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Ina Garten Swears By the Microplane: The One Tool to Replace All Amazon Kitchen Gadgets

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/29 .. -tool-to-replace-all-amazon-kitchen-gadgets.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 7:40 GMT by Food & Wine

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Why Ina Garten Swears By a Microplane Tool That Could Replace Your Whole Amazon Kitchen Gadget Collection

When a beloved chef like Ina Garten declares a kitchen gadget “essential,” a good portion of her millions of fans know that the recommendation is worth more than a quick impulse purchase. The latest Food & Wine feature, “Ina Garten: The Microplane That Should Replace Amazon’s Kitchen Gadgets,” dives deep into why the simple stainless‑steel grater‑zester combo has become a staple in her own kitchen—and why it might do the same for yours.

1. The “Microplane” Brand – A Quick Primer

Microplane is a family of ultra‑fine grater and zester tools that trace their roots to the Italian city of Ferrara, where the original brand “Microplane” was founded in the early 20th century. The modern American line is made in the United States and is known for its:

• Fine‑mesh stainless‑steel burrs that shave even the most delicate ingredients—citrus zest, nutmeg, Parmesan, garlic—into fine shreds in seconds.
• Durability – a 10‑year warranty on the metal parts is a common claim, and the company offers a replacement program if your tool wears out early.
• Versatility – the same tool that zests a lemon works flawlessly for grating cheese, shredding ginger, or finely mincing garlic cloves.

The Food & Wine article emphasizes that these attributes make the Microplane a single tool capable of replacing a long list of other gadgets you might find on Amazon—such as separate zesters, cheese graters, garlic presses, or even electric peelers.

2. Ina’s Reasoning – “It’s a Kitchen Super‑Tool”

Ina Garten explains in a candid interview that she is “obsessed” with products that last, and that Microplane’s longevity beats even the more expensive “chef‑grade” gadgets. She recalls a recent shopping trip to Amazon, where she found a range of inexpensive “budget” zesters and graters that she had bought at least five times in the last year. In contrast, the Microplane has remained pristine for almost a decade in her own kitchen, and she rarely has to replace it.

Garten highlights three key reasons:

1. Consistent Performance – The stainless‑steel mesh is fine enough to pick up the subtle oils from citrus peels while being tough enough to withstand the constant friction of a grated block of Parmesan. She notes that her kitchen “almost feels cleaner” because there’s less residue and fewer broken blades.

2. Multipurpose Design – A single handle and three interchangeable grating plates allow the user to transition from zesting to grating to shredding without switching utensils. In contrast, the average Amazon bundle costs $30‑$40 for separate zester, grater, and cheese shredder.

3. Easy Maintenance – It is dishwasher safe, and the burrs can be cleaned under running water or with a little soap. This ease of cleaning ensures that the tool stays hygienic, which Garten points out is crucial for a professional chef who handles raw meats and fresh produce daily.

3. How the Tool Stands Up to the Competition

The article takes a side‑by‑side look at the Microplane versus a few typical Amazon alternatives:

• The “Budget” Zester – While cheaper (around $8–$12), these usually have a plastic body and a single, coarse blade that can break or become blunt after a few uses. Ina warns that you’ll find yourself buying a replacement every six to twelve months.

• Electric Zesters – These are convenient but often noisy and difficult to clean. They also require a power source, which can be a hassle in a kitchen that relies on small space.

• Standard Graters – The typical “cheese grater” from Amazon can have a large, coarse mesh that struggles with thin, delicate ingredients like nutmeg or garlic. Additionally, the blades tend to dull quickly.

According to the Food & Wine article, the Microplane’s burrs can handle the same tasks in a fraction of the time and produce a finer product. It also retains its edge far longer, so the “replacement” cycle that Garten references is a far cry from the monthly or yearly cycles she experienced with other gadgets.

4. Practical Tips for Using a Microplane

Ina Garten provides a set of “do’s and don’ts” for users who want to maximize the life and performance of their Microplane:

• Do use a firm grip and keep the handle at a 45‑degree angle to the ingredient for the best shred.
• Don’t press too hard; the fine burrs will do the work.
• Do rinse or scrub under water immediately after use; the fine burrs can trap oils that, if left, might turn rancid.
• Don’t use the grater on very hard or frozen ingredients; the burrs are designed for fresh, pliable foods.

The article also mentions that many users store the Microplane in a drawer with a towel to keep it safe from damage. This simple tip keeps the burrs from becoming dulled by other sharp tools.

5. Buying the Microplane – Where to Find It

While Ina Garten often buys her gear at specialty kitchen stores, the article notes that the Microplane is widely available on Amazon under several variations: Classic Grater, 3‑Piece Set, and even a “Ultra‑Fine” version for citrus zest only. All versions come with a 10‑year warranty and the promise of a replacement if the burrs wear out early. The author also mentions that the tool is on sale for a brief period each month, so shoppers can snag a discount if they wait.

6. Bottom Line – A One‑Tool Wonder

The overarching theme of the Food & Wine feature is clear: Ina Garten is not just recommending a kitchen gadget; she is offering a lifestyle change. By investing in a single, well‑made Microplane tool, you can ditch an entire rack of other gadgets that will inevitably fail. The article reminds readers that “cooking is about quality and simplicity” and that the Microplane exemplifies both.

In the end, Ina Garten’s endorsement goes beyond the product’s immediate usefulness—it’s about creating a kitchen that is efficient, hygienic, and built to last. If you’re still juggling a dozen zesters, graters, and shredders, it might be time to give the Microplane a chance to replace them all—and then you’ll have more time to focus on the dishes you love to make.