Best Graters
- by Dino Paccino
- Last Updated: June 28, 2023
A grater is a kitchen tool with raised edges used for grating foods, including cheese and vegetables. The food is pressed onto the grater and manually scraped across the holes—known as the “grating” process.
The best grater can be determined by the following: how big are the surface area, nonslip handle, and protective area, ease of cleaning, price, brand, and safety rating.
The different uses of a grater include the following:
- Grating cheese for toppings or garnishing food items.
- Creating ginger, nutmeg, or chocolate powder finely grating the desired spices.
- Making citrus zest removes the fragrant outer layer from citrus fruits such as lemon and lime.
- Grating fresh, fluffy parmesan cheese by using a fine grater.
- Creating fresh ginger or nutmeg is required for soups, stews, and other dishes.
- Grating garlic or ginger to add flavor to a curry sauce.
- Grating vegetables such as carrots, beetroots, and potatoes for stews and soups.
One way to choose is by going with the top-rated graters through grater reviews and ratings, which are typically a good indicator of their quality, performance, and features.
The most reliable grater brands include Microplane, OXO, Cuisinart, and Zyliss.
Our Top Grater Picks
- 1. Best Overall - GUANCI Stainless Steel
- 2. Best Grip - OXO Good Grips
- 3. Best Commercial - Zyliss Classic Rotary
- 4. Best Grip - Spring Chef Professional
- 5. Best Dishwasher Safe - Ancevsk Manual Rotary
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These are the best graters available in the market today:
1. Spring Chef Professional Box Grater
- Professional quality and heavy duty
- BPA-free and food safe
- Wide handle
- Sharp stainless-steel blades
- Nonslip rubber
- Dishwasher-safe
The grater, slicer, and zester feature a lifetime guarantee and are dishwasher safe, making it easy to utilize them to make your meals.
You can completely transform a bland meal with the simple effort of shredding and slicing vegetables and cheese. Transform your dinner by applying fresh ingredients to your grating, slicing, and zesting so you can come up with a different and delicious way of preparing food.
Pros
- Very comfortable to hold
Cons
- Some customer reviews show the handle comes off, which can cause cuts
2. OXO Good Grips Box Grater
- Sharp stainless-steel blades
- Multiple grating surfaces
- Slim build that can fit any kitchen drawers
- Comes with an attachable container and measuring cup for catching grated food items
- Nonslip rubber grip that is soft and comfortable
If you’re looking for the ultimate convenience, this product has it all. Its sharp stainless-steel blades make easy work of any food item from vegetables to cheese. Three different surfaces can be used – coarser grades will provide more texture while finer ones help preserve nutrients and flavor.
The extra-coarse surface can grate almost any food, from potatoes to zucchini and even chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy.
Pros
- Slim profile, making it easier to store
- Sturdy and the four grating surfaces are very sharp
Cons
- A good portion of grated food comes out around
3. Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater
- Surface Glide Technology
- Extra ginger grater base
- Nonslip grip and base
- Grooves that reduce resistance and elongate the length of blades
A food grater is a must-have tool in your kitchen. This innovative product has many different functions and can be used to grate everything from the citrus zest, parmesan cheese, or vegetables such as carrots.
The surface features patented Surface Glide Technology, which reduces resistance, making it easier to grate food. Grooves also elongate each blade and increase its efficiency. There is more surface area exposed while still maintaining an ergonomic grip, allowing you minimal effort when grating hard vegetables or citrus zest without worrying about spilling any precious spices!
Pros
- Extremely sharp
- Sturdy material and construction
Cons
- A handful of customer reviews indicating incidences of cuts
- Small and hard to clean
4. Ancevsk Manual Rotary Cheese Grater
- 360-degree blades
- Three different blades that meet your various kitchen needs
- Safety features – no electricity required, and you don't need to touch the blade while it works
- Easy to clean – wash with running water
Quickly prepare food with 360-degree blades that cut ingredients in seconds and give you more time for preparing other meals.
