I'm currently using a very small grater for lemon and orange zest and it's driving me nuts.  It takes forever to get a small amount of zest and it doesn't even stand alone so it's hard to hold while zesting.  I think something with a sturdy base that also has a basin for catching the zest would be nice...  Does anyone have one they love?  Thanks!

I love my microplane. It has the edges turned up on the sides so your zest is heldin place as you work and it allows you to get in crevices (like trimming gingerbread or whatever.

This one http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=14755543&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CNn_5YrmuLQCFQ2znQodMmUA2A has has a protective sleeve to store it in which is muy important to keep it from dulling.

One of my pet peeves is to for example watch a tv chef or cook rub the lemon on the microplane then turn the lemon up constantly to check progress. What I do is  rub the zester onto the stationery lemon then you can see your progress without all the wrist action. The flipped up edges hold the zest onto the microplane, then just tap off the zested product onto a bowl or plate or whatever. Just as if you were 'sanding' the lemon. I'm right handed so I hold the microplane in my right hand--hold the lemon in my left and scrub the lemon's surface with the zester.

AMicroplane (brand name) totally rocks! I honestly don't remember how I survived without it. We use so much zest - all our citrus cakes use tonnes of zest! Get the classic one with the small holes. Mine is pink.

Don' worry about the 'proper' way to use it - whatever works best for you is the right way.

I agree the classic Microplane (the brand name) zester is amazing.  Just be really careful as it's crazy sharp, but the zesting is so fast and effortless you won't ever be able to go back and I've had mine at least 4 years and it's still going strong.

I have had my microplane for about 10 years now and it is still super sharp and zests really quick.  It's fantastic.  I don't know how I survived all the years before I discovered it.
 

Thanks everyone for the feedback.  I will check out the Microplanes.