Microplane Premium Zester
Microplane Premium Zester
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About the Microplane Premium Classic Zester
The Microplane Premium Classic Zester is more than just a kitchen tool—it's a culinary icon that revolutionised grating when it transitioned from woodshop to kitchen. This long, narrow, rasp-style grater changed how professional chefs and home cooks approach zesting, grating, and flavour enhancement. What began as a woodworking tool became the industry standard for citrus zesting and fine grating, beloved worldwide for its unprecedented sharpness and effortless performance.
At the heart of this zester's legendary performance is Microplane's revolutionary photo-etched blade technology. Crafted in the USA using precision engineering, the stainless steel blade features 400 ultra-sharp micro-teeth that slice rather than tear ingredients. This fundamental difference means citrus zest releases maximum essential oils and aroma, hard cheese becomes fluffy clouds rather than compressed shreds, and delicate spices retain their potent flavour compounds. The blade doesn't crush or tear—it precisely cuts, allowing natural aromas to unfold and flavours to intensify in your finished dishes.
Now available in 11 stunning Scandinavian-inspired colours plus classic black and white, the Premium Classic Zester brings sophisticated style to match its unmatched functionality. Choose from warm, earthy, minimalistic shades including Cinnamon Orange, Mustard Yellow, and Dusty Rose—colours designed to complement modern kitchen aesthetics whilst adding a splash of personality to your culinary space. This isn't just a tool you hide in a drawer; it's a beautiful piece you'll want displayed on your worktop or hanging within easy reach.
Key Features
- Revolutionary Photo-Etched Blade: USA-made stainless steel blade with 400 micro-teeth creates ultra-sharp cutting edges that last for years
- Long, Narrow Rasp Design: 8-inch grating surface provides efficient zesting and grating with excellent control
- Precise Cutting Action: Slices ingredients cleanly without tearing, crushing, or compressing for maximum flavour release
- Made in USA: Blade precision-engineered in America to exacting quality standards
- 400 Micro-Teeth: Densely packed teeth create fine, fluffy results impossible to achieve with standard graters
- 11 Scandinavian-Inspired Colours: Choose from warm, earthy, minimalistic shades plus classic black and white
- Ergonomic Soft-Touch Handle: Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue during extended use
- Anti-Scratch Feet: Rubber feet protect kitchen surfaces when resting the zester
- Non-Stick Surface: Food glides smoothly across the blade without sticking to cutting edges
- Protective Cover Included: Reusable cover protects blade and fingers during storage
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy cleaning—simply rinse or place in dishwasher
- Versatile Applications: Perfect for citrus, hard cheese, chocolate, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, truffle, spices, nuts and more
- Professional Quality: Trusted by professional chefs and passionate home cooks worldwide
- Effortless Operation: Requires no pressure—ingredients grate with minimal effort
- Long-Lasting Sharpness: Photo-etched teeth maintain their edge through years of regular use
Perfect Applications for Your Zester
Citrus Zesting: The Premium Classic Zester's original and still most celebrated use. Zest lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits with effortless precision. The ultra-sharp teeth remove only the flavourful coloured zest whilst leaving the bitter white pith behind. Perfect for baking, cocktails, marinades, salad dressings, and finishing dishes with bright citrus notes.
Hard Cheese Grating: Transform hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or aged Manchego into fluffy, snow-like clouds. The fine grating produces texture that melts instantly and distributes evenly throughout dishes. Far superior to pre-grated cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents and lacks freshness.
Chocolate Preparation: Grate chocolate for decorating desserts, making hot chocolate, or incorporating into batters. The fine shavings melt quickly and distribute evenly. Works brilliantly with both dark and milk chocolate—freeze the chocolate first for best results.
Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger to a fine pulp perfect for marinades, stir-fries, dressings, or ginger tea. The micro-teeth handle ginger's fibrous structure beautifully, producing usable ginger without long stringy fibres. The fine texture means ginger flavour distributes evenly throughout dishes.
Garlic: Create garlic paste in seconds by grating fresh cloves. The resulting fine texture means garlic flavour permeates dishes without chunks. Perfect for garlic bread, marinades, salad dressings, or any application requiring smooth garlic integration.
Nutmeg & Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg bears no resemblance to pre-ground—the aroma and flavour intensity are incomparable. Also works for cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and other hard spices. Fresh spice grating transforms baking, cocktails, and savoury dishes.
