Microplane Master Series Zester (43220): problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-16

Summary

The Master Series Zester (model 43220) is Microplane’s walnut-handled, US-blade rasp zester, sold at a premium over the brand’s own plastic-handled Premium Classic zester. Its problems are handling and expectations, not a documented defect: the walnut handle must be hand washed and never soaked, the photo-etched blade cannot be sharpened, and an owner review on the sibling Master Series Coarse Grater reports the blade-to-frame welds failing after a year. Ownership is cheap — no consumables except a $1 replacement cover — and it is a good buy at Microplane’s own $25.49 outlet price if the walnut handle and heavier build are what you want.

Common problems and fixes

Walnut handle must never be soaked — Microplane says the Master Series handle is hand-wash only and must not be soaked, and the international FAQ repeats the rule; the fix is hand washing, drying thoroughly, rinsing immediately after use and storing it with the cover. [1][15]
Blade cannot be sharpened — Microplane states its photo-etched blades cannot be sharpened, so a worn blade means a new tool rather than a service; the fix is to buy a replacement. [15]
Heavier than plastic-handled zesters — at 8 oz the walnut-and-stainless body is heavier than plastic-handled zesters, which some owners find tiring in long use; there is no fix beyond choosing a lighter model. [1]
Warranty wording is unclear — the refund policy states a 3-year manufacturing-defect warranty but also references a lifetime warranty and limits replacement beyond 3 years to a discount, so the long-term term is ambiguous. [13]

Parts and consumables

Replacement protective cover — Microplane sells a replacement cover for $1; the zester ships with a reusable cover. This is the only replaceable part or consumable. [6]

No other replaceable parts or consumables are reported: the photo-etched blade cannot be sharpened and there are no filters, pads or subscriptions. [15]

Yearly running cost

Effectively zero — there are no consumables, no subscription and no scheduled maintenance. The only optional purchase is a replacement protective cover at $1, and mineral oil is recommended for the walnut handle on the sibling Master Series paddles. [6][5]

When it is a good buy

Captured prices: Microplane.com lists the Zester at $29.99, Crate & Barrel at $29.95, Microplane’s outlet store at $25.49, Nella in Canada at CAD $43.99, and UK shops at £30.00. The sibling Master Series paddles sell for $32.99 each on Microplane.com. [1][3][7][12][18][6]

At $25.49 or less it is a good buy for buyers who want the walnut handle, the heavier 8 oz body and the 2017 Red Dot styling, since the outlet lists it well under the direct $29.99. [12][17]
At roughly $29.95–$29.99 it is a premium-finish purchase: the extra money over the roughly $18 Premium Classic buys the handle, weight and finish rather than a different blade. [1][4][7][16]

Alternatives:

Microplane Master Series Fine Grater (43204) — the better choice if you want the walnut handle but a wider 5 3/8 × 2 1/4 in grating surface; it shares the handle and blade material and lists at $32.99. [5]