With three replaceable stainless-steel blades, this grater offers versatility in the kitchen thanks to the slicing blade for vegetables and cheese. A coarse grinds/shredding combination that works well with potatoes or carrots. An extra fine sharpener to make sure nothing is left behind on your plate.
Pros
- Easy cleanup
- All pieces are dishwasher safe and come apart
- Comes with three attachments
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other graters
5. Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
- NSF Restaurant Certified
- Fine drum perfect for grating hard ingredients like parmesan, chocolate, and nuts
This cheese grater has a tough stainless-steel drum to handle hard cheeses, chocolate, and nuts.
The handles are on opposite sides, so either one works well, but whether you’re left- or right-handed.
For those who want their food preparation done quickly but still have top-quality results (precision cuts on fruits and vegetables), look no further than the Zyliss classic rotary cheese grater.
Pros
- Effortless cheese grating
- Perfect for professional and commercial kitchen use
Cons
- Some customer reviews reported durability issues – the product did not last long
6. Cuisinart Boxed Grater
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Comes with a black plastic handle
- Stainless steel
- Four sides for slicing, grating, and shredding ingredients
The Cuisinart Box Grater is excellent for grating new potatoes, carrots, or other firm veggies. The soft-grip handle means you can do it quickly, and the nonslip base guarantees that this will never happen by accident!
This box-shaped unit can be used in the dishwasher, so it’s always ready when needed most. No matter how many times you wash it, the Cuisinart boxed grater still looks as good as new, thanks to its durable metal construction.
The nonslip base ensures safe handling even during heavy use.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- A few complaints on durability and rusting after a few use
7. Spring Chef Box Grater
- Large handle
- Four unique grates – course shred, slice, medium shred, and fine shred
- Rust-free stainless steel surfaces
- Nonslip base
- Dishwasher-safe
- Convex design
The Spring Chef Box Grater comes with two different size screens for fine shavings and great surfaces for food with a rugged exterior like nuts or chocolates.
It has a convex design that allows for more excellent grip and holding capacity, enabling you to grate most ingredients in one round.
The 4-in1 grater features a nonslip bottom and ultra-sharp stainless steel blades to ensure your stability to grate quickly without hand fatigue.
Pros
- Simple yet sturdy construction
- Easy to clean without grating your knuckles when washing inside
Cons
- Some customers think it is overpriced
8. Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese and Vegetable Grater
- Ergonomic handle with extra grip
- Sharp steel blade
- Rubber foot
- Dishwasher-safe
- Built to last
- Suitable for professional use
This Deiss PRO hand grater is considered a high-quality tool that will last you for years. Made with heavy-duty stainless steel, it has an extremely sharp blade and comfortable nonslip handle, making this grater perfect for any food product.
You can take your safety and hygiene to the next level by replacing that bulky, unsafe box grater with a sleek metal parmesan cheese grater! No more clogged-up teeth on this model; pass under running water when you’re done, and you’re done cleaning.
The zester knife can grate hard cheeses like parmesan quickly and easily. It’s also great for shredding carrots with almost no pressure at all! This tool will get it done in seconds if you want garlic or ginger finely ground into a sauce-like consistency.
Pros
- Customers think it is much better than traditional graters
- Extremely easy to clean
- Easy to work with
Cons
- Sparse reviews show it falls apart easily
- One user says it's okay for large blocks but not for smaller food items
9. KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater with Detachable Storage Container
- Mess-free grating
- 3-cup container with markings
- High quality, rust-resistant stainless steel grating surface and slicing blade
KitchenAid’s new Gourmet Box Grater is an excellent way to get your favorite cheeses and vegetables grated quickly without any messy cleanup. The stainless-steel top handle provides superior comfort while also giving you great control over how much food goes into each batch. Users can slice through hard ingredients like nuts or garlic with ease, thanks to its sharp blade design.
The 3-cup container has markings for 1/2-,1-, and 2 Cups, so it will fit just about any recipe – saving time when cooking.
