Comments: Can you afford space in your kitchen for a tool that only grates Parmesan and other dry, hard cheeses? lf so, this is the grater to get! It makes absolutely fluffy grated cheese – certainly the finest grated Parmesan we have ever seen. We are smitten (can you tell?)

The blade is made of surgical-grade 18/8 stainless steel. Like all Microplane kitchen tools, the tiny razor-like edges are formed by a process called photo-etching, in which holes are dissolved with a chemical, leaving edges that finely slice instead of tearing or shredding. The company says the star design etched in the blade is "specially engineered for superior results and long-lasting use without dulling." We think it's pretty.

The grater can be set for right- or left-handed operation. Unlike some rotary graters we have used, this does not require (or want) a lot of pressure on the handle to press the cheese against the blade. Put in the cheese, hold the grater in one hand, turn the handle with the other, and it simply snows Parmesan cheese.

The grater is dishwasher-safe, but the manufacturer recommends that you take it apart first so that it gets a thorough washing. If you wash it by hand (and even in taking it apart for the dishwasher) you must take care not to hurt yourself or the blade.

A restaurant that grates Parmesan at the table and feels the need to "stretch" its cheese, would be very happy – and save money – with this grater. (It cuts too finely to be of any use with soft cheeses and would be very hard to clean). Whether or not you are trying to stretch your Parmesan, you will appreciate the sheer luxury of such finely grated cheese.