Microplane

Microplane Kitchen Graters

What might sound a bit like an urban legend is the true success story of the brand Microplane. It began in 1994 in Ottawa, Canada, when a housewife wanted to bake an orange cake. Her recipe included freshly grated orange zest. Since her old kitchen grater only produced unappetizing zest mush, the clever woman quickly turned to her husband's toolbox and repurposed his new Microplane wood rasp. With the razor-sharp blade, the orange peel could be grated finely and effortlessly. This discovery, that a wood rasp intended as a tool could also finely grate food, was the spark for the Microplane kitchen grater product line. Today, the graters of the Microplane brand are found in kitchens of professional and hobby chefs worldwide.

The so-called photo-etching process ensures the extremely sharp blades of the Microplane graters. This manufacturing technique has been perfected by Microplane over the years and is now a core competency of the company. Unlike other manufacturing processes, photo-etching can produce cutting edges that act like sharp knives. They cut the grated material finely and precisely without tearing or crushing it. The grated foods can thus fully develop their aroma and taste. Today, Microplane is recognized worldwide as THE pioneer in the production of single-sided photo-etched graters and slicers. The following versions are available as kitchen graters: zester blade, fine blade, coarse blade, very coarse blade, spice blade, star blade, 2-way cut, large rasp, and the XL-coarse blade. You can find out which blade is best suited for what further down in the text.

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The Production of Microplane Graters

The Secret of the Extremely Sharp Blades

The blades of Microplane graters are manufactured using the so-called photo-etching process. This photochemical technology has been developed and continuously optimized by Microplane over its long company history to become its core competence. For our technically inclined readers, here is a brief description:

Sheets of high-quality stainless steel are covered with a light-impermeable film. This film is exposed, meaning a kind of photo is transferred onto the plate, serving as a template: This determines the size and shape of the cutting edges. The stainless steel plates are then sprayed with a ferric chloride solution. This acid etches away the now unprotected areas, forming the cutting edges of the graters. The resulting grater teeth are raised, and the correct angle of inclination is of utmost importance. Unlike punched or double-sided photo-etched blades, the Microplane cutting edges act like extremely sharp knives. This means that the food is not torn or crushed into mush but is precisely cut without the grated material sticking to the teeth. This difference can be seen and tasted. The aromas of the grated food are preserved, and the flavor is even intensified.

Today, Microplane is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the production of single-sided photo-etched kitchen graters. The American company set a new standard in the development and functionality of kitchen tools.

The Microplane Products

To offer perfect kitchen tools for the various requirements in the kitchen, Microplane has developed a large range of products. The different series and blade variants are tailored to the specific characteristics of the respective food to be grated. Here in the shop, you will find the Microplane Premium Classic Zester GratersMicroplane Gourmet Graters, Microplane Professional GratersMicroplane Master Graters, Microplane Black Sheep Graters and the Microplane Specialty Collection.

The following blade types are available: spice blade, star blade, zester blade, fine blade, coarse blade, very coarse blade, 2-way cut, large rasp, and the XL-coarse blade.
An explanation of the special features of these blades and their possible uses can be found further down.

The Microplane Series

Microplane Premium Classic

The Premium Classic series is—as the name suggests—the classic in Microplane's portfolio. The characteristic look of the spice and zester graters is reminiscent of the original that made its way from the woodworking shop directly into the kitchen. These graters have made history and are part of the basic equipment.

Microplane Gourmet

The "Gourmet" series stands for variety and competence. A wide grating surface and various blade types from fine to very coarse characterize this collection. You will find the right tool for every application here. A non-slip rubber foot and the soft-touch handle ensure comfortable operation of the graters.

Microplane Professional

Completely made of stainless steel, the Microplane Professional series is THE series for purists. A successful example of how functional design can also come with a classic, elegant look. Moreover, these graters are extremely practical, as they are completely resistant to long water baths. The non-slip rubber foot ensures a stable stand while working. 

Microplane Master

The Master series is a perfect composition of style and efficiency. The handle of the graters is made of American walnut wood. It gives this series an exclusive and elegant appearance. Ideal for people who value a stylish look even in small kitchen tools.

Microplane Black Sheep

The Black Sheep series of Microplane presents itself entirely in black. Their cool appearance is due to a PVD coating, which provides additional scratch resistance. These trendy kitchen tools are a statement for extraordinary design and an eye-catcher in any kitchen. 

Microplane Specialty

In the Specialty series, Microplane combines its kitchen helpers. Each tool makes kitchen work easier and makes grating, cutting, and garnishing a breeze. These include:
Professional peeler, professional peeler with serrated blade, adjustable V-slicer with julienne blade insert, chili mill, spice mill 2in1, ginger grater 3in1, 2 tower graters, box grater, rotary grater, herb cutter 2in1, spiral cutter, cube grater, garlic cutter, multi-citrus grater, protective glove, residue holder, and pizza cutter.


The Microplane Blades

Microplane graters offer professional and hobby chefs a variety of different blade types, from very fine to very coarse. They cover every requirement for kitchen graters. Each blade variant can be used for different foods. Depending on the type of blade, the grating result changes, as well as the texture and aroma of the grated food. For example: One person prefers finely grated hard cheese, while another prefers coarse Parmesan shavings, it's a matter of taste.

