CURRENT EDITION
MARKET NOTE
Street prices for genuinely good rasps cluster around $12–$30; excellent box graters are roughly $30–$40. The $9–$15 range is only worth buying when it specifies an etched/photochemically cut stainless blade, a genuinely non-slip handle/foot, and a sheath—Deiss is the standout proof that low cost need not mean flimsy. Above about $35, pay only for real additional function (a high-performing multi-
9 PRODUCTS · RANKED
House weights favor construction, performance, and value.
Current top recommendation: Microplane Master Series Zester.
$30
Microplane
Top PickSame photo-etched blade as Microplane's Classic, housed in a heavier stainless frame with an oiled walnut handle. Hand-wash required, but the added weight and grip pay off in years of steady, controlled zesting.
$18
The blade Serious Eats singled out for clean citrus curls without disturbing pith: photo-etched stainless teeth, a soft-grip handle, and rubber feet that keep it planted on a board.
$22
Microplane
Trades the narrow rasp shape for a wide paddle face, doubling usable surface without dulling the etched blade's fine cut on zest, spices, or Parmesan.
$30
Serious Eats called its pop-off zester the most functional add-on tested; a catch container measures zest while keeping counters clear.
$35
Cuisipro
UPGRADEWirecutter named it the sharpest, most versatile box grater tested; four etched faces and a rubberized removable base handle both zest and coarse shreds.
$12
Deiss Kitchenware
BUDGETTechGearLab measured a wider cutting face than Microplane's Classic at roughly a third of the price, backed by a rigid stainless plate and rubber counter brace.
$26
Kuhn Rikon
Bon Appétit measured a clean slice rather than torn shreds; a silicone base edge holds the flat blade steady on any board or bowl rim.
$15
America's Test Kitchen credited its small teeth with pith-free lemon ribbons; the widest handle in this lineup steadies grip for cooks with limited hand strength.
$30
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels
The premium over basic rasp tools is explained by the reinforced 18/10 steel frame, two-way cutting geometry, rubber foot, and supplied cover. Food & (18/10 stainless steel, Soft-touch plastic) — $30