Cooking Time Journal may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Having the best cheese grater is sure to make crafting meals and toppings more straightforward since you can create a personal batch of shredded cheese.
Whether you’re making lasagna with delectable cheesy layers or if you need the perfect sprinkling of cheddar on top of your nachos, these kitchen devices will prove to be useful for several family-favorites.
Below, you’ll find a few of the best models you can get your hands on when you start searching for your ideal cheese grater.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 |
1. Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater
|
Check Price |
 |
2. OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater
|
Check Price |
 |
3. Deiss PRO Citrus Zester and Cheese Grater
|
Check Price |
 |
4. Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater
|
Check Price |
 |
5. ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
|
Check Price |
Best Cheese Grater Reviews
1. Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater
The Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater has the same tabletop design that you would expect to find with most traditional cheese graters, allowing you to shred different types of cheese easily.
There are many interesting elements to the device that will help make cooking more straightforward and fun for the whole family.
Product Highlights
Made from stainless steel, this cheese grater is less likely to be affected by rust over time, and the strength of the metal helps the device to maintain its shape, even if you put a lot of pressure on the grating panel.
With four different grating panels to choose from, home chefs can either grate, shred, or slice cheese without having to do so manually.
An added benefit of this cheese grater is that it works with several other ingredients apart from cheese, including lettuce, carrots, and other vegetables.
The black plastic handle adds an extra element to the top of the grater for you to safely apply pressure as you swipe down with your ingredients and begin to grate or shred them.
Also, you won’t have to worry about a lot of discomforts, as the sleek and cool plastic has an ergonomic grip to reduce the likelihood of blisters and hand fatigue.
Unlike other graters, this model also features a non-slip base, so you can work with any ingredients on any surface without the worry of the grater slipping and scratching your counters.
When it comes time to clean up, you’ll be glad to know the Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater is dishwasher safe.
What to Like About It
The black plastic handle at the top has more of a rubberized feeling, similar to the material used at the base, which makes it far more comfortable to work with if your hands are wet.
You’ll also find the non-slip base is quite beneficial since it enables you to put more pressure on the grater without the worry of damaging any surfaces.
Also, the grating plates are fantastically sharpened and comfortable enough to use with many soft and hard ingredients.
What Not to Like About It
One of the main issues with this grater is that the base has a gap that allows fluid and cheese to get stuck unbeknownst to you, which means you need to clean it thoroughly to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Unfortunately, there are many metal parts on this grater that are not stainless steel, such as the rod around the base, and will be prone to rusting after a couple of uses.
Also, the grating plates lose their sharpness quickly depending on the ingredients you’re grating, so you could be likely to scratch your fingers after a few uses.
Pros:
- Non-slip base
- Comfortable handle
- Sharp grating plates
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Not entirely stainless steel
- Cheese and moisture get stuck
- Loses sharpness quickly
2. OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater
With a built-in removable zester, the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater has what you would need to work with many different ingredients.
With a sturdy and comfortable design, it could quickly become one of your most-used kitchen utensils that you’ll love to have while working with vegetables and fruits.
There are plenty of other attachments you can buy for the grater, as well, to help broaden its versatility.
Product Highlights
Similar to any other standing grater, the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater features four different grating plates that serve their purpose, including a medium grater, coarse grater, removable zester, and a slicer.
Fortunately, the majority of the unit is etched stainless steel, which helps to prevent rusting over the years and also reinforces the strength and sharpness of the grating plates, particularly the angled slicer.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a zester, as well, you’ll love that this unit has a removable one that you can either attach directly to the grate or use separately.
On the bottom of the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater, you’ll notice there is a small plastic container that helps to catch any items you are grating or zesting.
Additionally, the catcher features precise measurements that help to make sure you’re catching enough ingredients for your recipe without having to measure it separately.
Also, you can store the ingredients with the use of the lid that easily snaps onto the top of the catcher once you take it off the grater.
Another useful feature of this device is that it has an ergonomic grip as well as non-slip feet to help prevent the device from moving on solid surfaces.
