The Microplane brand is widely regarded as the best-in-class option for zesters and graters, praised for sharpness, versatility, and longevity under casual to moderate use. However, there is a genuine debate in the community about whether it qualifies as a true BIFL item, since the blades dull over time and cannot be sharpened. The consensus leans toward recommending the all-metal professional versions over consumer models with plastic frames, which are prone to cracking.
Microplane is best-in-class for sharpness and performance, but should be considered a long-lasting consumable rather than a true lifetime tool — choose the all-metal professional version and expect eventual blade replacement if used regularly.
Users consistently praise Microplane for exceptional sharpness, versatility across ingredients, and impressive longevity for casual home cooks — many reporting 10–20 years of satisfying use.
The main criticism is that Microplane graters are consumable tools — blades dull with regular use and cannot be sharpened, making them a poor BIFL candidate for heavy users. Plastic-handled consumer versions are also noted for cracking and breaking.
A commenter with restaurant experience noted that lifespan is entirely dependent on use intensity — a casual home cook might get 15 years out of one, while a professional kitchen can go through many in a year.
One user strongly recommended the all-metal professional version specifically, noting there is nothing to crack or break, unlike the colorful plastic-handled consumer models.
A longtime user reported their Microplane has lasted over 20 years by avoiding the dishwasher, suggesting proper care dramatically extends lifespan.
Several users drew a useful distinction: the tool itself may be consumable, but choosing a well-built all-metal model at least eliminates premature failure from broken frames before the blade even dulls.