Kitchen & Cooking · Fine grating
Microplane vs. OXO zester: which shape suits your prep?
We Tried It All ·
For a little lemon zest in a dressing or Parmesan over pasta, a dedicated fine grater can be easier to fit into your routine than a multi-sided tool. These two models do similar jobs. The useful distinction is their shape and how you want to hold them.
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Choose your fit
Best for finishing zest over a dish
Microplane Premium Classic Zester
Model 46020
A long, narrow rasp for citrus zest and fine finishing.
Trade-off: Fine grating only; keep a coarse grater for larger shreds.
Best for supported grating
OXO Good Grips Etched Zester & Grater
Model 11215400
A framed head and non-slip foot for a supported working position.
Trade-off: One fine-grating surface; it does not replace a box grater.
Manufacturer product photos. Links open the exact models on Amazon.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The differences at a glance
| Feature | Microplane Premium Classic | OXO Etched Zester |
|---|---|---|
| Model / variant | 46020 / black | 11215400 / green |
| Format | Long, narrow rasp; 8 × 1 inch grating surface | Framed grating surface with non-slip foot |
| Handle and support | Soft-touch handle; non-scratch end tabs | Soft non-slip handle; non-slip foot |
| Storage | Reusable blade cover | Snap-on blade cover; hanging hole |
| Care | Dishwasher-safe grater; hand-wash protective cover | Dishwasher-safe grater |
| Best reason to choose | Narrow shape for finishing over a dish | Framed shape and supported grating |
| Main limitation | Not a coarse shredder | Not a multi-surface box grater |
| Exact Amazon model | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
1. Microplane Premium Classic: for a narrow rasp
The black 46020 has an elongated blade, a soft-touch handle and protective end tabs. Its 8 × 1 inch grating area makes the format easy to understand: a slim strip rather than a broad paddle.
Drawback: buy this for fine pieces, not large shreds for a casserole. Its reusable cover is another part to store and wash; Microplane’s international care guidance says to keep that cover out of the dishwasher.
Check price on Amazon ↗2. OXO Etched Zester: for a framed head
The green 11215400 surrounds its etched steel with a frame and pairs a soft handle with a non-slip foot. OXO lists citrus, hard cheese, chocolate, garlic and ginger as intended ingredients. A snap-on guard covers the blade between uses.
Drawback: it still offers only one grating surface. Its different shape does not establish that it needs less force or makes better zest. If grip comfort is your deciding factor, that remains a personal fit question.
Check price on Amazon ↗What should decide the purchase?
Start with the output your recipe needs. Fine zest mixed into batter and a few cheese wisps over dinner are different jobs from shredding a block of cheese. For the latter, changing between these two zesters will not solve the mismatch. Next, consider your preferred working position and where you will keep the covered blade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which should I buy for citrus zest: a Microplane or an OXO zester?
- We Tried It All recommends the Microplane Premium Classic Zester 46020 for finishing citrus zest directly over a dish because of its long, narrow rasp. Choose the OXO Good Grips Etched Zester & Grater 11215400 if you prefer a framed head and a non-slip foot for supported grating. Both make fine zest, so neither replaces a coarse grater.
- Can either replace a box grater?
- Not for every job. These are fine-grating tools; keep a coarse grater for larger cheese or vegetable shreds.
- Is the black Microplane the original Classic model?
- The linked model is Premium Classic 46020 in black, with a soft-touch handle and end tabs. It is not the separate Classic 40020.
Sources and related reading
Checked November 6, 2026. The international Microplane care text was available in the search index; its direct page returned an error.
- Microplane US specifications and product photos
- Microplane international cover-care guidance
- OXO specifications and product photo
For slices instead of fine shavings, see our OXO mandoline comparison. For larger prep jobs, read our food processor guide.