When it comes to preparing your favourite dishes, one can’t overstate the importance of having the right tools in the kitchen. Amongst these tools, a cheese grater is a device that can either be a delight or a chore to use, depending on its design and features. After all, who doesn’t love a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese on their pasta, pizza, or salad?
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of cheese graters, examining the various types available on the market, their pros and cons, and discussing which ones have been tested and found to be the best for daily use. We’ll also guide you on what to look for when shopping for a cheese grater, whether you’re filtering your search on Amazon or strolling down the kitchen appliance aisle at your local supermarket.
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The Different Types of Cheese Graters
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand the different types of cheese graters available and how each can benefit you in your culinary pursuits. There are four main types that you’ll commonly find:
- Box Graters
- Rotary Graters
- Handheld Graters
- Electric Graters
Box Graters
Box graters are traditional and the most commonly used in kitchens around the world. They usually feature four different grating surfaces for coarse grating, fine grating, slicing, and zesting. They’re versatile and easy to use, but can be a bit cumbersome to clean.
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Rotary Graters
Rotary graters feature a drum and handle that you turn to grate the cheese. They’re fantastic for hard cheeses like parmesan, and their design makes them safer to use as your fingers are kept away from the blades.
Handheld Graters
Handheld graters, also known as rasp or zester graters, are perfect for zesting citrus or finely grating hard cheeses. They’re compact, easy to clean, but may require more effort to use compared to box or rotary graters.
Electric Graters
Electric graters are the most efficient and easy to use, especially for grating large quantities of cheese. However, they tend to be more expensive and bulkier than their manual counterparts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheese Grater
Before you buy a cheese grater, consider the following factors: what types of cheese you usually grate, how often you grate cheese, the amount of storage space you have in your kitchen, and how much you’re willing to spend.
If your dishes often feature hard cheeses like Parmesan, a rotary grater or a box grater with a fine grating surface would be best. If you often grate soft cheese, a box grater or an electric grater would be ideal.
Frequency of use is another significant consideration. If you only occasionally grate cheese, a handheld grater might suffice. But if you grate cheese daily or in large quantities, an electric grater would make your job easier.
The Best Cheese Graters Tested
We’ve sifted through countless cheese graters on Amazon and tested them for efficiency, durability, and ease of use and cleaning. Here are our top picks:
Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater
This box grater is made of stainless steel and features Surface Glide Technology, which reduces resistance and makes grating easy. It has a non-slip handle and base for stability.
Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
Tested and approved by professional kitchens, this rotary grater is designed to grate more cheese in less time. It has a fine drum for grating hard cheese, chocolate, and nuts.
Spring Chef Professional Box Grater
With a lifetime warranty, this stainless steel box grater offers four grating options. It’s also dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.
How to Clean a Cheese Grater
A clean cheese grater is not only hygienic but also safer and more efficient to use. While most graters are dishwasher-safe, cheese can sometimes stick into the nooks and crannies of the grater, making it challenging to clean. Here is a simple method to clean a cheese grater using a potato:
- Cut a raw potato into a sizeable chunk.
- Run the potato over the grating surface like you would with cheese. The oxalic acid in the potato loosens the residue, making it easier to clean.
- Rinse the grater with warm, soapy water.
- Use a brush to clean any stubborn residue.
- Rinse again and dry thoroughly before storage.
With these insights, you’re now equipped to find the most convenient type of cheese grater for your daily use. Remember, the best grater for you isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the highest rated. It’s the one that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Electric Graters – A Closer Look
Let’s delve deeper into electric graters, one of the most efficient types of cheese graters. Best suited for those who regularly need to grate large quantities of cheese, electric graters are a powerful kitchen tool that can transform a cumbersome task into an effortless process.
Unlike their manual counterparts, electric graters are motorized and require minimal physical effort. To use, you simply feed the cheese into the grater’s hopper, and the machine does all the grating for you. Most electric graters are versatile and can grate other food items like vegetables, nuts, and even chocolate.
While electric graters are undeniably convenient and efficient, it’s important to note that they tend to be more expensive than box graters, rotary graters, and handheld graters. Moreover, they are bulkier and require more storage space. Despite these drawbacks, if you frequently find yourself grating cheese, the investment in an electric grater may be worth it.
A highly rated option on Amazon is the Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder. Not only is it excellent for grating cheese, but it can also slice or shred vegetables, fruits, and even bread. It’s easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and thanks to its compact design, easy to store.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen
Ultimately, the most convenient cheese grater for daily use will depend on your unique needs, habits, and preferences. A good rule of thumb is to consider the types of cheese you usually grate, how often you grate, your kitchen’s storage space, and your budget.
Box graters like the Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater or the Spring Chef Professional Box Grater are versatile and ideal for most households. Rotary graters such as the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater excel at hard cheeses and offer an added measure of safety. Handheld graters are compact and ideal for occasional use, while electric graters like the Presto Salad Shooter Electric Slicer/Shredder offer unmatched convenience for frequent graters.
While the most expensive or highest-rated model might not necessarily be the right one for you, it’s important to invest in a quality cheese grater that will withstand regular use. Finally, don’t forget about the importance of cleaning your cheese grater to ensure it remains safe, efficient, and hygienic.
Remember, a good cheese grater is not just a kitchen tool – it’s your partner in creating satisfying and delicious meals. Happy grating!