Truffle: For those fortunate enough to have fresh truffle, this zester creates delicate shavings that release maximum aroma. The fine grating allows truffle to go further whilst maximising its luxurious flavour impact.
Nuts: Finely grate nuts for incorporating into batters, sprinkling over desserts, or adding texture to savoury dishes. Works particularly well with almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans. The fine texture means nuts distribute evenly and add flavour without overwhelming texture.
The Photo-Etching Revolution
Understanding why photo-etched blades are revolutionary requires knowing what came before. Traditional graters use stamped or punched holes—metal is pressed through to create openings with raised, relatively dull edges. These "blades" work through tearing and crushing rather than clean cutting. The results are compressed, paste-like, with flavour and aroma trapped inside damaged cells rather than released.
Microplane's photo-etching process is fundamentally different. It's a chemical etching technique guided by photographic technology that creates genuinely sharp, precisely angled teeth. Each of the 400 micro-teeth is a tiny, razor-sharp blade positioned at the optimal angle for slicing ingredients cleanly. This precision manufacturing was originally developed for woodworking tools, where ultra-sharp edges are essential. When applied to culinary tools, the results were transformative.
The practical difference is immediately apparent. Citrus zest comes away in fine, fluffy strands bursting with essential oils rather than compressed paste. Hard cheese becomes delicate clouds that melt instantly rather than dense shreds. Ginger grates to smooth pulp rather than stringy fibres. The blade slices through ingredients' cellular structure cleanly, releasing maximum flavour and aroma whilst requiring minimal effort. No pressure needed—the sharpness does the work.
Why Freshly Grated Ingredients Transform Dishes
The difference between pre-grated and freshly grated ingredients extends far beyond convenience. When cheese, spices, or citrus are grated in advance, they immediately begin losing essential oils, aromatic compounds, and moisture. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents and tastes flat compared to freshly grated. Ground nutmeg bought months ago bears little resemblance to nutmeg grated moments before use. Dried lemon zest cannot capture the bright, intense citrus oil released when zesting fresh fruit.
Freshly grated ingredients release their full aromatic potential at the moment of grating. Essential oils that would otherwise evaporate or degrade are captured immediately in your dish. The Microplane Premium Classic Zester maximises this benefit because its cutting action (rather than crushing action) releases oils without destroying delicate cellular structures. The result is more intense flavour, more aromatic dishes, and fresher-tasting results from the same ingredients.
Professional chefs understand this principle, which is why Microplane zesters are ubiquitous in restaurant kitchens. Home cooks who adopt this tool often report that their cooking noticeably improves—not because their technique changed, but because the ingredients they're using now contribute maximum flavour. A simple pasta with freshly grated Parmesan tastes restaurant-quality. Lemon cake with fresh zest tastes genuinely lemony rather than vaguely citrus-flavoured. The tool unlocks flavour that was always present but previously inaccessible.
Scandinavian-Inspired Colour Collection
The new colour palette represents a complete reimagining of the Premium Classic Zester's aesthetic. Moving beyond purely functional design, these 11 Scandinavian-inspired shades bring warmth, minimalism, and sophistication to your kitchen. The colour range—including Cinnamon Orange, Mustard Yellow, Dusty Rose, and other earthy, harmonious tones—reflects contemporary design sensibilities that value beauty as much as function.
Scandinavian design philosophy emphasises simplicity, functionality, and natural warmth—principles that align perfectly with Microplane's approach to kitchen tools. These colours aren't garish or trendy; they're subtle, chic, and timeless. They complement modern kitchens whilst adding personality and visual interest. Many users display their Microplane zester on magnetic strips or hanging from hooks, making it both accessible and decorative. With these new colours, the zester becomes a design element as much as a functional tool.
Classic black and white remain available for those preferring traditional aesthetics. The full range ensures you can choose a colour that genuinely suits your kitchen's style, your personal preferences, or even coordinate with other appliances and accessories. This attention to design details reflects Microplane's understanding that kitchen tools used daily deserve to be beautiful as well as functional.
Ergonomic Design & Practical Features
The Premium Classic Zester's long, narrow design isn't merely aesthetic—it's fundamentally functional. The 8-inch grating surface provides ample working area whilst maintaining precise control. You can zest an entire lemon with smooth, continuous strokes rather than multiple passes. The narrow width means you can work over small bowls or directly over dishes without awkward positioning.
