The Microplane Grater

Excellent stainless steel grater and zester in one

In 1990, the Microplane Rasp was being marketed as a new type of woodworking tool. A few years later, Lorraine Lee of Lee Valley Tools was grating an orange to make an Armenian orange cake. Frustrated by her old grater, she picked up a Microplane Rasp and was amazed by how well it zested the orange, avoiding the bitter pith unlike most graters.

The Lees changed the product description in their catalogue and now the Microplane Grater is the kitchen tool of choice for home cooks and professional chefs.

I bought a Microplane Grater several years ago after reading positive reviews in Cook's Illustrated and Consumer Reports

This is definitely one of the better graters and zesters on the market. It's ideal for making very fine gratings of cheese (fluffy just as the picture above shows). I understand why Lorraine was impressed with it's zesting ability. Avoiding the pith when grating citrus is quite difficult, but with a Microplane Grater, it's very easy.

It's also a great tool for getting fine shavings of chocolate (have your chocolate cold before beginning to avoid a melted mess!), nutmeg and cinnamon.

Cleaning is the only slightly tricky part of using this tool. It must be washed by hand, not in the dishwasher, to preserve it's sharpness. But it usually cleans very easily - just tap out the excess 'bits' of food, soap it up lightly, rinse and then rub with a thick cloth if necessary.

You'll likely toss out your current zester and stop using those messy box graters because this tool is definitely much more efficient.

Microplane makes a variety of other kitchen tools that get very positive reviews, plus a newer line of personal care products. They make great gifts because they work incredibly well and are priced economically.

Click here to learn more about The Microplane Grater, including where to order one for a low price