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I love my microplane. I think it does an excellent job and it's such a multi-purpose tool.

I have the lee valley version with the tray that attaches, which makes it much easier to hold onto.

Another vote for the microplane. It does the best job of anything I've tried.

Microplane. There is no substitute.

microplane.
there are different ways to hold the thing (grated material falls down v. grated material gathers on top of the device), and I'm thinking if you nick your fingers, you might be holding it the wrong way for you . . .

As much as I use the microplane(s)
I also occasionally use a paring knife or a knotched peeler, if I need thicker ribbons of zest, or big pieces to candy.

One more vote for the microplane. Lemon, ginger, chocolate, hard cheese -- it's miles better than anything I've used before. I have the OXO mandoline and peeler as well, and as Guido said it depends on what result you want which tool you use.

another microplane over here :)

in that case, can someone recommend a good "starter" microplane?

I use a microplane, but I also have I guess it's called a hand zester, which I still use if I need thicker pieces.

I would recommend a microplane with a handle on it, I have those and they work great, have yet to grate my knuckles.

(Knock on wood)

If I am going to be using the zest in a cooked custard, I peel the lemon or orange with a Y-shaped peeler, stuff the large chunks in a tea bag (you can get disposable ones for the compost pile, or re-usable cloth ones) and simmer the bag in with everything else. Then I squeeze the hell out of the bag and toss it. It's an especially good trick for rice pudding since it isn't strained afters.

Another vote for the microplane. I too have one with a handle on it and I've never had a problem with injuring myself. The one I have came with two interchangeable grater "plates." The one with larger holes is perfect for grating chocolate and hard cheeses. The one with small holes is what I use for citrus zest and ginger.

I am a fan of the humble lemon zester.
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-26781-Lemon-Zester/dp/B00004OCJO

I can hold the lemon with one hand, zester in the other, and it takes about a minute to zest a complete lemon. Sometimes I run a knife through the zest to mince it into little pieces.

I've never cut myself using it (which is always a plus with the acidic fruit).

Jesus, there is nothing easier for zesting than a microplane.

Agree with everyone regarding the microplane. It is the best thing for zesting without getting too deep and zesting the bitter white part with the yellow top. The trick of the microplane job is to keep all the attention on the job. You can not watch tv and zest a lemon - no-no. YOu can not try to zest a lemon while chatting on your phone. Some things are just clear. When you use the microplane next time, just focus on the job and keep your fingers away from the surface.

I use a Zester like this one:
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku40386/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd0m1%7C15%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Czest&cm%5Fsrc=SCH
(not sure if mine is from WS though).

Mine can do tiny thin strips of zest at the top of the metal blade part and has a larger indent for bigger strips.

I refuse to even look at a microplane ever since that X-men movie with Ben Foster's Angel character. Yeesh.

Guess I'll have to get a zester.

Zester zealot here.

the new microplane with the premium handle is a better hold and has two rubber feet to hold it still on a counter or in a bowl...both nice improvements. that said, i love the microplane and have never cut myself on any model

used to simply use a knife. since i bought myself a zester, will never do without again!
ps: have no idea what a microplane is, gonna check it out on the net, after reading all the raving reviews about it.

Zester as I like strips. Microplane if it really calls for grating and chopping up strips won't do.

Potato peeler! I just very lightly peel it (without pith) then I simply chop or run it through the vitamix depending on how much i need.
JetSetBaby
2ciaos

The original style is the best, in my opinion. I don't like the handled ones because I sometimes lay my microplane across the top of a pot or pan on the stove and you can't do that with a handled one. I have the box that comes with (which makes it easy to hold when not laying it over a bowl or pot) and I find it useful when doing cheese over a plate because then it goes where I direct it.

Here's a link to the one I have:
http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page.aspx?c=1&p=32458&cat=4,104,53214&ap=2

Things I use the microplane for:
-citrus zest
-hard cheese
-chocolate
-ginger
-garlic
-nutmeg

I've always used a box grater, but I've never owned/used a microplane, so I can't really compare them.

One question I have about zesting lemons though - when I was a kid we usually had home-grown lemons from the neighbours, but recently I have been put off zesting lemons for recepies as all the ones in the shops seem to be waxed - does that make a difference?? Does anyone else think it's a problem?

I always wash my lemons with soap and water if I'm going to zest them.