Bushra Griffith
Grating cheese is a simple task, but a bad grater can make it a nightmare. There are many types of cheese graters available, from box graters to rotary graters and electric graters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are better suited for different types of cheese. For example, soft cheeses can be slower to grate and may get squished in certain graters. Electric graters can be a great option for those looking for convenience and speed, while box graters are a good choice for those who want to grate a large quantity of cheese quickly. Ultimately, the best cheese grater for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Rotary, box, electric, paddle, zester |
| Ease of use | Minimal force required, ergonomic handles, finger safety, easy grip, non-slip feet |
| Efficiency | Grates large quantities quickly, sharp blades, versatile |
| Cleanliness | Easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, requires disassembly |
| Cost | Affordable, good value |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cheese shredders
One popular electric cheese shredder is the Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder, which is available on Amazon for $50. This compact machine is easy to use and can quickly grate and slice a variety of foods, making it a convenient option for those looking for a multi-purpose appliance. It is also easy to clean by hand, thanks to its simple disassembly, and it is dishwasher-safe, except for the motor. However, it is on the louder side.
Another option is the VAVSEA 5-in-1 Electric Cheese Grater, which is available on Walmart for $92.99. This shredder comes with 5 stainless steel blades and a 400W motor, making it a powerful option for grating cheese and other foods. It also features one-touch control, making it convenient and easy to use.
The Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater is another popular option, available on Walmart for $59.94. This grater comes with 3 interchangeable blades, making it versatile and suitable for grating a variety of foods. It is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup convenient.
For those looking for a more affordable option, the Electric Cheese Grater Salad Maker Shooter is available on Walmart for $29.99. This shredder comes with 3 stainless steel blades and can be used to grate cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
It is important to note that some electric cheese shredders may not be suitable for softer cheeses with higher moisture content, such as Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, as they can stick to the grater's blades. Harder cheeses, such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano, are recommended for electric graters.
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Rotary cheese graters
One popular example is the Cambom rotary cheese grater, which has gone viral on TikTok for its ability to grate an entire block of cheese in seconds. It is praised for its smooth handle and ease of use, requiring minimal force. However, some users have noted that cheese can get stuck in the barrel, requiring manual removal after shredding each cheese block.
Another option is the Microplane Classic Black Rotary Cheese Grater, which features an ultra-sharp fine blade and an ergonomic handle. It is designed for enhanced durability and ease of use, with a sturdier drum and crank arm to withstand daily kitchen demands. The Microplane rotary grater is also dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleaning process. However, some users have noted that it is harder to clean than the previous model and does not eliminate the mess caused by grating cheese.
There are also a variety of rotary cheese graters available on Amazon, such as the FAB&DELUXE, GDL, and BEACOSS 5-in-1 rotary graters. These graters typically feature interchangeable stainless steel blades, a non-slip base, and a hand crank for fast and efficient cheese grating. They are also easy to clean, with detachable parts that can be washed under running water or in the dishwasher. However, some users have reported that these graters tend to break after a few uses, and they may not handle soft cheeses well.
Overall, rotary cheese graters offer a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional box graters, but it is important to consider their limitations with soft cheeses and potential durability concerns.
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Box graters
The Cuisipro Four-Sided Box Grater is a versatile, exceptionally sharp box grater, with larger etched teeth for jobs like shredding potatoes and carrots, and smaller ones for finer tasks, such as shredding cheese. It has a useful slicer and zester, which is uncommon among other box graters. It is also one of the more expensive options, but it comes with a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last.
The Utopia Cheese Grater and Shredder 6-sided Box Grater is another option that can make quick work of hard and soft cheeses, although it is unable to zest citrus.
The RSVP International Endurance Box Grater is a "commercial-quality" grater, with large grating holes, although food tends to clump in the medium holes, and the slicer and zester are not great.
Photochemically etched graters, such as the Oxo, Cuisipro, and Microplane, tend to be sharper than classic stamped graters and work best for clean shredding, producing fine, fluffy shreds with no clogging.
