Patrick Oconnell
Shredding cheese can be a tedious task, but the right tools can make it easier. There are a variety of cheese shredders available, from box graters to food processors with shredder attachments. For example, the TOP Shredder by ReddyMade LLC can shred whole blocks of cheese in seconds, while a Cuisinart food processor with a shredder attachment is also a popular choice. When using a box grater, it's important to protect your fingers, especially when grating hard cheeses. Using a silicone potholder can provide a firm grip and protect your fingers. Additionally, it's recommended to freeze cheese before shredding, but be careful not to freeze it for too long, as it will become impossible to grate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shredder | Box grater, rotary grater, food processor, stand mixer, electric shredder |
| Pros of box grater | Simple, easy to clean, controlled, safe, cost-effective |
| Cons of box grater | Inefficient, tiresome, dangerous, messy |
| Pros of rotary grater | Efficient, versatile, easy to use, maneuverable, fun |
| Cons of rotary grater | Cheese gets stuck in the barrel |
| Pros of food processor | Better than a shredding attachment on a stand mixer |
| Cons of food processor | Clean-up overwhelms any time savings |
| Pros of stand mixer | Efficient |
| Cons of stand mixer | Smaller input hole on newer models |
| Pros of electric shredder | Shreds whole blocks of cheese in seconds, saves labour costs, UL certified, NSF/EPH approved |
| Preparation | Freeze cheese for 30 minutes before shredding to avoid cheese paste |
| Safety | Use a silicone potholder to protect fingers, use parchment paper to catch shredded cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Manual graters vs. electric graters
Manual graters and electric graters are both used to shred cheese, but they differ in several ways. Manual graters are typically smaller, handheld devices that require the user to apply force to grate the cheese. They can come in various forms, such as box graters, paddle graters, rotary graters, and mandoline slicers. On the other hand, electric graters are larger, automated machines that quickly shred cheese with the push of a button. They are more suitable for high-volume shredding and can be more expensive.
Manual graters offer several advantages. Firstly, they are generally more affordable and widely available. Secondly, they provide greater control over the shredding process, allowing users to apply varying amounts of pressure and adjust the speed as needed. This can be beneficial when shredding different types of cheese or when aiming for specific textures. Manual graters are also usually easier to clean than electric graters, with some models even being dishwasher-safe.
However, manual graters can be tiresome to use, especially when shredding large quantities of cheese. They require more physical effort and can be time-consuming. This is where electric graters excel. Electric graters, such as the Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder or the TOP Shredder by ReddyMade LLC, can handle significant volumes of cheese in a short time. They are ideal for busy kitchens or when preparing dishes that require a lot of shredded cheese, like pizzas or tacos.
It is worth noting that electric graters tend to be more expensive and may require more space in the kitchen. They also have additional maintenance considerations, such as the need to replace shredding disks or barrels periodically. While electric graters save time and effort, they often come with a more complex cleaning process due to their larger size and multiple components.
Ultimately, the choice between a manual grater and an electric grater depends on individual needs and preferences. Manual graters offer affordability, control, and ease of cleaning, while electric graters provide speed, convenience, and high-volume shredding capabilities. When deciding, it is essential to consider factors such as the frequency of use, the type of cheese being shredded, and the desired level of convenience and functionality.
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How to choose the right grater
When choosing the right grater, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, think about the type of cheese you plan to grate. Different graters are more suitable for hard or soft cheeses. For example, box graters tend to be better for hard cheeses, while rotary graters or handheld graters are often preferred for soft cheeses like mozzarella. If you're a fan of pizza-making, you might opt for a grater that can handle soft cheeses, whereas if you're mostly using it to top pasta dishes with a sprinkle of Parmesan, a finer grater might be a better choice.
Next, consider the quantity of cheese you typically grate. If you're grating large batches of cheese, you'll want a grater that's comfortable to hold and won't tire out your arm. Electric graters or rotary graters might be a good option in this case, as they require less manual effort. However, if you're only grating small amounts of cheese, a simple handheld grater or a microplane might be sufficient.
The sharpness of the grater is another important factor. A sharp grater will cut through cheese with less resistance, which is especially important if you plan to use it for zesting or grating other foods like vegetables or chocolate. Dull graters can be frustrating to use and may not produce the desired results.
Ease of cleaning is also a consideration. Some graters, like box graters, can be tricky to clean due to their many grooves and crevices. Food, especially cheese, can quickly build up and harden if not cleaned promptly. Look for graters that are dishwasher-safe or have removable parts for easier cleaning.
Lastly, think about any additional features that might be useful. Some graters come with storage containers that fit onto the base, collecting the grated cheese and making it easy to store. Others have ergonomic handles or non-slip bases for added comfort and stability.
Overall, the right grater for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the type of cheese, the quantity you typically grate, the sharpness of the grater, ease of cleaning, and any additional features that might enhance your cheese-grating experience.
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How to use a grater
Graters are a handy kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from grating cheese to zesting citrus fruits. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a grater effectively and safely:
Before you begin, it's important to choose the right type of grater for your task. There are a few different types of graters available, such as box graters, Microplane graters, and rotary graters. Box graters offer the most versatility, with four different sides for grating, slicing, and zesting. Microplane and rotary graters are straightforward to use and are good for most grating tasks, but they only have one grating option.
