The 19 best lemon zester brands
Pampered Chef, OXO and Microplane lead our ranking of 19 lemon zester brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Lemon Zester brands, ranked
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1
Pampered Chef
Its zester and scorer pairs a stainless steel blade with a comfortable nylon handle, sold through its home-party network.
Top products: Zester Scorer 1134
Website: pamperedchef.com |Brands like Pampered Chef
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
OXO
Soft-grip Oxo handles keep its zesters comfortable through longer prep sessions, at a mid-range price.
Website: oxo.com |Brands like OXO
Popularity 5.2/10
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3
Microplane
Fine-hole Microplane rasps are the standard choice for fluffy citrus zest and finely grated hard cheese.
Top products: Premium Classic Zester Grater
Website: microplane.com |Brands like Microplane
Popularity 4.9/10
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4
Norpro
Budget-friendly Norpro gadgets lean toward baking and everyday prep tools sold through US kitchen shops.
Website: norprowebstore.com |Brands like Norpro
Popularity 3.9/10
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5
Zyliss
Swiss-made Zyliss zesters have a bent stainless blade and a rubber-cushioned handle that stays steady while you rasp citrus peel.
Website: zyliss.com |Brands like Zyliss
Popularity 2.9/10
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6
ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS
German Zwilling zesters sit alongside its Henckels knives and Miyabi cookware in a premium price tier.
Website: zwilling.com |Brands like ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS
Popularity 2.9/10
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7
SABATIER
A 200 years old brand, Sabatier is situated in the Town of Theirs in the capital city of France. It is a knife manufacturing brand. The blades are made up of only one single material - Z50C13 steel. It produces kitchen knives - chef knives, slicing knives, meat knives, ham knives, cheese knives - pocket knives, garden knives, table knives, and a lot more. It produces other types of blades too like garden shears, bush knives, blade and pion for shears, etc.
Website: sabatier-shop.com |Brands like SABATIER
Popularity 2.6/10
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8
Good Cook
American Good Cook gadgets are simple, affordable everyday tools that show up in mainstream US stores.
Website: goodcook.com |Brands like Good Cook
Popularity 2.3/10
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9
KitchenAid
Colour-matched KitchenAid tools suit owners who already run its stand mixers and appliances.
Website: producthelp.kitchenaid.com |Brands like KitchenAid
Popularity 2.3/10
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10
Joseph Joseph
Colourful Joseph Joseph tools focus on space-saving, nesting designs that make small kitchens easier to manage.
Website: josephjoseph.com |Brands like Joseph Joseph
Popularity 1.8/10
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11
Master
Commercial Chef Master tools are built for professional kitchens, with heavier-duty construction than home gadgets.
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
Talisman Designs
Kitchenware as quirky as Talisman's Designs are a must-have for any ardent chef or amateur cook. Established in 2002, the company's founder makes it a point to deliver high-quality kitchen tools and products, aiming to beautify the art of cooking....
Website: talismandesigns.com |Brands like Talisman Designs
Popularity 1.8/10
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13
Trudeau
Trudeau offers superior culinary gear and accessories to help you cook like a professional. Fondue and Raclette sets, pepper grinders, and wine accessories are perfect for any kitchen. They are available in various colors, sizes, and forms, making it simple...
Website: trudeau.com |Brands like Trudeau
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
IKEA
Ingvar Kamprad was a Swedish countryside boy who decided to help his poverty-stricken family by selling matches, which were considered essential. When selling matches started falling short, he decided to switch gears. Nonetheless, Kamprad did not give up. His efforts...
Website: ikea.com |Brands like IKEA
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Cuisinart
A kitchen is an essential section of a house where all the creativity is brought out. But every person behind the rack requires the correct tool to be a Masterchef. Cuisinart offers a wide range of kitchen appliances that eases...
Website: cuisinart.com |Brands like Cuisinart
Popularity 1.3/10
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16
Kuhn Rikon
Swiss stainless steel kitchen tools are the foundation of Kuhn Rikon's range, which has been made in Switzerland since 1889. The company produces cookware, knives, can openers, gadgets and utensils for home cooks and professional chefs. Its designs are developed...
Website: kuhnrikonshop.com |Brands like Kuhn Rikon
Popularity 1.3/10
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17
MATFER
Matfer Bourgeat provides premium quality tools for professional kitchens. With a legacy of more than two hundred years, the company has been serving the food service industry worldwide. Matfer Bourgeat offers customized products for luxury hotels, restaurants, culinary schools, and...
Website: matferbourgeatusa.com |Brands like MATFER
Popularity 1.3/10
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18
Cuisipro
Cuisipro has all the culinary accessories you need, whether you're a serious home cook or want to get a little more creative in the kitchen. They make it simple to select the proper tools for your culinary requirements. Their equipment...
Website: cuisipro.com |Brands like Cuisipro
Popularity 1.3/10
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19
Messermeister
Messermeister makes kitchen knives and cutlery for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its catalog includes knife block sets and chef knives, designed to be easy to handle in daily use. Bernd Dressler founded the company, and it has spent...
