The 10 Best Microplane Zester, According to Experts

Our pick: Microplane Professional Series Kitchen Grater Fine

The Microplane Professional Series Kitchen Grater is a highly functional and durable kitchen tool designed to deliver exceptional results when grating hard cheeses, citrus fruits, garlic, chili, cinnamon, and more. Its ultra-sharp blades, made from high-quality U.S. stainless steel, ensure finely grated ingredients that blend seamlessly into your recipes, making it ideal for everything from Parmesan to nutmeg.

This grater is equipped with a non-slip base, providing stability while you work and preventing damage to your countertops. The 18/8 stainless steel handle and frame add both strength and a sleek, modern look to any kitchen. Additionally, the included protective cover ensures safe storage, keeping the ultra-sharp blades out of harm’s way.

Pros:

• Ultra-sharp U.S. stainless steel blades for fine, powder-like grating.

• Non-slip base for stability and scratch prevention.

• High-quality 18/8 stainless steel handle and frame.

• Protective cover included for safe storage.

Cons:

• Can be a bit bulky compared to smaller graters.

• Requires careful handling due to sharp blades.

The Microplane Professional Series Kitchen Grater is an excellent choice for anyone who values precision and durability in their kitchen tools. Its sharp blades, sturdy construction, and safety features make it a top performer in grating a variety of ingredients. However, its size and sharpness may require extra care during use and storage.

Also great: Microplane Classic Red Zester Grater

The Microplane Classic Red Zester Grater is a versatile kitchen tool designed to help you effortlessly add zest to your dishes. Whether you're zesting citrus for vinaigrettes or grating hard cheeses for pastas, this zester makes the process quick and precise. The specialized blade takes the flavorful rind off citrus fruits, leaving the bitter white pith behind, enhancing your culinary creations with ease.

Crafted with ultra-sharp, surgical-grade stainless steel blades made in the USA, this zester ensures long-lasting performance and sharpness. It’s also dishwasher safe, making it convenient to clean after use. The non-scratch end tabs protect your countertops, and the tool’s magnetic design allows for easy storage on a knife strip.

Pros:

• Ultra-sharp blades made from surgical-grade stainless steel.

• Versatile for zesting, grating ginger, garlic, and spices.

• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

• Non-scratch end tabs protect counters and surfaces.

Cons:

• Can be a bit too sharp for delicate tasks without careful handling.

• Smaller size may require more effort for large quantities.

The Microplane Classic Red Zester Grater is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add flavor and texture to their meals. Its sharpness, versatility, and ease of cleaning make it a standout tool for both everyday and specialized tasks in the kitchen.

Also great: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester

The Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester is a must-have kitchen tool, offering exceptional precision for zesting citrus, grating cheese, and more. Designed with a specialized tooth set, it efficiently removes the flavorful rind from citrus fruits, leaving the bitter pith behind. This feature enhances your dishes with vibrant zest for vinaigrettes, salads, baked goods, and beyond. It also excels at grating hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Pecorino, making it a go-to tool for anyone who enjoys creating homemade pasta or gourmet dishes.

Crafted with ultra-sharp surgical-grade stainless steel blades, made in the USA, the zester ensures long-lasting performance. The design includes non-scratch end tabs to protect your countertops, and the tool is magnetic, so you can hang it on a knife strip for easy storage. Dishwasher safe for convenience, this tool will simplify your kitchen routine while maintaining its sharpness and functionality over time.

Pros:

• Ultra-sharp surgical-grade stainless steel blades for precise grating.

• Versatile for zesting, grating cheese, and grinding spices.

• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

• Non-scratch end tabs protect countertops and surfaces.

• Magnetic design for easy storage.

Cons:

• Sharp blades require careful handling, especially with delicate ingredients.

• Smaller surface area might require additional effort for larger quantities.

The Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester 18/8 is a highly effective and durable tool for zesting, grating, and grinding. Its sharpness, versatility, and ease of cleaning make it a top choice for both professional and home cooks. While the size may be limiting for bulk grating, it excels in precision and ease of use, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Source: Amazon

A Microplane and a zester are often confused, but they have distinct differences in design and function. A Microplane is a brand of graters that is known for its extremely sharp, fine blades. These blades are designed to effortlessly grate a variety of foods, including cheese, chocolate, and citrus zest, resulting in very fine, fluffy results.

On the other hand, a traditional zester is typically a small tool with a handle and a metal head that has small holes or blades. When you drag a zester over the surface of a citrus fruit, it removes the zest in fine strips or shreds. The main difference lies in the texture and size of the zest produced. A zester tends to produce larger, coarser pieces, while a Microplane produces much finer zest, which can be more easily incorporated into recipes for a uniform flavor and texture.

Can You Use a Microplane as a Zester?

Yes, you can use a Microplane as a zester. In fact, many people prefer using a Microplane for zesting citrus fruits because it produces very fine zest with minimal effort. The sharp blades of the Microplane make it easy to grate just the outermost layer of the citrus peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This fine zest is ideal for baking, cooking, and garnishing, providing a concentrated burst of citrus flavor without altering the texture of your dish.

What is the Best Tool for Zesting Lemons?

The best tool for zesting lemons depends on your specific needs and preferences. For most people, a Microplane is the preferred tool due to its sharpness and ability to produce fine, fluffy zest quickly and efficiently. It allows for greater control and precision, making it easier to avoid the bitter pith and only zest the flavorful outer peel.

However, if you prefer larger strips of zest, perhaps for garnishing cocktails or for certain culinary presentations, a traditional zester might be more suitable. Both tools are effective, but the Microplane's versatility and ease of use often make it the top choice for zesting lemons.

Do Microplane Zesters Get Dull?

Like any tool with blades, Microplane zesters can get dull over time with regular use. However, they are known for their durability and long-lasting sharpness. The stainless steel blades of a Microplane are designed to stay sharp for a long time, but they can eventually dull, especially if used frequently or for hard tasks beyond zesting, such as grating hard cheeses or nuts.

To extend the life of your Microplane, it’s important to clean it properly and avoid using it on very hard substances that could damage the blades. If your Microplane does become dull, some models allow for blade replacement, or you may need to invest in a new one to ensure optimal performance.

Is It Better to Zest Lemons Waxed or Unwaxed?

It is better to zest unwaxed lemons. Many lemons sold in stores are coated with a thin layer of wax to preserve freshness and appearance. This wax can be difficult to remove completely and may impart an undesirable taste or texture to your zest. When zesting, you want the pure, natural oils and flavors from the lemon peel, not the added wax.

If you only have access to waxed lemons, you can try to remove the wax by scrubbing the lemon with hot water and a brush, or by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and vinegar before thoroughly rinsing and drying. However, for the best results and purest flavor, choose unwaxed, organic lemons whenever possible.

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In conclusion, when it comes to precision and versatility in the kitchen, the best Microplane zester is an invaluable tool for both professional chefs and home cooks alike. Its sharp, durable blades make zesting citrus, grating cheese, and even finely shredding spices effortless and quick. With its ergonomic design and range of available styles, a Microplane zester ensures a comfortable grip and exceptional performance every time. Whether you're looking to enhance the flavor of your dishes or add a delicate touch of garnish, investing in a high-quality Microplane zester is a decision you won’t regret. It’s a must-have kitchen essential for anyone who values both function and finesse in their cooking.