16 Best Microplane Zesters For The Finest Cocktail Garnishes In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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There's no need to settle for a mediocre cocktail. With the right tools, you can create delicious and impressive drinks. One of the essential tools in your arsenal is a zester.
This simple little tool can make a huge difference by adding fine shavings of citrus rinds, chocolate, spices, coconut, etc., to your drinks. In this post, we'll look at the best Microplane zesters for bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail lovers.
We'll also talk about product factors before buying to help you decide which one is the best for you. So whether you're just starting or looking for an upgrade, read on!
Our Top Picks
 
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Best Overall - Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater• Razor-sharp blade |
Best Ergonomic Design - Deiss PRO Microplane Zester/Grater• Non-slip rubber foot |
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Best Set - BelleGuppy Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater• Snap-on safety cover and cleaning brush |
The Best Microplane Zesters
1. Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater - Best Overall
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Pros
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Cons
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What Customers Have to Say
Buyers loved the rubberized bottom of this zester which eliminates the possibility of surface scratching when it is rested. Its shard blades make grating ingredients effortless, and it has a sufficient weight for constant use with comfort.
Why We Think It’s Great
The stainless steel blade of Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester has a unique teeth set that removes the tasty skin off the citrus fruit without the bitter pith. Because the zester is super sharp, it requires less pressure to grate, making the job faster and more accurate.
This zester also has many applications, such as grating cheese, citrus fruits, and hard spices. Even burned or black stains on biscuits, scones, and toast may be scraped away with it. You can also choose among the wide variety of colors to suit any taste and compliment any bar!
In terms of cleaning, you can easily rinse it with water or use a cleaning brush for stubborn debris. You can place it in the dishwasher for a more efficient cleaning process.
Who Should Buy It
If you want to choose from various contemporary colored handles of a zester, Microplane’s Premium Classic Zester has 24 color selections. This is also the zester to choose if you opt for very sharp blades.
2. JOFUYU Lemon Zester
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What Customers Have To Say
JOFUYU's Microplane Zester seems to be a hit with customers due to its efficiency and usefulness. It is perfect for quickly removing the zest from lemons, and it works just as well as a hand grater for small tasks. It's also comfortable to grip and has a wide surface area.
Why We Think It’s Great
JOFUYU Lemon Zester is made of premium 18/8 stainless steel, so it's built to last, and it's available in four colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your style. The square, razor-sharp edges make it easy to get a precise zest, and the minimal pressure required means that you can use it for long periods without fatigue.
Furthermore, the silicone anti-slip handle provides a comfortable grip while working, and the anti-skid foot helps to keep the zester steady on the countertop. But what really sets this zester apart is the photochemical etching process that gives the blades their precision edge.
As a result, you can expect finely grated ingredients like nutmeg, chocolate, cinnamon, and more every time you use this versatile zester.
Who Should Buy It
While most people prefer a zester that's about 13 inches tall, some actually prefer taller ones. If you're one of those people, this zester is what you're looking for.
3. Integrity Chef PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
Integrity Chef PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater is a favorite amongst many customers for its sharp blades and ability to zest lemons and hard cheeses with ease. They commend the product's performance as well as the company's commitment to social responsibility.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Integrity Chef PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater is a top-of-the-line zester that is perfect for both home and professional mixologists. At 13.2 inches, it is crafted from professional-grade materials that are designed to last.
At first glance, the Integrity Chef PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater may not seem like anything special. But, with a closer inspection, it is clear that this is a well-crafted tool designed to provide a superior zesting experience.
Besides, the antibacterial cover protects the grater from dirt and debris, and the ergonomic design helps to reduce stress on the hands and helps improve joint health. The ergonomic non-slip handle also provides a comfortable grip, and because it is BPA-free and rust-free, you're assured that your food will always be safe.
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for a product that has been professionally tested, the Integrity Chef PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater is a perfect choice. This grater had to pass a professional-grade inspection, adding assurance to its quality.
4. LEMCASE Lemon Zester and Cheese Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
Customer satisfaction seems to be quite high when it comes to the LEMCASE Lemon Zester and Cheese Grater because of how sharp the blades are and how comfortable they are to hold and use. The two different sizes also seem to be a hit, as they offer more versatility for different tasks.
