Microplane Premium Zester Grater in After Dark Gray: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

The Premium Classic Zester Grater in After Dark Gray (model 46743) is a long, narrow rasp-style tool with a USA-made photo-etched stainless blade, a soft-touch TPE handle and a reusable cover. Wirecutter chose it for fine grating after testing 44 models, but owners report the etched surface flattening after years of hard use; there are no consumables, so replacement is the whole tool at about $18, and it is a well-supported buy from $15-19.

Common problems and fixes

No formal US warranty terms — the US page only promises a replacement for damaged-on-arrival items; an Australian distributor cited a one-year warranty. [2][7]

Parts and consumables

No replaceable parts or consumables reported. Blade replacement is not offered; at this price the tool is replaced rather than repaired. [2][3]

Yearly running cost

None beyond occasional cleaning; blade replacement is effectively tool replacement at about $18. [2][3]

When it is a good buy

Abt and the Microplane US store both list the After Dark Grey at $18.99 (2026), Preptainer lists it at $16.54 (2026), and Crate & Barrel Canada lists it at CAD 26.95 (2026); Food & Wine listed it at $18 to $19 in February 2025. From $15-19 it is a well-supported buy; above $20 the value weakens. Alternative: the hard-handle Classic series uses the same blade for $12.99, so pay the difference only if you want the soft-touch handle and the cover. [1][2][12][13][5]