Why it works as a gift
This is a small gift with an immediate sensory payoff: a pass over a lemon releases fragrant oils, while hard cheese falls in fine wisps instead of heavy shreds. The narrow grating surface also reaches ingredients such as nutmeg and ginger that can feel clumsy against a full-size box grater.
Model 46020 adds a soft-touch black handle, non-scratch end tabs and a reusable cover to Microplane's familiar rasp shape. It is useful enough for an experienced cook yet simple enough for someone learning why fresh zest changes a vinaigrette, pasta or batch of cookies.
Who should get it?
- Great for: cooks who finish pasta, baking or cocktails with fresh aromatics.
- Great for: small kitchens that need one fine grater to earn its drawer space.
- Great for: Secret Santa and host gifts that feel more capable than their price.
- Skip for: anyone seeking thick vegetable shreds or a child-safe kitchen activity.
The verdict
Excellent at fine work, intentionally narrow
The 46020 is a durable gift idea because it makes several familiar ingredients noticeably easier to use and includes a cover for safer storage. Its fine rasp is specialized: pair it with a coarse grater when a recipe calls for broad cheese or vegetable shreds, and treat its exposed cutting surface with the care of a sharp blade.
Why it works
- ✓ Fine photo-etched stainless-steel blade made in the USA
- ✓ Soft-touch handle and non-scratch end tabs improve control
- ✓ Reusable protective cover is included with model 46020
Tradeoffs
- × Fine teeth do not produce coarse shreds or ribbons
- × Very sharp surface demands careful use, washing and drawer storage
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Before you buy
- Match model 46020 and the black handle. Microplane sells several blade styles and colours whose product numbers and results differ.
- The tool is approximately 12 by 1 5/16 by 1 inches, with an 8-by-1-inch grating surface; confirm that the recipient has safe drawer or hanging space for its length.
- The reusable cover should be present. Put it back on only after the clean blade is dry, and keep the cover because the rasp remains exposed along most of the tool.
- Move food lightly over the cutting surface and stop before fingers reach the teeth. Use a food holder or another suitable guard for small pieces rather than trying to grate the final nub.
- Retailers describe the tool as top-rack dishwasher safe, while prompt rinsing and careful drying make residue easier to remove. Never wipe along the sharp teeth with bare fingers.
- Canadian listings for this exact model can be intermittently out of stock. Check the model number, seller, included cover and return policy instead of substituting an unidentified lookalike.
Good to know
What can the Microplane 46020 grate?
Its fine rasp is suited to citrus zest, hard cheese, ginger, garlic, chocolate, nutmeg and cinnamon. It makes fine shavings or paste-like aromatics rather than the broad shreds produced by a coarse grater.
Does model 46020 include a protective cover?
Yes. Current specifications for the black Premium Classic 46020 list a reusable protective cover. Confirm it is shown and included when buying from a marketplace seller.
Can the Microplane Premium Classic Zester go in the dishwasher?
Retailer care information lists the zester as top-rack dishwasher safe. Rinsing it promptly is often easier, and the powered force of a dishwasher is no substitute for careful handling when loading or unloading its sharp blade.
Is a zester the same as a box grater?
No. This long, narrow tool is a fine rasp designed for zest and delicate shavings. A box grater usually offers larger holes for coarse cheese and vegetables, so the two tools complement rather than fully replace each other.
As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Prices, sellers and availability can change. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.