Why We Think It’s Great
When it comes to mixology, few tools are as versatile as a good zester. The LEMCASE Lemon Zester and Cheese Grater feature blades of different sizes, making them easy to zest ingredients either finely or coarsely. The 13-inch graters also feature non-slip silicone handles and hanging holes for easy storage.
Furthermore, these high-quality tools feature a stainless steel blade that is anti-rust and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The BPA-free and food-grade construction means that you can use it confidently, knowing that your food will be toxic-free and delicious. Best of all, the razor-sharp blades make zesting a breeze—no more struggling with dull graters!
Who Should Buy It
If you need to save money, get the LEMCASE Lemon Zester and Cheese Grater! At the same price point as some of its competitors, you're getting two products with this purchase.
5. Kitchen IQ Better Zester
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What Customers Have To Say
The Kitchen IQ Better Zester has been a game-changer for customers who frequently zest ingredients. It clearly has a unique and useful design, making it stand out from standard zesters. It is also durable and hasn't cracked a bit even after being rough with it.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Kitchen IQ Better Zester is a popular kitchen tool that is praised for its V-shaped teeth formed by etching. These teeth make it easy for peeling citrus fruits and remove the outermost layer of skin.
Moreover, it has a non-stick coating, which makes it easy to clean, and a non-slip tip and ergonomic soft touch to keep it in place while in use and provide a comfortable grip. The best part of the Kitchen IQ Better Zester is its fresh zest storage container.
With measurements markings, it takes the guesswork out of zesting and lets you easily add the perfect amount of zest to your recipes. The squeegee feature also comes in handy for removing all the zest from the lemon or lime, so you don't waste any of those precious citrusy flavors.
Who Should Buy It
If ingenuity and innovation are two of the factors you're looking for in a zester, look no further than the Kitchen IQ Better Zester! The design of this product goes beyond most of the usual zesters on the market.
6. Grace & Grind Premium Lemon Zester/Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
The Grace & Grind Premium Lemon Microplane Grater is a top-notch product that customers love for its sharpness, versatility, and sturdiness. They appreciate the comfortable handle that provides good grip and control and that it's easy to clean.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Grace & Grind Premium Lemon Grater was designed by over 80 chefs to provide the perfect grating experience. It is 15 inches tall and made from durable stainless steel with a non-slip foot that provides stability while grating. Its ergonomically designed handle fits snugly in your hand, and the thumb divot provides added control.
The teeth are angled ideally to maximize grating efficiency, and the grater also comes with a protective cover. With its superior design and construction, the Grace & Grind grater is the perfect tool for any bartender or mixologist.
Who Should Buy It
Are you tired of zesters that cut too deep into the pith? You won't have to experience that anymore if you use the perfectly angled blades of the Grace & Grind Premium Lemon Microplane Grater!
7. Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Multi-Function Zester
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What Customers Have To Say
Shoppers love how the Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Multi-Function Zester is not cumbersome to use and fits nicely in their gadget drawer. The slide that pushes all the zest down and into the dish or cocktails is also a hit with a lot of customers.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Joseph Joseph Handi-Zest Zester is crafted with razor-sharp stainless-steel blades that quickly work on any citrus fruit. Its handle is crafted to fit comfortably in your hand, and the non-slip grip ensures that you'll always have complete control over the zester. Plus, the Handi-Zest is dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
What makes this zester unique is its own mini blade wiper that conveniently collects any stuck-up zest clumped on the back of the blade, ensuring zero waste. In addition, the Handi-Zest has a protective sheath that keeps it secure and clean when not in use.
With its durable construction and easy-to-use design, the Joseph Joseph Handi-Zester is a worthy purchase!
Who Should Buy It
If you find clogged food ingredients on the back of the zester annoying, we are with you on that! But with this tool's nifty blade wiper, you don't have to fuss about that problem.
8. Allwin-Houseware Lemon Zester
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What Customers Have To Say
Users of the Allwin-Houseware zester are pleased with its performance as it is extremely sharp and can easily go through parmesan cheese, ginger, and lemon peel. It is definitely an upgrade from the dollar store model and comes with a plastic sleeve for safety.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Allwin-Houseware Lemon Zester boasts a razor-sharp 18/8 stainless steel blade that can zest citrus fruits in seconds with no mess. The zester is also available in four colors to match your style and kitchen decor. It also comes with a reusable protective cover to keep your zester in great condition for years to come.
