As you improve your skills as a home cook, pre-shredded cheese will become a thing of the past. You can’t beat the savory bite of freshly grated cheese, so every home cook needs a quality cheese grater.
Despite the name, cheese graters are useful for more than shredding dairy products. You can use these tools for grating vegetables and baking ingredients like chocolate as well. The key is to look for a grater that’s versatile to use in several types of cooking (unless you’re sticking with cheese exclusively).
Anyone who’s used a cheese grater knows that the process can be tiring. To prevent sore hands and tired arms, be sure to search for a cheese grater that’s comfortable to hold. Some graters will sit against a cutting board, while others are smaller and hand-held. The perfect product for you will depend on your cheese needs.
If you’re ready to add flawlessly grated ingredients to all your favorite recipes, here are some of the best cheese graters to consider.
1. Spring Chef Professional Box Grater
Spring Chef’s stainless steel cheese grater is sturdy and versatile. The product is available in large and extra-large sizes, each with four sides. You can grate cheese and vegetables with medium and large graters, as well as a slicer. There’s also a zester for fruit rinds and chocolate. The round handle is comfortable to hold, and the rubber bottom stays firmly in place. Keep in mind that the extra-large grater is 10 inches tall, so you’ll need enough space to store it.
Pros: The grater is easy to clean and won’t rust. You won’t have to worry about denting the surface.
Cons: Small pieces of food can get stuck in the rubber base. You’ll need to rinse it right after use to prevent cheese from sticking.
2. Cuisinart Boxed Grater
Cuisinart’s cheese grater is made of durable stainless steel. The product has a rubber base and handle, which prevent it from slipping. While the rubber base is a useful feature, cheese and vegetable shavings can get stuck inside. So, be sure to remove it to remove those pieces. Each of the four sides has a different grating or shredding option, and the product is dishwasher safe.
Pros: You can throw this cheese grater in the dishwasher, so it’s easy to keep clean. The handle is comfortable to hold while you grate.
Cons: The grating holes may not be sharp enough for some home cooks. It can also feel a bit bulky.
3. OXO Good Grips Coarse Grater
OXO’s handheld cheese grater is a great option for shredding vegetables and soft cheeses. The non-slip handle is comfortable to grip, so your hand won’t get tired while you grate. The stainless steel surface features coarse grating holes, but there are finer graters and zesters available as well. This product includes a plastic cover to protect the product when not in use. The grater is quite sharp, so this cover also protects your hands.
Pros: This handheld grater is easier to control than box graters, so it’s great for smaller vegetables. You can wash this product in the dishwasher.
Cons: The sharp grating holes can easily cut your hands.
4. Progressive International Two-Way Grate & Measure
This double-sided grater includes a built-in measuring compartment, so you can grate the exact amount of cheese that you need. The compartment has a two-cup capacity and keeps the cheese from spilling on the counter. You keep this grater on its side during use, and non-slip grips keep the product from sliding around. This grater only has fine and medium grating holes, so you can’t create a coarse grate.
Pros: The measuring compartment keeps the mess to a minimum. Grating horizontally is easier on your hand than grating vertically.
Cons: This product only has two grating options, and both are on the smaller side. The holes might not be sharp enough for tough vegetables.
5. ZYLISS Classic Rotary Grater
If you want to impress your guests with restaurant-style grating, this product is a great buy. The drum fits most cheeses, as well as nuts and chocolate. However, it works best with hard cheese like parmesan. Simply turn the handle to create a pile of finely shredded cheese on your plate. The components of this product separate for easy cleaning, and you can toss both the drum and handle in the dishwasher.
Pros: You can switch the handle to use with your left or right hand. This product grates cheese quickly.
Cons: Soft cheese can get stuck in the grater. You might need to soak the product prior to cleaning.