Chef'n Zipstrip Review: This $9 Gadget Saved My Taco Night

Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on July 29, 2025

Introduction

I love hosting. My friends will tell you my Taco Tuesdays are becoming a bit of a local legend. My secret? Everything is fresh. The pico de gallo, the steak marinade, and especially the cilantro-lime crema. But here's my secret: I used to absolutely dread making that crema. Not because it’s hard, but because of the mountain of cilantro it requires. The tedious, mind-numbing task of picking every single tiny leaf off those flimsy stems was the one part of the process that made me want to just grab a jar of the pre-made stuff.

It was during one of these "cilantro prep-dread" moments that I decided there had to be a better way. A quick search for a solution led me to a weird-looking little green gadget: the Chef'n Zipstrip Herb Stripper.

It looked almost too simple to work. But for less than ten bucks, I figured it was worth a shot to potentially save my sanity and elevate my taco game forever. I bought it, I tested it, and I've analyzed what hundreds of other home cooks are saying about it. If you've ever found yourself cursing a bundle of thyme or parsley, this review is the final stop you'll need to make.

Chef'n Zipstrip Review: This $9 Gadget Saved My Taco Night

Is the Chef'n Zipstrip Herb Stripper worth it? I tested this tiny kitchen gadget to see if it truly saves time and frustration. A must-read.

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The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

• Who is this for? Any home cook who frequently uses fresh, sturdy-stemmed herbs like cilantro, parsley, thyme, or rosemary. If you hate tedious prep work, this is a no-brainer.
• Who should skip it? If you rarely use fresh herbs or your primary herb is something soft and leafy like basil or mint, this tool isn't for you.

My Final Score: 8.5/10✨✨✨✨✨✨

What Real Users Love (The Pros)

• It's Incredibly Fast: This is the number one reason to own this gadget. It turns a 10-minute task into a 30-second one.
  • Why this matters to you: It removes the biggest barrier to using fresh herbs more often, meaning better-tasting food with less hassle.
  • For my taco night, I stripped an entire bunch of cilantro in literally under a minute. My mind was blown. It was the first time I actually enjoyed that part of the prep.
• Deceptively Simple & Effective Design: The different-sized holes are pure genius. You just find the right size for your herb stem, insert, and pull. That's it.
  • Why this matters to you: There's no learning curve, no batteries, and no complicated parts to break. It just works.
• Easy to Clean: It's a single piece of plastic that's top-rack dishwasher safe. A quick rinse is usually all it needs.
  • Why this matters to you: Nobody wants a time-saving gadget that adds 5 minutes of cleanup time. This one doesn't.
• Surprisingly Versatile: While it shines with cilantro and thyme, the larger holes work surprisingly well for de-stemming greens like kale and chard for salads or smoothies.
  • Why this matters to you: It’s not just a one-trick pony; it can handle more than just delicate herbs.

Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)

• Not a Master of All Herbs: This is the most common complaint. It struggles with soft, delicate leaves like basil, mint, or dill, which tend to get bruised or torn.
  • Why this matters to you: If you bought this thinking it would be perfect for making a big batch of pesto with fresh basil, you will be disappointed.
  • Honestly, I tried it on basil just to see, and it mangled the leaves. You're still better off picking those by hand. It's a specialist, not a generalist.
• The Leaves Can Fly: When you pull the stem through, the leaves come off fast. If you're not working directly over a bowl, expect some to make a run for it.
  • Why this matters to you: You need to be a little mindful of your technique to avoid a messy countertop. A high-sided bowl is your best friend here.
• It Feels a Bit… Flimsy: It’s made of lightweight plastic. While it has held up perfectly fine for me, some users worry about its long-term durability, especially with tougher stems like rosemary.
  • Why this matters to you: If you're a "buy it for life" person who prefers hefty, metal tools, the plastic construction might feel a bit cheap to you.

Feature Deep Dive: The Magic is in the Holes

The real innovation of the Zipstrip isn't complicated; it's the graded holes. Looking at it, you see four holes of varying sizes. This is the key.

For my taco night cilantro, I used the second-smallest hole. You thread the top of the stem through, grip it from the other side, and pull the entire stalk back in one smooth motion. Zip. The leaves are instantly stripped and fall right into my bowl. For heartier rosemary or thyme, one of the smaller holes works perfectly. The largest hole is there for things like kale. This simple design choice is what makes it so much more effective than just using a fork or the holes in a colander, as the tapered edges are designed to pop the leaves off cleanly.

Best Alternatives (The Competition)

• The "Free" Method (Your Fingers or a Fork): Before the Zipstrip, this was my life. It costs nothing but your time and patience. It’s precise but painfully slow for large quantities.
• OXO Good Grips Herb and Kale Stripping Comb: This is the Zipstrip's main rival. It's from a well-loved brand and has a slightly more ergonomic, comb-like design. It functions almost identically but some users find the grip more comfortable. If you're an OXO loyalist or prefer its shape, it's an excellent alternative for a similar price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 1. Is the Chef'n Zipstrip dishwasher safe?
  Yes, it is top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
• 2. Does it work well for de-stemming kale?
  Yes, the largest hole is specifically designed for kale and other leafy greens like collards or chard. It works surprisingly well for making kale chips or salads.
• 3. Is it sharp or dangerous? Could my kids use it?
  It's not sharp at all. It works by popping the leaves off the stem, not cutting them. It's a very safe tool and could be a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
• 4. What's the best technique to avoid leaves flying everywhere?
  Hold the Zipstrip directly inside and over a deep bowl. Pull the stem through with one smooth, controlled motion. This contains about 95% of the leaves.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

So, did the Chef'n Zipstrip solve my Taco Tuesday problem and end my cilantro-prepping dread? Absolutely. 100%.

This little $9 gadget has legitimately changed the way I cook. It turned my most disliked kitchen task into a strangely satisfying, two-minute job. The barrier to entry for making incredibly fresh, herb-forward sauces, marinades, and garnishes is now completely gone.

If you are a home cook who loves the flavor of fresh herbs but hates the work, this is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost upgrades you can make to your kitchen. It's not perfect—keep it away from your basil—but for what it's designed to do, it's a champion. It’s a small tool that solves a real, frustrating problem.

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We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:

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Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.