Microplane Premium Classic Zester Grater ($15.99) and OXO Good Grips Box Grater ($20.83) from Amazon. 

You might think a microplane is just a smaller version of the all-mighty box grater. But in fact, these two holey kitchen appliances are distinct, with different use cases. If you’re stocking your kitchen, it may be time to consider investing in both a microplane and a box grater, two must-have tools. 

A Microplane is technically a brand name that’s become indistinct from the tool itself. Also known as a rasp, the tool is a long, slender grater with small, super-sharp holes. It has a soft rubberized handle that comes in dozens of colors, so it’s easy to find one to fit your kitchen aesthetic or to collect a few to match your mood. 

A Microplane is the go-to tool for a few specific culinary tasks. The small grater holes are especially sharp and great for making small minced pieces. Reach for your Microplane for:

It should come as no surprise that the best Microplane is made by, well, Microplane. The classic model is the best for all-around cooking. But if you’d like to try grating with different shapes and sizes, the brand also makes a ribbon-shaped grater. 

The older, hulking sibling of a Microplane, a box grater is a four-sided standing grater that’s more of a kitchen workhorse. Each side has different shape and size grater holes, which gives you more flexibility and versatility. 

Because a box grater stands on its own and has more surface area for cutting,  it’s easier to use for larger items. Grated product falls into the center of the grater, so be sure to do your work on a plate to catch the good stuff. 

Here are some of the best times to reach for your box grater instead of a Microplane in the kitchen:

The OXO Good Grips Box Grater comes with an detachable base that catches all of your grated goodies without any mess. It’s also dishwasher-safe and made of long-lasting stainless steel that maintains its sharp edge well. 

Because these two kitchen tools each have their distinct use cases, home cooks who like to do it all will need, and use both. For more precise grating tasks, your Microplane is your friend. For larger, hardier products, reach for the mighty box grater.

Lizzy Briskin is a freelance food writer and product reviewer. She runs the content creation business Earthen Food Co (https://earthenfood.co/), where she develops and photographs recipes, shares food stories and her (usually strong) opinions about all things related to cooking and eating. She's also a trained chef and marathon runner who lives in Boston. Contact her at lizzy@earthenfood.co and follow on Instagram @lizzybriskin.