11 Best Cheese Graters for your Home Kitchen: Top Rotary, Manual, Box and Electric Graters

Q: How do I prevent cheese from sticking to the grater?

To prevent cheese from sticking, chill the cheese in the freezer for a few minutes before grating. Lightly oiling the grater can also help reduce sticking.

Cheese graters are important kitchen tools that allow you to add fresh, grated cheese to your dishes.

Grating cheese might seem simple, but it can quickly become frustrating with the wrong grater. A flimsy or awkward grater can lead to wasted cheese, or you might find your mozzarella stuck in a grater designed only for hard cheeses. Thankfully, you can avoid these common pitfalls with the right tool, ensuring smooth and efficient cheese grating every time.

Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, a high-quality cheese grater is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

In this article, we will explore the 11 best cheese graters available, their features, and discuss how to choose the best cheese grater for your home kitchen.

Grater Type Summary Table

Grater Type	Best For	Pros
Box Grater	Multi-purpose grating	Versatile, stable, value
Microplane	Hard cheese, zesting	Ultra-fine shavings, ergonomic
Rotary Grater	Fast hard cheese grating	Quick, safe, minimal effort
Electric Grater	Large quantities	Automated and efficient
Flat Handheld	Small tasks	Compact and easy to store

Top 11 Cheese Graters

1. OXO Good Grips Box Grater – Our TOP Pick

OXO Good Grips Box Grater,Silver/Black — **Buy Now :**OXO Good Grips Box Grater

Key Features:

Type: Box grater
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Four grating surfaces with a non-slip base and comfortable handle

The OXO Good Grips Box Grater offers versatility with its four different grating surfaces, including fine, medium, coarse, and a slicing surface. The OXO Good Grips Box Grater comes with a box to collect your grated cheese.

Its non-slip base and ergonomic handle provide stability and comfort during use. This grater is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.

The versatility of this cheese grater and the useful collection box makes this our TOP PICK!

Pros	Cons
Multiple grating surfaces	Bulky design
Non-slip base and comfortable handle	Coarse grater may not be sharp enough for harder cheeses
Dishwasher safe
Integrated box to collect your grated cheese.

2. Microplane Professional Series Fine Cheese Grater

The Microplane Professional Series Fine Cheese Grater is renowned for its exceptional sharpness and durability.

It is perfect for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan and even zesting citrus fruits.

The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, and its stainless steel construction makes it easy to clean and long-lasting.

Microplane Kitchen Grater Fine for Hard Cheese, Citrus Fruits, Garlic, Chili, Cinnamon and Nutmeg in Red with Stainless Steel Blade - Made in USA — **Buy Now :**Microplane Kitchen Grater Fine for Hard Cheese, Citrus Fruits, Garlic, Chili, Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Key Features:

Type: Microplane
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Razor-sharp blades with ergonomic handle

Pros	Cons
Extremely sharp blades	Limited to fine grating
Durable stainless steel construction	No protective cover included
Comfortable ergonomic handle

3. Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater

Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater with Handle, Stainless Steel/Plastic, White, Grating Cheese/Garlic/Parmesan/Ginger/Vegetable/Carrot/Chocolate, Dishwasher Safe — **Buy Now :**Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater with Handle, Stainless Steel/Plastic

Key Features:

Type: Rotary grater
Material: Stainless steel and plastic
Design: Hand-crank mechanism with interchangeable drums

The Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is a favorite for its efficiency and safety.

Its hand-crank mechanism allows you to grate cheese quickly and with minimal effort.

The grater comes with interchangeable drums for fine and coarse grating, and its compact design makes it easy to store.

Pros	Cons
Efficient hand-crank mechanism	Requires some effort to assemble
Interchangeable grating drums	Plastic components may wear over time
Compact and easy to store

4. Cuisinart Boxed Grater

**Buy Now :**Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater, Stainless Steel, Black

Key Features:

Type: Box grater
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Four grating surfaces with a non-slip base

The Cuisinart Boxed Grater is a classic kitchen tool with four versatile grating surfaces.

It features a sturdy stainless steel construction and a non-slip base for added stability. The grater is also dishwasher safe, making it convenient to clean.

