Patrick Oconnell
A cheese grater is a kitchen utensil used to grate or shred cheese into fine pieces. They come in various shapes and sizes, with box graters being the most common. Other types include paddles, microplane/rasp graters, and rotary drum graters. Cheese graters are used to process hard and soft cheeses, as well as other foods such as vegetables, chocolate, nuts, and spices. They are an essential tool for preparing dishes like pizza, mac and cheese, and cauliflower cheese, where grated cheese is a key ingredient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Grating foods into fine pieces |
| Food items | Cheese, vegetables, fruits, chocolate, nuts, spices, coconut meat, potatoes |
| Types | Box grater, rotary grater, paddle, microplane/rasp grater, drum grater |
| Features | Different sizes of grating slots, blades, sharp blades, removable parts, measurement markers, non-slip bottom, ergonomic handle, dishwasher-safe |
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What You'll Learn
Grating hard cheeses
If you are grating large batches of hard cheese, a box grater with a cup for shredding cheese into is a good option. The Gorilla Grip XL cheese grater is a good example of this, with its large handle and measurement markers on the cup. However, some box graters can be inefficient and tiresome to use, and potentially dangerous.
For effortless fine grating of hard cheeses, the Zyliss Classic Cheese Grater is a good option. It features a razor-sharp acid-etched stainless steel drum, an ergonomic grip, and a switchable handle design, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed use. The blade is safely encased inside the body, and the drum and handle easily separate for quick and hassle-free cleaning.
The OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater is another option for grating hard cheeses. It has a removable side for zesting citrus, a non-slip bottom, and a strong handle grip. However, the handle is larger than average, which can make grating tiresome.
For those with arthritic hands, the Shanasana 4 Sided 10" Box Cheese Grater is a good option. It has a soft ergonomic handle with a non-slip bottom and is easy to use and clean. However, there have been some issues with the handle quality, with reports of it breaking or bending after minimal use.
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Grating soft cheeses
Choose the Right Grater:
When it comes to grating soft cheeses, the type of grater you use makes a significant difference. While box graters are commonly used, they may not be the best option for soft cheeses. Consider using a rotary grater, which is highly efficient, versatile, and easy to use. Rotary graters are also safer than box graters as they limit your fingers' interaction with the blades. If you decide to go with a box grater, look for one with sharp blades, like the OXO box grater, to achieve even results with soft cheeses.
Firmness and Temperature:
Soft cheeses tend to get warm and sticky when grated at room temperature, resulting in a chunky consistency instead of fine shreds. To prevent this, it is recommended to firm up soft cheeses before grating. You can do this by freezing or deep-chilling the cheese for a while. For mozzarella, freezing it for 20 minutes or longer can help achieve better grating results. However, keep in mind that freezing cheese can force out moisture, altering its texture and taste. If you don't want to freeze your cheese, try placing it in the fridge to firm it up slightly before grating.
Grating Technique:
When grating soft cheeses, it is important to apply even and localized pressure. Using a box grater with smaller grating slots can help achieve this. Spraying the grater with cooking spray or rubbing it with oil can also make the grating process smoother and prevent cheese from sticking to the grater. If you're grating cheese for pasta, grate it directly onto the dish as the heat will automatically defrost the frozen cheese.
Alternative Methods:
If grating soft cheese proves too challenging, consider alternative methods such as slicing or tearing the cheese into small pieces. For salads, you can slice soft cheeses and add them just before serving to prevent them from sticking together. For pizza, tearing or slicing the cheese into thin pieces might be a better option than grating.
With these tips in mind, you can now confidently approach grating soft cheeses. Remember to choose the right grater, adjust the firmness and temperature of the cheese, apply the correct grating technique, and consider alternative methods if needed. Happy grating!
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Grating other foods
Graters are commonly used to process vegetables, but they can also be used for other soft foods. For example, a grater can be used to grate potatoes for Slavic dishes such as draniki, bramborak, or potato babka. In tropical countries, graters are used to grate coconut meat. In the Indian subcontinent, graters are used to prepare the popular dessert Gajar Ka Halwa.
