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All Microplane graters use the same basic technology for cutting -- technology which was originally developed for the woodworking industry but that has been adapted for exceptional service in the kitchen as well. Many others in this group have extolled the Microplane virtues, so I'll concentrate on helping you choose the best one . . . the professional!
Now, what makes the professional so much better? Well, the standard line has 3 major/minor flaws: 1) the easy-grip rubber handle tends to capture water when washed, 2) the plastic molded frame holding the grating surface cracks when washed in the dishwasher, & 3) the head is so incredibly sharp that it must be kept covered, yet there is no easy way to do this except for the original tagboard cover.
The professional version fixes all of these issues. The frame and hollow handle (no water capture points) are stainless steel which eliminates issues #1 & #2 and it also comes with a nice snap-on plastic cover to protect the sharp head surface which takes care of issue #3. I can find _no_ faults with this version.
End result: For an extra $5, BUY THE PROFESSIONAL MICROPLANE!!
It's hard to describe how much better the microplane is than any other cheap, old-fashioned, knuckle-scraping box grater, or even most of the competing "modern" graters. The cheese goes where you want it to, you don't break a sweat, and there's nothing awkward or strenuous about the action. You have the handle in one hand, and the cheese (or what have you) in the other, and you just rub smoothly back and forth. No effort required. This is really one of those kitchen gadgets that makes you wonder where it's been all your life --- I never even stopped to think about how much of a chore grating was until I got one of these. I got one for my mother, grandmother, sister, and mother-in-law, and they're all equally amazed. (Well, maybe not quite as effusive about it as I am, but they really like them)
After two years of owning my microplane, I use it as much as ever. I can't tell you how delightful it is to have effortless grated cheese every time I serve pasta. The construction is solid, and it doesn't dull. One of these days, I'm going to get around to buying the rest of the microplane line -- the zester (which I think is their original product and looks just like a rasp), the spice grater, and the different grades of this style. But for now this does the trick in every situation. I love this thing like I've never loved a kitchen gadget.
The NY Times had a great little article about 2 years ago when it was first discovered that these carpentry planers were wonderful kitchen gadgets -I think a woman in Alberta borrowed some tools from her husband's hardware store and it took off from there. This is not just a fad - these really are far superior to what came before.
DOWN SIDE: The handle assembly collects water between the black handle and the clear plastic frame if the grater is immersed or cleaned under running water. This would happen if you put this in the dishwasher, too. Fortunately, the black handle is removable. Unless you disassemble this when cleaning it, you may want to check for water in the handle assembly before starting to grate cheese at the table.
WARNING: Like all of the Microplane graters, this one is very sharp. Pay attention while you are using it. Store it out of reach of small hands. If you must store it in a drawer, I recommend keeping it in the protective cardboard sleeve in which it is packed.
But for me, THIS is the cheese grater. It has any type of cheese begging for mercy in mere seconds, as the grater-zester does with the dreaded citrus, nutmeg, ginger, etc. True, the company says its zester will grate hard cheese -- and THIS grater can also make zest (although larger and coarser than the grater-zester creates).
Both items are well-made, sturdy, easy to hold & balance, and *VERY* sharp. My personal opinion and experience: try both.
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