Pros
- Big size
- Extremely sharp
Cons
- Cup broke on first use
- Customers say it's not suitable for zesting
10. OXO Good Grips Etched Coarse Grater
- Etched coarse grater
- Designed for comfort and engineered for efficiency
- Protective snap-on cover
- Comfortable handle
- Nonslip foot
The OXO Good Grips Etched Coarse Grater is perfect for creating fluffy butter or semi-soft cheese shavings, grating cabbage, etc. The stainless-steel surface stays sharp, making quick work of any task, while the nonslip feet allow you to complete repetitive tasks with ease effortlessly!
This product also features an easy-grip handle which makes handling easier during use. It also comes with a cover to protect both hands from becoming burnt by high temperatures when not in use.
Pros
- Convenient and cuts food well
Cons
- Breaks with too much pressure
11. OXO Good Grips Multi Grater
- Dishwasher-safe
- Nonslip base
- Comfortable handle
- Snaps apart easily, which is perfect for cleaning
- Two stainless steel grating surfaces
This durable multi-grater is perfect for any dish size or shape! You can choose whether your grating will be coarse or make fine ground beef into burgers with two different surfaces. It’s made of high-quality stainless-steel material.
OXO’s Good Grips products are durable and comfortable to hold. The pressure-absorbing processed rubber handle puts less tension on your hands while providing an outstanding grip. You can’t go wrong with these products that have won awards, including Tylenol/Arthritis Foundation Design Award.
Their ergonomic design fits nicely in your palm, so you don’t have any unnecessary pressure on your hands when handling food items at home.
They’re made from the same material as dishwasher gaskets, which means they can take a wet or dry grip without slipping.
Pros
- A great alternative to box graters
Cons
- Some users find it tiny and not worth the price
12. GUANCI Stainless Steel Box Graters with 4 Side
- Easy to clean
- Four graters in 1
- Anti-slip rubber bottom
- Soft handle
- High-quality stainless steel
The GUANCI cheese grater features three different surfaces and one slicing blade. The stainless-steel blades on all four sides of this box graters help you grate, shred, or zest your food quicker while still being able to slice it with ease.
The ergonomic design put together by TPR (Thermo-Plastic-Rubber) material makes them comfortable enough for long-term use.
Its comfortable, wide handle and removable rubber bottom will not tire you out when trimming your favorite fresh ingredients into delicious dishes!
Pros
- Excellent value for money – most users find it one of the best hand graters they have used
Cons
- None
What are the best types of graters?
The best types of graters are as follows:
- Hand graters are equipped with a handle and a flat metal surface. A handheld food grater usually has one large compartment for catching the pieces that it cuts off.
- Box graters are equipped with four sides, each with a different type of perforated holes: fine (used as a cheese grater or chocolate grater), medium (used as a vegetable grater), coarse (used to grate cheese), and shredding disk. A box grater can be used to substitute all types of graters.
- Microplane Graters are equipped like zesters but will feature narrow slots instead of studs for more satisfactory results. Also known as rasps, they are commonly used for chocolate and nutmeg.
- A zester is a kitchen utensil used for removing the zest from citrus fruit. The tool is made of a handle with a flat surface that has grooves on it, attached to a metalhead that contains holes.
- Grater Plates are used to grate paneer or vegetables such as ginger and carrots for korma, bhuna, and masala dishes. It has small sharp blades which can be removed for easy cleaning.
- Potato Ricers grate whole potatoes into fluffy pieces in seconds by inserting them inside the device’s hopper and squeezing down on its plunger until every detail is forced out through tiny perforated holes under pressure. This tool can also be used interchangeably as a food mill which comes with interchangeable discs of different sizes.
- Plastic graters are also effective, but they are not suitable for shredding hard cheese or chocolate.
- Wooden graters are more challenging to maintain than other types, as you will need to wash them by hand after each use. Also, avoid those with deep grooves as they might catch food particles that would be hard to remove later on.
