Ina Garten Says to Replace Your Microplane Zester Every Few Years

I test kitchen gadgets for a living, and though I always have plenty of new gear, I always lean on  a select few items. One of the most essential tools on that list is my Microplane. A fine-toothed zester, this small but mighty tool does so many important things no other tool can: grate produce, whole spices, hard cheeses and more. I’ve always felt this way, but it was validating to know the queen of a well-stocked kitchen, Ina Garten, agrees! 

Both Garten and Amy Poehler were talking about this tool during an episode of Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, which aired Tuesday, November 25. “You brought up lemon zest, and I would say to people learning how to cook: Reward yourself with a tool,” Poehler said. “Get yourself a zester.”

“And don’t keep it forever,” Garten exclaimed. “You can’t sharpen it like a knife! After a couple of years, get a new one.” 

Now I feel a little silly for never thinking of regularly replacing my Microplane, obvious as it may seem. No wonder the new one I purchased for my apartment this past year has been working at twice the speed compared to the 10-year-old version I’d had beforehand—yikes! Do yourself a favor and replace this under-$20 tool before it’s too late and you’re stuck grating and zesting for far longer than you actually need to be! 

Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester

A Microplane zester’s uses are boundless. It effortlessly grates fresh nutmeg for holiday bakes, zests lemons all year long, purées garlic cloves, whittles down knobs of ginger and shaves wedges of Parmigiano Reggiano. What sets it apart from your standard cheese grater—and why it’s an essential addition to any kitchen—is its fine teeth and long, slender shape. 

Getting that fine texture is crucial for dispersing an ingredient evenly and effectively. Yet a zester is also gentle, which is key to avoiding the white pith of the citrus fruit—the bitter part that holds fewer aromatic oils. 

Once you have a zester on hand, you’ll reach for it for countless tasks. . It can still work through tougher ingredients, too, such as fibrous roots like ginger or carrots, and hard, whole nutmeg pods or cinnamon sticks. I’ve tried other zesters, and this Microplane model is by far the most durable—it’s why the brand name has become synonymous with the actual tool. 

The long shape of the tool allows you to set it right on top of a bowl. I love the lightweight design and shape because you can easily maneuver it around bulbous ingredients. It’s also very easy to hold, thanks to the ergonomic handle. 

With Garten’s seal of approval and my long-time testing, I don’t know how else to convince you to add this to your kitchen. And if you’re one of those folks who already know just how remarkable this tool is, you’re likely due for a replacement. Grab the coveted Microplane zester for under $20 right now at Amazon. 

Shop More Kitchen Gear Ina Garten and I Love 

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

Kohn Rikon Peeler Set

OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

At the time of publishing, the price was $16.