Ever wonder why some cheese graters seem to work like magic, while others leave you wrestling with stubborn knobs and shredded fingers? It’s not just about the cheese; it’s about the tool!
Choosing the perfect cheese grater can be surprisingly tricky. You want one that makes quick work of your cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella, but many options are clunky, hard to clean, or just don’t get the job done. We’ve all been there, trying to grate enough cheese for a crowd and feeling like we’re stuck in a kitchen battle. America’s Test Kitchen, known for its thorough testing, has tackled this very problem.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes a great cheese grater, according to the experts. You’ll learn what features really matter, what common mistakes to avoid, and discover which graters earned the coveted America’s Test Kitchen stamp of approval. Get ready to transform your cheese grating experience from a chore into a breeze!
Our Top 5 Cheese Grater America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheese Grater America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Urbanstrive Cheese Grater With Container Box Grater Stainless Steel Graters for Kitchen Cheese Shredder Parmesan Shredder Kitchen Gadgets Kitchen Tools Kitchen Gifts for Chef Dishwasher Safe Zester
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of wrestling with flimsy graters that leave you with uneven shreds and sore hands? The Urbanstrive Cheese Grater With Container Box Grater is here to make your kitchen prep a breeze. Crafted from tough, high-quality 304 stainless steel, this gadget is built to last. It’s more than just a cheese grater; it’s a versatile kitchen tool that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.
What We Like:
- Built tough with 304 stainless steel for durability and strength.
- Four sharp grating sides (coarse, medium, fine, and slice) handle everything from cheese to veggies.
- The comfortable, non-slip handle gives you a secure and easy grip.
- A non-slip base keeps the grater steady while you work.
- The detachable container catches your grated food, measures it, and even stores it.
- It’s great for grating cheese, vegetables like carrots and zucchini, and even chocolate.
- Cleanup is super simple because it’s dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, the slicing side might not be as sharp as a dedicated mandoline slicer for very thin slices.
- The container, while convenient, is made of plastic and might scratch over time with heavy use of the grater against it.
This Urbanstrive grater is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both efficiency and convenience. It’s a must-have for home cooks looking for a reliable and multi-functional kitchen tool.
2. Rainspire Professional Cheese Graters for Kitchen Stainless Steel Handheld
Rating: 8.9/10
The Rainspire Professional Cheese Graters for Kitchen Stainless Steel Handheld, Metal Lemon Zester Grater With Handle For Cheese, Chocolate, Spices, Kitchen Gadgets And Tools, Soft Grip Handle, Black is a versatile kitchen tool that makes food prep a breeze. It’s designed to handle a variety of tasks, from grating cheese to zesting citrus. This grater is a welcome addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It grates semi-soft cheeses, potatoes, zucchini, onions, cabbage, butter, and apples with ease.
- The sharp, etched stainless steel surface grates and zests quickly and effortlessly.
- A non-slip, soft-grip handle provides excellent control.
- Raised rubber feet keep the grater steady and sanitary on your countertop.
- The soft, non-slip handle feels comfortable in your hand.
- It’s dishwasher safe, making cleanup super simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it excels with semi-soft cheeses, it might not be the best choice for very hard cheeses.
- The black color, while stylish, might show scuffs more readily over time.
This Rainspire grater simplifies many kitchen tasks. It’s a reliable tool that helps you prepare delicious meals with less effort.
3. Cheese Grater with Garlic Crusher- Box Grater Vegetable Shredder with 3 Stainless Steel Blades – Graters for Kitchen- Cheese Graters with Handle – Garlic Mincer Tool and Vegetable Peeler
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of a cluttered kitchen and endless prep work? This all-in-one grater set is here to simplify your cooking. It’s a box grater with three sharp stainless steel blades for all your shredding needs. Plus, it comes with a handy garlic crusher, a vegetable peeler, and even a storage container. This gadget truly does it all, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has three different grating surfaces: coarse, medium, and fine.
- The smart storage container catches your grated food, keeping your counter clean.
- It has two units of measurement (cups and milliliters) on the clear sides.
- The non-slip base and comfortable handle give you a good grip.
- It includes a bonus Y-peeler with sharp blades and a handy potato eye remover.
- The garlic mincer is also great for herbs and can peel and chop garlic.
- Cleaning is easy because the parts are removable and dishwasher safe.
- A cleaning brush is included for tough bits.
What Could Be Improved:
- The garlic crusher might not be as powerful as a dedicated press for very large amounts of garlic.
- While it saves space, it is still a multi-part item to store.
This versatile kitchen tool will definitely make your cooking faster and more enjoyable. It’s a smart addition to any home cook’s collection.
4. Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater – NSF Restaurant Certified Handheld Grater – Can be used for Hard Cheese
Rating: 8.9/10
The Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is a kitchen essential that makes food prep simple and fast. This handy tool is NSF Restaurant Certified, meaning it meets high standards for safety. It’s designed for ease of use, whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef. Its white color and classic design fit well in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It grates cheese, chocolate, and nuts with very little effort.
- The grater folds up neatly for easy storage, saving counter space.
- It works great for both left-handed and right-handed people.
- Cleaning is a breeze because it comes apart easily.
- It’s built to meet strict health and safety standards for restaurants.
- The comfortable handle makes it easy to hold and use for longer periods.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for hard cheeses, it might not work as well for softer cheeses.
- The drum can sometimes get a little sticky with certain ingredients like chocolate if not cleaned immediately.
This Zyliss grater is a reliable and versatile addition to any kitchen, simplifying tasks and opening up possibilities for delicious meals and treats. It’s a tool that everyday cooks and gourmet chefs can both appreciate.
