6 Best Cheese Graters

Cheese graters are an essential tool in every kitchen. If you are questioning why this tool is necessary for your kitchen, here are some answers to your questions.

Pre-grated cheese will save you time, but it is more expensive, and it often has preservatives to prevent the cheese from sticking together. With a greater you have the choice of grating coarsely or finely with whichever cheese you like.

best cheese graters

Are there different types of graters?

Yes. Cheese graters come in all kinds of designs, as well as manual or electric, and the quality and sturdiness is different for each brand. Most graters can be used to grate or shred other products such as citrus fruit, potatoes and vegetables. Whether your cheese is a topping on pizza, pasta, or a grilled cheese dish, here is an overview of what we consider to be the best cheese graters for home cooking. 

List of best cheese graters

Things to consider before buying the best grater for cheese

Type of grater

Box graters, rotary graters, rasps, flat graters, there are many different types of manual options available. The latter two are perfect for tiny kitchens and small spaces with limited storage. If you have the space and are in need of multiple shredding sizes, a classic box grater is all-purpose and will be most suitable although they are not always the sharpest.  Rotary graters are mainly for hard cheeses such as Parmesan and they are popular in Italian restaurants.

Food processors or stand mixers often have attachments that can be purchased. It’s not cost effective to buy one though if it will only be used to grate a small amount of cheese, but if you have the machine, why not use it?

Sharpness

It is almost impossible to sharpen a cheese grater. Therefore, it should be sharp enough upon buying the tool to cut grate or shred cheeses or vegetables without much resistance. 

Ease of use

A good non-slip grip increases the stability of the grater. It will keep in place and means you will spill less of the product. Even handheld devices should be stable when placed on a countertop or over a bowl.

Cleaning

Cleaning should be easy and with minimum effort. Many brands claim to be dishwasher safe, but we recommend washing cheese graters by hand with a dish brush to keep them sharp and extend their lifespan.

Overview of best box graters

Most popular and best overall – Spring Chef Professional Box Grater

It’s not the cheapest model of all but you won’t break the bank with this four-sided box grater. Coarse, medium and fine grating are possible as well as slicing, and all are with minimum effort because of the sharpness of this stainless-steel grater. The handle and the removable rubber base make working safe and prevents slipping or damaging counters and cutting boards. Besides the easy use and safety, it is also completely dishwasher safe and there is a lifetime warranty! 

Just take care to release the grated food in small batches to avoid it clogging together inside the box grater.

Related: Razor clams au gratin

Best multiple use – Utopia Kitchen Cheese Grater

This hexagonal box grater has more options compared to the Spring Chef model which adds versatility. The shred size can be customised from very fine to coarse. 

The stainless steel is high quality and stands for optimal longevity. The rubber handle and base are comfortable and safe to work with and while it is easy to wash by hand with dish soap, it also fits in the dishwasher.

Overview of best rotary cheese grater

Best rotary grater – Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater

We just love the sleek design of this beautiful rotary cheese grater which is NSF Restaurant Certified. It might not be as versatile as a box grater, but it produces well-presented food and that’s why it is a restaurant essential. The drum fits a small piece of cheese and can manage hard cheeses, chocolate and even nuts perfectly. The handle of this model can switch sides for straightforward operation, no matter if you are left or right-handed.

The drum and the handle can be dismantled for easy cleaning, but even with the dishwasher safe certificate, we really recommend washing everything by hand. 

Overview of best cheese graters

Best electric – Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder

When naming a cheese grater ‘shooter’ you know immediately what this means. Just point and shoot your cheese or other ingredients towards your plate or wherever you want it to land. There are 2 easily interchangeable cones for shredding and slicing but no versatility when it comes to the process of shredding or slicing.

Although there is a motor base, it is still compact enough to store in a drawer. The base wipes clean while the cones and other parts are dishwasher safe. The only thing to pay attention to is that the product comes from China and has an output of 125 watts only.

Best attachment – KitchenAid Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder

This attachment is specifically for a KitchenAid stand mixer. Just make sure it fits your machine by checking your model number. The available blades include a 3mm slicing blade for all kinds of medium hard and soft vegetables, a 4mm medium shredding blade perfect for cheeses and firm vegetables, and a 6mm coarse shredding blade great for cabbages, potatoes and more. This attachment and accessories pack come in a convenient case for easy access and compact storage. The blades are dishwasher safe, but as with all blades and electric devices, we always recommend washing by hand.

Related: Best mandoline slicers

Best budget – Natome Graters for Kitchen

Although we consider a microplane grater to be an excellent choice for zesting and fine grating, The Natome Grater is our best budget buy. This zester grater with handle is currently the largest known available.

The sharp, finely etched blades will grate hard cheeses best, as well as strands of parmesan,lemon zest, and finely shaved nutmeg and chocolate. 

Use the anti-cut finger cots for safety while using this very sharp stainless-steel grater.  

Wash and rinse under running water or in the dishwasher and store in a safe place similar as you would with knives. The lifetime warranty is a bonus too!

Related: Marrow and zucchini au gratin

Highlights of the best cheese graters

It’s true that you can never go wrong with cheese. No matter what you are eating, cheese will be a welcome addition.

If it comes in a block or ball, using the best box grater or rotary cheese grater is going to give you a nice burst of flavour on any meal or snack.

Cheese is also a comfort food, so it is super anytime of the year or for whatever mood you are in!

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