From the woodshop to the kitchen
There are plenty of woodworking tools that seem like an ideal fit for the kitchen. Microplane, which makes such tools, offer kitchen versions so we don't have to decide just how to clean something out of the garage before using it on our food.
There are just some things that official kitchen implements don't do. There are only so many options for graters on the market. Over at the hardware store, though, there are tools that serve the same purpose--but there's generally a wider variety. Instead of looking in the "grater" aisle, though, you need to head for the "rasp" aisle.
You might see the Microplane label on many of the rasps you find at the hardware store. While it's tempting to buy a Microplane rasp for your kitchen--they're ideal for grating chocolate, zesting lemons and much more--you don't have to. They offer their tools in a kitchen version. The Premium Zester/Grater, for instance, would look at home in a tool box. It has the high-quality grip (in three colors) that Microplane uses on all its products and can take a clove of garlic apart in no time at all.
They've added nonscratch end tabs for easier kitchen use, and made the Premium Zester/Grater dishwasher safe. Best of all, it won't cost you any more than the hardware store version--just $14.95. If you've been looking for a grater capable of fine work, minus the danger of removing your fingertips, the Premium Zester/Grater should do the job.