Furthermore, it is designed with a generous grating surface that makes zesting quickly. It also ensures comfortability even when grating large quantities with its ergonomic soft-grip TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) plastic handle.
Who Should Buy It
This tool embodies the classic design of a grater, so if this is your style, then look no further than Allwin-Houseware. It is also affordable and long-lasting, making it a practical option.
9. Deiss PRO Lemon Zester / Grater - Best Ergonomic Design
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What Customers Have To Say
Many customers were impressed by the durability and reliable configuration of this zester. Due to its sharp blades, it requires less effort to use and yields a large amount of zest or ground spice. Because of this, some customers even ditched their box grater and switched to this!
Why We Think It’s Great
The Deiss PRO Microplane Zester / Grater features an extremely sharp stainless steel blade that cuts through ingredients effortlessly and won't rust. It also has unique curved sides for increased rigidity, so there's no need to worry about damaging the tool no matter how much pressure is put onto it!
It's also built with a non-slip rubber foot, which prevents it from sliding around on your countertop while using this bar tool!
In addition, its nonslip handle provides extra spots where users can grip tight, and the additional strengthening design ensures safety when handling food products with supervision in mind. Best of all, this tool ensures no zest is ever stuck on the back.
Who Should Buy It
Zesting can require a lot of effort to zest the skin properly, thus making it challenging for people suffering from the pains of having arthritis. Thankfully, the Deiss PRO citrus zester/grater was invented, with its convenient design being ideal for anyone with arthritic hands.
10. Zyliss SmoothGlide Rasp Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
Shoppers appreciate this zester's good quality and feel because it saves time in mincing ingredients compared to a knife. The grating surface does a good job of cutting uniform bits with a pleasant texture.
Why We Think It’s Great
Zyliss SmoothGlide Rasp Grater is a one-of-a-kind grater featuring an acid-etched and razor-sharp blade. This grater is perfect for mixology and other uses in your kitchen, such as grating ginger, chocolate, and nutmeg.
With its ergonomic handle, you can have a comfortable grip and a non-slip base that provides safety and stability. The secret to SmoothGlide's ratings is its protective cover, which clips onto the underside of the blade to catch any grated food. It protects your hands, but it also eliminates any zesty mess.
The multipurpose cover also has metric and imperial measurements so that you can get precise results every time. And when you're finished, simply use the integrated scraper to get all the zest out.
Who Should Buy It
If you're all about cleanliness and hygiene, the Zyliss SmoothGlide Rasp Grater is an amazing product for you! It ensures a zero mess zesting experience with its multipurpose cover.
11. GEROSSI Premium Classic Series Zester & Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
Purchasers were impressed by the sharpness of the blades and how comfortable this stainless steel zester is. It is also not flimsy and has ridges at the back of the blade that prevents zest from spilling.
Why We Think It’s Great
The GEROSSI Premium Classic Series Zester & Grater is not just your average kitchen gadget. It's a professional-grade tool that features razor-sharp teeth scattered across its strong 430 stainless steel surface. This makes it efficient and quick to use, so you can grate whatever you need with ease. Plus, the 12.5-inch size is just the perfect size to allow you to zest with comfort.
It has a practical design that includes an ergonomic handle and a non-slip foot for easy use. The protective casing also keeps it safe from damage when not in use. Don't worry if the zest doesn't come off automatically; that's what the included brush is for!
Who Should Buy It
If you're looking for a zester to be given as a gift to a loved one, The GEROSSI Premium Classic Series Zester & Grater is what you're looking for! Aside from the grater's functionality, it also comes with handy accessories.
12. Attalums Handheld Fine Zesters
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What Customers Have To Say
The Attalums Handheld Fine Zester got a lot of attention from customers for being extremely sharp and weightless. It can grate cheese and other ingredients without causing struggle for the user, and it comes at a lower price than most zesters.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Attalums Handheld Fine Zester is the perfect tool for zesting citrus fruits and grating hard cheeses. The razor-sharp teeth are made from corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel, and the anti-scratch rubber feet keep the zester steady on the countertop without scratching it.
This tool only requires minimal pressure for it to grate efficiently. You don't have to exert too much effort when pressing or holding the fruit at an awkward angle to get the job done. Furthermore, the non-slip silicone ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, even when your hands are wet.