Once you've selected your grater, it's time to prepare your food item. If you're grating a hard food item like cheese or chocolate, you may need to cut it into smaller blocks that are easier to handle and grate. For softer foods like butter, place it in the freezer for at least half an hour to firm it up before grating.
Now, it's time to start grating. Hold the grater firmly by the handle, with the side you want to use facing away from you. For box graters, you may want to lay it on its side, with the holes facing up, and slide the food item horizontally. This technique is especially useful for grating large blocks of cheese to avoid any injuries. Grate the food item away from you, using a gentle back-and-forth or side-to-side motion. If you're using a box grater, you can also grate vertically, allowing the inside of the grater to catch the grated food, which can then be easily transferred to a bowl.
Different grating surfaces will give you different results. The side with large holes is ideal for shredding soft cheeses, like mozzarella, or creating thick shreds of semi-hard cheeses like cheddar. The side with small holes is perfect for finely grating hard cheeses like Parmesan, creating a light, powder-like consistency. This side is also great for grating nutmeg, cinnamon, and zesting citrus fruits. The slicing side, with wide horizontal slots, is perfect for creating quick slices or shavings of hard and semi-hard cheeses.
Graters can also be used for a variety of other tasks beyond grating cheese. You can grate vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers, or use it to mince garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Graters are also handy for creating bread crumbs from stale bread and grating citrus zest for garnishes.
Finally, remember to clean your grater immediately after use. Graters can be tricky to clean, especially the small holes, which are prone to clogging and can be hard on your hands. Wash with hot, soapy water and a brush or abrasive sponge. For stubborn cheese build-up, soak the grater overnight in soapy water or run it through the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe.
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How to maintain a grater
Maintaining your cheese grater is essential to ensure it remains in good condition and safe for food preparation. Here are some tips on how to maintain your cheese grater:
Cleaning
It is important to clean your cheese grater after each use. The cleaning process may vary depending on the type of grater you have. For box graters, rinse the grater under warm running water immediately after use to prevent food residue from drying. If the residue is stubborn, soak the grater in soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing with a dish brush or toothbrush. Always scrub in the direction of the blades for a faster and safer cleaning experience. For rotary graters, disassemble the grater by separating the handle, drum, and any other removable parts. Soak these parts in warm soapy water, then clean all surfaces with a brush, paying attention to small areas where cheese particles can accumulate. Rinse and dry all parts completely before reassembling to prevent rust and bacterial growth.
Sanitizing
To ensure your grater is free of bacteria, periodic sanitization is recommended. Prepare a sanitizing solution by mixing one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water. Submerge the grater in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse it with clean water to remove any traces of bleach. Dry the grater completely to prevent rust and maintain blade sharpness.
Removing Stubborn Residue
Stubborn residue can be removed using natural cleaning agents like oxalic acid found in potatoes. Simply grate a raw potato through the grater to utilize its cleaning properties. Alternatively, create a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda and water and spreading it over the grater. For citrus oil residue, rub the grater's surface with a lemon, as the natural acidity of lemon breaks down sticky oils.
Handling and Storage
Always ensure you have a firm grip on your cheese grater during use to avoid accidents. Choose a grater with an ergonomic handle that is comfortable and easy to hold. When storing, keep your grater in a dry place to prevent rust.
Additional Tips
- For softer cheeses, freeze them before grating to help them firm up and create less mess.
- Use a Microplane grater for direct-to-dish grating, as it is not meant for grating over a plate of food.
- Box graters are better suited for grating larger amounts of cheese on a flat surface.
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How to store cheese for grating
Storing cheese for grating depends on the type of cheese, how much you want to store, and for how long.
If you want to store cheese for grating in the short term, it is best to wrap the cheese in wax or cheese paper and then in plastic wrap. The paper layer allows the cheese to breathe and minimises the growth of new bacteria, while the plastic wrap prevents the cheese from drying out. You can then store the cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. This method is ideal for storing cheddar and Jack cheeses.
If you want to store cheese for grating in the long term, you can freeze it. Freezing cheese is a great way to prevent waste and always have cheese on hand for your recipes. It is important to note that freezing cheese may slightly alter its texture. To freeze cheese for grating, first shred the cheese. You can then add a small amount of flour or cornstarch to the shredded cheese to prevent it from sticking together. Place the cheese in an airtight, resealable plastic freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. The cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use the cheese, you can either defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes. It is best to use frozen cheese for cooking, as the cheese's texture might be altered slightly, but once melted, any change will be unnoticeable.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a cheese shredder can save you time and effort, as it is more efficient than a traditional box grater. It can also be safer, as it limits your fingers' interaction with the blades.
There are a few options for good cheese shredders. The TOP Shredder by ReddyMade LLC is a machine that can shred whole blocks of cheese in seconds. There is also a viral cheese shredder on TikTok that has three attachments: a coarse shredder, a fine shredder, and a slicer.
If you don't want to use a cheese shredder, you can use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding disk. You can also use a stand mixer with a cheese shredding attachment, although this may not be as efficient as a dedicated cheese shredder.
You can use a variety of cheeses with a cheese shredder, including mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère. However, you may want to avoid using soft cheeses as they can be difficult to shred.
To get the best results when using a cheese shredder, consider freezing your cheese for about 30 minutes beforehand. This will make it easier to shred and will help prevent a mess. You can also use parchment paper to catch the shredded cheese instead of a bowl or plate.