Pros	Cons
Durable stainless steel construction	Bulky design
Four versatile grating surfaces	Coarse grating surface may not be sharp enough for hard cheeses
Non-slip base

5. OXO Good Grips Etched Two-Fold Grater

OXO 11216000 Good Grips Etched Two-Fold Grater, Stainless Steel, One Size — **Buy Now :**OXO Good Grips Etched Two-Fold Grater

Key Features:

Type: Box grater
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Four grating surfaces with a non-slip base and comfortable handle

The OXO Good Grips Etched Two-Fold Grater offers sharp, etched stainless steel coarse and medium grating surfaces. The grater has detachable surfaces that can be used together over a cutting board or separately over a bowl.

Its non-slip feet help provide stability during use. This grater is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.

Pros	Cons
Two different grating surfaces	Only course and medium grating surfaces
Detachable services
Non-slip feet

6. Ourokhome Rotary Grater

Ourokhome Rotary Cheese Grater Vegetable Slicer - Rotary Round Drum Grater Chopper with 3 Stainless Steel Drums Strong Suction Base (Black) — **Buy Now :**Ourokhome Rotary Cheese Grater and Vegetable Slicer

Key Features:

Type: Rotary grater
Material: Stainless steel and plastic
Design: Ergonomic handle with interchangeable drums

The Ourokhome Rotary Grater is designed for both fine and coarse grating. Its ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, and the interchangeable drums provide versatility.

The compact design allows for easy storage, and the grater is dishwasher safe.

Pros	Cons
Ergonomic handle	Plastic components may not be as durable
Interchangeable grating drums	Requires some effort to assemble
Dishwasher safe

7. Spring Chef Professional Box Grater

Spring Chef Professional Box Grater, Stainless Steel with 4 Sides, Best for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger, XL Size, Mint — **Buy Now :**Spring Chef Professional Box Grater,

Key Features:

Type: Box grater
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Four grating surfaces with a comfortable handle

The Spring Chef Professional Box Grater is a high-quality tool with four different grating surfaces.

Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the comfortable handle provides a secure grip. The grater is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.

Pros	Cons
Durable stainless steel construction	Bulky design
Multiple grating surfaces	Coarse grating surface may not be sharp enough for hard cheeses
Comfortable handle

8. Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater

Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater — Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Ginger, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Vegetables, Fruits - Razor-Sharp Stainless Steel Blade, Wide, Dishwasher Safe — **Buy Now :**Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater

Key Features:

Type: Microplane
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Sharp blades with a comfortable handle and non-slip base

The Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater is perfect for fine grating and zesting. Its sharp stainless steel blades ensure efficient grating, and the comfortable handle and non-slip base provide stability during use.

The grater is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Pros	Cons
Sharp stainless steel blades	Limited to fine grating
Comfortable handle and non-slip base	No protective cover included
Dishwasher safe

9. Presto 02970 Professional SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder

Presto 02970 Professional SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder, Plastic, Black — **Buy Now :**Presto Professional SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder

Key Features:

Type: Electric grater
Material: Stainless steel and plastic
Design: Electric operation with interchangeable cones for slicing and shredding

The Presto Professional SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder is a versatile kitchen tool that can grate cheese, slice vegetables, and more.

Its electric operation makes it fast and efficient, and the interchangeable cones provide versatility. The compact design makes it easy to store.

Pros	Cons
Fast and efficient electric operation	Requires an electrical outlet
Interchangeable cones for slicing and shredding	Plastic components may wear over time
Compact and easy to store

Presto Professional SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder, Plastic, Black — **Buy Now :**Presto 02970 Professional SaladShooter Electric Slicer/Shredder, Plastic, Black

10. Rachael Ray Tools & Gadgets Stainless Steel Multi-Grater

Rachael Ray 47901 Multi Stainless Steel Grater, Agave Blue — **Buy Now :**Rachael Ray Multi Stainless Steel Grater, Agave Blue

Key Features:

Type: Handheld grater
Material: Stainless steel
Design: Dual-sided with fine and coarse grating surfaces

The Rachael Ray Tools & Gadgets Stainless Steel Multi-Grater is a dual-sided handheld grater with fine and coarse grating surfaces.

Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip. The grater is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Pros	Cons
Dual-sided with fine and coarse grating surfaces	Limited capacity
Durable stainless steel construction	No protective cover included
Ergonomic handle

11. Benriner Mandoline Slicer

Benriner BN-1 Japanese Handheld Mandolin Slicer with Three Interchangeable Stainless-Steel Blades-Ivory, Vegetable Fruit Cutter Peeler, Stainless Steel, Off-White — **Buy Now :**Benriner BN-1 Japanese Handheld Mandolin Slicer with Three Interchangeable Stainless-Steel Blades

Key Features:

Type: Mandoline
Material: Stainless steel and plastic
Design: Adjustable thickness settings with multiple blades

The Benriner Mandoline Slicer is a versatile kitchen tool that can slice and grate cheese, vegetables, and more. Its adjustable thickness settings and multiple blades provide versatility, and the stainless steel and plastic construction ensure durability.

The compact design makes it easy to store.

Pros	Cons
Adjustable thickness settings	Requires very careful handling to avoid cuts
Multiple blades for versatility	Plastic components may wear over time
Compact and easy to store

How to Choose the Best Cheese Grater

When choosing a cheese grater, consider the following factors:

Type: Decide which type of grater best suits your needs. Box graters are versatile, microplane graters are perfect for fine grating, rotary graters are efficient, handheld graters are compact, and electric graters are convenient for large quantities.

Material: Stainless steel graters are durable and easy to clean. Plastic components may be less durable but can offer added features.

Design: Look for ergonomic handles, non-slip bases, and comfortable grips. Consider the size and storage options as well.

Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe graters are convenient, but some graters may require hand washing to maintain their sharpness.

Versatility: Some graters offer multiple grating surfaces or interchangeable drums, providing more versatility for different tasks.

Why You Need a Good Cheese Grater

A good cheese grater offers several benefits:

Freshness: Freshly grated cheese has a superior flavour and texture compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.

Versatility: Cheese graters can be used for a variety of tasks, including grating vegetables, zesting citrus, and even grating chocolate.

Efficiency: A high-quality cheese grater makes the process of grating cheese quick and effortless.

Types of Cheese Graters

There are several types of cheese graters, each with its own advantages:

Box Graters

These have multiple sides with different grating surfaces for fine, medium, and coarse grating, as well as slicing.

Microplane Graters

Known for their sharp blades, they are ideal for fine grating and zesting.

Microplane Zester Grater in Black for Citrus Fruits, Hard Cheese, Ginger, Chocolate and Nutmeg with Fine Stainless Steel Blade - Made in USA — **Buy Now :**Microplane Zester Grater

Rotary Graters

These have a handle that you turn to grate cheese, making them efficient and safe.

Zyliss Rotary Cheese Grater, Aluminium, 3 Steel Drum Blades, Cheese, Vegetable, Chocolate, Nut, Fruit Grater with Handle, Non-Slip Suction Foot and Table Clamp, 5 Year Guarantee — **Buy Now :**Zyliss Rotary Cheese Grater, Aluminum

Handheld Graters

Compact and easy to use, perfect for quick grating tasks.

iNeibo Kitchen Cheese Grater & Lemon Zester - Sharp 18/8 Stainless Steel Blade - Ergonomic TPR Handle - Easy to Grate Or Zest Lemon, Orange, Citrus, Cheese, Chocolate, Nuts, Gingers, Garlic — **Buy Now :**iNeibo Kitchen Cheese Grater & Lemon Zester

Electric Graters

These offer convenience and speed, ideal for large quantities of cheese.

FOHERE Electric Cheese Grater 150W Electric Grater for Fruit and Vegetables, Multi Salad Maker with 4 Interchangeable Cones Ideal for Cheese, Cucumber, Carrot — **Buy Now :**FOHERE Electric Cheese Grater

How to Use a Cheese Grater

Using a cheese grater is straightforward, but here are a few tips to get the best results:

Preparation: Choose the right grater for the task. For hard cheeses, use a fine or coarse grater. For soft cheeses, a larger grating surface may be better.

