Ever wonder why some grates are better than others? It turns out, not all box graters are created equal! When you’re trying to shred cheese for tacos or zest a lemon for a cake, the right grater makes all the difference. But with so many styles and brands out there, picking the perfect box grater can feel like a frustrating chore.
You want a grater that’s sharp, safe, and easy to clean. You don’t want a grater that makes your knuckles bleed or leaves you with uneven shreds. That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They test out tons of kitchen gadgets to find the best ones for home cooks just like you.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes a box grater truly great, according to the experts at America’s Test Kitchen. We’ll uncover the secrets to their top picks and give you the information you need to choose a grater that will make your cooking easier and more enjoyable. Get ready to say goodbye to grating struggles!
Our Top 5 Box Grater America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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OXO Good Grips Box Grater Silver | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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GORILLA GRIP XL 4-Sided Cheese Grater With Container | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Winco Box Grater | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Spring Chef Professional Cheese Grater – Stainless Steel | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Box Grater America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. OXO Good Grips Box Grater Silver
Rating: 8.8/10
The OXO Good Grips Box Grater Silver, 1 EA is a kitchen essential that makes grating cheese and vegetables a breeze. Its sharp stainless steel blades cut through food easily. This grater is designed for both home cooks and seasoned chefs.
What We Like:
- The stainless steel blades are super sharp. They make grating fast and simple.
- It has four different grating surfaces. You get coarse, medium, and fine grating. There’s also a slicing surface.
- The grater has a slim design. It fits easily into kitchen drawers.
- It comes with a container. This container catches, measures, and stores your grated food.
- The grip is soft and non-slip. It feels comfortable and secure in your hand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The container, while useful, could be larger for big batches of grating.
- While the slim design is good for storage, some users might prefer a slightly wider base for extra stability when grating larger items.
This OXO Good Grips Box Grater is a solid tool for any kitchen. It combines sharp performance with smart design for effortless food prep.
2. GORILLA GRIP XL 4-Sided Cheese Grater With Container
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of juggling multiple kitchen tools? The GORILLA GRIP XL 4-Sided Cheese Grater is your new best friend in the kitchen. This versatile gadget simplifies meal prep by allowing you to zest, shred, slice, and grate all your favorite foods. From hard cheeses and chocolate to fruits and vegetables, this all-in-one tool handles it all with ease.
What We Like:
- Multi-functional: It’s a 4-in-1 tool, so you can zest, shred, slice, and grate with just one grater.
- Sharp Blades: The high-quality stainless steel blades make grating and shredding super fast.
- Comfortable Grip: The oversized, slip-resistant handle makes it easy and safe to hold.
- Stays Put: The non-slip border keeps the grater steady on your counter while you work.
- Built-in Container: The detachable container catches your grated food and has measurement marks for accuracy.
- Easy to Clean: It’s dishwasher safe, saving you cleanup time.
- BPA-Free: Made with safe, 100% BPA-free materials.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: While described as “oversized,” some users might find it takes up a bit more storage space than a standard grater.
- Blade Sharpness Longevity: While initially sharp, the long-term sharpness of the blades could be a concern for very heavy users.
This GORILLA GRIP XL grater is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making food prep quicker and more enjoyable. It’s a smart buy for anyone who loves to cook and wants to simplify their routine.
3. Winco Box Grater
Rating: 8.6/10
The Winco Box Grater is a kitchen essential. This grater measures 9 inches by 4 inches. It is made from strong stainless steel. This makes it last a long time. It also has four different sides for grating. You can shred cheese, zest lemons, or grate vegetables. It’s a tool every kitchen needs. Cleaning is easy too. It is dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- It’s made of sturdy stainless steel.
- It has four useful grating surfaces.
- Cleaning is simple because it’s dishwasher safe.
- Its size is just right for most kitchen tasks.
- It’s a must-have for any home cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The medium grating size might be too small for some tasks.
- The handle could have a bit more grip.
This Winco Box Grater offers great value and versatility. It’s a reliable tool that makes food prep much easier.
4. Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen tasks with the Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater. This handy tool is more than just a cheese grater; it’s a versatile kitchen helper designed to make preparing fruits, vegetables, and cheeses a breeze. Its sturdy stainless steel construction and smart design mean you can grate, shred, and slice with ease, making you feel like a pro chef in no time.
What We Like:
- It has four different sides for grating, so you can get fine shreds to coarse chunks.
- The special ginger shredder base is a neat bonus for finely grating ginger.
- It has a removable base that acts like a built-in container, catching all your grated food.
- The patented Surface Glide Technology makes grating smooth and easy.
- The non-slip handle gives you a good grip, and it’s comfortable to hold.
- It’s made of strong 304 stainless steel, which means it’s built to last.
- Cleaning is super easy because it’s dishwasher safe, saving you time and effort.
- You can slice fruits and vegetables without needing a knife, which is pretty cool!
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, the sheer number of features might be a bit much for someone who only needs a basic grater.
- The capacity, while good, might not be enough for very large batches of grating.
This Cuisipro grater is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both functionality and ease of use. It’s a tool that helps you create delicious meals with less fuss.
5. Spring Chef Professional Cheese Grater – Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of struggling with dull graters that leave your hands aching? The Spring Chef Professional Cheese Grater is here to make your kitchen tasks a breeze. This XL-sized, stainless steel box grater boasts four versatile sides, ready to tackle everything from hard Parmesan cheese to delicate vegetables and zesty ginger. Its sleek black design isn’t just for looks; it’s built for performance and ease of use, even coming with the convenient option of being dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Effortless grating and slicing, making food prep faster and more enjoyable.
