Kitchen

What a Microplane Does That a Box Grater Doesn't

A fine rasp-style grater shaves ingredients into very small, light particles instead of producing the larger strands made by most box graters. That makes it especially good for citrus zest, hard cheese, nutmeg, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients where you want fine dispersion.

A box grater is more versatile for shredding larger amounts of cheese or vegetables. A microplane earns its place by doing one fine-grating job exceptionally well.