A grater can also be used to zest citrus fruits and to grate spices such as ginger and nutmeg. Graters can be used to grate chocolate, and nuts. The Zyliss Classic Cheese Grater, for example, is designed for grating hard cheeses, chocolate, and nuts.
Some people prefer to use a mandoline for meal-prepping vegetables, but a grater can thinly slice vegetables. One user of the viral TikTok cheese grater tested it with potatoes, cucumbers, and tofu. Another user of the same product reported that they used it to grate butternut squash.
Different types of graters can be used to grate different types of cheeses. For example, the OXO Rotary Grater is best suited for hard cheeses, while the Zyliss Classic Cheese Grater is designed for hard cheeses but can also be used for firmer soft cheeses.
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Grater safety
Graters are a handy kitchen utensil used to grate foods into fine pieces. However, they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips for grater safety:
- Choose the right type of grater for your needs: Box graters are simple and easy to clean but can be inefficient and tiresome to use. Rotary graters, on the other hand, are highly efficient, versatile, and safer as they limit your fingers' interaction with the blades.
- Always use the grater as intended: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and only grate foods that are suitable for the type of grater you are using. Some graters are better suited for hard cheeses, while others are designed for softer foods.
- Be mindful of your fingers: Always keep your fingers away from the grating surface to avoid accidental nicks and cuts. Rotary graters are safer in this regard as the blades are enclosed inside the device.
- Maintain your grater: Regularly clean your grater to remove any built-up food residue. A clogged grater can be more difficult to use and may increase the risk of injury. Some graters are dishwasher-safe, while others can be simply rinsed under running water.
- Consider using a mandoline or a zester: If you're concerned about safety, you may prefer to use alternative tools such as a mandoline or a zester, which can provide similar results to a grater.
By following these guidelines, you can safely use a cheese grater to enhance your culinary creations without risking injury.
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Different types of graters
Graters are kitchen essentials used to shred or crush ingredients with a tough texture. They are most commonly used for cheese but can also be used for a variety of other ingredients.
There are several types of graters available, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some of the most commonly used graters:
Box Graters
Box graters are versatile and convenient. They typically have multiple blade grades across four sides, offering different cutting and grating options. They are ideal for larger tasks and can be used for grating cheese, shredding vegetables, or even making cauliflower rice. Box graters are usually lightweight and easy to clean, with some models featuring a removable rubber bottom for thorough cleaning. They are often designed with a handle for a sturdy grip and can be used upright or sideways.
Paddle-Style Graters
Paddle-style graters, also known as one-sided graters, are designed for grating directly into a bowl. They feature large, sharp holes and a rubber-lined base to prevent slipping. While they offer only one size option, they are highly effective for grating into containers.
Rasp Graters
Rasp graters are long and thin, often confused with zesters. They are perfect for hard cheeses like Parmesan, as well as for grating ginger or citrus peels. The small, sharp holes and slender design make it easy to manoeuvre around unevenly shaped ingredients.
Mandoline Graters
Mandoline graters are excellent for quickly slicing fruits and vegetables into thin, uniform pieces. They offer adjustable thickness settings and can create matchsticks or thin slices, depending on your needs. Mandolines are a great time-saver when preparing dishes like potatoes au gratin or apple chips.
Rotary Graters
Rotary graters are ideal for hard, dry cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano. Instead of moving the cheese along the grater, you rotate a blade along the cheese, making the grating process more efficient.
Each type of grater has its own advantages and specific uses, making them valuable tools in the kitchen for preparing a wide variety of ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese grater is used to grate or shred cheese into fine pieces.
There are several types of cheese graters, including box graters, paddles, microplane/rasp graters, and rotary drum graters. Each type has unique features and advantages, such as efficiency, ease of use, and safety.
Yes, cheese graters are versatile tools that can also be used to grate or shred vegetables, citrus peels, spices, and even chocolates and nuts. They are useful for preparing a variety of dishes beyond just cheese-related recipes.
Popular cheese graters include the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater, Gorilla Grip XL Box Grater, OXO Rotary Grater, and the Zyliss Classic Cheese Grater. Each of these products offers unique features, such as sharpness, efficiency, comfort, and ease of cleaning.
