Only a liberal dusting of freshly grated cheese can top a great homecooked Italian dinner. Even if you’re not a great chef, shredded cheese may elevate a poor meal to the next level. But we don’t mean any sort of cheese; once you start shredding cheese at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought. What’s more, the finest part? It’s insanely simple if you’ve got the greatest cheese grater for your kitchen.
Cheese shredders come in a variety of forms and sizes and are an excellent addition to any kitchen. Gone are the days when a large food processor was required to achieve precisely shredded cheese; smaller portable ones will serve just as well!
Today, we’ve compiled a list of the top six cheese graters on the market. We’ve included a variety of options, and we’re certain you’ll find the right one for you on this list. Even if you don’t, we’ve put up a useful ultimate purchasing guide to assist you in your quest.
Contents
- 1) Best Overall Pick: Spring Chef Professional 4-Sided Box Grater in Stainless Steel
- 2) Top Budget-Friendly Cheese Grater: Norpro 339 Stainless Steel Grater
- 3) Premium Electric Grater: InnoMoon Cheese Grating Attachment for Stand Mixer
- 4) Best Cheese Grater for Soft Cheese: OXO Good Grips Box Grater with Container
- 5) Best Cheese Grater for Hard Cheese: Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
- 6) Most Versatile Grater: Utopia Kitchen Six-Sided Cheese Grater
- Why Get a Cheese Grater?
- Different Types of Cheese Graters
- What’s the Best Cheese Grater to Buy?: Ultimate Buying Guide
- FAQs
- What is the best grater to grate cheese with?
- What is the best tabletop grater?
- What do chefs use to grate cheese?
- What cheese grater won’t cut my finger?
- Which graters do chefs use?
- What is a good grating cheese?
- Is a Microplane better than a grater?
- Are Microplane graters better?
- How do I choose a grater?
- What is the most expensive grater?
1) Best Overall Pick: Spring Chef Professional 4-Sided Box Grater in Stainless Steel
The Spring Chef shredder is easily the greatest cheese grater available. We suggest it to anybody who is unsure about which sort of grater to acquire since it comes with four different sides to try. Furthermore, it is really simple to use.
Because of the non-slip base, you’ll have a firm grasp on this boxed grater. Place it over your favorite cutting board without fear of it shifting. Furthermore, the strong grip is ergonomically designed, making it simple to grasp and safe to push down.
The holes on either side are different sizes. They vary from extremely fine to thick, providing you with a variety of cheese shreds. It also contains a mandoline-like blade for cutting large and thin slices of cheese.
Because the blades are so strong, it may also be used as a vegetable cutter. This grater will be your best buddy whether you’re grating carrots for a salad or delicately slicing zucchini for ratatouille.
The blade is made of rust-resistant stainless steel. As a result, it is simple to clean since you can place the grater in the dishwasher and avoid handwashing.
2) Top Budget-Friendly Cheese Grater: Norpro 339 Stainless Steel Grater
This Norpro model is the most cheap cheese grater on our list. It is entirely built of strong steel and has a very simple design. Nonetheless, it is a flexible kitchen staple that does the job effectively and regularly.
This grater has four distinct edges. Each has a distinct size of hole. As a result, you may try them all and see which one you like.
Because the Norpro is so flexible, you may also use it as a vegetable shredder or zester. Any home chef would find it useful for meal preparation.
We like how sturdy and long-lasting this grater is. Norpro is known for producing high-quality culinary equipment, and this one is no exception. Even after many years of exposure to water, it will never corrode.
Regardless, this grater will last longer if you wash it by hand immediately after use. This ensures that the blades remain sharp for a longer period of time and that the material does not bend.
3) Premium Electric Grater: InnoMoon Cheese Grating Attachment for Stand Mixer
This InnoMoon cheese grater adapter is a more costly (but more convenient!) option. When you attach it to your KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment and your appliance will handle everything for you.
It may not seem so at first, but putting this connection together is quite simple. It easily attaches to your KitchenAid stand mixer. All you have to do then is turn it on and pass a little block of cheese through it. There will be no moving a block of cheese up and down a grater or twisting a lever. You won’t break a sweat getting your mountain of grated cheese.
Because it comes with three different stainless steel drums, you may experiment with the coarseness of your cheese shreds. You have complete control over everything, from delicate shredding to slicing.
You might also use this attachment to shred any kind of hard vegetable. It’s a terrific way to include the five a day into your diet.
Hand wash each drum to maintain it in pristine shape. Despite being composed of rust-proof stainless steel, they will stay sharper for longer if handled with care.
4) Best Cheese Grater for Soft Cheese: OXO Good Grips Box Grater with Container
This OXO Good Grips grater combines comfort and functionality. We like how ergonomic the design is, as well as how sharp the blades remain even after months of regular usage. It also comes with a convenient plastic container!
The non-slip rubber base and plush grip at the top are the shredder’s most creative features. To begin with, it does not skid on your countertop, keeping you secure from any cutting accidents. Second, you can grip the grater without exerting too much power (see where the term Good Grips comes from?) This is very useful if you need to shred a whole block at once!
