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Microplanes are great kitchen tools.  What most people don’t know is they come in many shapes and sizes and even colors now.  The story goes that a homemaker picked up one of her husband’s woodworking tools after becoming frustrated with her kitchen rasp and the rest is history.  Many kitchen cooks would choose the microplane as their one item if stranded on a desert island.  And I can see why - not only is it a great kitchen tool, but it could double as a pretty handy weapon with its sharp teeth.  Many a time I have slipped and grated my fingers. 

My first microplane was the standard black zester/grater like the one pictured above.  I have found it to be an excellent addition to my tool box.  It does many things including grating nutmeg, hard cheese, and zesting citrus.  I love the way it zests citrus the most.  It’s great when you have lots of zesting work to get done in a short time.  Like I said before, the only drawback is my tendency to slip and grate my fingers.  It is very sharp, I would not recommend allowing your kids to use it when they help you in the kitchen. 

The second microplane I bought was the 36000 series course grater.  This tool has a flattened head with a larger handle.  This microplane is designed to grate carrots, onions, etc.  It is a great tool.  The only problem I had with it is holding the handle too hard and cracking it.  It works just as well as the coarse microplane I have.  I enjoy them both. 

So, if you are in the market for a good little tool to add to your toolbox for an inexpensive price the microplane may be it.