It’s hard for culinary newbies to figure out which kitchen gadgets are “essential” and which are “optional.” We’re here to let you know that having the best microplane available in your kitchen is essential to your cooking!
With its multiple uses from zesting citrus to shaving chocolate or easily mincing garlic, you’ll realize you should have invested in a microplane zester and grater a long time ago.
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 12 x 1.31 x 1
- Weight (ounces): 4.16
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 15.2 x 2.13 x 1.42
- Weight (ounces): 0.81
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 2.56 x 0.98 x 0.98
- Weight (ounces): 0.81
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 2.25 x 0.5 x 12
- Weight (ounces): 1.06
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 13.2 x 1.4 x 1.4
- Weight (ounces): 4.3
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 16 x 2.2 x 0.7
- Weight (ounces): 4.8
Our Favorite Microplane Graters and Zesters Reviews
We’ve compiled a list of state-of-the-art microplanes based on different microplane reviews and ratings. We want to make sure you find the perfect microplane for your culinary needs.
1. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater
Made from 18/8 surgical grade stainless steel, this is an official Microplane brand zester and tops our chart as the best Microplane grater available. It covers all your culinary needs, from zesting to grating and everything in between.
This Microplane comes in a variety of colors and includes a reusable cover to preserve the blades. These specially crafted blades are rust-free and maintain their sharpness over time, making sure this Microplane has longevity in your kitchen.
How sharp is it?
Microplane is known for its razor-sharp, precise teeth, and this model holds up to their standards. It’s perfect for zesting citrus or finely grating cheese into a powder, but many uses won’t dull the blades for many years.
Is the handle comfortable to use?
According to the Microplane grater reviews, the handle is comfortable and easy to use, allowing for ample grip while zesting your heart out.
How well does it work?
It takes minimal effort to use this Microplane. Other zesters require you to press into the delicate citrus in a harsh way that doesn’t result in a nice zest, but that’s not the case here. All it takes is a pass or two, and you’ve got a lovely zest or grate for whatever you’re cooking.
Is it easy to clean?
Yes! This Microplane is dishwasher safe, but if you don’t feel comfortable throwing it in the dishwasher, there are other ways to clean it. Just rinse it well under hot water and use a kitchen brush to get out any excess zest that may have gotten stuck in the steel teeth. Always make sure to rinse your Microplane directly after use to prevent buildup!
Is it durable?
This Microplane is one of the most durable available thanks to the way its handle is securely fashioned to the steel shaft. As long as the reusable cover is utilized and it’s stored safely in an area where it won’t get jostled around too much, this is a very durable Microplane.
Is it affordable?
With better quality comes a higher price tag. These microplanes can range from $14.99-$28.46, depending on the color you choose. These models are definitely on the more expensive side, but worth it in the long run.
2. Pro Citrus Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater from Deiss
Like the trademarked Microplane, this zester and grater from Deiss is made from incredibly sharp stainless steel blades that won’t rust. This zester comes in two sizes: narrow and wide. Both sizes have a non-slip handle for easy, reliable use.
This grater also has curved sides, ensuring the steel plane is rigid and held in place during use. Purchasing this excellent zester also comes with a lifetime warranty from Deiss and a reusable plastic cover for easy storage.
How sharp is it?
The teeth on this Deiss grater and zester are razor-sharp and definitely on par with those of the Microplane.
Is the handle comfortable to use?
Deiss is proud to offer a comfortable, non-slip handle that’s easy to use and won’t hurt your hand. Plus, the handle has a hole built into it, so if you’re short on space, you can hang this microplane instead of storing it in a drawer.
How well does it work?
These microplane reviews show that sometimes it takes a little extra force to grate effectively. This is okay for things like hard cheese, but can damage citrus and accidentally incorporate the bitter pith (inner part of the skin) into your zest.
Is it easy to clean?
This Deiss microplane is dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
Is it durable?
Yes, although it’s not made with the same surgical-grade stainless-steel as the Microplane, Deiss makes a sturdy, reliable model that will last for quite a while.
Is it affordable?
The “Narrow” option is $19.95, while the “Wide” size is $10.98. While this is cheaper than the Microplane’s price range, it all depends on what size plane you’re looking for and if you want a more professional looking zester.
3. Stainless Steel Lemon Zester Grater with Channel Knife and Hanging Loop from 1Easylife
This zester grater from 1Easylife is much different from the traditional microplane. Instead of having razor-sharp stainless-steel teeth, this model has a stainless-steel head with five sharp holes for zesting. This results in long strips of zest rather than tiny shaved piles.
If you’re looking for a zester that makes long sprigs of zest, this would be perfect for you. It’ll be easier than ever to finish a drink with a lemon garnish or lime or orange because of the long strips. However, this will not finely grate cheese because of the five sharp holes—it will shred it instead.
Also, 1Easylife has a lifetime guarantee, so if you’re unhappy with your product, they will fully refund your money or send a replacement device.
How sharp is it?
