Grating cheese might seem like a simple task, but the experience can quickly become frustrating if you encounter the wrong grater. Imagine dealing with a flimsy grater that wobbles and feels awkward, or one where you lose more cheese than you actually grate. Picture your delicate mozzarella getting stuck in a device designed for hard cheeses, leading to a mess and wasted ingredients. These issues highlight the many ways cheese grating can go awry, but the good news is that you don’t have to endure these problems any longer.
To help you find the perfect cheese grater for your kitchen, we conducted extensive side-by-side testing. Each grater was evaluated based on several key criteria: design, comfort, ease of use, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. We shredded a variety of cheeses—including parmesan, mozzarella, and others—using different grater designs, such as flat, box, and rotary models. This thorough evaluation ensures that the graters featured on our list are truly the best options available.
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater
OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater
What We Like:
- Versatile Grating Surfaces: Features multiple grating surfaces and positions for diverse grating needs.
- Foldable Design: Easy to fold for convenient storage and quick access.
- Comfortable Handles: Pressure-absorbing handles provide a secure and comfortable grip.
- Easy to Clean: Can be easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.
What We Don’t Like:
- Durability Concerns: Plastic components may crack with prolonged use.
The OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater stands out for its versatility and user-friendly design. Equipped with two stainless steel grating surfaces, this grater is ideal for handling various types of cheese, from hard parmesan to soft mozzarella. Its pressure-absorbing handle is ergonomically designed to minimize hand fatigue, while the non-slip feet ensure stability during use. The grater can be snapped open for easy cleaning or disassembled for more thorough maintenance.
During testing, the grater performed well both in the standing position and flat over a bowl, though the plastic construction felt less durable compared to metal options. Despite this, its affordability and multifunctionality make it a top contender. It handled mozzarella efficiently, with minimal gumming up, making it a solid choice for both soft and hard cheeses.
Material: Stainless steel, plastic
Dimensions: 9.38 x 3.38 x 6 inches
Number of Blades: 2
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Best Electric: Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder
Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder
What We Like:
- Effortless Operation: Electric grater simplifies prep work with minimal effort.
- Versatile Slicing Options: Includes grater and slicer barrel options for varied food processing.
- Dishwasher-Safe Components: Slicing barrels and food chute are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
What We Don’t Like:
- Noisy Operation: The electric motor can be somewhat loud during use.
The Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder is an excellent choice for those seeking convenience. This electric grater functions like a handheld food processor, equipped with two interchangeable cones for slicing and shredding. Its compact size allows for easy storage, and it efficiently handles both hard and soft cheeses, though soft cheese may come out slightly squished.
In testing, it performed exceptionally well with hard parmesan, though its noise level is worth noting. The machine’s components are dishwasher-safe and easy to disassemble for manual cleaning. With a one-year warranty and a price that is lower than most food processors, it offers great value for its functionality and ease of use.
Material: Plastic, metal blades
Dimensions: 11 x 8.9 x 4.2 inches
Number of Blades: 2
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Best Splurge: KitchenAid Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder Attachment
KitchenAid Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder Attachment
What We Like:
- Variety of Sizes: Offers multiple slicing and shredding size options for different needs.
- Efficient Performance: Ideal for large batches with minimal manual effort.
- Perfect for Big Jobs: Handles both soft and hard cheeses with ease.
What We Don’t Like:
- May Warm Up Cheeses: Machinery may cause cheeses to warm up slightly during processing.
The KitchenAid Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder Attachment is designed for users who need to process large quantities of cheese efficiently. This attachment offers two size options for both soft and hard cheeses and integrates seamlessly with KitchenAid stand mixers. During testing, it handled parmesan flawlessly and performed well with mozzarella, although soft cheese took a bit longer to process.
Cleaning this attachment by hand can be time-consuming, but it’s top-rack dishwasher-safe. For those without a dishwasher, a small brush can assist in cleaning hard-to-reach spots. The attachment’s performance justifies the higher price for those who frequently prepare large amounts of cheese.
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 8.2 x 4 x 6.9 inches
Number of Blades: 3
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack
Best Rotary: Bnunwish Round Mandoline Drum Slicer
Bnunwish Round Mandoline Drum Slicer
What We Like:
- Effortless Operation: Drum slicer requires less manual effort compared to other graters.
- Multiple Size Options: Features three different drum sizes for versatile grating and slicing.
- Stable Design: Suctions securely to countertops for stability.
What We Don’t Like:
- Plastic Construction: The plastic body may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
The Bnunwish Round Mandoline Drum Slicer excels in versatility and ease of use. Its three stainless steel drums offer various grating and slicing options, making it a versatile tool for cheese, fruits, vegetables, and more. The strong suction base ensures stability, making it easier to apply pressure while grating.
During testing, it effectively grated both soft and hard cheeses, proving to be one of the few manual graters suitable for larger batches. While the plastic construction might not withstand heavy use over time, its performance and ease of cleaning (both by hand and in the dishwasher) make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, stainless steel blades
Dimensions: 10.23 x 4.5 x 9.5 inches
Number of Blades: 3
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, top rack
Best for Hard Cheese: Utopia Kitchen Cheese Grater & Shredder
Utopia Kitchen Cheese Grater & Shredder
What We Like:
- Versatile Options: Offers a wide range of grater, zester, and slicer options.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Made from durable stainless steel.
- Comfortable Use: Features a rubber handle and base for added stability and comfort.
- Affordable: Great value for its price.
What We Don’t Like:
- Storage Concerns: Can be somewhat bulky to store.