What to Like About It
If you’re on the hunt for a sharp grater, this is one of the best ones you can get your hands on, even when working with delicate materials such as garlic.
You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to use with minimal effort, which can help prevent fatigue and injury since you won’t have to apply as much pressure to the grating surfaces.
Also, the high-quality non-slip feet help to make it easier to use on wet surfaces without the risk of the unit slipping.
What Not to Like About It
The bulk of the frame of the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater is plastic, so it is likely to show wear and tear after multiple uses.
Also, the lid on the ingredient catcher isn’t of the highest quality and is likely to let your ingredients dry out if you store them in the fridge.
If you intend to grate a lot of materials into a container, it’s recommended you detach the catcher since it only allows you to hold up to 1 1/4 of a cup.
Pros:
- Very sharp
- Maintains sharpness
- Prevents fatigue
- High-quality non-slip bottom
Cons:
- Poor quality catcher lid
- Made from plastic
- Catcher is too small
3. Deiss PRO Citrus Zester and Cheese Grater
For someone who prefers to invest in kitchen utensils that don’t take up a lot of space, the Deiss PRO Citrus Zester and Cheese Grater is a fantastic space-saving option.
With a slim and sleek design that you can store easily in your utensil drawer, you won’t have to worry about the bulkiness attributed to most other traditional graters.
Also, this unit is built with incredible attention to detail that you will love to have in your kitchen.
Product Highlights
After several uses, you will find that the Deiss PRO Citrus Zester and Cheese Grater is built to last since the stainless steel grating head offers superior resilience and strength, regardless of how much pressure you use.
Right out of the box, you’ll find the sharpness of the grater to be impressive, along with the combination of the rust-resistant stainless steel and the non-slip handle with a unique curvature, allowing you to use more force when necessary.
As mentioned, this device is also substantially thinner and more lightweight than most other graters, which makes it exceptionally easy to clean and store.
While you work with your ingredients, you’ll find that grating and zesting has never been more effortless since the teeth on the unit don’t clog up, allowing you to make the most out of your time.
You’ll also find that when it comes time to clean it, all you have to do is run it under water and use a small amount of soap to get rid of any traces of food.
Many appreciate how easy this grater is to use, no matter what you’re cooking with, as it’s made for soft and hard cheeses, vegetables, and fruits.
What to Like About It
A considerable benefit of the Deiss PRO Citrus Zester and Cheese Grater is that it comes with a safety sleeve so that you can easily store it without the worry of accidentally cutting yourself when you reach into your drawers.
The sharpness of the grater is something to write home about, as it helps to take a lot of time out of preparing your favorite meals without having to put an excessive amount of pressure on your grater.
Also, many have found that the device provides far more zest than with most other zesters and with far less effort.
What Not to Like About It
If you need thicker shreds, this isn’t the device for you since it creates a smaller finish than with most other graters, which means your cheese is likely to be incredibly small and thin.
Although the sharpness of the grater is phenomenal for time and energy, it is also hazardous and could likely skin your fingers if it slips accidentally.
You might notice that the zester could also get cumbersome if you have to use it for more than a few minutes at a time.
Pros:
- High-quality design
- Razor-sharp
- Doesn’t clog easily
- Great for soft and hard ingredients
Cons:
- Not for thick shreds
- Dangerously sharp
- Could get heavy
4. Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater
An alternative for home chefs interested in hand graters is the Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater, which has a more lightweight design than the previous model we discussed.
You’re likely to notice that this grater has a very traditional design that you’ve seen before, and it’s effortless to keep clean and store in your kitchen drawers.
With a relatively basic design, this unit does its job well without a ton of bells and whistles and is an excellent option for an everyday cheese grater.
Product Highlights
There are several things that you can do with this grater, including grating ginger and nutmeg as well as zesting citrus and shredding cheese.
With the help of the etched grating on the surface, you’ll find that you can achieve a more delicate texture that will make your ingredients perfect for many dishes.
Also, it’s very lightweight and comfortable to hold thanks to the ergonomic soft-grip installed on the handle, helping to prevent slips even if your hands are wet.