5. Deiss PRO Citrus Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater — Parmesan Cheese
Rating: 9.2/10
Elevate your culinary creations with the Deiss PRO Citrus Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater. This versatile kitchen tool is designed to make everyday cooking tasks a breeze, from zesting lemons to grating hard cheeses like Parmesan. Its razor-sharp stainless steel blade handles a variety of ingredients with ease, promising restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
What We Like:
- The blade is super sharp and made of stainless steel, so it won’t rust.
- It has a comfy, non-slip handle that makes it easy to hold and use.
- Its special curved sides make it strong, letting you press harder when needed.
- It saves space by replacing bulky graters and food processors.
- Cleaning is a snap – just rinse it under water.
- It helps you create amazing flavors with fresh zest, avoiding bitter pith.
- Grating hard cheeses like Parmesan is effortless, creating fluffy piles that melt quickly.
- You can easily grate carrots, ginger, garlic, or even chocolate shavings.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty from Deiss Kitchenware.
- You get a free “Healthy Cooking Tips” ebook as a bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, it may not be ideal for very large grating tasks that a box grater handles quickly.
This Deiss zester and grater is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both performance and value. Get ready to impress with your enhanced cooking skills!
Your Guide to the Best Cheese Grater from America’s Test Kitchen
Finding the right cheese grater makes a big difference in the kitchen. It can turn a chore into a joy. America’s Test Kitchen is known for testing products thoroughly. They help you choose the best tools. This guide will help you pick a great cheese grater.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a cheese grater, keep these important features in mind:
- Sharpness: A sharp grater cuts cheese easily. It doesn’t tear it. This makes grating faster and less messy. Look for graters with blades that feel very sharp.
- Grate Size Options: Many graters have different sides. Each side has holes of a different size. This lets you grate cheese for different recipes. You might need fine shreds for toppings. You might need larger shreds for sauces.
- Comfortable Handle: You’ll hold the grater a lot. A handle that fits well in your hand is important. It should feel secure. It should not slip when you use it.
- Stability: The grater needs to stay put when you use it. Some graters have non-slip bases. Others have a wide shape. This keeps them from moving around on your counter.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes cleaning difficult tools. Look for graters that are easy to wash. Many are dishwasher safe. This saves you time.
Important Materials
The material of your cheese grater affects its durability and performance.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most common and best material. Stainless steel is strong. It resists rust. It stays sharp for a long time. Most high-quality graters use stainless steel blades.
- Plastic: Some graters have plastic parts. The handle might be plastic. Some grater boxes are made of plastic. Plastic can be lighter. It can be cheaper. But it might not be as strong as metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cheese grater better or worse.
- Blade Design: The shape and sharpness of the blades matter a lot. Blades that are angled correctly cut cheese smoothly. Blades that are too dull will make grating hard. They can even make your fingers more likely to slip.
- Construction: How the grater is put together is important. Blades that are firmly attached to the frame are better. Loose blades can be dangerous. They can also make grating less effective.
- Ergonomics: This means how comfortable the grater is to use. A well-designed handle and a balanced weight make a big difference. A grater that feels awkward to hold can be frustrating.
- Size and Shape: A grater that’s too small might be hard to hold. A grater that’s too large might be difficult to store. Box graters are popular because they catch the cheese. They also offer different grating sizes. Paddle graters are good for grating directly onto food.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good cheese grater makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
- Quick Meal Prep: When you need to grate cheese for a salad or a pasta dish, a sharp grater saves time. You won’t struggle to get your cheese ready.
- Perfect Toppings: Fine shreds of cheese melt beautifully on pizzas and casseroles. Larger shreds work well for garnishes.
- Baking: Many baking recipes call for grated cheese. A good grater helps you get the right amount without a mess.
- Versatility: A grater with multiple grating surfaces can be used for more than just cheese. You can grate vegetables like carrots or zucchini. You can also grate chocolate.
- Safety: A grater that is stable and has a comfortable grip reduces the risk of accidents. You can grate with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheese Graters
Q: What makes a cheese grater “America’s Test Kitchen” approved?
A: America’s Test Kitchen tests products rigorously. They look for durability, performance, and ease of use. A grater they recommend has proven to be excellent through their testing.
Q: What is the best material for a cheese grater?
A: Stainless steel is the best material for the blades. It stays sharp and resists rust.
Q: How do I know if a grater is sharp enough?
A: A sharp grater will cut through cheese easily without much force. You should feel the blades biting into the cheese. If you have to push very hard, it might not be sharp.
Q: What are the different types of cheese graters?
A: Common types include box graters, paddle graters, and rotary graters. Box graters have four sides with different holes. Paddle graters are flat with a handle. Rotary graters have a crank to turn the cheese.
Q: Why do some graters have different sized holes?
A: Different sized holes create different textures of grated cheese. Fine shreds melt well. Coarser shreds are good for topping.
Q: Is it important for a grater to have a non-slip base?
A: Yes, a non-slip base helps the grater stay in place. This makes grating safer and easier.
Q: How do I clean a cheese grater?
A: Most stainless steel graters are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand with soap and water. Be careful of the sharp blades.
Q: Can I use a cheese grater for things other than cheese?
A: Yes, you can grate vegetables like carrots and zucchini. You can also grate chocolate or hard butter.
Q: What should I do if my grater is dull?
A: If your grater is dull, it might be time to replace it. Some graters can be sharpened, but it is often difficult and not worth the effort for most home graters.
Q: Where can I find America’s Test Kitchen recommended cheese graters?
A: You can usually find their recommendations on the America’s Test Kitchen website. They also often list specific product models in their reviews.
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!