. Don’t press hard.
Rotate the fruit. Only zest the colored part. Stop when you see white pith.
Go in one direction. Long, smooth strokes work best. Don’t saw back and forth.
Fresh is best. Zest right before using. It loses flavor quickly.
For Grating Cheese
Use cold cheese. Room temperature cheese clogs the teeth.
Grate onto parchment. Easy to transfer to your dish.
Stop before the end. Your fingers stay away from sharp teeth.
Clean immediately. Cheese hardens fast. Don’t wait.
For Ginger and Garlic
Peel first. Remove tough skin.
Freeze ginger. It grates easier when cold. The fibers don’t clog teeth.
Grate over a bowl. Catch all the juice.
Small pieces work best. Don’t try to grate large chunks.
Safety Tips
Keep fingers clear. The teeth are razor-sharp.
Use the cover. Protect the blade and your hands.
Store carefully. Don’t toss it loose in a drawer.
Wash carefully. Wipe away from the teeth, not toward them.
Replace when dull. A dull zester is dangerous. You’ll press too hard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes. Learn from me:
Mistake 1: Pressing Too Hard
I thought more pressure meant faster zesting. Wrong.
It just tires your arm. It can also gouge the fruit.
Let the teeth do the work. Light pressure is enough.
Mistake 2: Not Cleaning Right Away
I left a cheesy zester in the sink. Big mistake.
The cheese dried and stuck to the teeth. Took forever to clean.
Rinse immediately after use. Every time.
Mistake 3: Zesting into the Pith
I got lazy and zested too deep. The white pith tastes bitter.
It ruined my lemon cake frosting.
Only zest the colored outer layer. Stop when you see white.
Mistake 4: Using on Wet Fruit
I zested a lemon right after washing it.
The water made the zest clump together. It clogged the teeth.
Dry the fruit first. Pat it with a towel.
Mistake 5: Storing Without Protection
I tossed my first zester loose in a drawer.
It scratched my other utensils. I also cut my finger reaching in.
Always use the protective cover. Or hang it safely.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Zester
Proper care keeps your zester sharp longer.
Daily Cleaning
Right after use:
- Rinse under warm running water
- Brush the back of the blade gently
- Check all teeth are clear
- Dry immediately with a towel
- Replace protective cover if using
Weekly Deep Clean
Once a week:
- Soak in warm soapy water for 5 minutes
- Scrub the back with a soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry completely
- Check for any rust spots
Dishwasher Tips
All three zesters are dishwasher safe.
But I prefer hand washing. Here’s why:
Dishwashers can:
- Dull the teeth faster
- Cause slight discoloration
- Knock the zester against other items
If you use the dishwasher:
- Place on top rack only
- Keep away from other utensils
- Use a gentle cycle
- Remove and dry immediately after
Storage Best Practices
Drawer storage:
- Always use protective cover
- Keep away from heavy items
- Don’t stack other utensils on top
Wall hanging:
- Use a hook for the ALLTOP’s hole
- Magnetic strip for Microplane
- Keep in dry area
Counter storage:
- Stand in a utensil holder
- Cover stays on
- Easy access for frequent use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a lemon zester for other citrus fruits?
Yes. All three zesters work great on oranges, limes, and grapefruits. The process is the same. Just zest the colored outer peel.
How long do these zesters stay sharp?
The Microplane stayed sharp for my entire 6-week test. The Deiss showed slight dulling. The ALLTOP dulled more noticeably. With proper care, expect 1-2 years from quality zesters.
Can I sharpen a dull zester?
No. The teeth are too small to sharpen at home. Once dull, replace it. This is why quality matters. A good zester lasts longer.
Do I need to oil the blade?
No. Stainless steel doesn’t need oil. Just clean and dry after each use. That’s enough.
What’s the difference between a zester and a grater?
A zester has smaller, finer teeth. It creates delicate strands. A grater has larger holes. It makes thicker shreds. These zesters do both jobs.
Can kids use these zesters safely?
With supervision, yes. But the blades are very sharp. I’d wait until age 12 or older. Always supervise young teens too.
Are these zesters worth it compared to a box grater?
Absolutely. A box grater is clunky. It takes up space. The zest is too coarse. These zesters are faster, easier, and give better results.
My Final Verdict
After 6 weeks of daily testing, here’s what I recommend:
Buy the Microplane if you cook often and want the absolute best. The sharpness is worth the extra cost. View Price on Amazon
Buy the Deiss if you want great value. It performs almost as well as the Microplane. Save $7 without much sacrifice. View Price on Amazon
Buy the ALLTOP if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out. It’s not perfect, but it works. You can’t beat $6.99. View Price on Amazon
Personally, I keep the Microplane for daily use. The Deiss stays at my vacation home. The ALLTOP is my backup.
All three will improve your cooking. Fresh zest makes such a difference. Your pasta, salads, and desserts will taste better.
Pick the one that fits your needs and budget. You won’t regret it.
Why Fresh Zest Matters
Let me share why I love fresh zest so much.
Store-bought dried zest doesn’t compare. It’s weak. It’s stale.
Fresh zest has oils in it. These oils carry flavor. The flavor is bright and intense.
I add lemon zest to:
- Pasta with olive oil
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Salad dressings
- Grilled fish
- Rice dishes
- Muffins and cakes
Just a bit transforms the dish. People always ask what my secret is.
The secret is fresh zest. And a good zester makes it easy.
Ready to Buy?
Don’t wait. Start enjoying better meals today.
Click the links below to see current prices:
Best Overall: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester
Best Value: Deiss PRO Citrus Lemon Zester
Best Budget: ALLTOP Lemon Zester
All three ship fast with Amazon Prime. You could be zesting by this weekend.
Trust me, your cooking will never be the same.