Grating Technique: Hold the grater at an angle and move the cheese back and forth across the grating surface. Use even pressure to ensure consistent grating.

Safety: Be careful to keep your fingers away from the grating surface. Use a protective glove or holder if necessary.

Cleaning: Clean the grater immediately after use to prevent cheese from hardening on the surface. Use warm, soapy water and a brush if needed.

Which type of cheese grater is best for soft cheese?

Microplane graters and rotary graters are best for soft cheeses like mozzarella and brie. They provide a finer grate and prevent the cheese from becoming too mushy.

Can I use a cheese grater for other foods?

Yes, cheese graters can be used for grating vegetables like carrots and zucchini, zesting citrus fruits, grating nuts, chocolate, and even spices like nutmeg.

How do I clean a cheese grater?

To clean a cheese grater, rinse it immediately after use with warm soapy water and use a brush to remove stuck-on bits. Many graters are also dishwasher safe.

What is the best way to grate hard cheese?

A box grater or a microplane grater is ideal for hard cheeses like Parmesan. Use the fine or medium grate side for the best results.

How do I prevent cheese from sticking to the grater?

To prevent cheese from sticking, you can chill the cheese in the freezer for a few minutes before grating. Also, lightly oiling the grater can help reduce sticking.

Can I sharpen my cheese grater?

Most cheese graters cannot be sharpened. If your grater becomes dull, it’s usually best to replace it.

Are stainless steel graters better than plastic graters?

Stainless steel graters are generally more durable, sharper, and longer-lasting than plastic graters. They also handle harder cheeses and other foods better.

What should I look for in a good cheese grater?

Look for a grater with a sturdy build, comfortable grip, and sharp blades. Additional features like non-slip bases and multiple grating surfaces can also be beneficial.

Can a cheese grater be used for zesting citrus?

Yes, a microplane grater is especially good for zesting citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges.

What are the benefits of a rotary cheese grater?

Rotary cheese graters are easy to use, efficient, and safe. They are great for grating large quantities of cheese quickly and without much effort.

How do I store a cheese grater safely?

Store a cheese grater in a drawer or cupboard with the blades covered or facing away from you to avoid accidental cuts. Some graters come with protective covers.

Can I use a cheese grater for chocolate?

Yes, cheese graters can be used to grate chocolate for garnishes, baking, or making hot chocolate. A microplane grater works well for this purpose.

Why does my cheese grater rust?

Rust can form on a cheese grater if it is not dried properly after washing or if it is made from low-quality materials. Always dry your grater thoroughly and consider investing in a stainless steel model.

How do I grate cheese without a grater?

If you don’t have a grater, you can use a food processor with a grating attachment, a vegetable peeler, or a knife to finely chop the cheese.

What is the difference between a zester and a cheese grater?

A zester is specifically designed for zesting citrus fruits and typically has very fine, sharp holes. A cheese grater can have various hole sizes and is more versatile for grating different foods.

Are electric cheese graters worth it?

Electric cheese graters can be worth it for those who need to grate large quantities of cheese frequently. They save time and effort but are generally more expensive and require more storage space.

How do I prevent my fingers from getting grated?

To prevent your fingers from getting grated, use a grater with a handle and non-slip base. You can also use a food pusher if your grater comes with one, or wear cut-resistant gloves.

What cheeses should not be grated?

Very soft and creamy cheeses like cream cheese, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese should not be grated. These cheeses are better spread or crumbled.

How do I choose the right size holes on a grater?

Choose the size based on the cheese and the desired texture. Fine holes are great for hard cheeses and zesting, medium holes for semi-soft cheeses and vegetables, and large holes for soft cheeses and coarser grating tasks.

Conclusion

A high-quality cheese grater is an essential tool for any kitchen, providing the ability to add freshly grated cheese and other ingredients to your dishes.

Whether you prefer a versatile box grater, a sharp microplane, an efficient rotary grater, a compact handheld grater, or a convenient electric grater, there is a perfect option for every kitchen and cooking style.