Not quite fair to compare this to a microplane. This zester is for stripping off larger pieces; channel is for cutting long pieces to be twisted for drinks or food decoration. The microplane is used for very fine shredded zest that can be tasted but not seen. If you are going to buy only one, get the microplane because it also works for grating hard cheese, and whatever this Oxo zester does can be done with a paring knife. (More fun and a lot faster to use the zester, though.)