Product Review: Microplane Graters and Glove

The Ranting Chef does not get paid or receive any revenue from manufactures or retailers of products reviewed. I occasionally receive products that I am asked to use and see what I think. I take a look, try them out and tell you all about them.

A box? Whatever could it be? It was a selection of tools from Microplane.

First out of the box was the Cut Resistant Glove.

I put it on and it fits like a…um….glove. The cut resistant glove is useful in a variety of cutting uses. While good for typical knife work, it becomes really important when shredding, grating or using a mandoline. Using quick, repetitive motions with your hand around sharp objects opens up your hands to everything from small nicks and cuts to some really deep gashes. The glove gives an added layer of protection to keep your hands safe. The blade, especially at an angle, is more likely to slide off the glove then cut right through it.

The second item is a Bartender’s Garnishing Tool. While I have never worked professionally behind the bar, I’ve made my share of cocktails. Too often I find myself scouring for yet another tool.

Microplane solves this by having three solutions in an easy to hold tool.

The top part easily creates citrus peels. Throw a couple of these in the bottom of a glass and you really elevate the style of your drinks.

Easy peasy.

The center of the tool zests citrus for a much finer grate. This is ideal if you want a stronger citrus taste when you are creating a mash for a drink. The third tool is a bottle opener, which no drink related tool is complete without.

The third item is the Elite Series Fine Grater. This hand-held grater is has a comfortable handle and is easy to hold when using.

A unique component is the protective cover slides on the back and turns into a “catch cup” complete with markings to let you know how much you have grated.

You can see the cup attached here.

Note the glove. I did not have to worry about scraping my knuckles. The fine grater is ideal for zesting or to get a very fine shred (parmesan cheese).

The cup catches the contents which makes it much easier to keep your counter clean and to move the ingredient over to your dish.

The last product was the Home Series Coarse Grater.

Similar to the Elite Series, the Home Series fits comfortable in the hand. While it does not have the catch cup, the surface is broad, allowing for more to be grated in a shorter amount of time.

The grater made short work of this cheese.

My Take: You have to love tools from Microplane. The glove is essential to any home or professional cook for both your safety and the idea that no one wants a little extra skin in their dish! I won’t use a grater or mandoline without one. The bartender’s tool is handy and an efficient way to spruce up both the look and taste of your mixed drinks. The graters are workhorses and stand up to the heavy use I put them through. The Elite Series cup is an ingenious addition and comes regularly into play in my cooking. Check out Microplane at their Facebook page. Their products can purchased virtually anywhere cooking utensils are sold online (such as their site) or at any store.

AND…

Microplane has graciously one more of each of the tools I highlighted above for the winner of the next Diced! competition. Thank you Microplane!