Website: messermeister.com |Brands like Messermeister
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pampered Chef | pamperedchef.com | /ThePamperedChef | pamperedchef | @pamperedchef | – |
| OXO | oxo.com | /OXO | oxo | @OXO | – |
| Microplane | microplane.com | /Microplane | microplaneusa | @microplane | – |
| Norpro | norprowebstore.com | /norprowebstore | – | @norprowebstore | – |
| Zyliss | zyliss.com | /ZylissUSA | zyliss | @ZylissUSA | – |
| ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS | zwilling.com | /ZWILLINGUSA | zwilling_usa | – | ZWILLINGJAHENCKELS |
| SABATIER | sabatier-shop.com | /coutellerie.SabatierK | – | – | LesCouteauxSabatierK |
| Good Cook | goodcook.com | /GoodCook | goodcookcom | – | GoodCook |
| KitchenAid | producthelp.kitchenaid.com | /KitchenAid | kitchenaidusa | @kitchenaidusa | KitchenAidUSA |
| Joseph Joseph | josephjoseph.com | /JosephJoseph.Housewares | josephjosephofficial | @josephjoseph | – |
Lemon Zester Buying Guide
When it comes to cooking or baking, a lemon zester is an essential tool in every kitchen. Not only does it add a tangy and citrusy flavor to your dishes or baked goods, but it can also be used to decorate and garnish your creations. A lemon zester is a small handheld tool that is designed to remove the outer layer of citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange. It can be a daunting task to choose the right lemon zester for your needs, but this buying guide will help you understand the different types, materials, and features of lemon zesters and help you make an informed decision.
Types of Lemon Zesters
There are two main types of lemon zesters: the traditional or classic zester and the microplane zester.
Classic Zester
The classic zester is the most basic and traditional type of zester. It is a small handheld tool with a handle and a blade with sharp holes or grooves. The blade is usually made of stainless steel or carbon steel, and it can be curved or straight. The classic zester is ideal for zesting citrus fruits, but it can also be used to grate nutmeg, ginger, garlic, and hard cheeses. However, it requires more effort and skill to use than the microplane zester.
Microplane Zester
The microplane zester is a newer and more advanced type of zester. It is also a small handheld tool, but its blade is different from the classic zester. The blade has tiny and sharp teeth that slice the citrus zest or other ingredients into fine and uniform shreds. The microplane zester is made of stainless steel and has a soft-grip handle for a comfortable and secure grip. The microplane zester is easier and faster to use than the classic zester, and it produces finer and more consistent results.
Materials of Lemon Zesters
The materials of lemon zesters affect their durability, sharpness, maintenance, and appearance. The most common materials of lemon zesters are stainless steel, carbon steel, and plastic.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular and durable material of lemon zester blades. It is rust-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. Stainless steel blades also retain their sharpness and edge for a longer time than other materials. However, stainless steel blades may be more expensive than other materials, and they may require periodic sharpening.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is another popular material of lemon zester blades. It is harder and sharper than stainless steel, and it can slice through tough ingredients such as hard cheeses and ginger. Carbon steel blades also develop a patina over time that adds to their character and performance. However, carbon steel blades are susceptible to rust and corrosion, and they need to be dried thoroughly after each use to avoid staining and pitting.
Plastic
Plastic is a less common material of lemon zester blades, but it is an affordable and lightweight option. Plastic blades are not as sharp as metal blades, but they are safe and gentle for delicate fruits and vegetables. Plastic blades are also dishwasher safe and can be replaced easily if they become dull or damaged. However, plastic blades may not last as long as metal blades, and they may not produce as fine or consistent results.
Features of Lemon Zesters
The features of lemon zesters determine their versatility, convenience, and safety. Some of the most important features of lemon zesters are:
Handle
The handle of a lemon zester should be comfortable and ergonomic, allowing you to grip it securely and apply pressure evenly. The handle can be made of various materials such as plastic, wood, or rubber, and it can have a textured or non-slip surface. Some lemon zesters also have a built-in finger guard that protects your fingers from the sharp blade.
Blade Length
The blade length of a lemon zester affects its reach and control. A longer blade may allow you to zest larger fruits or vegetables, but it may be less precise and maneuverable. A shorter blade may give you more control and accuracy, but it may not be suitable for larger specimens. The blade length of a classic zester is usually around 4-5 inches, while the blade length of a microplane zester is usually around 2-3 inches.
Hole Size
The hole size of a lemon zester influences the thickness and size of the zest shreds. A smaller hole produces finer and smaller shreds, while a larger hole produces thicker and longer shreds. Some lemon zesters have different hole sizes on each side of the blade, allowing you to choose the size that suits your needs. Some lemon zesters also have a curved blade that follows the contour of the fruit and maximizes the amount of zest extracted.
Cleaning
The cleaning of a lemon zester should be easy and hassle-free. A lemon zester can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on its materials and construction. A lemon zester with a removable blade can be disassembled for easier cleaning and maintenance. A lemon zester should be dried thoroughly after each use to prevent rust and corrosion.
Multipurpose
A lemon zester can be used for more than just zesting citrus fruits. It can also be used to grate or shred various ingredients such as nutmeg, ginger, garlic, chocolate, and hard cheeses. Some lemon zesters come with additional attachments such as a slicing blade or a julienne blade that expands their versatility and usefulness. A multipurpose lemon zester can save you money and space in your kitchen.
Conclusion
A lemon zester is a handy and versatile tool that can enhance your cooking and baking skills. Whether you choose a classic zester or a microplane zester, a stainless steel blade or a plastic blade, a long blade or a short blade, a lemon zester should be comfortable, durable, and easy to use. Look for features such as a comfortable handle, a sharp and precise blade, a suitable hole size, a convenient cleaning method, and a multipurpose design. With the right lemon zester, you can add zest and flavor to your dishes and impress your guests with your culinary creations.
