Your Cart is Empty
Zesting is an essential part of many recipes, adding a burst of flavor and color to your dishes. However, finding the perfect zester that suits your needs can be a task. Fear not, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the choices and get the best zester for your kitchen.
A zester is a handy kitchen tool that grates the outer, colored part of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, also known as the zest. The zest contains oils that are packed with flavor, making it ideal for enhancing numerous recipes.
Whether it's baking, cooking, or cocktail making, using a zester can take your culinary creations to the next level. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one?
Before we dive into the top picks, it's important to understand the different types of zesters available.
Rasp-style zesters are popular for their ability to create fine, fluffy shreds of zest. They are usually long and narrow, with a handle at one end and a grating surface on the other.
Box graters are versatile tools with different grating surfaces on each side. They can handle everything from zesting citrus to grating cheese and vegetables.
When choosing a zester, consider the following factors:
A good zester should have sharp and well-shaped blades. Sharp blades ensure that you can zest your citrus fruits without much effort, while the shape of the blades helps to produce uniform zests.
Choose a zester that is stable and comfortable to use. Some zesters come with rubber trims or feet for added stability. Also, ensure the handle is comfortable to hold for an extended period.
For rasp-style zesters, a longer grating plate is more efficient as it covers a larger area of the fruit in each stroke.
Zesters can range from affordable to quite pricey. While a higher price often indicates better quality, there are many affordable zesters that do a great job.
After considering the above factors, here are our top picks for the best zesters.
The Cuisinart Boxed Grater stands out for its performance. It has sharp blades that shred both carrots and cheese into uniform strands. The rubber trim around its base ensures stability, and the handle is comfortable to grip.
Microplane is a well-known brand in the grater world. The Microplane Classic Series Zester comes with super sharp blades that produce feathery tufts of zest effortlessly. Its rounded edges allow you to follow the contours of a lemon better than a flat grater.
The Cuisipro Deluxe Dual Grater is a handle-free rasp grater with sharp blades and two useful grating options. However, it might take some time to get used to its handle-free design.
Choosing the right zester can make a huge difference in your cooking and baking experience. Whether you prefer a box grater or a rasp-style zester, consider factors like blade sharpness, stability, comfort, and price. With the right zester, you're sure to add the perfect zest to your dishes.