The plastic box is also really useful. You may connect it to the grater’s bottom. This will capture all of the cheese shreds and make clean-up a breeze. You don’t even need a chopping board to grate over. This method is good for shredding soft cheeses, which are more inclined to exude liquid. There’s no need to wipe off your counter since it’ll all be captured in the box.
Despite the fact that it is a box grater, its smaller shape enables it to easily fit into most drawers. You have the convenience of a four-sided grater without the bulkiness that these versions have.
5) Best Cheese Grater for Hard Cheese: Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
This Zyliss model adopts an unusual approach. It’s a rotational cheese grater, which is ideal for shredding hard cheeses without wearing you out.
It may seem tough to use at first, but this is far from the case. Insert your hard cheese stick into the shute, seal the top section over it, and begin turning the handle. Even the toughest cheeses, such as aged parmesan, may be shredded by the steel drum within.
Shreds will spill out the side, so be careful to shred over your plate! The form of this cheese grater makes it ideal for use at the dinner table. Each individual may top their dish with their own lovely pile of cheese.
This grater has just one drum, which is ideal for finely shredding hard cheeses and nuts. You save time at the end of your dinner since it is dishwasher-safe. Furthermore, the business will provide you with a five-year guarantee, which means you may return your appliance if it is defective!
6) Most Versatile Grater: Utopia Kitchen Six-Sided Cheese Grater
We saved the greatest cheese graters for last: the Utopia Kitchen shredder is possibly the most flexible shredder available. Furthermore, it is quite durable, making it an excellent investment.
The fact that it has six sides is the finest feature of this shredder. Each has a unique surface with varying sized holes. This makes it a six-in-one culinary tool, allowing you to experiment with various coarseness levels for your shreds. It can handle anything from delicate powdered grating to thick, coarse shredding.
Furthermore, since the grater surface is composed of strong steel, the Utopia Kitchen shredder may be used to grate hard vegetables and even zest citrus fruits or nuts.
The rubber handle and foot are also fantastic additions. They prevent the grater from sliding about your counter. Furthermore, they relieve some of the strain that comes with shredding a big block of cheese in one sitting.
Fortunately, the whole grater can be washed in the dishwasher. You will save time in the long run since you will not have to hand-wash it. The stainless steel blades will not corrode and will continue to provide excellent surface glide for many months or years.
Why Get a Cheese Grater?
You may be wondering, “Why would I ever need my own cheese grater?” After all, you could have it pre-shredded and nicely put in a plastic container at the shop, right? Not so quickly. There are several reasons why purchasing one of these graters is a wise investment. Even if you don’t cook often. Let’s get started.
Shredded Cheese vs Freshly Grated Cheese
Freshly grated cheese tastes nothing like store-bought pre-packaged shredded cheese. The fundamental difference between the two is that the former contains anti-caking chemicals, whilst the latter does not. Each brand has its own, although cornstarch or cellulose (wood pulp) are often added to the mix. While this ensures that the individual shreds of cheese do not cling together, anti-caking chemicals are controversial.
Better Consistency
Even if you don’t care about the health implications of certain chemicals, you should definitely avoid them. At least if you want high-quality, consistent cheese.
For instance, anti-caking chemicals may rapidly dry up hard cheeses like parmesan. This implies they won’t be as tasty to consume for as long, costing you money.
Second, store-bought shredded cheese is difficult to melt. You won’t get that delightful cheese-pull consistency if you make a healthy pizza, enchiladas, or bchamel sauce, for example. Instead, you’ll probably get some semi-molten cheese chunks. It’s not ideal.
Better Quality
Furthermore, grating cheese at home provides you complete control over what is in your cheese. This way, you can certain that you’re receiving the highest-quality cheese money can buy. If you want a strong flavor, purchase a block of cheddar and shred it. If you want to add some mild and refreshing flavors, shred some fresh mozzarella. You make the decision.
Different Types of Cheese Graters
There are four different types of cheese grates. They all accomplish the job, although in somewhat different ways. Are you shocked by how diverse they are? We were as well!
Boxed Cheese Grater
These are the most often used cheese graters. They feature at least four sides and, in some cases, a detachable container to capture the cheese shreds. A handle at the top will help you gain a solid hold on the shredder. Some packaged cheese graters have a non-slip base to keep the grater in place.
The primary disadvantage is how hefty they are. Cheese graters in a box can take up a lot of space in your kitchen drawers. If that is an issue, you should search for a more compact design.
Rotary Cheese Grater
These innovative inventions are excellent for protecting your knuckles. On a rotary grater, instead of using your hands to move the block of cheese up and down, a lever performs the job for you. The (small) block of cheese is placed in a stainless steel drum with holes, and the handle is rotated. On the opposite side, you’ll obtain uniformly shredded particles of cheese.
The only drawback to these versions is that you must chop your block of cheese into smaller pieces in order for it to fit in the shredding drum.
Microplane Cheese Grater
If you’re short on space, the Microplane cheese grater is ideal. A thin yet durable grating surface is at one end, and an ergonomic handle is at the other. This grater fits well within a drawer beside your silverware due to its small form. They are also reasonably inexpensive versions, making it an excellent budget-friendly alternative.
