Ever peeled an orange and ended up with more pith than zest? We’ve all been there! It’s frustrating when a simple task like grating citrus turns into a sticky, bitter mess. Finding the perfect zester can feel like a quest, a culinary adventure in itself. The market is overflowing with zesters, all promising the perfect zest. But how do you pick the right one? Which zester avoids the dreaded pith? Which one is easy to clean and comfortable to use?
Choosing a zester shouldn’t be a chore. The wrong tool can ruin your culinary plans. We want to help you avoid these kitchen frustrations. This guide will help you select a Zester America’s Test Kitchen zester that fits your needs. We’ll break down what makes a great zester and how to choose the best one for you.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key features to look for in a zester. You’ll also discover the benefits of America’s Test Kitchen’s top-rated zesters. Get ready to elevate your cooking with perfect citrus zest every time. Let’s dive into the world of zesters and find your perfect match!
Our Top 5 Zester America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Zester America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. America’s Test Kitchen Potatoes 20 Ways: Baked
Rating: 9.0/10
Do you love potatoes? Then, you need this cookbook! “America’s Test Kitchen Potatoes 20 Ways: Baked, Fried, Mashed, Smashed, and more” is a guide to cooking potatoes. It shows you how to make many different potato dishes. You can learn to bake, fry, mash, and smash potatoes. The book gives you easy-to-follow recipes. It also has helpful tips and tricks. This cookbook is a must-have for any potato fan!
What We Like:
- The book has many different potato recipes.
- Recipes are easy to understand.
- America’s Test Kitchen is known for good recipes.
- It teaches you several ways to cook potatoes.
- You will find recipes for all skill levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook is a great way to cook potatoes. It teaches you how to make many tasty dishes. You will enjoy this book if you like potatoes!
2. Rainspire Upgraded Zester Grater with Cover Lemon Zester Cheese Grater for Kitchen Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Rainspire Upgraded Zester Grater is a handy tool for any kitchen. It zests citrus fruits easily and grates many ingredients. You can grate hard cheese, chocolate, ginger, garlic, and more. This zester is made of stainless steel and should last a long time. It also has a safety cover and a non-slip foot. The handle is soft and easy to hold. It is a great addition to your kitchen and also makes a good gift.
What We Like:
- The blade is ultra-sharp. It makes zesting and grating fast and easy.
- The safety cover keeps the blade safe when you aren’t using it. It also protects your hands.
- The non-slip foot keeps the grater steady on the counter.
- The soft-touch handle is comfortable to hold.
- It is dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a handle with more grip.
- The fine grating can sometimes clog.
Overall, the Rainspire Upgraded Zester Grater is a useful kitchen tool. It is easy to use and clean. This grater is a good choice for anyone who enjoys cooking.
3. ALLTOP Lemon Zester
Rating: 9.4/10
The ALLTOP Lemon Zester is a handy kitchen tool. This hand-held grater helps you zest lemons, grate cheese, and more. It’s made of stainless steel. This zester is built for long-term use and is resistant to rust. It’s designed for home cooks and professionals. This zester is a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The blade is made of strong 18/8 stainless steel. This makes it last.
- You can use it for many things. It zests lemons, oranges, and limes. You can also grate cheese, ginger, and chocolate.
- It’s the perfect size. The blade is long and narrow. This helps you grate things easily.
- It’s easy to store. It has a cover to keep the blade safe. It also has a hole to hang it up.
- The handle is comfortable. It won’t slip in your hand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blade is very sharp. You need to be careful when using it. Wear gloves to protect yourself.
Overall, the ALLTOP Lemon Zester is a useful tool. It helps you add flavor to your cooking. This zester is a good choice for any home cook.
4. Rainspire Lemon Zester Tool with Channel Knife
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to elevate your cooking and cocktails with the Rainspire Lemon Zester! This handy tool is a 2-in-1 wonder. It easily creates citrus zest and fancy garnishes. It’s designed to make zesting super easy. The sharp, stainless steel holes zest fruits quickly. You can also make beautiful strips or twists with the channel knife. The Rainspire zester is a must-have for any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Effortless zesting! The sharp holes make it easy to get perfect zest.
- The channel knife is great. It makes cool garnishes for drinks and dishes.
- It’s made of strong stainless steel. It won’t rust.
- The handle is soft and comfy. It won’t slip out of your hand.
- This tool is a 2-in-1 deal. You get a zester and a channel knife.
