Microplane is such an essential name in the culinary industry that it’s hard to believe these graters have been around less than 20 years – in the latest incarnation, at least. In 1994, Lorraine Lee was making Armenian Orange Cake and found she had nothing to zest the orange. She picked up one of her husband’s carpentry tools and the rest is history.

Microplane graters are made of surgical grade stainless steel with black plastic handles. The difference is in the production process. The razor-sharp holes are actually photo-etched (a process that involves dissolving the steel with a chemical), leaving edges that finely grate and slice rather than shredding and tearing. Microplane graters are hands down the best on the market today, which is why you’ll find one in the toolbox of every top chef.

The Microplane Zester/Grater is the original. It measures 12”x 1.3” and it’s the best choice for zesting citrus and grating hard cheeses like Parmesan Reggiano. All Microplane graters include a plastic storage cover and are dishwasher safe.