Microplane Classic Black Rotary Cheese Grater
Microplane's name became synonymous with precision grating when a woodworking rasp was adapted for kitchen use in the 1990s and produced results that no conventional grater could match. The principle - that blade geometry and sharpness determine the quality of the output - runs through everything the brand makes, including this redesigned rotary grater.
The Classic Black is a handheld rotary grater built around a surgical-grade stainless steel blade, etched and manufactured in the USA. The redesign has focused on two areas where rotary graters typically fall short: durability and cleanup. The drum and crank arm have been reinforced for daily use, and the three-part assembly comes apart fully for washing - either by hand or in the dishwasher. In use, the funnel-shaped drum directs grated ingredient straight to the dish, which keeps mess contained and gives you reasonable control over quantity.
Key features include:
- Surgical-grade stainless steel blade: Etched blade manufactured in the USA; designed for long-term sharpness and durability
- Redesigned drum and crank arm: Reinforced construction for daily kitchen use
- Three-part disassembly: Comes apart fully for thorough cleaning; dishwasher safe
- Extra-large hopper: Accommodates generous quantities for larger portions without constant reloading
- Funnel-shaped drum: Directs grated ingredient to the dish with minimal mess
- Ergonomic soft-touch handle: Comfortable grip for extended use
- Versatile: Suited to hard cheeses, nuts, and chocolate as well as Parmesan
- Compact footprint: 21 x 8 x 9cm when assembled
The Classic suits home cooks who use a rotary grater regularly and want one built to last, as well as those who want to grate Parmesan or chocolate directly at the table without a box grater in sight.
What Customers Ask About the Microplane Classic Rotary Grater
A box grater sits on the worktop and requires the ingredient to be pressed and dragged across a static blade - the force and angle are less controlled, and the result can be uneven. A rotary grater holds the ingredient in the hopper and feeds it against a rotating drum blade at a consistent pressure, which produces more uniform shreds and gives you better control over how finely the ingredient is grated. The rotary format also works well directly over a dish at the table, which a box grater does not. The trade-off is that rotary graters are not suited to soft cheeses or moist ingredients - this one is designed for hard cheeses, nuts, and chocolate.
This grater is designed for hard and semi-hard cheeses - Parmesan, Pecorino, Grana Padano, aged Cheddar, Manchego, and similar. Softer cheeses such as mozzarella, brie, or young goat's cheese will not work in a rotary grater, as they compress rather than grate and will clog the drum. If you are unsure whether a cheese is suitable, the rule of thumb is that if it crumbles when you break it, it will grate; if it stretches or smears, it will not.
Yes - Microplane confirm this grater works with nuts and chocolate in addition to hard cheeses. Dark chocolate and firm milk chocolate grate cleanly; very soft or warm chocolate may smear rather than grate, so chilling the chocolate beforehand is advisable in warmer conditions. For nuts, whole blanched almonds, hazelnuts, and similar firm nuts work well. Avoid oily or sticky nuts such as macadamias, which can clog the drum.
The grater disassembles into the body, the drum with blade, and the hopper lid - allowing thorough cleaning of all surfaces that come into contact with food. Microplane have designed this version specifically for easier disassembly than earlier rotary grater designs. All three parts are dishwasher safe.
Surgical-grade stainless steel refers to a higher specification of stainless steel - typically 316 or 420-grade - that is used in medical instruments for its corrosion resistance, hardness, and edge retention. In a grater blade, it means the cutting edges resist dulling over time and do not rust when exposed to acidic foods like Parmesan. Microplane state the blade is etched and manufactured in the USA, which is consistent with their other premium blade products.
Microplane do not specify left-hand compatibility for this grater. Most rotary graters are designed for right-handed use, with the crank handle on the right side. If you are left-handed, we would recommend contacting us before purchasing so we can confirm the handle configuration.
Specifications
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Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers choose quality kitchen tools. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
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Questions? Visit our contact page or call us on +44 1737 222996
Care & Use Instructions
Before use: Assemble the three parts - body, drum, and hopper lid - ensuring the drum clicks or seats securely before loading ingredients.
Loading: Cut the cheese, chocolate, or nut into pieces that fit the hopper. Do not overfill - load a moderate amount and refill as needed. Soft, warm, or sticky ingredients will not grate cleanly; chill chocolate before grating in warm conditions.
Grating: Hold the body firmly over your dish and turn the crank handle at a steady pace. The funnel-shaped drum will direct the grated ingredient downwards. Avoid forcing large or hard pieces through the hopper under pressure.
Cleaning: Disassemble into the three parts before cleaning. All parts are dishwasher safe - the top rack is preferable for the blade drum. If handwashing, use a small brush to clean between the blade etches, taking care around the sharp edges. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling for storage.
Storage: Reassemble or store disassembled in a dry drawer. The drum blade is sharp - handle it by the frame rather than the blade surface when cleaning and storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've used it in the kitchen.
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage the grater, we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Microplane products typically carry a manufacturer's warranty - please check Microplane's current warranty terms for this specific product. Our own guarantees are separate from and additional to any manufacturer warranty.
Yes. If you've seen the identical Microplane Classic Black Rotary Cheese Grater cheaper elsewhere, let us know. If it's in stock with our competitor on the day you contact us, we'll match the price.