Electric Cheese Grater
Do you own a stand mixer or a food processor? You may thus avoid purchasing a new cheese grater by purchasing a cheese grating attachment instead. Both of these huge gadgets perform an excellent job of uniformly shredding cheese without requiring any effort on your part. They take care of everything for you.
What’s the Best Cheese Grater to Buy?: Ultimate Buying Guide
It’s alright if you didn’t find the greatest cheese grater for you on our list. It simply means you’ll have to sift among the hundreds of various shredders on the market. Does it seem intimidating? It isn’t necessary. Look for the following characteristics; the finest cheese graters will have most (if not all) of these attributes.
Size of Holes
First and foremost, how thin do you prefer your cheese shreds? Some graters have big holes, while others have tiny ones. It all comes down to finding the one that works best for you.
Get a four- or six-sided box grater if you want to experiment with various shred sizes. Each side will have a variety of hole sizes ranging from super-small (nearly powder-like) to chunky. Nothing beats experimentation.
Versatility
Some cheese graters are capable of much more than merely shredding cheese. They can even be used to cut vegetables! When you get a multifunctional model, you open up additional options in the kitchen. For example, a four-sided box grater may shred cheese and mandoline hard vegetables (cut them very, very thinly). You could even grind nutmeg and garlic with a portable Microplane grater!
Best Cheese Grater Sturdiness
Of course, you should invest in a high-quality cheese grater that will endure for many years. This way, you’re optimizing your investment and won’t have to buy a new shredder very soon.
Above all, a rust-proof grater is required. Otherwise, the grating surface and holes would corrode, which might be harmful to your health.
Even as you use it, your grater should stay sharp. You may always use sandpaper to sharpen the blades afterwards, but dull blades are no fun.
You may also opt for a model with a one-year guarantee. That way, if you run into any difficulties, you’ll be able to handle them quickly and without losing any money.
Easy to Use
To get the most out of your cheese grater, choose one that is simple to operate. Non-slip bases (for boxed graters), ergonomic handles, and detachable plastic container boxes are ideal!
Easy to Clean
Let’s face it: cheese graters aren’t the simplest things to clean. The smaller the hole, the more difficult it is to clean. That is why, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of handwashing, you should invest in a dishwasher-safe type. You’ll be grateful afterwards.
FAQs
What is the best grater to grate cheese with?
Our experts all agree that the Microplane Specialty Series 4-Series Box Grater is the best cheese grater. After putting over two dozen box, rotary, and rasp graters through their paces, this one took the [cheese]cake. It was so easy to use, and with four different sides of sharp grates, it aced all of our tests.
What is the best tabletop grater?
Amazon has a Shredder Attachment.
Amazon has the best Rotary: Bnunwish Round Mandoline Drum Slicer.
Best for Parmesan and Hard Cheese:…
Amazon has the best Stainless Steel:Shredder.
KitchenAid Fresh Prep Slicer is the best splurge.Best Overall: Amazon’s OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater.
Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer is the best electric.
What do chefs use to grate cheese?
Raspberries are an essential culinary tool for any professional chef. They are more more effective than the pinhole side of a box grater and are ideal for grating parmesan, cocoa, and nutmeg, as well as preparing ginger, garlic, and chili pastes.✔️ Zesters
What cheese grater won’t cut my finger?
Good Grips Etched Coarse Grater OXO
When oriented on a plate or cutting board, the non-slip foot ensures stable grating. It also has a protective cover so you don’t nick your fingers when searching through your drawers.
Which graters do chefs use?
Most people are familiar with a zester, but you may be unfamiliar with a Microplane. If that’s the case, this brand guide will help you better understand Microplane products, why they’re the grater of choice for professional chefs and home cooks alike, and which one you should purchase.
What is a good grating cheese?
5 Excellent Grating Cheeses Other Than Parmigiano Reggiano
Sardo Pecorino. With over 4 million sheep grazing the island, dairy production is vital to Sardinia’s culture and economy, and pecorino cheese is at the heart of it all.
So Jorge Queijo DOP.
26-month-old Beemster XO Gouda.
Pantaleo.
Is a Microplane better than a grater?
A microplane grater has small blades that enable it to shave considerably finer and more reliably than a standard box grater. A microplane needs less effort to operate and offers fluffier results because to its sharp and accurate blades.
Are Microplane graters better?
Because these two kitchen gadgets serve unique functions, home chefs who prefer to do it all will need and use both. Your Microplane is your best companion for more precise grating jobs. Reach for the big box grater for larger, tougher items.
How do I choose a grater?
Superfine (zest, spices), fine (zest, cheese, vegetables), medium (coarse zest, cheese, veggies), and coarse (cheese, veggies) are the options. When compared to other graters, microplane graters provide one of the best textures. Grated food demands the same care as chopping meat and veggies.
What is the most expensive grater?
With an MSRP of $4,895 (just dropped from $7,000!) for the frame alone, this “Isotruss” frame is the most expensive cheese grater money can buy.