The ergonomic soft-touch handle provides comfortable grip even during extended grating sessions. When zesting multiple citrus fruits for a recipe or grating large quantities of cheese, this comfort becomes significant. The handle's design distributes pressure evenly across your palm, reducing the hand fatigue common with poorly designed graters. The grip remains secure even when slightly damp—important when working with wet ingredients or in busy kitchen conditions.
Anti-scratch rubber feet at the base protect your worktop when resting the zester. This thoughtful detail prevents countertop damage whilst providing a stable resting point during prep work. The non-stick characteristic of the photo-etched surface means ingredients don't clog the teeth—food glides smoothly across the blade and falls away cleanly, maintaining efficiency throughout use.
The included protective cover serves dual purposes: protecting the ultra-sharp blade during storage and protecting your fingers when reaching into drawers. This isn't merely a nice-to-have accessory—it's an essential safety feature given the blade's genuine sharpness. The cover is reusable and durable, lasting as long as the zester itself when properly maintained.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging materials including the protective cover. Rinse the zester under warm running water to remove any manufacturing residue. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. The blade arrives razor-sharp and ready to use. Handle carefully—the 400 micro-teeth are genuinely sharp and can cut skin if handled carelessly.
Zesting citrus fruits: Hold the citrus fruit in one hand and the zester in the other (or rest the zester on your worktop with anti-scratch feet down). Draw the fruit across the blade in smooth, even strokes, using light to moderate pressure. The ultra-sharp teeth require minimal pressure—let the blade do the work. Rotate the fruit after each stroke to access fresh zest. Zest only the coloured outer layer—if you reach white pith, you've gone too deep (pith is bitter). The zest falls away cleanly, ready to use immediately.
Grating hard cheese: For cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino, hold the cheese block and draw it across the blade in smooth strokes. The cheese transforms into fluffy clouds that fall away from the blade. For best results, cheese should be at room temperature or slightly chilled—very cold cheese grates more easily but less fluffy, whilst warm cheese can become sticky. The fine texture melts instantly when added to hot dishes.
Grating chocolate: For best results, chill or freeze chocolate before grating (but not frozen solid—just firm). Hold the chocolate bar and draw it across the blade. The fine shavings are perfect for decorating desserts or melting into hot chocolate. Work over a bowl or parchment paper to collect shavings. Chocolate grates most easily when it's firm but not frozen solid.
Grating ginger: Peel your ginger if desired (though many cooks don't bother with organic ginger). Hold the ginger piece and draw it across the blade. The fibrous structure is handled beautifully by the micro-teeth—you get usable pulp without long stringy fibres that can be unpleasant in dishes. The resulting fine texture distributes ginger flavour evenly. Grate ginger immediately before use for maximum freshness and potency.
Grating garlic: Peel garlic cloves then draw them across the blade. They transform into smooth paste perfect for spreading on bread, incorporating into dressings, or adding to marinades. The fine texture means garlic flavour permeates dishes without chunks. Work carefully as cloves get smaller—watch your knuckles approaching the blade.
Grating nutmeg and hard spices: Hold the whole nutmeg (or cinnamon stick, etc.) and draw it across the blade in short strokes. A little goes a long way with freshly grated spices—the flavour and aroma are far more intense than pre-ground. The difference in baking, cocktails, and savoury dishes is remarkable. Grate spices as needed rather than in advance to maximise freshness.
Grating technique tips: Use smooth, even strokes rather than short, choppy motions. Let the blade's sharpness do the work—excessive pressure isn't necessary and can actually reduce efficiency. Work over a bowl, plate, or directly over your dish to catch grated ingredients. As ingredients become small, consider using the remaining piece for another purpose rather than risking your knuckles by grating to the absolute minimum. The protective cover can help guard fingers when grating very small pieces, though this isn't its primary purpose.
After each use: Rinse the zester immediately under running water to remove food particles before they dry. Hold it under a strong stream with the blade facing down, rubbing your hand gently over the back of the blade (the non-sharp side) to dislodge particles. For citrus zest or other ingredients that don't clog badly, rinsing is typically sufficient—as Microplane themselves recommend. For stickier ingredients like cheese or chocolate, you may need to use a small brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) to reach between teeth.
Thorough cleaning: For more thorough cleaning, wash in warm soapy water using a brush to reach between the micro-teeth. Work carefully—the teeth are sharp. Brush in the direction away from the cutting edges to avoid dulling or damaging teeth. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Alternatively, place the zester in your dishwasher—the Premium Classic Zester is completely dishwasher safe. The high-pressure water jets clean between teeth very effectively, often better than hand washing.