While the holes on this device are sharp, sometimes it takes a bit of effort to get it into the peel of what you’re trying to zest. Unfortunately, this can also lead to having the bitter pith mixed with the fresh zest.
Is the handle comfortable to use?
1Easylife says their rounded all-metal handle is perfect for loads of use with no hand cramps. However, having an entirely stainless-steel metal handle means there’s no way to have a full grip on the zester during use.
How well does it work?
If you’re looking for a zester and grater that will give a powdery pile of cheese or minutely sized citrus zests, this isn’t the model for you. While this model does work, it’s not what most people have in mind when they want to buy a zester.
Is it easy to clean?
1Easylife has made sure their zester grater is 100% dishwasher safe. Like other microplane models, however, you can also easily clean them by running them under hot water.
Is it durable?
Yes, this zester grater model is durable. If you choose this model, you don’t have to worry about having a plastic cover to protect any metal teeth, as this zester functions with sharp holes instead.
Is it affordable?
This is the cheapest model on the list at $7.99. However, just because it’s a steal doesn’t mean it’ll work just the same as the other microplanes on our list. If you’re a bartender in the making or someone who doesn’t mind shredded instead of grated cheese, this could be a perfect match for your kitchen.
4. Zester and Grater from OXO Good Grips
This microplane zester from OXO Good Grips comes with brand recognition. OXO Good Grips is known for making high-quality kitchen utensils, and this zester grater works just as well as any other. It’s made with etched stainless-steel blades and has a large grating surface.
The reviews for this microplane classify it as top tier. It’s reliable, sturdy, and incredibly sharp for easy zesting and grating. Whether you’re zesting fruit or shaving chocolate and hard cheeses, this grater is sure to please and fit right into your kitchen.
How sharp is it?
OXO Good Grips made sure their zester grater is incredibly sharp. It doesn’t take more than a few swipes to get your desired amount of zest or freshly grated spice.
Is the handle comfortable to use?
As the name suggests, Good Grips utilizes a non-slip foot to give you more control during your grating, but the handle is also soft and comfortable with its non-slip grip.
How well does it work?
Even without its name-brand recognition, this OXO Good Grips microplane would make our list. It’s incredibly sharp and fits the bill for any zesting or grating you need to be done.
Is it easy to clean?
While this product is marketed as dishwasher safe, some reviewers note that even placing it on the top rack has led to the steel getting scratched. You could put it in the dishwasher, but rinsing with a mild detergent and hot water will work just as well.
Is it durable?
Yes! Even the occasional scratch in the dishwasher doesn’t stop the effectiveness of this microplane zester. However, this grater’s dimensions tend to be a bit bigger than people anticipate, so make sure you’ve got room in your drawers before buying this microplane.
Is it affordable?
At $14.99, this microplane isn’t as pricey as other models on this list, but can still be a bit of an investment for one kitchen utensil. With its multiple uses, though, this price is pretty reasonable.
5. Pro Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater from Integrity Chef
What’s unique about this microplane zester isn’t the design itself, but rather what Integrity Chef does with each purchase. Every Integrity Chef product sold leads to a donation to World Concern to help provide clean drinking water to those who need it. Coupled with their high-quality product and customer service, it’s easy to see why Integrity Chef made our list.
This microplane is made with ultra-high-quality stainless-steel that’s boasted to be rust-free. The handle is ergonomically designed, and all materials must pass a professional grade inspection to make sure the grater will last up to 5 times longer than its competitors. Plus, Integrity Chef offers a 100% refund if you’re unhappy with your purchase.
How sharp is it?
Because of the care that goes into crafting this microplane, the stainless-steel teeth are razor sharp and guaranteed to last.
Is the handle comfortable to use?
With its ergonomic design, the handle on this microplane is comfortable and easy on the joints, even promoting joint health.
How well does it work?
Quality doesn’t lie, so when Integrity Chef says their products are made with the best materials, they mean it. The time they take to ensure the best product possible also means it works well among its competitors.
Is it easy to clean?
This microplane is dishwasher safe, but can also be cleaned using a mild soap and hot water. Either way is perfectly fine!
Is it durable?
Made with the highest quality materials means durability as well. Integrity Chef makes sure their product lasts up to 5 times longer, so you’re bound to get a lot of uses out of this microplane before the edges begin to dull.
Is it affordable?
With this quality-assurance guarantee, a price tag of $13.97 is a small investment for such a versatile kitchen utensil.
6. Lemon Zester and Cheese Grater from Jofuyu
This zester and grater from Jofuyu is crafted with razor-sharp 18/8 stainless-steel that will never rust. Its square blade ensures it doesn’t clog easily and is more resistant to dulling than other microplanes. It has a large, silicone handle and comes with a cover for the stainless-steel plane.
Along with a top-notch microplane grater, Jofuyu offers impeccable customer service. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, Jofuyu will refund or replace your order to ensure your satisfaction.
How sharp is it?
The stainless-steel teeth on this microplane are incredibly sharp and guarantee to cut through your cheese or citrus with ease.