- Electric graters are not very common, as they are much more expensive than other graters. If you have an electric mixer or blender, you can use them to grate your foods for you.
- The kitchen tool grater features a set of interchangeable blades with various perforations for different tasks. This type is large and can be left on the counter to save space in your drawers, but you will need to clean them by hand after each use as they cannot be submerged in water.
What are the best vegetable graters?
The best vegetable graters are the Spring Chef Professional Box Grater and Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater. They both have extremely sharp blades and ergonomic handles that make grating comfortable, quick, and easy.
What are the best garlic graters?
The best garlic grater is the Deiss PRO Vegetable Grater. It is easy to work with and clean, and users perceive it better than traditional graters.
What are the best food graters?
The best food graters are the KitchenAid Gourmet 4-sided and the OXO Good Grips Multi Grater, which have multiple grating surfaces that are sturdy and sharp.
What are the best box graters?
The best box graters are the Cuisinart Boxed Grater, OXO Good Grips Box Grater, and Spring Chef Box Grater.
What are the best rotary graters?
Zyliss Classic Rotary and Ancevsk Manual Rotary are the best rotary graters, which are easy to clean thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. The Ancevsk Manual Rotary comes with three attachments, while the Zyliss model is perfect for commercial kitchen use.
What are the best microplane graters?
The best microplane graters are Deiss PRO Vegetable Grater and the Microplane Classic Zester/Grater.
What functionality should you expect from a grater?
The functionalities you should expect from a grater include the following:
- Grating cheese
- Creating powder
- Creating citrus zest
- Grating vegetables and other fresh produce
What should you know before buying a grater?
When buying a grater, you need to consider things and pick the best one based on its features, power, size and capacity, attachments and accessories, brand, and price.
Large surface area. This is important for anyone preparing food in bulk, like restaurants and cafes.
Nonslip handle and protective cover. These features can also be helpful for smaller graters as they prevent them from slipping out of your hands while you shred food and protect your fingers from cuts.
Easy to clean. An essential factor for any kitchen appliance, including a grater, make sure you choose a grater that is dishwasher safe or easy to clean with soap and water after use.
Reasonable price. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good grater, but knowing the costs of different models can help you make an informed decision.
Good safety rating. Food-safe plastic is sufficient for most uses, but metal and ceramic materials may be preferred if you regularly use your grater.
Brand and price. The price of graters varies according to the type and brand. Recognized brands are known for quality and reliability but are on the higher end of the price range. Consider your budget and whether you’ll use a grater regularly or sparingly. Commercial graters are also more expensive than the other types used at home because of their capacity and power.
What is the average price range for the best graters?
The average price for a grater ranges between $20 to $100+ based on the quality of material, brand name, and whether the grater is electric or manual.
What is the main difference between plastic and metal graters?
The difference between plastic and metal graters is the material. A plastic grater is made of plastic. While effective, it is not as suitable for shredding hard cheese or chocolate as metal graters.
Metal graters are excellent for more rigid and extensive ingredients like parmesan, nuts, and chocolate. However, they are prone to rust, especially with extended use.
What material is considered superior for a grater?
If you need a grater that will be very durable and last a long time, then stainless steel is generally the best option. It is also reasonably easy to clean, which is essential to avoid food contamination.
If you are looking for a grater that will be very sharp, then a ceramic grater might be a better option. However, these graters can be more challenging to clean and are also more fragile.
Ultimately, the best material for a grater depends on your specific needs.
What are the common mistakes in using a grater?
One of the most common mistakes is using a grater with dull blades. This can make the grating process more complex and can also be dangerous. Always make sure that the blades on your grater are sharp before using it.
Another common mistake is failing to secure the food item properly you’re going to be grating. This can lead to accidents and make it more challenging to get an even grate. Secure your food item on the grater before beginning to grate it.
