When it comes to kitchen equipment, there are some instances where you must accept no substitutes. Like for a sharp chef's knife, or a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet. Or a Microplane rasp grater.

I’m a big fan of the humble rasp-style grater. This little powerhouse is indeed grater — greater! — than the sum of its parts (sorry/not sorry). It’s a go-to in my kitchen, as well as the food lab at ...