Drying: After washing, shake off excess water and allow the zester to air dry completely, or dry with a clean towel. Ensure it's bone dry before replacing the protective cover and storing—moisture trapped under the cover can cause issues. Most users leave the zester to drip dry on a dish rack or towel before storage.
Storage: Once completely dry, slide the protective cover over the grating blade. This protects both the sharp teeth and your fingers when reaching into drawers. Store in a drawer, hang from a hook, or attach to a magnetic strip if your kitchen features one. Many cooks keep their Microplane zester hanging within easy reach given how frequently it's used. The new Scandinavian-inspired colours make display storage particularly appealing—it's both functional and attractive.
Caring for the protective cover: The reusable protective cover must be hand washed—do not put it in the dishwasher, as high heat may warp or damage the plastic. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before replacing on the zester. If the cover becomes damaged or lost, contact Microplane about replacement availability. Never store the zester without its cover—the blade is genuinely sharp and an accidental cut from reaching into a drawer can be serious.
Maintaining blade sharpness: Microplane's photo-etched blades maintain their sharpness for many years—often decades—with proper use and care. Avoid grating ingredients that are too hard or frozen solid (like ice or frozen meat), which might damage teeth. Don't use the zester as a general scraper or for non-food tasks. Don't attempt to sharpen the blade—photo-etched teeth cannot and should not be sharpened like conventional blades. With normal use for appropriate ingredients, the blade should remain sharp indefinitely. The USA-made stainless steel resists corrosion and wear exceptionally well.
Safety guidelines: The 400 micro-teeth are genuinely sharp—handle with care. Always grate away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade surface. Watch your knuckles as ingredients become smaller. Never run your fingers directly across the teeth to clean or check sharpness. Keep the zester away from children, or supervise closely if teaching them to use it. When washing by hand, use a brush rather than your fingers to clean between teeth. Store with the protective cover always in place. If you drop the zester, inspect the blade for any damage before next use.
What to avoid: Don't use the zester on ingredients it's not designed for—extremely hard items like bones or frozen solid foods may damage the micro-teeth. Don't use metal utensils to scrape grated food from the blade—use plastic, silicone, or wooden implements if needed, though usually rinsing is sufficient. Don't attempt to sharpen or modify the blade. Don't store the zester whilst damp or without its protective cover. Don't use excessive force whilst grating—the blade's sharpness means gentle pressure is all that's needed.
Troubleshooting: If grating becomes difficult, the blade may be clogged with food particles—rinse thoroughly and continue. If ingredients don't grate well, ensure you're using appropriate pressure (gentle, consistent) and that the ingredient is suitable for the tool. Soft ingredients work best when chilled; hard ingredients should be at room temperature. If you're concerned about blade sharpness, test on a piece of Parmesan or citrus—it should grate effortlessly with light pressure. If performance genuinely declines after years of use, the blade may have sustained damage. Contact Microplane or your retailer for advice—though with proper care, this should not be necessary for many years.
Long-term care: With proper use and cleaning, your Microplane Premium Classic Zester will provide decades of reliable service. The photo-etched blade won't dull with normal use. Clean promptly after each use, dry thoroughly before storing with the protective cover, and avoid misuse or damage—follow these practices and the zester remains a treasured kitchen tool for years. Many professional chefs have used the same Microplane zester daily for 10-15 years or longer without noticeable decline in performance. This longevity represents exceptional value despite the premium price point.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality kitchen tools and essential equipment. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. We stock Microplane because their revolutionary blade technology and unwavering commitment to quality represent genuine innovation that transforms everyday cooking.
Microplane Heritage & Quality
Microplane revolutionised kitchen preparation when they adapted photo-etching technology from woodworking tools to culinary applications. The Premium Classic Zester became an instant icon, now the industry standard in professional kitchens worldwide. Their products deliver genuinely superior performance through measurably sharper, longer-lasting blades that make cooking more enjoyable and flavourful.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not satisfied with the zester?
Return it to us, even if you've used it. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items—if it doesn't meet your expectations or zesting needs, we'll refund you in full. This applies whether you've used it once or extensively. We're confident you'll love this tool, but if not, we make returns easy.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage the zester (for example, dropping it or damaging the blade teeth), we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable. This provides additional protection beyond any manufacturer warranty and gives peace of mind when investing in quality tools.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
How is this better than a cheaper zester or standard grater?
