What's the difference between classic grater and the Premium grater??

The premium grater is a newer version of the classic with non-scratch end tabs and a soft-touch handle that comes in different colors.

How is this specifically for grating nutmeg? I see they make a spice grater, too, but it looks small, less multi-purpose than this one.

I own the Microplane spice grater you're talking about. Microplane 46016 Premium Black Spice Grater. (Retail, ten dollars, 9.95 today.) I like it much better than the one here for spices, # 40020, because it grates spices like nutmeg very fine so that the flavor is better released and distributes well in a recipe. A spice grater doesn't need to be long or large. In fact, #46016 is rounded so what you're grating stays in the grater so it can be poured out the end where you want it. It's not a likely to cut your fingers I think. Never use anything greasy or wet on it like cheese because it is a fine grate making it challenging to clean out sticky foods that were never meant to be used on it. The cutting edges don't stick out on the spice grater as much either so it feels safer when working with small items like the whole nutmeg I mentioned and cinnamon sticks. For the same reasons I don't recommend using it on cheese, I'm not sure I'd use the spice grater #46016 on nut meats nor fresh ginger. It seems to me that it's truly meant strickly as a dry spice grater. If you're looking for an easy to store a few nutmegs and use the grater just for small, dry spices, you might look into a search for a stainless steel one I found once at Crate and Barrel eons ago. It's basically a cup with the grate on top. When I'm not using it the nutmeg pod I just took some off of stays in the cup. Every bit of what I grate goes straight into the cup for easy measuring for a recipe. It's very similiar to the one offered on Amazon which also can hold a partially used nutmeg pod for the next time: Microplane Grate and Shake Nutmeg Grinder/Grater, Black. Just checked, C&B no longer carries the ss version of the Microplane one referrenced above. I have the Microplane cup and top model, at another house; works fine, stores easily in a drawer, nothing sharp to snag you in the drawer but the one I have the lid won't stay on well. The answer to your question depends on the value of having one tool that works fair for several purposes or, if you're willing to own two tools, you'll have two that specialize better: one for larger grates that can be used on fresh ginger and cheese, then one that makes the most of your fresh nutmeg nut and other dry spices (ex: cinnamon). I opted for the later choice of two tools with no regret. If you're looking for a grater that is relatively fine that can be used fairly well on all the things discussed, an inexpensive and simple option is the Microplane 40001 Stainless Steel Zester. Takes up almost no room in a drawer or dishwasher, has a protective hard plastic sleeve for safe storage, can go in the dishwasher. Downside, no handle, which I've never had a problem with, ever. Presently, it's only about a dollar cheaper than model 40020 here. At retail, the 40020 is $1 less than this one at current offering. I received mine as a gift with a subscription to Am Test Kitchen's mag, Cooks Illustrated, a long time ago. Another brand option to replace the Microplane 40020 on this page is the (long description, sorry): Microzest Premium Grater & Zester - Professional Kitchen Tool + Bonus Recipes - Cheese, Lemon, Ginger, Garlic, Nutmeg, Citrus, Spice, Carrot, Vegetables, Fruits - Sharp Stainless Steel + Safety Cover. Retail: 29.97, 13.97 today. Unlike the Microplane 40020 on this page, it comes with a safety cover and non-slip rubber tips on the end to protect your counter top if you rest it there to grate smaller items like nutmeg. It's a few dollars more than the Microplane version seen here. Keep in mind that Microplane also has a premium version of this grater: Microplane 46020 Premium Black Zester/Grater, which has a safety cover, a metal band btwn the grating part and the soft-grip handle, as well as the protective tips at the bottom, comes in a variety of attractive kitchen-matching colors, retails @ 16 dollars. (14.60 today) Note: I've provided what Amazon shows as full retail for relative comparison. as regular Amazon shoppers know, prices can vary from day to day. When you're seriously shopping, it s is important to check what each of these are being offered for that day. Best wishes with your choices. If you regularly use star anise, cinnamon, fresh nutmeg pods and so on, I do believe the one way to ensure your powdered spices are fresh and at max flavor, pick up a grater just for them. Besides the ones I mentioned, there are several others to consider. As far as a blade that can take on finely grated hard cheese, fresh ginger and garlic, chooses one of the four items I mentioned above: four various Microplane with increasingle better features or the one other brand that appears popular. I firmly believe the simple ten dollar #40001 is plenty of rasp, unless you just have to have a handle. All of the five graters are excellent for zest, not the ones made just for spices.

Used on a daily basis, how long can I expect one of these to last?

About 17 years in my case. From 2005 until 2022 when the handle broke. Used it several times/week over those years and ran it through dishwasher on occasion too.

Has anyone tried grating garlic with this ? Does it shred it or does it make it into a liquid mess ?

It finely grates garlic in to tiny shreds of garlic. It is fast and easy to use. I bang it on the edge to remove as much of the garlic as possible, then wipe in the opposite direction to when grating to remove the garlic left. I am very careful when doing this however, so not to grate my fingers. This is VERY sharp. Hope this helps!

Colour	black
Material	Stainless Steel
Brand	Microplane
Item Weight	57 g
Shape	Rectangular
Is Dishwasher Safe	Yes
Manufacturer	Microplane
UPC	692193988403 692193988410 098399400204 087989675467
Global Trade Identification Number	00098399400204
Country of Origin	USA
Item model number	40020
ASIN	B00004S7V8

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