Kamil Perry
Grating cheese is a straightforward task, but a bad grater can make it a nightmare. The best cheese graters are easy to use, effective, and comfortable. There are several types of graters to choose from, including box graters, hand-held graters, zesters, rotary graters, and electric graters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are better suited for specific types of cheese or other tasks like zesting or grating chocolate. Factors to consider when choosing a grater include the type of blades, the size of the shreds, capacity, and ease of cleaning.
Characteristics and Values of Cheese Graters:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Box graters, rotary graters, flat graters, electric graters, Microplane graters, rasp graters |
| Functionality | Grating cheese, zesting, shredding vegetables, grating chocolate, grinding spices |
| Ease of Use | Comfortable grip, easy to manoeuvre, safe, dishwasher-safe |
| Performance | Efficient shredding, sharp blades, versatile, multiple grate sizes |
| Ease of Cleaning | Easy to clean, less messy |
| Value for Money | Reasonably priced, good quality, long-lasting |
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What You'll Learn
- Box graters are versatile and efficient for shredding large quantities of cheese
- Rotary graters are safer and easier to use than box graters
- Electric graters are convenient but can be difficult to clean
- Rasp graters are sharp and suitable for small grating jobs
- Microplane graters are easy to use and long-lasting
Box graters are versatile and efficient for shredding large quantities of cheese
Box graters are a versatile and efficient option for shredding large quantities of cheese. They are the quintessential all-purpose grater, often featuring several sizes and shapes of holes for grating. This makes them ideal for handling different types and quantities of cheese. While they are usually reasonably priced, box graters are not always sharp, and it is recommended to use cold cheese for the best results. Soft cheeses, in particular, can get gummed up in the device, so some box graters come with a removable storage container to catch and measure the grated cheese.
Box graters are typically equipped with four sides, each featuring distinct blades for different shredding requirements. Large shredding holes are perfect for quickly processing hard and soft cheeses, as well as other foods like carrots, zucchini, apples, and tomatoes. Medium-sized holes create smaller shavings, suitable for grating potatoes for hash browns. Small holes are ideal for finely shredding hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, while rough, raspy pinholes produce a fine, powdery grate suitable for chocolate, ginger, nutmeg, citrus, and garlic.
The versatility of box graters extends beyond cheese, making them a valuable tool in the kitchen. They can be used for shredding vegetables, grating chocolate, zesting citrus fruits, and even grinding spices. This multi-functionality makes box graters a worthwhile investment, despite their bulkier size.
When choosing a box grater, durability and grip are essential factors to consider. Good-quality stainless steel teeth that are sharp and rust-resistant will ensure ease of use and longevity. Wooden or rubberized grips and bases generally offer a sturdier and longer-lasting product compared to crack-prone plastic alternatives.
While box graters excel at shredding large quantities of cheese, it is worth noting that rotary graters can be advantageous for certain scenarios. Rotary graters, especially those with a suction base, are excellent for hard cheeses like Parmesan and can be safer and easier to manoeuvre. However, they may not be ideal for larger quantities of cheese as they often have a limited capacity.
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Rotary graters are safer and easier to use than box graters
Rotary graters are also a good option if you need to grate large amounts of cheese. They are super handy for grating over dishes. For example, if you need to grate a large amount of Parmesan, a rotary grater will be much faster than a box grater. Rotary graters are also a good option if you need to grate a whole block of cheese—in this case, a food processor with a shredding blade may be a good alternative.
Rotary graters are also safer than box graters. Box graters can be awkward to use, and it's easy to graze your knuckles on the sharp teeth. Rotary graters, on the other hand, are designed to avoid this issue, with a shape that allows you to grate food without running your knuckles over the blades.
However, it's worth noting that rotary graters do have some drawbacks. Some people find that the suction base doesn't stick properly, which can be frustrating. Additionally, rotary graters tend to take up more room to store than box graters.
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Electric graters are convenient but can be difficult to clean
Electric graters are a convenient option for grating cheese, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional manual graters. They are particularly useful if you need to grate large quantities of cheese, such as when making homemade pizza or preparing dishes for a crowd. Electric graters can also be a safer option, as they keep your fingers away from the blades, reducing the risk of minor injuries.
However, one of the main drawbacks of electric graters is that they can be challenging to clean. Due to their complex design and multiple components, they may have more nooks and crannies where cheese can get stuck. The blades or grating mechanisms can be especially tricky to clean, requiring careful attention to ensure all food particles are removed. This process may involve disassembling the grater, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
To facilitate cleaning, some electric graters come with removable parts that can be separated for easier access during cleaning. However, this also introduces the risk of losing or misplacing certain components, rendering the device unusable. Additionally, it's important to note that electric graters with multiple parts may have more crevices for food to get trapped in, exacerbating the cleaning challenge.
