I have owned a previous Microplane, consumer edition, with plastic frame and it was absolutely wonderful until it wasn't. The plastic frame lasted a good long time, being hand washed but once it broke the grater was useless. When I saw the Professional series I knew I needed another one. I first bought the skinny 'rasp style' and it is good for zesting citrus fruit, however, I lost several garlic cloves in a pot and had to fish them out because the surface area is not wide enough. This is the main task for which I selected the tool. I does a better job than a press and is infinitely easier to clean. It also makes a good ginger grater. Upon receiving this Microplane the quality and professional sturdiness stood out immediately. The thoughtful additions of non slip base and a tighter cover made my day. This is reminiscent of chef tools I am familiar with in restaurants. I have no doubts about it longevity and usefulness. If fine grating is what you need this would be my first choice. Read more
The grater is sharp, easy to hold and quality; made of stainless steel from top of the handle down to the grater base. The only plastic is the sliding cover. Probably the best little grater I’ve ever had and plan to buy other sizes from this series. Made in the USA and not China is another huge advantage. Other reviewers talked about the labels and glue. Because I had read reviews before buying, when mine arrived I simply started pulling at the label corner, carefully and slowly pulling the label back. The label peeled off in one piece taking all the glue with it. No residue left on the grater at all. Not sure why others had an issue with this? Read more
I'd describe the "coarse" grater as "medium-fine" at best, in truth it is only slightly coarser than the microplane 40020 zester. It is much too fine to make cole slaw or shred carrots. For nearly all purposes, I suspect that the "extra coarse" would work just as well and would be a better choice for most cooks. However, if like me, you HAVE a "coarse" grater: It would be useful for very fine grating of cheese, chocolate, coconut, or garlic. "Grated" vegetables are mush---so perhaps this grater would be useful for making baby food, or preparing fresh vegetables for elderly folks---if you want the vegies raw or lightly cooked. If you want cooked "baby food consistency", it is much easier to first cook then "blend" vegetables. I first learned of Microplane when I purchased a cutting glove Microplane 34007 Kitchen Cut-Protection Glove for use with my mandolin. At that time, I couldn't imagine why a zester/grater manufacturer sold cutting gloves. Now I know. The Microplane zesters/graters are razor sharp---and if you are grating small things, like garlic or nutmeg---unless you are very careful, you need a cutting glove. Many spices you'd laboriously mince can be "finely minced" with the "coarse" grater. I find the "coarse" grater useful for grating potatoes to make potato pancakes or potato dumplings. Grate a large Yukon or "new" potato; add 1 egg per large potato, 1/4 part flour, stir in thoroughly; microwave in a 24 oz covered casserole for 5 minutes; stir thorough; then fry as pancakes or form into balls for dumplings and chill. To cook the dumplings, slow-boil for 10--15 minutes until they float. (Note, however, I suspect that the "extra coarse" grater would work just as well for this purpose Also, you can do the same thing without a grater, by first cooking the potatoes and then mashing them. AS A GIFT If you are a cook, or there is a cook in your life, a Microplane zester or grater is the best $15 gift you can get or give. If you want two microplane graters, I suggest the zester Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater and the extra coarse grater Microplane Professional Extra Coarse Grater Professionals may find some use for the medium and coarse graters, but for ordinary cooks, I doubt these sizes are useful. > Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question. Read more
I like Microplane products. They're sturdy & effective at a good cost. I have the Slider attachment, and I used that last to finely mince garlic. Theoretically, you don't need the attachment, but theoretically, you can function fine without fingertips. While Microplane zesters make flakes of hard cheese, this grater makes ribbons. Metal construction means you can put it in the dishwasher without worry. The rubber coated "foot" allows you to grate without it sliding around. Mostly, I appreciate the product for what I don't see. (dulled cutting surfaces, plastic frames that crack, accumulation of muck on/in the handle, ...) Also, it comes with a plastic cover. I recommend you keep that. (see prior note about avoiding grating off finger tips) Read more
The grater works well and seems well made. I was concerned about the problems people mentioned with the sticker leaving adhesive, but it was not an issue for me. The sticker was on the back and made of plastic. When I slowly and carefully peeled it off, it left almost no residue behind. The couple flecks it left behind were less than 5% of the total area of the sticker, and came off in about a minute when scrubbed. The grater itself isn't just spot welded at the corners, it is completely welded up both sides where the grating surface comes into contact with the wire frame. There is some flex when grating Parmesan, but it seems fairly sturdy. The grater makes very fluffy, fine piles of Parmesan that melt instantly. This is great if you want to have your cheese melt, but if you want heartier strips you would need a different size. This greater doesn't work as well on medium to soft cheeses like cheddar as they tend to crumble when pushed through the small holes. After a month, I'm still happy I bought it. I can't say how well it holds up over time, but it seems very well made. Read more