For added convenience, the Attalums Handheld Fine Zester is dishwasher-safe and has a slide-on cover that protects the blades and a cleaning brush that ensures every nook and cranny is free of debris.
Who Should Buy It
If you're tight on budget, the Attalums Handheld Fine Zesters will still provide you with an efficient zesting experience with its low price and amazing functionality. It's also a great choice if you want a set with accessories.
13. OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
Many customers consider the OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater as the best lemon zester on the market. It is very easy to use with its large zesting surface for long strips of zest with no pith that easily falls to the plate or board.
Why We Think It’s Great
Have you ever zested a lemon only to have the zester get stuck and pull out chunks of lemon peel? With the OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater, you'll never have to worry about that happening again. It has a sharp, etched stainless steel 12.25-inch grating surface that quickly and easily generates fine zest without clumping.
Furthermore, the snap-on cover protects the grating surface when not in use. The design is modern while still functional and easy to use. Additionally, the non-slip foot provides control and stability while grating, and the soft, non-slip handle ensure a grating experience with zero discomforts. When it's time to clean it, just pop it in the top rack of your dishwasher!
Who Should Buy It
The OXO Good Grips Etched Zester and Grater is an ideal product for people who needs a reliable grater and value the environment's well-being. The latter is because OXO donates 1% of its yearly sales to nonprofits organizations with environmental causes.
14. Kaluns Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers said that Kaluns Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater is durable and easy to hold and maintain. It is nice and sharp, and the included glove comes in handy to ensure their safety.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Kaluns Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater set is a true powerhouse for zesting ingredients. The stainless steel head is durable and won't warp easily, while the anti-slip rubber feet ensure that your grater stays firmly on your countertop. Additionally, the ergonomic, non-slip grip handle is comfortable to hold and provides excellent control, making it safe and easy to use.
It's rust-free, so you don't have to worry about it rusting over time. Aside from the zester, you'll also get a blade cover, cleaning brush, and cut-resistant glove. All of these come packaged in an elegant gift box, making it a great choice for a housewarming present.
Who Should Buy It
It's pretty common to get cut from a zester, but you can avoid accidents like this with the Kaluns Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater. This set is ideal for beginners because of the included glove and other accessories.
15. Microplane EcoGrate Series Zester Grater
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What Customers Have to Say
A buyer loved the idea that the citrus zester frame has a bamboo component. She said she used the tool to get citrus zest and was amazed by its efficiency.
Why We Think It’s Great
Organic Moso bamboo and plastic resin were used to make the frames of this unique grater. Although bamboo is essentially grass, it becomes as tough as steel when combined with resin and starch. The whole grater is free from BPA, Melamine, PVC, and Phthalates, making it safe for humans and the environment.
The paddle-style zester boasts a sturdy handle for easy control. It also comes with a reusable cardboard packaging sleeve for blade protection and secure storage. After usage, you can clean it through a dishwasher for convenience.
Who Should Buy It
If you want to reduce harmful and toxic wastes distributed to the environment, this grater is appropriate. It ensures safety in the delicious cocktail garnishes you grate.
16. BelleGuppy Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater - Best Set
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What Customers Have To Say
According to customers' feedback, the zester is very effective at grating citrus fruits, cheese, ginger, and chocolate. Customers appreciate that the zester leaves the unwanted white pith behind and that it comes with a little brush to help clean it.
Why We Think It’s Great
The BelleGuppy Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater is the perfect solution for testing and grating fruits and spices, thanks to its high-quality stainless steel that will not rust even after multiple washes. The blade is attached to a BPA-free nonslip grip that ensures easy and effective usage without worrying about your fingers slipping.
It has rubber feet that grip the surface you are grating on, making it stable. Furthermore, the grater has a bonus snap-fit safety cover and cleaning brush, making it even more convenient to use and clean. Plus, the hanging hole means you can easily store it away when you're done using it.
Who Should Buy It
This set is perfect for customers who are looking for a sturdy and durable grater with accessories. It's also very affordable, so you won't have to break the bank to get this set!