One of the more exciting features of the Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater is that it has a hidden slicing blade that you can quickly open for other ingredients, such as potatoes.
When not in use, there is a safety cover that makes the unit far safer to store, especially if you have young children in the house.
You’re also bound to notice this device can easily be washed in the dishwasher instead of having to be hand-washed like other graters.
What to Like About It
The simplicity of the Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater is what makes it so useful, as there aren’t several features that it offers, it does the job of grating well.
You can also grate your ingredients in both directions with the grating plates on this unit, but you should do so carefully since the etched surface is very sharp and likely to cut you.
Fortunately, cleaning the grater is also very simple so you can spend less time cleaning up after cooking.
What Not to Like About It
As with any standard grater, the etched surface will lose its sharpness over time, which means you’ll have to put more effort into grating ingredients.
Also, the sturdiness of the primarily plastic body can be called into question, as it could likely bend and snap if you apply too much pressure.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Multi-directional grating
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Loses its sharpness
- Not very sturdy
5. ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
Rotary cheese graters have boomed in popularity over the years due to their easiness and convenience, especially for people who are concerned about cutting themselves with traditional graters.
The ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is incredibly user-friendly and gives you the ability to work with several ingredients, including chocolate, nuts, cheeses, vegetables, and more.
With a unique design, this unit could quickly become your favorite cheese grater.
Product Highlights
The ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is designed in a way where the tool does all of the work for you; all you have to do is put your ingredients into the grating drum and turn the handle.
With such a user-friendly design, even the kids in your house will love to help prepare dinner and desserts.
The finely-tuned grating drum is exceptional for many ingredients, especially if you’re working with different types of cheese.
Still, it is quite useful for hard items, such as carrots.
One of the more exciting features of this grater is that the handle can easily be switched to either the left or right side, depending on your preference.
You’ll also find that keeping the grater clean is easier than with other drum-based graters, as you can quickly disassemble it to clean every corner.
It’s important to note that the drum in this grater grates a fine texture, similar to what you would expect if you were to ask for parmesan cheese at a restaurant.
What to Like About It
If you’ve found that your regular grater gives you hand cramps, the ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is a great alternative to consider since all you have to do is crank the handle.
Families will also appreciate that the blades aren’t exposed, which makes the utensil far safer to keep in a household where there are small children.
Working with hard ingredients, such as chocolate, will let the grating drum genuinely shine since it seems to be primarily built for rougher items.
What Not to Like About It
Unfortunately, this grater’s most substantial issue is that it clogs incredibly quickly, which can make it challenging to get the finely shredded cheese out of the drum.
If you intend to use soft cheese, you could be better off opting for an alternative grater that doesn’t clog as easily.
Also, as the unit is made primarily of plastic, it cracks very quickly, especially if you intend to use it for restaurants and professional purposes.
Pros:
- Great for hard ingredients
- Safe for children
- Comfortable to use
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Clogs easily
- Not ideal for soft ingredients
- Poor quality plastic
Buyer’s Guide
It’s easy to think that all cheese graters are the same, as they’re meant to do the same thing, but there are several differences between the poor and good quality models on the market.
From the materials used to manufacture the devices to the safety features they have built into their design, there are many essential things to consider before purchasing.
With the help of this buyer’s guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect cheese grater for casual and professional use.
1. Grate Types
If you have specific needs for a cheese grater, such as working with certain ingredients, you should take a look at the grate types it has to offer.
Most of the traditional graters will have four different etched surfaces to choose from for different types of grating and slicing, while others may only have one kind of grating.
Typically, manufacturers will advertise whether a device offers fine, medium, or heavy shredding, or a combination of all three.
You might also want to consider investing in a grater that comes with a zester, as this will add to the usefulness of the device.
Instead of having to buy a separate appliance while working with the rinds of zesty fruits, you can easily use your cheese grater.
2. Durability
This feature is easily one of the most important, as you won’t want to invest in an expensive grater only to find that it will wear down and rust after a few uses.
The majority of high-quality devices are made from stainless steel; however, you will want to make sure the unit is made entirely of stainless steel without any other hidden metals that are prone to rust.
