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Hands down, these are the best tools I’ve tried for fine-grating and zesting.

—Jeff Zimmerman

Warning: Get a model with a handle; they are SHARP.

Microplane Grater/Zester

$11

Manufactured by Microplane

Available from Amazon

Quick Fish Cleaner

Magic Fish Scaler

Sure, you can scale a fish with the back of your knife blade. I did for years—until I drove my thumb into the dorsal spike of a striped bass. After having surgery, I picked up this little device at the tackle shop. It offers more than self-defense. It’s just absolutely good at what it does, and costs less than ten bucks. Show it to your friends and make them guess what it’s for; they’ll be stumped. What would make you design a fish scaler with what looks like plastic hex-head bits loosely attached to the underside of a circular disc? It doesn’t make sense. But it works! It defends your thumb (thank you) and prevents scales from scattering all over and flying up into your face. Only a little pressure is needed, and the fish is completely clean in seconds.

—Jay Allison

Magic Fish Scaler

$11

Available from Cabela’s

Bulk Pineapple Slicer

Pineapple Slicer/Corer

I’m not usually a big fan of single-use tools, but this is by far the only tool for this job. We had a party where I needed to core and slice three cases of pineapples, and what could have taken all day took but a few hours. No skill is needed. You just cut off the top of the pineapple and screw down the corer. Once you are at the bottom, pull out the meat and you’re done. The pineapple is evenly-sliced and you are left with a usable hull (for serving fruity drinks in, of course). I have seen these on sale for as little as $7.

—Walter Susong III

Pineapple Slicer

$10

Manufactured by Vacu Vin

Available from Amazon

Healthy Snacking in 30 Seconds

OXO Apple Divider

I like apples but I’ve never been a fan of the form factor, which tends to be tough on the teeth and jaws. The OXO Apple Divider cores and chops in one fell swoop. Total prep time, including rinsing the apple beforehand: 30 seconds max, 20 if I’m in a hurry. Like other OXO products I’ve tried, the OXO Apple Divider is a well-designed, well-built version of a classic tool. The company’s included its trademark “good grips” and sharp blades.

I appreciate it every time I use, it because I’m a chocoholic with easy access during the day to cookies and hot chocolate. Bringing a plastic container filled with wholesome, fresh, organic apple chunks makes it easier for me to resist the lure of chocolate. Even if you don’t consume apples as frequently as I do, the OXO Apple Divider is one single-use tool that’s worth keeping around.

—Jonathan Steigman

We bought this and use it regularly on potatoes to make oven fries. Slice the potato, toss the pieces in olive oil and spices of your choice, and bake on a non-stick sheet for 20–30 minutes at 450°F, turning once. I didn’t even know this device was actually for apples until I saw it on Cool Tools!

—Julee Bode

OXO Apple Divider

$10

Manufactured by and available from OXO International, LTD

Available from Amazon

Reliable Fish Cutters

Dexter-Russell Fillet Knives

This filleting knife does not rust, does not dull easily, is easy to sharpen, and the handle is sanitary, comfortable, and good in cold conditions. Most importantly, the blade is flexible, thin and the shape is just right for filleting.

I’ve used mine for about eight years. It came razor-sharp from the factory and stays sharp for a good deal of time. These days, I usually sharpen it a little bit before every use. A couple laps on a 220-grit Japanese waterstone does the trick.

There are plenty of fancy fillet knives you can get. This one is not particularly expensive, and it’s the brand I see most commercial fishermen using. There’s also a plastic scabbard you can buy.

Dexter’s filleting knives come in a few varieties of size/length, etc. There’s the 9-inch narrow one, for instance. Personally, I find that one a bit bulky, so I