Microplane Grater/Zester 8.5" Review

If you watch any of the most popular cooking shows these days you're sure to see someone using this popular tool to zest a lemon (or orange, lime, etc).  Or, perhaps our chef calls for grating some fresh parmagiano reggianno.  Well, out comes the Microplane once again.

After watching it used by Mario Batali, The Barefoot Contessa and Rachael Ray I figured they were on to something, so it didn't take long for me to find one at the loca BB&B.

Microplane Grater/Zester 8.5"

Holding it in your hand it appears more a shop tool than a kitchen gadget.  Not surprising to find out then that Microplanes were in fact originally manufactured as wood-working rasps.

Unlike conventional graters that are generally made of stamped metal, the Microplane is made of high-quality stainless steel with its cutting edges photo-chemically etched into the plane's surface.

This allows the cutting edges to be precise, extremely sharp and fine, just the kind of edge that will allow us cooks to produce a zest that contains only the outer skin of the fruit without the bitter white pith that lies underneath.

When used with a hard cheese, it quickly grates it into a fluffy consistancy that allows it to quickly blend into the other ingredients of your recipe.

I particularly like to use it with fresh garlic.  The plane quickly reduces a fresh clove into a pasty consistency that can be quickly infused into some warm olive oil.

Caution

The Microplane is extremely sharp.  When using it on small items such as garlic, ginger and the like, watch your fingers.  This is probably a kitchen tool best kept out of chidren's hands.  It comes with a protective plastic cover that protects both its cutting edges and your fingers when it is stored or removed from your drawer.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The Microplane cleans easily under running water or it can be placed in your dishwasher (my preference).  It requires virtually no other maintenance.  It will not rust or pit.  With its protective plastic cover on between uses, the cutting edges remain sharp.

My Viewpoint

This is a really high quality kitchen tool that I have come to depend on.  After over 3 years of use it continues to perform as it did when it was brand new.  I highly recommend it.

Rudi