Cheese is a staple in countless recipes and a delightful snack on its own. Among the various ways to enjoy this dairy delight, freshly grated cheese has a distinct taste and texture that takes dishes to new heights. Enter the handheld cheese grater – a simple yet incredibly useful kitchen tool that allows us to bring out the best in our beloved cheese.
Handheld cheese graters come in different types, designed to cater to specific grating needs such as fine, coarse, and ribbon shreds. The right one for you depends on the type of cheese and the desired outcome for your meals. Whatever your preference, a high-quality cheese grater should be sharp, durable, and efficient, making the process a breeze while elevating your culinary creations.
When selecting the best handheld cheese grater, critical factors to consider include the type of grating surface, the materials used, and ease of cleaning. Some graters may also come with additional features like a container to catch the grated cheese, which can be a helpful bonus. It’s important to find a grater that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, usability, and efficiency.
In my quest to help you find the ideal cheese grater, I have spent hours researching and testing a variety of handheld cheese graters, focusing on their performance, durability, and ease of use. Join me as we delve into the world of handheld cheese graters and discover the finest options for your kitchen and culinary adventures.
Best Handheld Cheese Graters
I’ve compiled a list of the best handheld cheese graters for you. These graters will make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient. Check them out below!
This versatile and efficient grater is perfect for effortlessly grating hard cheeses, chocolate, nuts, and vegetables.
Pros
Quickly grates hard and soft cheeses with little pressure
Comfortable non-slip handle suitable for left or right-handed use
Compact design with foldable handle and easy disassembly for cleaning
Cons
Struggles with very small pieces of cheese
Difficult to disassemble for cleaning without instructions
Not as durable as some other rotary graters
Upon using the Zyliss Professional Cheese Grater, I immediately noticed how easy it was to grate even the hardest of cheeses. Just a few turns of the handle, and you’ve got perfectly grated cheese ready for your dishes. I especially appreciate the comfortable, non-slip finish on the rotating knob, making it easy to use for both left and right-handed cooks.
One of the standout features of this grater is its compact design. The drum handle folds into itself, making it easy to store. The grater disassembles quickly, allowing for easy clean up. Unfortunately, taking it apart for cleaning can be a bit of a challenge without instructions, but once you get the hang of it, it should become more manageable.
While the Zyliss Professional Cheese Grater works wonders on hard cheeses, it does struggle a bit with smaller cheese pieces. When using almost finished cheese blocks, the remaining cheese tends to get stuck between the grating drum and the housing. Additionally, the plastic construction isn’t as durable as some other rotary graters on the market. That being said, the overall performance and convenience of this grater make it a worthwhile investment for any cheese lover.
In conclusion, the Zyliss Professional Cheese Grater is an efficient and user-friendly tool for grating a variety of ingredients. Its compact design, non-slip handle, and effortless grating make it a fantastic addition to any kitchen. However, users should be cautious when working with small cheese pieces and be prepared to learn the disassembly process for easy cleaning.
I’d recommend the Joined Rotary Cheese Grater for those looking for a versatile and stylish kitchen gadget.
Pros
Versatile with interchangeable grating drums
Easy rotating action
Stylish and comfortable design
Cons
Difficult to disassemble for cleaning
Handle can be hard to turn
Feels slightly fragile
The Joined Rotary Cheese Grater is a handy and multifunctional gadget. I’ve used it for grating not only cheese but also chocolate, nuts, and vegetables. The interchangeable drums (fine and coarse) offer excellent versatility and extend its use beyond just cheese grating.
What impressed me the most was how easy it was to use this grater. Despite having a slight issue with turning the handle, the rotating action made quick work of grating various foods. I also appreciated the ergonomic handle and lever, which combined style and comfort and kept everything in place for even grating.
One downside was the challenge of cleaning the grater. Disassembling it to clean the finer elements can be a bit tricky. However, the good news is that it’s top-rack dishwasher safe, which makes the cleanup process more manageable.
Overall, the Joined Rotary Cheese Grater is a useful addition to anyone’s kitchen. Its versatility, easy-to-use rotating action, and stylish design make it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their grating experience. However, be prepared to deal with some minor issues regarding disassembly for cleaning and handle rotation.
I highly recommend the OXO Good Grips Etched Medium Grater for anyone in need of a versatile, easy-to-use, and comfortable handheld grater.
Pros
Efficient, sharp stainless steel grating surface
Protective cover and non-slip handle for safety
Ideal for various ingredients like hard cheeses, vegetables, and chocolate
Cons
Might be slightly bulky for small kitchen spaces
Comes in one color (Yellow)
Made in China, which might concern some buyers
I recently used the OXO Good Grips Etched Medium Grater and found it to be a game changer in my kitchen. The sharp, etched stainless steel grating surface made quick work of my hard cheeses and vegetables, which sped up my meal prep substantially.
One of the things I really appreciate about this grater is its safety features. The convenient cover keeps the grating surface protected when not in use, and my hands felt safe while handling it. Plus, the non-slip foot and soft, comfortable grip allowed me to have full control while grating my ingredients.
Another advantage to this OXO grater is its versatility. It’s perfect not just for cheeses, but also for carrots, zucchini, and even chocolate! I loved how easy it was to grate different ingredients without needing to switch between multiple tools.
The only minor drawback I noticed was that it might be a bit bulky for those with limited kitchen space. Also, it comes in only one color – yellow. Lastly, the fact that the product is made in China may concern some buyers. Nevertheless, the OXO Good Grips Etched Medium Grater is a must-have addition to any kitchen, offering excellent performance and ease of use.
