Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and grating it can elevate a simple dish to restaurant quality. The type of grater you use can make a big difference in the final result, whether you're looking for fluffy shreds, fine powder, or something in between. While some people prefer the traditional box grater, others have found that a Microplane grater provides superior results with less effort. Electric graters and food processors are also popular options, especially for those looking for convenience and speed. In this discussion, we will explore the pros and cons of each type of grater and provide insights into which grater is best suited for achieving the desired consistency when grating Parmesan cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of grater | Microplane, rotary, box grater, vegetable peeler, food processor, electric grater |
| Grater features | Stainless steel, pressure-absorbing, easy-to-grip handle, dishwasher-safe, sharp blades, ergonomic handles |
| Grater use | Grating, zesting, shredding, slicing |
| Cheese type | Hard cheese, soft cheese |
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Microplane graters
When choosing a Microplane grater, it is important to consider the type of handle, as some models have ergonomic handles for comfort and ease of grip. Additionally, the Professional Series, which is all metal, is recommended over the standard version with a plastic frame and handle.
While Microplane graters excel at grating hard cheeses, they may not be the best choice for soft cheeses, as these can be slower to grate and may get squished. For soft cheeses, a box grater or an electric grater might be more suitable. However, it's important to note that box graters can be more difficult to clean and may result in wasted cheese stuck between the grating teeth.
Overall, Microplane graters are a popular choice for grating Parmesan cheese due to their sharpness, ease of use, and ability to produce uniform, fluffy shreds that can enhance the texture and flavour of dishes.
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Rotary graters
However, rotary graters can be exhausting to use, and they also tend to take up a lot of storage space. They usually come in two parts, and if one part is lost, the device becomes unusable.
One example of a rotary grater is the OXO Good Grips Seal & Store Rotary Grater, which has a compartment for storing ungrated cheese inside, with a silicone seal to ensure it stays fresh. It features bi-directional stainless steel blades that can shred chocolate and nuts, and the handle can be adjusted for both right- and left-handed users. It is also dishwasher-safe.
Another option is the Bnunwish Round Mandoline Drum Slicer Rotary Cheese Grater, which suctions to the counter for stability.
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Box graters
The main advantage of box graters is their versatility. The different grating surfaces enable users to grate parmesan cheese to their desired consistency. The fine grating surface, often featuring tiny star-shaped teeth, produces a fine powder-like consistency that is ideal for pasta dishes. The medium and coarse grating surfaces create larger shreds that work well for garnishes or salads.
Additionally, box graters are generally durable and stable. They are often made of stainless steel, ensuring longevity and easy cleaning. The stability of box graters makes grating easier and helps reduce cheese wastage.
However, one drawback of box graters is the potential for knuckle scraping, especially when grating harder cheeses like parmesan. This can be mitigated by using the appropriate grating surface and holding the grater in a stable position.
When choosing a box grater, it is recommended to opt for a stamped box grater, although they are becoming less common. The Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater is a highly regarded option, offering an excellent design and versatility.
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Food processors
To grate Parmesan cheese in a food processor, start by cutting the cheese into small chunks. You can then choose to freeze the chunks for about an hour to avoid the cheese from heating up and clumping in the processor. Next, attach the shredding blade to your food processor. Most food processors come with a shredding disc. If your model does not have one, you can explore other food processor options. The shredding disc has cutouts that look similar to the cutouts in a box grater. Affix the drive shaft to the centre of the food processor work bowl, then attach the disc to the drive shaft. It will attach to the very top, rather than the bottom. Finally, slowly push a large chunk of cheese through the feed tube.
If you are creating ground Parmesan, you can skip the shredding disc and place the cheese directly into the food processor work bowl. Cut the cheese into 1-inch pieces and pulse until the cheese has a powdery texture.
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Electric graters
The Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder is a highly recommended option for an electric grater. It has interchangeable slicing and shredding cones, allowing you to quickly grate and slice various ingredients. It is compact, easy to use, and grates ingredients directly into a bowl or onto a plate. While it is louder than some other graters, it is still a good choice for those looking for convenience and efficiency.
Another option is to use a food processor, such as the Magic Bullet or Nutribullet, which can be used to grate hard cheeses into a powdery form. To do this, cut the block of cheese into small chunks and freeze them for about an hour before processing them to the desired consistency. This method helps prevent the cheese from heating up and clumping during processing.
When choosing an electric grater, consider factors such as ease of use, comfort, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Look for features like interchangeable cones, pressure-absorbing handles, non-slip feet, and dishwasher-safe parts. Electric graters can be a worthwhile investment if you frequently grate cheese or other ingredients and want a quick and convenient option.
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Frequently asked questions
The best grater for parmesan cheese is a Microplane grater. This is because it is very sharp, making it easy to grate hard cheeses, and it is also dishwasher-safe.
Yes, there are a variety of other graters that can be used to grate parmesan cheese. These include a rotary grater, a box grater, a flat grater, and an electric grater.
A box grater is a good option if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to a Microplane grater. It can also be used to grate other hard cheeses and vegetables.
The best way to grate a large amount of parmesan cheese is to use a food processor. Cut the parmesan into small chunks and freeze them for an hour before putting them into the processor. This will help to prevent the cheese from clumping.