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Manual vs electric
Manual cheese graters are a more traditional option for grating cheese. They are often more stable than electric graters, which can be important for losing less cheese. They are also generally more compact and easier to store. Manual graters are also often more versatile, being able to grate cheese, zest ginger, shred vegetables, and more. However, they can require more physical effort and can be slower at grating cheese, especially softer cheeses, which can get stuck in the grater. They can also be more dangerous, with more potential for your fingers to interact with the blades.
Electric cheese graters are a more modern option, often with interchangeable slicing and shredding cones. They are able to quickly grate cheese and other foods, and some models can even grate directly onto a plate or into a bowl. They can be a good option for those who are less physically able, as they require less effort. However, they can be louder than manual graters and usually require electricity to operate. They also often have more parts, which can make them more annoying to clean.
Both manual and electric cheese graters have their pros and cons. Manual graters are generally more stable, compact, and versatile, but they can require more physical effort and be slower. Electric graters, on the other hand, are faster and require less physical effort but can be louder and more annoying to clean. The best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Some highly-rated manual cheese graters include the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater and the OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater, which has a pressure-absorbing, easy-to-grip handle and nonslip feet. As for electric cheese graters, the Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder is a popular option. Other options include the Cambom rotary cheese grater, which has gone viral on TikTok for its efficiency and ease of use.
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Grating soft vs hard cheese
Grating cheese can be a tricky task, especially when using a sub-par grater. Soft cheeses like mozzarella can get jammed up in a grater that's only suitable for hard cheeses, while semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and Swiss are too pliable for shredding straight from the fridge. To avoid these issues, it's important to choose the right type of grater for the type of cheese you want to grate and to prepare your cheese properly before grating.
When it comes to grating soft cheeses, an electric grater or food processor can be a good option. These graters typically have interchangeable slicing and shredding cones that can quickly grate soft cheeses without causing them to gum up. However, they tend to be on the loud side and may not be suitable for small amounts of cheese. If you're using a manual grater, soft cheeses can be slower to grate and may get squished, so it's important to use a grater with a comfortable, easy-grip handle to absorb pressure.
For hard cheeses like Parmesan and Grana Padano, a Microplane grater or a stamped box grater can be a good choice. Microplane graters are known for their razor-sharp blades and ergonomic handles, delivering fluffy, uniform shreds. However, if you're grating a large amount of hard cheese, an electric grater or a KitchenAid attachment can be a more efficient option. Hard cheeses can be difficult to grate if they're too dry, so it's important to introduce a bit of moisture by wrapping the block in a damp cheesecloth or paper towel before grating.
Overall, the best cheese shredder will depend on the type of cheese you want to grate and your personal preferences. Electric graters and food processors can be versatile and efficient, but they may be too loud or bulky for some users. Manual graters with comfortable handles and sharp blades can be a good choice for both soft and hard cheeses, but they may require more elbow grease and time. To find the best option for your needs, it may be helpful to read reviews and test out different types of graters.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese shredder for you will depend on your needs and preferences. There are several types of cheese shredders, including box graters, rotary graters, and electric graters. Box graters are efficient and versatile, while rotary graters are great for larger quantities of cheese as they require less force and are safer than traditional box graters. Electric graters are also an option for those looking for convenience and speed.
Some popular options for cheese shredders include the Cuisipro 4 Sided Box Grater, the OXO Good Grips Multi-Grater, the Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder, the Microplane Parmesan Cheese Grater, and the Cambom rotary cheese grater.
Yes, freshly grated cheese is considered the gold standard for cooking as it does not contain anti-caking additives that can affect the texture and melting quality of the cheese.
Cheese shredders can be used with a variety of cheeses, including hard cheeses such as Parmesan and softer cheeses like mozzarella. However, it is worth noting that soft cheeses may be slower to grate and can get stuck in certain types of shredders.
Cheese shredders are available at various retailers, including Amazon and other online stores, as well as in kitchen supply stores.
