Whether you're garnishing dishes for decoration or taste, having one of the best zesters on-hand can make all the difference. The right one for your needs will depend on the type of tasks you have in mind. The main thing to decide is whether to go with a microplane or a traditional zester.
A microplane is a bigger tool that easily creates a large amount of fine, fluffy zest. If you're looking to add a lot of flavor to a dish, a microplane is probably best, and some can also be used to grate hard cheeses, like parmesan. A traditional zester, on the other hand, is much more compact and will give you a small supply of curly zest. If you're looking to add a decorative flair to dishes or even baked pastries, a traditional zester would be best. Some traditional zesters also have a built-in channel knife, so you can create long twists of lemon or orange for cocktails.
Whichever type you opt for, you'll want to make sure it's constructed with tough, rust-resistant stainless steel and a comfortable, nonslip handle. You may also want to choose one that's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. All of my picks below check off these boxes.
To help you in you search, I've put together a list of the best zesters on Amazon below. Read on to find the right kitchen tool to add to your collection.