To mitigate cleaning difficulties, some users recommend placing a large piece of parchment paper under the electric grater to catch the grated cheese. This method provides a stable surface and eliminates the need for a bowl or plate, which can be unstable. Once you're done grating, simply pick up the parchment paper and slide the cheese off for cooking or storage.
While electric graters offer convenience in cheese grating, the trade-off is the increased cleaning effort required. If ease of cleaning is a priority, you may want to consider other types of graters, such as flat graters, which tend to be the easiest to clean due to their simplicity and fewer parts. Ultimately, the decision between an electric grater and other options depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the grater.
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Rasp graters are sharp and suitable for small grating jobs
When it comes to grating cheese, there are various devices to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One option is a rasp grater, also known as a Microplane, named after the woodworking tool.
Rasp graters are known for their sharpness and are ideal for small grating jobs, making them a good choice for grating small amounts of hard cheese. They are also versatile and can be used for zesting citrus fruits, grating nutmeg or cinnamon, and even creating chocolate curls. Their sharpness makes them efficient at grating small amounts of hard cheese, but they may not be suitable for larger quantities.
The sharpness of a rasp grater is one of its defining characteristics. The fine, sharp teeth of the grater create wispy, light shavings of cheese. This type of grater is particularly effective for hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Pecorino, and can also handle softer cheeses like mozzarella. The small, sharp teeth ensure that the cheese is grated into delicate curls without clumping or sticking to the grater.
Rasp graters are designed for small grating tasks and are not intended for grating large quantities of cheese. They excel at precision grating and are often used for adding a final garnish of cheese to a dish. Their compact size makes them easy to store and manoeuvre, reducing the risk of minor injuries that can occur with larger graters.
Overall, rasp graters are a sharp and efficient tool for small grating jobs, particularly when grating hard cheeses or adding a final touch of cheese to a dish. Their compact size and versatility make them a useful addition to any kitchen, especially when paired with a larger grater for more substantial grating tasks.
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Microplane graters are easy to use and long-lasting
Grating cheese can be a straightforward task, but a bad grater can make it a nightmare. A Microplane grater is a great option for grating cheese as it is easy to use and long-lasting.
Microplane graters are a type of rasp grater. They are sharp and particularly useful for small cheese grating jobs, as well as zesting and grating spices. Microplane graters are also good for grating hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, and can be used to make chocolate curls and grate other ingredients such as carrots, potatoes, radishes and nutmeg.
The Microplane Classic Series Zester is a good option for zesting, and the Microplane Specialty Series 4-Sided Box Grater is a top-performing, easy-to-use grater that produces uniform shreds. Microplane graters are made from high-quality stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and long-lasting if cared for properly.
When choosing a grater, it is important to consider how you will use it. For example, if you regularly make pizza, you may want a different grater than if you just need a sprinkle of Parmesan now and then. Box graters are a good option for versatility, but they can be bulky. Rotary graters are a good option for hard cheeses and are easy to use, but they may not produce a large volume of grated cheese. Electric graters are another option, which can be particularly useful if you need to grate large quantities.
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Frequently asked questions
The best device for grating cheese depends on your needs. Box graters are versatile and efficient for shredding large quantities of cheese, but they can be bulky. Rotary graters are good for small amounts of cheese and are safer as the blades are covered, and they can be more efficient than box graters for soft cheeses like mozzarella. However, they may not be suitable for larger quantities of cheese as they have a smaller capacity.
Microplane graters are great for finely grating cheese, and they are less likely to leave cheese stuck to the grater. They are also versatile and can be used for zesting citrus fruits or grating chocolate. However, they can be bulky, and the sharp blades can be dangerous if you're not careful.
Box graters are typically what people associate with cheese grating. They are versatile and efficient for shredding large quantities of cheese. However, they tend to be bulky and take up a lot of storage space.
Rotary graters are good for small amounts of cheese, such as a family serving of Parmesan. They are safer to use as the blades are covered, and they can be more efficient than box graters for soft cheeses like mozzarella. However, they may not be suitable for larger quantities of cheese as they have a smaller capacity.
Microplane graters are excellent for finely grating cheese, and they are less likely to leave cheese stuck to the grater. They are also versatile and can be used for zesting citrus fruits or grating chocolate. However, they can be bulky, and the sharp blades can be dangerous if you're not careful.
Yes, electric graters are also available. These can be more expensive and may not be as versatile as manual graters, but they can be a good option for those who want to avoid the manual labour of hand grating.
