Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all packaging materials and any protective films from the blades. Wash the entire grater in warm soapy water or place in the dishwasher. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. This removes any manufacturing residue and prepares the grater for use. Handle carefully—all four blade surfaces are genuinely sharp.

Choosing the right blade: Select your blade based on the ingredient and desired texture. The ultra-coarse blade creates thick shreds, perfect for soft cheeses or vegetables that will be cooked. The fine/zester blade produces the finest texture for hard cheeses, citrus zest, or spices. The medium ribbon blade creates attractive shreds for salads or toppings. The slicing blade produces uniform thin slices. Refer to the blade guide above for specific applications.

Setting up for use: Place the grater on a stable, flat surface. The four rubber feet should make contact with your worktop, providing stability. Alternatively, you can position the grater over a large bowl—the box design allows it to straddle bowl edges, with grated ingredients falling directly into the container. This is particularly useful when grating large quantities or messy ingredients.

Grating technique: Hold the handle firmly with one hand for stability. With your other hand, hold the ingredient and move it up and down across your chosen blade surface. Use moderate, consistent pressure—Microplane's sharp blades don't require the heavy pressure needed for traditional graters. Work in smooth, even strokes. As the ingredient becomes smaller, be mindful of your knuckles approaching the blade—consider using the remaining piece for cooking rather than grating to the absolute minimum.

Slicing technique: For the slicing blade, hold the ingredient firmly and press it against the blade whilst moving downward in a smooth motion. The blade creates uniform slices that fall away from the grater. Use consistent pressure for even thickness. For very hard vegetables like potatoes, you may need slightly more pressure, but Microplane's sharp blade still requires less effort than traditional slicers.

Safety during use: All four blade surfaces are sharp—always grate away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blades. Watch your knuckles, especially as ingredients become smaller. Never apply excessive pressure or force—if the blade isn't cutting easily, it may be clogged with food (rinse and continue) or you may be using the wrong blade for that ingredient. Keep children away from the grater, and never let them use it unsupervised. When not in use, replace the safety cover immediately.

After each use: Rinse the grater immediately under running water to remove food particles before they dry. Hold the grater under a strong stream of water, rubbing your hand over the blade surface (carefully, away from the sharp edges) to dislodge stuck particles. For cheese or other sticky ingredients, use a brush—an old toothbrush works perfectly. Pay attention to all four sides, ensuring no food remains trapped.

Removing the fine blade for cleaning: The fine blade can be detached for thorough cleaning. Follow the specific mechanism for your model—it typically involves releasing clips or sliding the blade out. Once removed, you can clean both sides of the blade thoroughly and access the area behind it where food may have become trapped. Clean all surfaces, rinse well, and allow to dry before reassembling. This deep cleaning should be done periodically, especially after grating aromatic ingredients like garlic or strong cheeses.

Dishwasher cleaning: The Microplane box grater is completely dishwasher safe. Place it securely in the dishwasher where it won't shift during the cycle. The high-pressure water jets clean photo-etched blades very effectively, often better than hand washing. For best results, rinse off major food debris before placing in the dishwasher. The dishwasher won't dull Microplane's blades—they're designed to withstand repeated dishwasher cycles without degradation.

Hand washing: If washing by hand, use warm soapy water and a brush to clean all four blade surfaces. Work carefully to avoid cutting yourself on the sharp blades. A bottle brush or vegetable brush works well for reaching into the box interior. Rinse thoroughly under running water, ensuring all soap and food particles are removed. Shake off excess water and allow to air dry completely, or dry with a clean towel.

Stubborn residue: If food has dried on the blades, soak the grater in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes to soften residue before cleaning. For cheese that's melted onto the blade from friction heat, warm water helps dissolve it. For very stubborn residue, a paste of baking soda and water can help—apply, let sit briefly, then scrub gently with a brush.

Drying and storage: After washing, shake off excess water and allow the grater to air dry completely. Ensure water doesn't pool inside the box—you may need to position it at an angle to drain thoroughly. Once completely dry, replace the safety cover over the blades. Store in a drawer or cupboard where it won't be knocked about. The compact design fits easily in most storage spaces. Ensure the safety cover is always in place during storage to protect both the blades and anyone reaching into the storage area.

Maintaining blade sharpness: Microplane's photo-etched blades maintain their edge for years with proper use and care. Avoid grating ingredients that are too hard or not meant for the tool (like bones, frozen solid foods, or hard plastics—though these seem obvious, accidents happen). Don't use the grater as a general scraper or for non-food tasks. Don't bang the grater against hard surfaces to dislodge food—this can damage blade edges. With normal use for appropriate ingredients, the blades should remain sharp indefinitely.

Dealing with clogged blades: Some ingredients (particularly soft cheeses or sticky vegetables) can clog blade holes during grating. This is normal. Simply stop grating, rinse the blade under running water to clear the clog, shake off excess water, and continue. Some cooks keep a bowl of water nearby for periodic rinsing during extended grating tasks. For ingredients that consistently clog, try refrigerating them first—firmer ingredients grate more cleanly.

Preventing rust: Whilst stainless steel resists rust, prolonged exposure to moisture can eventually cause issues. Always dry the grater completely after washing and before storage. Don't leave it sitting in standing water or store it whilst damp. If any rust spots do appear (rare with proper care), remove them immediately with a paste of baking soda and water, scrubbing gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Using the safety cover: The included safety cover protects the sharp blades during storage and prevents accidental cuts when reaching into drawers. Always replace the cover immediately after cleaning and drying the grater. The cover should fit securely—if it becomes loose or damaged over time, contact Microplane about replacement cover availability. Never store the grater without its safety cover in place.

What to avoid: Don't use metal utensils to scrape food from the blade surfaces, as these can damage the photo-etched teeth. Use plastic, silicone, or wooden implements if necessary. Don't attempt to sharpen the blades—photo-etched teeth cannot and should not be sharpened like conventional blades. Attempts to sharpen will damage them. Don't drop the grater or subject it to impacts that might dent or damage the blades. Don't use the grater for anything other than food preparation. Don't leave the grater soaking for extended periods—rinse and clean promptly after use.

Troubleshooting: If grating becomes difficult, the blade may be clogged—rinse and continue. If ingredients aren't grating well, ensure you're using the appropriate blade for that ingredient and applying adequate pressure. If you're concerned about blade sharpness, test on a piece of Parmesan cheese—it should grate easily with moderate pressure. If performance genuinely declines after years of use, the blade may have sustained damage and might need professional attention or replacement.

Long-term care: With proper use and cleaning, your Microplane box grater should provide decades of reliable service. The photo-etched blades won't dull with normal use. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wear. If the rubber feet eventually lose their grip after many years, they can typically be replaced. If the soft-grip handle shows wear, this is cosmetic and doesn't affect function. Store with the safety cover, clean promptly after use, and dry thoroughly—follow these basic practices and the grater will remain a reliable kitchen tool for years to come.