The Utopia Kitchen Cheese Grater & Shredder is an excellent choice for those focused on hard cheeses. This six-sided grater allows for customizable shred sizes and features a non-slip base to keep it steady during use. While it performed well with parmesan, its bulkiness made it less convenient for soft cheeses.
The grater is dishwasher-safe, but its size can make storage a bit cumbersome. Despite this, its durability and functionality for hard cheeses make it a solid choice for those who need a reliable, heavy-duty grater.
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 3.54 x 10.03 x 4.52 inches
Number of Blades: 6
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Best Stainless Steel: Boska Professional Series Ribbon Grater
Boska Professional Series Ribbon Grater
What We Like:
- Precision Grating: Ideal for individual portions.
- Safer for Hands: Grates cheese safely with minimal risk of injury.
- Compact Design: Fits easily in a silverware drawer.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited Batch Size: Not suitable for large quantities of cheese.
The Boska Professional Series Ribbon Grater is perfect for those who need a compact, precise tool for small amounts of cheese. Its design allows you to grate cheese with more control, reducing the risk of injuring your fingers. Although it’s not ideal for large batches, its compact size and easy-to-clean nature make it a great secondary grater.
During testing, the grater efficiently processed mozzarella, though the handle could benefit from additional rubber for improved comfort. Despite its limitations, it serves well for topping salads or pasta and is easy to clean either by hand or in the dishwasher.
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 11.02 x 3.15 x 0.79 inches
Number of Blades: 1
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, the OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater stands out as our top pick. Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and exceptional performance with both soft and hard cheeses makes it a standout choice. The grater’s multi-surface design offers versatility, while its foldable construction ensures easy storage and maintenance. Despite its plastic components feeling less durable, the overall value and performance justify the recommendation.
For those who prefer a handle to help process larger quantities of cheese like pecorino and parmesan, the Bnunwish Round Mandoline Drum Slicer Rotary Cheese Grater is an impressive alternative. Its rotary design and suction base provide stability, making it ideal for handling bigger grating tasks with less effort.
How We Tested
To determine the best cheese graters, we enlisted a cheese expert and home tester to evaluate eight different models. Each grater was used to process a range of cheeses, including hard varieties like parmesan and soft ones like mozzarella. Our evaluation criteria included:
- Design: Assessing the grater’s structure, ergonomics, and user-friendliness.
- Comfort: Evaluating how comfortable the grater is to hold and operate.
- Ease of Use: Determining how straightforward it is to grate cheese and whether the process is smooth or cumbersome.
- Performance: Measuring how effectively the grater handles different types of cheese and whether it meets performance expectations.
- Ease of Cleaning: Checking how easy it is to clean the grater, considering whether it’s dishwasher-safe or requires hand washing.
- Overall Value: Judging whether the grater provides good value for its price based on its features and performance.
Each grater was rated based on these factors, and the tester provided detailed insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Other Options We Tested
- Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater: This budget-friendly rotary grater is praised for its accessibility to both right- and left-handed users. However, we found it generally exhausting to use for large batches. It required significant pressure to grate parmesan, and while it performed adequately, soft cheese like mozzarella was laborious and clumped. Cleaning was challenging due to cheese getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
What to Look for in a Cheese Grater
- Sharpness: A sharp grater will efficiently cut through cheese or vegetables. Sharpness is crucial for tasks like zesting, where dull graters can dig into the bitter pith instead of scraping the aromatic exterior.
- Stability: A stable grater makes the process easier and reduces cheese loss. While some graters prioritize quick use over stability, having a stable option for larger jobs and a quick-to-clean grater for smaller tasks is advantageous.
- Versatility: Box graters are versatile with multiple hole sizes, while rasp graters are excellent for zesting and fine grating. Electric or rotary models can handle various ingredients beyond cheese, including vegetables and nuts.
- Ease of Cleaning and Storage: Consider graters that are easy to clean and store. Flatter options might be easier to clean, but they can be less convenient for use. Graters with safety guards can also prevent accidental injuries.
Types of Cheese Graters
- Box Graters: These versatile graters have multiple sides with different hole sizes. They are usually sturdy and affordable but may not always be very sharp. They work best with cold cheese and often come with a removable container for catching grated cheese.
- Rotary Graters: Ideal for hard cheeses like Parmesan, these graters are also useful for nuts and chocolate. They are generally easier to maneuver and safer to use. However, they take up more storage space and can be cumbersome if parts are lost.
- Flat Graters: These are often the least expensive and simplest in design, with limited hole sizes. They are typically easy to clean but can be awkward to use for larger quantities.
- Rasp Graters: Known for their sharpness, rasp graters are excellent for small tasks like zesting or fine grating. They are less suitable for larger quantities or softer cheeses due to their design.
- Attachments: Food processor attachments and other appliance-specific graters can handle large quantities quickly but are less effective for small amounts. They are useful if you already own the appliance.
Brands/Manufacturers
- OXO and KitchenAid are reputable for their cheese graters, offering reliable options for various needs. Boska is known for professional-grade cheese tools and is a preferred choice among cheese experts.
FAQs
- How do you use a cheese grater?
Different graters have specific instructions. Generally, hold the grater steady and run a block of cheese over it with medium pressure. Cold cheese is easier to grate. - How do you clean a cheese grater?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most graters are either dishwasher-safe or should be hand-washed. A small brush can help clean crevices where cheese gets stuck. - What else can you use a cheese grater for?
Beyond cheese, graters can shred vegetables, pulverize tomatoes, make bread crumbs, zest citrus, or grate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