The Microplane Blades

Microplane Spice Blade

Grating Result:

The spice grater is the finest blade in the Microplane range. With it, you can turn hard spices into the finest powder. Unlike the other blades, the grating surface of the spice blade is semi-circular.

Foods & Dishes:

The spice blade is designed to finely grate nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, or even chocolate. Ideal for decorating desserts or topping drinks, such as hot chocolate. A pinch of finely grated nutmeg belongs in mashed potatoes and refines some soups or sauces.

Microplane Star Blade

Grating Result:

The star blade is ideal for creating a snowflake-like, powdery consistency. The grating result is very fine and fluffy.

Foods & Dishes:

Freshly grated, powdery Parmesan is wonderful on antipasti, salads, soups, and pasta. Due to the fine texture, the cheese melts on the warm dish in no time. Also perfect for seasoning Asian dishes with freshly grated ginger. Chocolate and cinnamon can be effortlessly grated into drinks and desserts to refine them.

Microplane Zester Blade

Grating Result:

The classic zester blade delivers a fine grating result. It resembles "angel hair," according to Microplane. This type of blade is ideally suited for all foods that you want to grate very finely.

Foods & Dishes:

Perfectly suited for effortlessly grating the peels of citrus fruits. For refining salad dressings, desserts, cakes, and cookies. The zester blade is also excellent for freshly grating aged hard cheese like Parmesan over pasta or Caesar salad.

Microplane Fine Blade

Grating Result:

With the fine blade, you achieve a very delicate and fine texture of the grated food. This allows the aromas of the grated material to unfold best and provide significantly more flavor. Roots and spices that contain moisture, such as ginger, garlic, and chili, get a puree-like consistency with this blade.

Foods & Dishes:

The fine blade is ideal for zesting citrus fruits, sparing the peel layer where the bitter substances reside. Grated citrus peels are wonderful as a baking ingredient. With this blade, you can also grate hard spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or even chocolate. The grating result is extra fine.

Microplane Coarse Blade

Grating Result:

With the coarse blade, the grated material can be cut into fine strips.

Foods & Dishes:

The coarse blade is well-suited for hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino. Its main area of use is a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, carrots, or even ginger and coconut. Onions, shallots, and garlic can be finely grated with it, so they can be well mixed with other ingredients in soups and sauces, enhancing the flavor. When you grate ginger with the coarse blade, you can season Asian dishes or prepare fresh ginger tea. Also perfect for homemade baby puree from fresh carrots or apples.

Microplane 2-Way Cut

Grating Result:

With the two-way cut, you can effortlessly grate back and forth. The grating result is fine, slightly wider strips (similar to the large rasp, just more delicate and thinner).

Foods & Dishes:

The 2-way cut is very suitable for all types of vegetables that should not be grated too finely, such as zucchini or cabbage. Also ideal for grating hard and soft cheese for casseroles, baked pasta dishes, and gratins. Some also grate onions and potatoes with it for quick rösti. This multitasker also effortlessly shreds hard foods like chocolate.

Microplane Very Coarse Blade

Grating Result:

The very coarse blade cuts the grated material into elongated sticks—similar to julienne strips, just a bit wider and thicker.

Foods & Dishes:

With the very coarse blade, you can actually grate almost any food. Hard and soft cheese for pasta, pizza, and salad, cabbage for coleslaw, and fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, zucchini for stews and casseroles. When baking, you can grate cold butter into the dough or garnish desserts with grated chocolate.

Microplane Large Rasp

Grating Result:

With it, you can skillfully create toppings for your dishes—whether sweet or savory. The grating result of the large rasp is fine but wide shavings. These look great and have an intense flavor due to their texture.

Foods & Dishes:
This blade is ideal for garnishing and decorating dishes: Savory cheese shavings for salad or carpaccio, sweet chocolate shavings for cakes and desserts—your imagination knows no bounds.

Microplane XL-Coarse Blade

Grating Result:

The XL-coarse blade cuts food into wide sticks and is best suited for grating larger quantities.

Foods & Dishes:

The XL-coarse blade is ideal for grating more voluminous foods, such as zucchini, potatoes, cabbage, and much more. Freshly grated pumpkin for pumpkin soup is also quickly made. Even soft cheese can be quickly and effortlessly grated over potato or vegetable gratins.

The Advantages of Microplane Kitchen Graters—At a Glance:

Microplane graters have the world's sharpest blades. They offer professional and hobby chefs the following advantages:

The blades cut the food precisely and cleanly, they are not torn or crushed. This preserves and intensifies the aroma, enhancing the flavor.

Grating without effort. The grated material glides effortlessly over the blade without pressure needing to be applied or the food sticking to the cutting edges.

Depending on the desired consistency, a wide variety of foods can be grated with almost any blade.

  • • Extremely sharp & durable stainless steel blades
  • • Single-sided photo-etched cutting edges
  • • Exclusive use of the highest quality stainless steel
  • • Microplane blades are completely manufactured in company-owned factories
  • • Ergonomic handles guarantee high comfort when grating
  • • Non-slip rubber feet ensure stability
  • • Reusable protective covers for safe storage of the graters
  • • Easy to handle
  • • Easy to clean