The 10 Best Cheese Grater Ever of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Chefs often prefer graters that are durable, efficient, and versatile to handle various types of cheese. Commonly used cheese graters include:

1. Microplane Grater: Known for its sharpness and ability to produce fine, uniform shreds of hard cheeses like Parmesan.
2. Box Grater: Offers multiple grating surfaces (fine, coarse, slicing, etc.), making it suitable for different textures and quantities of cheese.
3. Rotary Grater: Particularly handy for continuous grating of hard cheeses directly onto dishes.

Which cheese is best for grating?

The best cheeses for grating are typically hard cheeses that have a firm texture and a low moisture content. These cheeses grate well and maintain their texture without clumping excessively. Some popular options include:

1. Parmesan: Known for its sharp, nutty flavor and granular texture, perfect for grating over pasta, salads, and soups.
2. Pecorino Romano: A salty, tangy cheese made from sheep's milk, ideal for adding bold flavor when grated.
3. Aged Cheddar: Aged cheddar develops a firmer texture and sharper flavor, making it suitable for grating on dishes like macaroni and cheese or baked potatoes.
4. Grana Padano: Similar to Parmesan but milder, it grates well and adds a savory touch to various recipes.

What is the best cheese grater for cheddar cheese?

For grating cheddar cheese, which is a semi-hard cheese, a grater with larger holes or a coarse grating surface works well to achieve the desired texture:

1. Box Grater: Choose a box grater with large holes or a coarse grating surface. The OXO Good Grips Box Grater is a popular choice for its stability and effectiveness in grating cheddar.
2. Rotary Grater: Some rotary graters come with attachments suitable for semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, offering continuous grating with ease.
3. Food Processor with Shredding Disc: If grating a large amount of cheddar cheese, a food processor with a shredding disc can be efficient.

How many types of cheese graters are there?

There are several types of cheese graters available, each designed for different purposes and preferences:

1. Box Grater: Features multiple grating surfaces (fine, coarse, slicing, etc.) and often includes a container to catch grated cheese.
2. Microplane Grater: Known for its sharp blades and ability to finely grate hard cheeses like Parmesan.
3. Rotary Grater: Hand-cranked with a drum-like mechanism for continuous grating.
4. Electric Grater: Operates with a motor for effortless grating, suitable for large quantities.
5. Flat Grater: Simple and compact, usually used for quick grating tasks.

Each type of grater has its advantages depending on the cheese texture, quantity needed, and personal preference for handling and cleaning.

Is it better to grate cheese cold or warm?

It is generally better to grate cheese when it is cold rather than warm. Here’s why:

1. Firmness: Cold cheese is firmer and easier to handle, resulting in cleaner and more uniform grating.
2. Less Stickiness: Warmer cheese tends to stick to the grater more, making it harder to grate efficiently.
3. Control: Cold cheese allows for better control and prevents the cheese from melting or clumping as you grate.

To make grating easier, especially for softer cheeses, it's recommended to briefly chill the cheese in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes before grating. This firming-up process helps maintain the integrity of the cheese and ensures smoother grating.

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