- The extra-wide design increases holding capacity and speeds up shredding blocks of cheese.
- Its 4-sided versatility means you can replace multiple kitchen tools with just this one grater.
- Sharp stainless steel blades create clean cuts and slices, enhancing the texture of your food.
- The removable rubber bottom provides stability and safety, preventing slips and keeping food contained.
- It’s dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the XL size is great for capacity, it might take up more storage space than a standard grater.
- Some users might find the aggressive sharpness requires extra caution during use.
This grater truly elevates your cooking experience, offering both efficiency and fantastic results. It’s a kitchen essential that brings joy back into food preparation.
Choosing the Best Box Grater: America’s Test Kitchen Picks
Why a Good Box Grater Matters
A box grater is a kitchen workhorse. It helps you shred cheese, grate vegetables, and zest citrus. A good grater makes these tasks easy and fast. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many graters. They found a few that stand out. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Sharp Blades
Sharp blades are super important. They cut food smoothly. Dull blades can tear food. This makes grating harder. Look for graters with sharp, strong blades.
Different Grating Surfaces
Most box graters have four sides. Each side has different holes. You’ll find coarse holes, fine holes, slicer blades, and maybe even a zesting section. Having these options lets you do many jobs with one tool.
Sturdy Construction
A good grater won’t wobble. It should feel solid in your hands. A stable grater is safer to use. It also makes grating much easier.
Comfortable Handle
You’ll be holding the grater a lot. A comfortable handle makes a big difference. It should feel good in your hand. It should also give you a good grip.
Non-Slip Base
A grater that slides around is a problem. A non-slip base keeps the grater steady. This is important for safety and for getting the job done well.
Detachable Container (Optional but Nice)
Some graters come with a container that catches the food. This is a nice feature. It helps keep your counter clean. It also makes it easy to see how much you’ve grated.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel
Most good box graters are made of stainless steel. This metal is strong. It doesn’t rust. It’s also easy to clean. Stainless steel blades stay sharp for a long time.
Plastic or Rubber Base
The base is often made of plastic or rubber. This helps prevent slipping. It also protects your countertops from scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Blade Sharpness and Design
The sharpness of the blades is key. America’s Test Kitchen looks for blades that cut cleanly. They also check how well the blades are designed. Some designs grate faster. Others are better for specific foods.
Overall Stability
A grater that feels flimsy is no good. A well-made grater is stable. It won’t bend or break. This means it will last longer.
Ease of Cleaning
You want a grater that’s easy to clean. Stainless steel is usually easy to wash. Some graters have nooks and crannies that are hard to clean. Check reviews for comments on cleaning.
Durability
A high-quality grater will last for years. It won’t get dull quickly. It won’t fall apart. Investing in a good grater saves you money in the long run.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cheese Grating
This is a common use. A good grater makes shredding hard and soft cheeses easy. The different hole sizes let you get the perfect shred. Fine shreds melt well. Coarse shreds are great for topping.
Vegetable Prep
You can grate carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and more. This is great for salads, soups, and baked goods. A sharp grater makes this quick work.
Zesting Citrus
Many graters have a zesting side. This lets you get the flavorful peel off lemons and limes. Zest adds a bright flavor to many dishes.
Slicing
Some graters have a slicer blade. This is handy for thin slices of cucumber or potato. It’s faster than using a knife for small jobs.
Comfort and Safety
A comfortable handle and a non-slip base make using the grater a pleasure. It feels safe and secure. You’re less likely to cut yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a box grater “America’s Test Kitchen” recommended?
A: America’s Test Kitchen recommends graters that perform best in their tests. They look for sharp blades, good design, and durability.
Q: How do I keep my box grater sharp?
A: Wash your grater right after using it. Dry it completely. Avoid using abrasive cleaners. Most graters are best cleaned by hand.
Q: Can I put my box grater in the dishwasher?
A: Many stainless steel graters are dishwasher safe. However, hand washing can help keep the blades sharper for longer. Always check the product’s instructions.
Q: What’s the difference between the coarse and fine holes?
A: Coarse holes make larger shreds. Fine holes make smaller shreds. The slicer blade makes thin slices.
Q: Is a box grater better than a rotary grater?
A: Both have their uses. Box graters are often more versatile. Rotary graters can be easier for some people to use, especially for grating into bowls.
Q: How do I avoid grating my knuckles?
A: Use a firm grip. Keep your knuckles tucked in. Use the non-slip base to keep the grater steady. For smaller pieces, consider a grater with a container.
Q: Which side should I use for grating hard cheese like Parmesan?
A: Use the fine holes for hard cheeses. This gives you a nice, powdery texture.
Q: Can I use a box grater for grating soft cheese like mozzarella?
A: Yes, the coarse holes work well for softer cheeses. They create fluffier shreds.
Q: What is the purpose of the zesting side?
A: The zesting side has very small, sharp holes. These are perfect for removing the colored outer layer of citrus fruits without getting the bitter white pith.
Q: How does the material affect the grater’s performance?
A: Stainless steel is strong and stays sharp. It’s also resistant to rust and easy to clean. Cheaper metals might dull faster or corrode.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!