Microplane Home Series Cheese Grater

The Verdict

The Short Version: If you grate cheese more than twice a month, this is the last grater you’ll buy. Here’s why.

I’ve tested more graters than I care to admit—box graters, rotary graters, electric ones that cost five times as much. Most end up in a drawer, dull and useless, after a few months. The Microplane Home Series is different. It’s the one grater I reach for daily, and after 225 Amazon ratings averaging 4.5 stars, I’m clearly not alone.

What You Actually Get

The Home Series is a classic Microplane design: a long, narrow stainless steel blade set into a molded plastic frame with a comfortable grip. It’s about 12 inches long and weighs next to nothing. The blade is photo-etched—that’s Microplane’s signature process—which creates ultra-sharp cutting edges that stay sharp far longer than stamped blades on cheaper graters.

You get the grater itself, nothing else. No guard, no catch tray, no nonsense. That’s fine, because this tool doesn’t need accessories.

How It Performs in Real Use

Here’s where the Microplane separates itself from the pack. The razor-sharp teeth shave cheese into light, airy ribbons rather than mushy clumps. Parmesan becomes a snow-like fluff that melts instantly into pasta. Hard cheddars grate cleanly without turning into a greasy paste. Even cold butter for pastry—a task that destroys most graters—shaves into delicate shards without tearing.

The ergonomic handle deserves special mention. It’s angled so your knuckles stay clear of the blade as you work. I’ve grated entire blocks of parmesan without once worrying about my fingertips. That’s not something I can say about any box grater I’ve owned.

One buyer put it simply: “This replaced three different graters in my drawer. I use it for cheese, garlic, ginger, and even chocolate. It’s the only kitchen tool I’d rebuy immediately if it broke.” That matches my experience—it’s a multi-purpose tool that excels at everything.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides.

First, the blade is completely exposed. If you toss this in a drawer without protection, it will slice through anything it touches—including your fingers when you reach in blindly. The product image shows the bare blade clearly, so this shouldn’t surprise anyone, but it’s worth stating plainly. Buy a blade guard or store it on a magnetic strip.

Second, it’s not dishwasher safe. The heat and harsh detergents will dull the blade over time. Hand washing takes about ten seconds under running water—the design prevents food from getting trapped—but if you’re someone who refuses to hand-wash anything, this isn’t for you.

Third, the fine blade is not ideal for coarse shreds. If you want thick cheese chunks for tacos or salads, look elsewhere. This is a fine-to-medium grater, period.

Who Should Buy This

• Home cooks who grate cheese regularly—this will become your most-used tool
• Anyone who’s ever cut themselves on a box grater—the handle design is genuinely safer
• People who cook for one or two—the compact size works perfectly for small batches
• Bakers—freshly grated nutmeg, lemon zest, and cold butter are all effortless

Skip it if you need coarse shreds for melting over nachos, or if you refuse to hand-wash kitchen tools.

FAQ: What Shoppers Actually Ask

Is this the same as the Classic Microplane? The Home Series has a slightly wider blade and a redesigned handle compared to the Classic. The cutting performance is essentially identical, but the Home Series feels more comfortable for extended use.

Can I use this for things other than cheese? Absolutely. It’s excellent for ginger, garlic, nutmeg, chocolate, and citrus zest. The sharp blade handles all of these without clogging or tearing.

How do I clean it? Rinse under hot water immediately after use, blade-side down. Food particles rinse right off. For stubborn residue, a quick scrub with a soft brush works. Never use abrasive pads or the dishwasher.

The Verdict: 4.6/5

Buy it if you want a razor-sharp, versatile grater that will last for years and makes grating cheese genuinely enjoyable.

Skip it if you need coarse shreds, refuse to hand-wash tools, or have small children who might grab at an exposed blade.

At its price point, the Microplane Home Series delivers performance that rivals graters costing three times as much. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of tool you’ll reach for every single day—and that’s the highest compliment a kitchen gadget can earn.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.