Finally, many people mistake using too much force when they’re grating. This can cause the food to slip and slide, making it more difficult to grate and increasing the chances of accidents. Use a light touch when grating, and only apply as much pressure as is necessary to get the job done.
Knowing how to use a grater carefully and adequately will ensure durability and make it safer to use for your household.
What criteria define the best grater?
There are a few critical criteria that define the best grater.
- Durability. A grater should be made of durable material that can withstand repeated use.
- Sharpness of the blades. The grater should have sharp blades that can easily cut through food without much force.
- Ease of cleaning. The grater should be easy to clean quickly and easily remove any food residue.
- Comfort and convenience in use. The grater should be comfortable to use to grate your food without experiencing any discomfort.
Keep these criteria in mind when shopping for a grater, and you’ll be sure to find the best option for your needs.
What type of reviews do the best graters have?
Reviews on the best graters range from positive to negative. Some people are satisfied with graters’ features, powerful performance, attachments, and versatility. Others are frustrated with durability and not receiving what has been advertised.
Most positive reviews are about the comfort of using the grater, with some having ergonomic handles and a nonslip base that provides stability while grating. Others are also satisfied with how sharp the blades are, although many stressed the importance of extra careful as many users cut themselves while grating.
Most negative reviews are around durability issues – attachments breaking or not working at early use or the actual grater falling apart. Others also complained about rust and food stains even with a few weeks of use.
What are the best grater brands?
The best grater brands include Zyliss, OXO, Microplane, and Cuisinart, considered high-quality and well-reviewed. These brands offer a variety of graters designed for different purposes so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Zyliss is a Swiss company that has been making kitchen tools since 1951. Their graters are made from high-quality stainless steel and designed for professional and home cooks. Zyliss graters are dishwasher-safe and have a five-year warranty.
OXO is an American company that designs products for home cooks. Their graters are made from stainless steel and have soft, comfortable grips. OXO graters are dishwasher-safe and have a lifetime warranty.
Microplane is an American company specializing in making graters and other kitchen tools. Their graters are made from surgical-grade stainless steel and can be used for various tasks, from grating cheese to zesting citrus fruit. Microplane graters are dishwasher-safe and have a lifetime warranty.
Cuisinart is an American home appliance brand owned by Conair Corporation. Cuisinart graters are made from high-quality stainless steel and designed for professional and home cooks. Cuisinart graters are dishwasher-safe and have a five-year warranty.
No matter which brand you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality grater that will last for years to come.
How long do the top graters last?
The average lifespan of the top graters is 3 to 5 years. However, this depends on the frequency of use and how well it is maintained. If you clean your grater regularly, your grater with has greater longevity.
The factors that affect the lifespan of a grater are as follows:
Frequency of use. The more you use your grater, the more it will wear out. The blades become blunt over time, and performance will decline.
Material Selection. The build quality of your grater is essential for how long it lasts. Cheaper graters made from poor quality material will not last as long as higher-end models.
Maintenance. If you clean your grater regularly, then it will last longer. Over time, grime and food particles build up on the blades, leading to rusting or other damage.
Where to buy a grater?
Nowadays, graters are widely available both online and in stores.
You can purchase them directly from manufacturers, but online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and even eBay sell various graters.
Amazon is one of the biggest names in online retail and is considered reliable. You can get next-day delivery and discounts with a premium membership.
Walmart offers free shipping when you buy for a certain amount onwards, and you can return units for free.
Best Buy sells a wide range of electronics, digital goods, and appliances. You can either pick up or have your grater delivered for free.
Home Depot is the go-to place for items needed for your home. You can get free delivery and return a grater free of charge.
eBay is another big name in online retail. It is similar to Amazon, except that it allows you to bid for the price of graters, hence getting the unit for cheaper than other retailers in some cases.
What are the other best kitchen tools?
Other best kitchen appliances that you can use alongside the grater in the kitchen are as follows:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Tongs
- Bowl
- Colander or strainer
- Spatula or spoon
Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?
Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!
Dino Paccino
Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.