Microplane's photo-etched blade creates genuinely sharp teeth (not stamped holes), producing dramatically better results with less effort. Citrus zest is fluffy and aromatic rather than pasty. Cheese becomes delicate clouds rather than dense shreds. The blade slices rather than tears, releasing maximum flavour. Cheaper tools crush ingredients, require excessive pressure, and dull quickly. The difference in both ease of use and final results is substantial—it's genuinely transformative, not marketing hyperbole.
Will this zester dull over time?
Microplane's photo-etched blades maintain their sharpness for many years—often 10-20+ years with proper use and care. The USA-made stainless steel and precision photo-etching process create teeth that resist dulling far better than stamped alternatives. Professional chefs use the same Microplane zester daily for decades without noticeable performance decline. With normal use for appropriate ingredients, your zester should remain sharp indefinitely.
Can I zest limes with this, or just lemons?
This zester works brilliantly with all citrus fruits—lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and even less common varieties like Meyer lemons, blood oranges, or yuzu. The 400 micro-teeth handle delicate lime skin as easily as thicker lemon or orange peel. Many bartenders use this zester specifically for cocktail garnishes and citrus oils, zesting limes dozens of times daily.
Is this dishwasher safe?
Yes, the Premium Classic Zester is completely dishwasher safe. Microplane products are designed to withstand repeated dishwasher cycles without dulling. Simply place in the dishwasher and run normally. However, the protective cover must be hand washed—dishwasher heat may warp or damage it. Many users find that simply rinsing the zester under running water is sufficient for most uses, as Microplane themselves recommend.
What do the Scandinavian-inspired colours look like?
The 11 new colours are warm, earthy, minimalistic shades inspired by Scandinavian design—think Cinnamon Orange, Mustard Yellow, Dusty Rose, and similar harmonious, chic tones. They're subtle rather than garish, designed to complement modern kitchens whilst adding personality. Classic black and white remain available for traditional aesthetics. The colours are part of the handle and grip area, not the stainless steel blade itself.
Can I use this for Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely—this is one of the zester's most popular applications. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or aged Manchego transform into fluffy, snow-like clouds that melt instantly and distribute evenly. The fine texture is impossible to achieve with standard graters. Freshly grated Parmesan tastes dramatically better than pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents and lack freshness. Once you experience fresh Parmesan from a Microplane, pre-grated cheese tastes flat by comparison.
Is fresh nutmeg really that different from ground?
The difference is remarkable—night and day. Freshly grated nutmeg releases intense aroma and complex flavour that pre-ground nutmeg (which may be months or years old) simply cannot match. The essential oils that give nutmeg its characteristic flavour evaporate quickly after grinding. Grating nutmeg as needed with your Microplane means you capture those oils at their peak. The transformation in baking, cocktails, and savoury dishes is genuinely noticeable. A jar of whole nutmeg lasts for years, making this a practical upgrade.
Does the protective cover fit securely?
Yes, the reusable protective cover is designed to fit securely over the grating blade, protecting both the sharp teeth and your fingers during storage. It should stay in place when stored in drawers but remove easily when needed. If the cover becomes loose over time or with repeated use, it may need replacing—contact Microplane about replacement cover availability. Always store with the cover in place for safety.
Can I grate frozen butter with this?
Whilst technically possible, the Premium Classic Zester's fine teeth are optimised for softer grating applications. For frozen butter (useful for pastry making), Microplane's coarser graters or the coarse side of their box grater works better. The fine zester can handle cold (refrigerated) butter for some applications, but frozen solid butter is quite hard and might strain the delicate micro-teeth. For best longevity, use appropriate tools for their intended purposes.
How long is the grating surface?
The grating surface measures 20.3cm x 2.5cm (8 inches x 1 inch), providing ample working area for efficient zesting and grating. This length allows you to zest an entire lemon with smooth, continuous strokes rather than multiple short passes. The narrow width makes it easy to work over small bowls or directly over dishes without awkward positioning.
Why do professional chefs love this tool?
Professional chefs value the Premium Classic Zester for several reasons: the photo-etched blade delivers consistently superior results, it works effortlessly even with heavy daily use, the fine grating produces professional-quality textures, freshly grated ingredients noticeably improve dish quality, the blade stays sharp through years of restaurant use, and it's reliable—no mechanical parts to break or maintain. In professional kitchens where efficiency and quality are paramount, this zester has become indispensable. Many chefs consider it one of the few genuinely essential kitchen tools.