This Zulay Kitchen Cheese Grater is a versatile and ergonomic must-have for any kitchen.
Pros
Multipurpose and heavy-duty
Ergonomic design
Fast and effortless grating
Cons
Smaller in size than expected
Struggles with softer cheeses
Sharpness might not last too long
I recently bought the Zulay Kitchen Professional Cheese Grater and found it perfect for grating hard cheeses, zesting citrus fruits, and even shredding vegetables like carrots and ginger. The stainless steel construction feels very durable and provides a heavy-duty quality. I’ve also used it to grate chocolate, nuts, and coconut, which made me appreciate its multipurpose functionality.
The soft thermoplastic rubber handle offers a comfortable grip, making the grating process much easier on my hands. The frame of the grater is sturdy and holds up well under pressure. Since I struggle with some kitchen gadgets that can be clunky or difficult to use, the ergonomic design of this grater was a pleasant surprise.
Cleaning and storing the Zulay Kitchen Cheese Grater is extremely easy. Unlike my old box grater, this handheld grater doesn’t take up much space and cleans quickly under running water or in the dishwasher. The handle has a hanging hole which makes storage even more convenient.
However, I did notice that the grater was smaller than expected and had some difficulty with softer cheeses like cheddar. Additionally, there are concerns about the lasting sharpness of the blades, especially for the affordable price, but I will continue using it and consider repurchasing if it eventually dulls.
In conclusion, the Zulay Kitchen Professional Cheese Grater is a fantastic addition to any kitchen for those who value a sturdy, versatile, and comfortable grating tool. While it may struggle with softer cheeses and have questionable long-term sharpness, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile investment.
This AIDOIT handheld cheese grater is a versatile option, but comes with a few drawbacks.
Pros
Comes with 3 stainless steel drums for various grating needs
Easily grates cheese, nuts, chocolates, and vegetables
Dishwasher safe and simple to clean
Cons
Reportedly poorly designed, making it difficult to use
Feels overpriced considering its usability issues
Has only a 3-star rating from users
I recently tried out the AIDOIT Handheld Rotary Cheese Grater, and while it offers multiple grating options, I wasn’t completely satisfied with my experience. The three stainless steel drums for coarse, fine, and slicing feels like a plus, but the overall design of the grater left me struggling to use it efficiently.
In addition to grating cheese, I tried using it for nuts and chocolates. It managed to shred these items, but the usability issues continued to be a problem. The extra handle, which seemed like a nice touch, didn’t seem to make much of a difference in my experience.
Cleaning up after use was a breeze though, as it is dishwasher safe. However, given the design flaws and a relatively high price, I’m not sure I could wholeheartedly recommend the AIDOIT Handheld Rotary Cheese Grater to others.
Overall, the AIDOIT Cheese Grater is a versatile grater and a potentially useful kitchen tool, but its design and usability may not be worth the price for some users. It may be a better fit for those who prioritize multiple grating options and are willing to work around issues with the design.
Buying Guide
When I’m looking for the best handheld cheese grater, there are a few features I consider to ensure I choose a suitable product. Here, I’ll be sharing my insights on what to look for when purchasing a cheese grater.
Durability
A good cheese grater should be made of sturdy, long-lasting materials. I prefer stainless steel for its durability and resistance to rust. The handle should also be comfortable and easy to grip, so you won’t feel uncomfortable while grating large quantities of cheese.
Blade Versatility
Since there are various types of cheeses with different textures, it’s important to find a cheese grater that offers multiple grating options. I look for graters with different blade sizes or interchangeable blades to accommodate the variety of cheeses I use in my recipes.
Blade Type
Best for
Fine
Hard cheeses, nutmeg or zesting citrus fruits
Medium
Semi-hard cheeses, vegetables like carrots or zucchini
I appreciate products that make cleaning a breeze. A cheese grater with removable or detachable parts simplifies the process immensely. Also, look for graters that are dishwasher-safe for an even easier clean-up!
Compact Storage
Having limited kitchen space, I value compact and easy-to-store graters. Some designs come with a compact folding mechanism or can be easily disassembled for space-saving storage.
By being mindful of these factors, you can find a handheld cheese grater that best suits your needs. Happy grating!
Best Handheld Cheese Grater: We Test the Top 5
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
I’ve found that the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is highly recommended in 2023. It has a sharp drum and is easy to use, making it a popular choice among users.
What grater do professional chefs use?
Many professional chefs prefer using the Microplane Professional Series Grater. It offers versatility, efficiency, and a razor-sharp surface, leading to perfectly grated cheese every time.
Which cheese grater is both safe and efficient?
For safety and efficiency, I recommend the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater. The non-slip handle and base ensure a stable grating experience, while the etched blades provide smooth performance.
What should I consider when choosing a fine cheese grater?
When choosing a fine cheese grater, consider the grater’s material, blade sharpness, and design. You’ll need a sturdy construction and sharp blades, like the ones seen in the Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester.
What makes a box grater the best choice?
A box grater offers the best choice due to its versatility. With multiple grating surfaces, you can grate, shred, and slice various ingredients easily. The Cuisinart Box Grater is a great example.
What is the ideal grater for Parmesan cheese?
The ideal grater for Parmesan cheese is the Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater. Its unique curved design and razor-sharp edges allow for effortless and fine grating, perfect for hard cheeses like Parmesan.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