What Could Be Improved:
- The handle might be too small for some people.
The Rainspire Lemon Zester is a great tool. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to cook or make drinks. It’s a fantastic addition to your kitchen gadgets!
5. Spring Chef Premium Lemon Zester Grater with Handle – Fruit
Rating: 8.9/10
The Spring Chef Premium Lemon Zester Grater is a handy tool for any kitchen! This zester is great for more than just lemons. You can zest limes, oranges, and even grate cheese. It is made with strong stainless steel that won’t rust. The zester also has a comfortable handle and a blade cover for safety. This tool makes food prep easy and fun.
What We Like:
- The blade is super sharp and made of strong stainless steel.
- Food slides easily across the surface, so you get perfect zest every time.
- The handle is comfortable and doesn’t slip.
- The blade cover keeps you safe and can hold your zested food.
- It is lightweight, but also heavy duty.
- You can zest right into your pot or over your food.
- It is easy to clean because it is dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- None that we could see.
The Spring Chef Premium Lemon Zester is a great kitchen tool. It is easy to use, safe, and does the job well. We think you will love it!
Zesting Your Way to Success: A Buying Guide for America’s Test Kitchen Zester
Are you ready to add a burst of citrusy flavor to your cooking? A zester is a handy tool. It helps you get the zest (the colorful outside part) from lemons, limes, and oranges. America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) makes a zester. This guide helps you decide if it’s the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a zester, look for these important features:
- Sharp Blades: The blades need to be very sharp. This lets you remove the zest easily. Dull blades will make your job harder. You might also get unwanted pith (the white part) in your zest.
- Comfortable Handle: You’ll be holding the zester for a while. A good handle feels good in your hand. Look for a handle that is non-slip.
- Blade Protection: Zesters have sharp blades. A cover or sheath is important. It protects the blade and keeps you safe when storing it.
- Easy to Clean: Zesting can be messy. The zester should be easy to clean. You want to be able to wash it quickly.
- Zest Catcher (Optional): Some zesters have a container. This catches the zest as you make it. This can make cleanup easier.
Important Materials
The materials used in a zester affect its quality and how long it lasts.
Blade Material: The best blades are made of stainless steel. It is strong and resists rust.
Handle Material: Handles are often made of plastic or rubber. Rubber handles give you a better grip. Plastic handles can be less expensive.
Construction: Look for a zester that feels sturdy. A well-made zester will last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a zester great or not-so-great.
Sharpness: A sharp blade is the most important thing. Check reviews to see if people say the blade stays sharp.
Durability: See how well the zester is made. A strong zester will last longer. Check the materials. Also, check the reviews.
Comfort: You want a zester that feels good in your hand. Check the shape and material of the handle.
Ease of Cleaning: Can you easily wash the zester? A zester that is hard to clean is not ideal.
Price: Price is a factor. But don’t always choose the cheapest one. A better-quality zester might be worth the extra money.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the ATK zester work in real life? Here’s what you can expect:
Easy Zesting: The ATK zester is designed for easy zesting. You’ll get fine zest quickly.
Use Cases: You can use a zester for many things. Add zest to cakes, cookies, and sauces. Make flavored oils and add zest to cocktails.
Comfortable to Use: The handle should fit your hand well. It should be comfortable to use for an extended period.
Cleaning: Cleaning is often easy. You can hand wash it. Some are also dishwasher safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the America’s Test Kitchen Zester easy to use?
A: Yes, it is. The sharp blades make zesting simple.
Q: What is the zester blade made of?
A: The blade is usually made of stainless steel.
Q: Can I use it on other things besides citrus fruits?
A: You can try it on other foods. But it is best for citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, and oranges.
Q: Is the handle comfortable?
A: The handle is designed to be comfortable. It should feel good in your hand.
Q: How do I clean the zester?
A: You can usually hand wash it. Some are dishwasher safe.
Q: Does it come with a blade protector?
A: Yes, most zesters come with a sheath to protect the blade and you.
Q: Is it worth the money?
A: The value depends on the price. Consider the quality and how often you will use it. It’s a great investment for a cook.
Q: How do I store the zester?
A: Store it with the blade protector on. Keep it in a safe place, away from children.
Q: Can I zest ginger with this?
A: Maybe. But it is designed for citrus fruits. It may not work as well.
Q: What if the blade gets dull?
A: If the blade gets dull, you may need to replace the zester. Check the manufacturer’s warranty.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.