Microplane 34006 4-Sided Box Grater
|
List Price: Our Price: $29.60 You Save: $5.35 (15%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Kitchen See more product details |
|---|
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Microplane 34006 4-Sided Box Grater
Customer Review: Works great while it lasts which isn't long.
Summary: 2 Stars
Received this for Christmas '09. As expected, the Microplane grating blades perform beautifully. However, the plastic housing of this device absolutely fails live up to the quality I expect from Microplane, and the quality I expect from a $35 box grater.
The first sign of deterioration was the small top handle pulling loose. This happened within weeks of receiving the item. Then small cracks started to develop around the extra coarse blade, which is the one I used most (mostly grating potatoes and cheese). Eventually the entire housing started to crack, and small pieces of the black plastic came off. At this point, I'm only able to reassemble three sides, the main top handle is only attached on one side, as the attachment point has completely broken off on the other, and there is barely any of the top frame of the extra coarse blade left, which renders it useless as it flexes too much to grate effectively. At this point the entire grater is utterly unusable.
I came onto Amazon today to order a replacement. I am really disappointed to see that Microplane has not redesigned this item. I will just be buying an individual extra coarse grater, for $15 instead, as $35 for a box grater that only lasts a year under moderate use is unacceptable to me.
I have uploaded two pictures of my dead grater in the customer images section.
Customer Review: One of the best things since...SLICED bread :-)
Summary: 5 Stars
I have bought all the other microplane graters and if you have even one of them, you know of the quality and the workmanship of microplane. This grater does not disappoint. I absolutely LOVE it.
1. It has a non-slip handle and feet so it feels very solid and secure when I'm using it.
2. One of the panels pops out so you can really clean if you need to do it by hand. I just put it in my dishwasher--no worries.
3. The four different panels makes it versatile so you don't have to go looking for different graters. It has a course side, fine side, ribbon and slicer.
4. The clear protective cover over the entire grater gives added security.
I know that it's a little on the pricey side but (sorry amazon!) I went directly to the microplane website. There is a sale section on it where they sell non-perfect items at a discount. I bought mine for $24.95 plus I believe $5 shipping. I was worried that I was going to get some hideously mangled product but honestly, I don't see anything wrong with mine. That discount is only until quantities are available so if you're in the market for a new box grater, you might want to check it out now.
I've been so very happy with my grater--I know you'll be too! This is one of the best kitchen purchases I've made.
Customer Review: Great except for one thing
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this grater after my very old aluminum box grater broke. Before I purchased this grater I had bought two rotary hand graters; but due to developing arthritis in my hands could not maintain the grip pressure required to use them. I based my purchase on the positive reviews and agree with them but for one exception.
The positive things that I really like about this grater are:
1. It is very sturdy and obviously well made.
2. The large handle makes it easy for me to control the grater with no hand pain.
3. The blades are very sharp! This makes it easy for me to grate bulk cheese quickly and easily.
4. The plastic shield makes it easy and safe to store.
The one aspect about the grater that I was disappointed in was that there is no fine grate side to the grater. Since I cook many Italian dishes, I use Locatelli brand Romano cheese and am used to a fine grate. With the Microplane grater using the smallest grate side, the cheese comes out in thin one-half inch strips instead of a fine grate and I find that this alters the taste and texture of some Italian dishes. Other than this, it is a wonderful product and I am sure that it will last as long as my old aluminum grater did. I would purchase this grater again.
Customer Review: Sharp, But Not Good
Summary: 1 Stars
Bought this about a year ago, so I've had plenty of time with it. I cook for my family just about every night. The bottom line for me, is this is not a good grater. You'd think that for the price you would get a really good grater, but this one has problems. It is just too different in the way it grates the cheese. The gratings are more like flakes than a normal grater would give you. So, you must adjust your recipes to this, and you must adjust your taste buds as well. If you like a "normal" grating, than this product will disappoint you. Secondly, it is not standing up to being washed in the dishwasher. All plastic sides have cracks, and it is just a short time until the whole thing will fail structurally. If you don't wash your grater in the dishwasher - no prob. Life's too short to do that, for me. So, I'll use it until it fails and than I will be on the lookout for a normal grater that has no flex in it when I grate. Anybody have any recommendations?
Update:
Finally broke when I dropped it - I swear it WAS an accident - and good riddance. Bought a sturdy box grater at Smart and Final and am a happy chef once again.
Customer Review: Works great, when it works
Summary: 3 Stars
This is one of the most frustrating kitchen products I've ever owned.
Because the thing is, it's excellent at grating. I have an OXO box grater too, and there's just no comparison -- it's much easier and faster to use this one, with less force required from me, because it's so much sharper. Given my choice of graters, I'd use this one every time.
BUT, it's flimsy as heck. It flexes while you use it and develops cracks quickly. The top handles start falling out, the plastic casing around the grating sheets cracks -- pretty much everywhere there's any stress on it, it dies, and quickly.
So if you look at it as a disposable grater, something to use up and replace within six months or so, it's an absolutely excellent 5-star piece. But if you don't think you should have to buy a new grater every six months -- and, honestly, put me in that category -- then it's sort of inexcusable.