Best Microplane Zesters for Cocktails Buying Guide
Zesters and graters give cocktails rich tastes and diverse textures by converting entire ingredients into strips and shavings. Discovering what varieties of zesters are available and what constitutes effectiveness in these kitchen or bar instruments will help you choose the best ones. Here are the zester features that you should consider:
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Material
The greatest graters and zesters are constructed of surgical-grade stainless steel, which is highly durable and produces extremely sharp blades. Stainless steel material also prevents the blade from rusting and quickly dulling.
A competent zester can generate exceptionally thin shavings or precise and consistent strips or curls of citrus. It removes just the colorful section of citrus fruit rather than the bitter white pith below, producing a desirable tasty yield.
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Easy and Quick Operation
Zesting can be stressful and dreadful, especially when you do not have the proper equipment. You want a tool with an ergonomic design to prepare zests of any food and fruit with comfort and less effort.
Some models have integrated sliders that allow you to every bit of ingredient zested. And since Microplane zesters are operated by placing them diagonally on a surface, it is practical to prioritize those with ergonomic and non-slip handles and feet.
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Ease of Cleaning
After grating or zesting, food tends to harden, making it difficult to clean the blades or holes of zesters. Food dries out rapidly if the gadget isn't washed after each use. For practicality and convenience, choose a dishwasher-safe model.
You can adequately clean small holes in dishwasher-friendly zesters without being damaged. For hand wash-recommended models, it would be best to soak the tool first in warm water before thoroughly washing it.
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Ease of Storage
Covers are mainly helpful since they make it simpler to insert in the drawer without the trouble of finding it and getting your fingers wounded. Some models come with a storage container for numerous blades. The size and compactness of the zester also contribute to its ease of storage.
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Price
Depending on your budget, price is a factor to consider. The least costly variants use cheap materials like brittle plastics. Paying extra for ultra-sharp blades and ergonomic grips ensures that they are of high quality.
Cocktail Zesters FAQ
1. What is the difference between graters and zesters?
Small blades in zesters and graters split whole foods into strips or shavings. This movement often aids in the release of an ingredient's flavors and scents from citrus oils, for example, giving beverages like martini glass drinks a new degree of complexity.
Zesters generally produce very fine shavings. They have a metalhead with small, slanted shredding holes that generate thin strips.
Zesters are ideal for extracting intense flavors from aromatic foods, especially roots and spices. It is somehow similar to a channel knife because of how they create strips of rinds. The only difference is that a channel knife creates long citrus peel ribbons.
On the other hand, graters tend to produce coarse strips of ingredients. However, the grater’s coarseness levels vary, and there are a variety of designs to pick from.
2. What foods are to be zested?
Citrus fruits, which are fragrant and flavorful, are the most regularly zested items. A zester is useful for extracting the maximum flavor from lemon or orange peel, ideal for fruity pastries, sweets, and drinks.
Other ingredients that release an exquisite taste and aroma are spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Ginger, chocolate, coconut, and nuts can also be zested to be incorporated in dishes and drinks to step up your garnish game.
3. How to ideally clean zesters?
Some of the zesters are dishwasher-friendly and very convenient to clean. However, if you want to provide extra care for them and you do not want to expose them to harsh settings, you may simply wash them manually.
Simply immerse your filthy zester for a few minutes in hot water before cleaning it. Be sure that the zester is thoroughly soaked, either placing it horizontally or vertically in a container of hot water. After five to ten minutes, all crusty residue floats off the zester.
The soaking period will effectively remove the dried-on food, restoring it to its freshly grated condition so you can proceed to wash it easily. With a swipe of a soapy sponge, whatever tiny bit of food remains on the grater will come right off.
Conclusion
Whether you're a professional bartender or a cocktail lover, you undoubtedly need the best zesters in your bar or home bar. These tools transform fruit zest, spices, chocolate, and even coconut into tiny pieces, suitable for aesthetics and additional flavor. Hopefully, this list enlightened you on the best ones!
Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater is the best item in this roundup. It boasts unfailingly sharp blades that make grating a breeze. Meanwhile, the Deiss PRO Microplane Zester/Grater is the ideal choice if you value comfortability. It has a comfortable grip that fits right in the palm, making it effortless to use.
Another great item on this list is the BelleGuppy Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater because of its classic design, included accessories, and affordability.
If you want more reviews about essential bar tools, you can check our post on one of the most commonly used tools in bars: the best cocktail strainers.
Did this article help you find the best zester for your needs? Tell us what you think below!
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