Also, you will want to make sure the most sensitive parts of the grater are reinforced, such as the etched plates and the handle.
3. Safety Features
How you use your new grater is primarily going to affect how safe it is, although there are additional features that can keep you safer while cooking.
One of the best safety components any grater can have is a non-slip handle as well as a non-slip base.
These components are typically made from a rubberized material that will make the unit sturdy, regardless of how much pressure you apply to the grater and even if your hands are wet.
Not only do rubberized bases protect you from accidentally slicing your finger, but they also protect your countertops, as you won’t have metal scratching along its delicate surface.
Another safety feature to consider is a sleeve, especially for handheld graters, where you put the device after you’re finished with it.
The sleeve helps to make sure that if children get their hands on the grater, they aren’t likely to injure themselves on the sharpness of the metal.
4. Materials
The two primary materials you’re likely to find on cheese graters are stainless steel and plastic, as they are relatively affordable yet strong enough to withstand several years of use.
Ideally, you’ll want a unit made primarily of stainless steel, as this will help to prevent rusting, meanwhile maintaining the integrity of the grating plates and preventing them from bending.
Plastic is another material that is useful, as it doesn’t add too much weight to the unit and can often be very strong when appropriately manufactured.
5. Maintenance
Every kitchen appliance you own will require maintenance, and cheese graters are often looked at as one of the most challenging items to keep clean.
One of the most massive selling points your desired grater should have is an easy-to-clean design that can be disassembled, and that helps to prevent food from clogging in the etched surfaces.
You will also want a tool that can be washed in the dishwasher, instead of by hand.
FAQs
1. How Much Is a Cheese Grater?
Cheese graters can vary in price depending on the brand, the materials used to make the unit, as well as the innovative features that they offer.
Frequently, you can find these devices anywhere from two to three dollars, depending on where you look, but they won’t be of the highest quality.
Some of the mid-range cheese graters can cost as much as $40, while the more expensive versions can be upwards of $1000, especially if you opt for professional electric models.
2. How Do You Grate Cheese Without a Cheese Grater?
The best way to achieve a near-grated texture with your cheese is to use a food processor, rather than a knife, as you aren’t likely to get as thin of a surface as you’d like with a knife.
You’ll first want to refrigerate your cheese, especially while using a processor, as this will prevent it from getting soft.
Using a mid-range setting on the food processor, your cheese should be thoroughly shredded within a matter of seconds.
3. What Is a Mouli Grater Used For?
Mouli graters are quite similar in design to drum graters, which are devices that can grate ingredients while you turn a handle.
With a Mouli grater, you will insert the cheese into the drum you have chosen, close the handle, and then turn the handle to get the perfectly textured ingredients.
These devices have been used for many years, making them one of the oldest French kitchen tools on the market.
4. How Do You Use an OXO Cheese Grater?
OXO devices are designed to be very user-friendly, which is why they are one of the most popular brands in kitchen devices.
To use their cheese graters, you would take the same steps as you would with any grater by first getting your cheese (or other ingredients) and firmly rubbing it along your desired grating plate.
We recommend doing this over a container to ensure that you catch the grated ingredients, rather than letting them fall on the counter.
5. How Do You Shred Cheese Easy?
Out of all the cheese grating devices on the market, the easiest way to grate any ingredient is to have an electric grater on hand.
Although these devices are far more expensive than manual models, they take the least amount of time while cooking and are quite easy to clean once the job is done.
If you don’t have the budget for an electric shredder, you will want to find a manual model with sharply etched grating plates, so you don’t have to put as much effort into the grating.
Our Final Recommendation
Our choice for the best cheese grater is the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater since it has everything you could need, including four grating plates, a measured container for catching ingredients, and more.
Its high-quality non-slip bottom is safer to use in the kitchen, especially if you want to prevent cutting your fingers, and you’re bound to love the same non-slip material used on the handle.
With a stylish design, it will look fantastic stored on or under your kitchen counters.
If you’d like to read our full review, you may check out our post here.
Leave a Reply