Is the handle comfortable to use?
Yes, this silicone handle is comfortable to use thanks to its non-slip grip. Plus, as an added bonus, there is a hole in the handle so you can hang this microplane instead of storing it in a drawer.
How well does it work?
This Jofuyu microplane is easy to use and extremely sharp, cutting through even the toughest cinnamon or dried chile pepper.
Is it easy to clean?
This microplane, like all others on our list, is marketed as dishwasher safe. However, if your dishwasher is known for banging up your items, you can always hand-wash with hot water and mild soap.
Is it durable?
Yes, this Jofuyu is durable and reliable thanks to its state-of-the-art stainless-steel razor-sharp blades and included cover to preserve the life of the steel.
Is it affordable?
Depending on the color you want, these microplanes range from $9.97-$13.59. This is a bit more expensive than the cheapest model on the list, but still not nearly as much as the name brand Microplane.
What is a Microplane?
Any zester or grater labeled as a “microplane” is trademarked under Grace Manufacturing Inc. and only refers to a device made by their company. However, tons of zesters and graters function almost identically compared to the best Microplane zester.
The Microplane’s origin, and other graters like it, started in 1994 and happened entirely by accident. A Canadian chef was following an orange cake recipe and got stuck using a dull grater to zest the orange. Out of sheer frustration, the chef grabbed a file made for shaving down wood and noticed how much more easily, quickly, and efficiently the zest came off. The rest is culinary history.
These kitchen devices are used by professional chefs and home cooks alike. A Microplane, or any other similar grater, is a stainless-steel piece of metal with small, razor-sharp teeth and a plastic or metal handle. Commonly referred to as a grater or zester, this piece of equipment is sure to be an excellent addition to your kitchen arsenal.
When Do I Use a Microplane?
While the names grater or zester may suggest only a small amount of uses between zesting citrus or grating cheese, that’s only a fraction of what microplanes can do. The best microplane will allow you to zest citrus and grate cheese, of course, but you can also shave cold chocolate or make a fresh ground powder out of cinnamon or nutmeg for a delightful dessert topping.
Microplanes are also perfectly equipped to handle things like garlic or ginger. Instead of spending time trying to chop and mince these things to perfectly small pieces, a microplane grater will do all the work for you! All you have to do is a few passes of the garlic or ginger against the plane, and you’ll have perfectly minced garlic or freshly ground ginger in a fraction of the time.
Additionally, the best microplane zester will give perfect citrus zest without digging into the lemon’s bitter skin (or lime or orange,) leading to perfect shavings for dinners and desserts. They can also be used as a garnish in any drink. A lesser-known use of microplanes is using it to remove burnt edges of bread and cookies as well.
Buyer’s Checklist of Important Features
Although many microplane zesters may look the same, some function better than others. This can be due to higher-quality material or different handle styles. Luckily, we’ve compiled a handy list of what to ask yourself when picking a microplane.
- How sharp is it?
- Is the handle comfortable to use?
- Can it grate and zest without much effort?
- Is it easy to clean?
- Is it durable?
- Is it affordable?
Frequently Asked Questions
As exciting and fun as microplanes sound, we know you’ve probably got a few questions when it comes to this unique kitchen tool. Here are the most frequently asked questions:
How Do I Use a Microplane?
We’re glad you asked! Microplanes are very straightforward to use, but require a little caution (as most things in the kitchen do.) To use a microplane, all you have to do is slide whatever it is you want to grate or zest across the steel plane and watch as you’re greeted by a perfect shaved orange peel or powdery grated parmesan cheese.
Is Using a Microplane Dangerous?
No, not really. Using a microplane requires the same attention you would give to using a knife in the kitchen. It’s a natural thing to use but takes practice to perfect. Microplanes are sharp, so watch out for your knuckles and fingertips, but it’s not dangerous.
Will My Microplane Last Forever?
Unfortunately, no. Although most high-quality microplanes use photo-etching technology to ensure the sharpest blade possible, it doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way forever. Like any other item with a blade, it will eventually dull over time, and you’ll need to replace it.
Where Can I Buy a Microplane?
Throughout your time in the grocery store or department store, you may have noticed microplane graters for sale. However, unless these zesters are brand name, they’re often going to be cheap and not made of quality materials. Our list is here to help you find the best microplane grater at the most affordable price for you.
Which Microplane Will You Choose?
We searched and compiled this list with customers in mind, always wanting to make sure they get the best microplane available with the biggest bang for their buck. These six microplane graters and zesters are top-notch and will fit into any kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting.
You can add extra fresh flavors with delicious citrus zest, or melt grated cheese seamlessly into various recipes and dishes. There’s a noticeably fresher taste of grated nutmeg as opposed to the pre-packaged stuff. You’ll add extra depth to everything you make, but also impress your friends with this nifty kitchen gadget.
With all of this in mind, the choice is clear—you have to get a microplane! You don’t know what you’re missing out on when it comes to not owning one. The only question is, which of these fantastic microplane zesters and graters will you choose?
