Graters are key for cooks, whether you’re shredding potatoes, grating Parmesan, or zesting citrus. One evening, I struggled with an old, dull grater while making pasta for my family. Grating cheese was hard work, and the results were disappointing. I decided to find the best graters out there.

I looked at 22 graters and tested 6 more against the top ones. A team of experts, including pastry chefs and food editors, helped me. We tested each grater, looking at sharpness, versatility, and how easy it was to clean.

We tested the graters by zesting lemons and shredding different foods. Box graters stood out for their versatility, with various grating surfaces. They were great for many tasks.

Stamped graters made thick, uniform shreds, perfect for some recipes. Etched graters made finer shreds that were great for delicate dishes. The Microplane grater was amazing for making fine curls of cheese and zest.

Grating cheese at home showed us the difference in taste. Fine-grated cheese from a Microplane looked almost twice as much as box-grated cheese. But, people liked box-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano more for its strong flavor.

One taster thought the Microplane cheese was “grittier.” People had different opinions, but some liked the box grater better. Others didn’t mind which one they used.

Key Takeaways:

• Box graters offer versatility with multiple grating surfaces for various tasks.
• Stamped graters produce thick, uniform shreds, while etched graters yield finer, bendable shreds.
• Microplane graters create wispy little curls for nutmeg, chocolate, hard cheeses, and lemon zest.
• Tasters’ preferences vary depending on the cheese type, with sweeter Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred for a stronger punch from box-grated cheese.
• Box-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is roughly twice as dense as Microplaned cheese.

Now you know a bit about graters, let’s explore box graters and the best ones to get. Join me as we learn how to choose and use graters for great results!

Why Choose a Box Grater

A box grater is the top tool for grating ingredients. It’s versatile, functional, and convenient. It has multiple hole sizes and is designed to be mess-free.

One big plus of a box grater is its versatility. Each side has different hole sizes for various grating needs. You can get small shreds, fine grating, slices, or zest with it. It works well with many ingredients, like veggies, cheese, and citrus.

“The Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater was the highest-rated box grater tested, excelling in all three tests performed during evaluation.”

A box grater is also mess-free. It’s sturdy and easy to handle, reducing the risk of spills. The grated ingredients stay in the box, keeping your kitchen clean and saving time.

There are many great box graters out there. The Microplane Specialty Series 4-Sided Box Grater is a top pick for its versatility and performance. Both casual and advanced cooks love it for its results.

The Spring Chef Professional Box Grater is another great choice. It’s lightweight and gives even shavings on cheese. Though it’s not the best for zesting, it’s a good deal for the price.

The KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Box Grater with Detachable Storage Container is also a standout. It’s easy to use and has a big surface area. The detachable container adds extra convenience to your cooking.

If you want a grater that’s versatile, has various hole sizes, and is mess-free, choose a box grater. It’s a top pick for anyone looking to improve their cooking.

The Best Box Graters on the Market

After testing many, I found two box graters that really stand out. They are the Cuisipro Surface Glide 4-Sided Box Grater and the Microplane 46020 Premium Classic Zester and Grater.

The Cuisipro Surface Glide 4-Sided Box Grater uses advanced surface glide technology. This makes it a top choice. It has less friction and more blade surface, making shredding easy. You can shred potatoes, carrots, or cheese without a problem.

The Microplane 46020 Premium Classic Zester and Grater is also a great option. It has super sharp teeth for fine shavings of hard cheese and zest. But, it might not work well with soft cheeses. Still, it’s perfect for zesting and grating hard cheese.

Both graters are built to last and give great results. To keep them in good shape, clean them by hand and avoid harsh cleaners. This will help them last longer.

Many home cooks love these box graters for their versatility and stability. They’re great for grating cheese, zesting fruits, or shredding veggies.

When looking at box graters, the Cuisipro Surface Glide and the Microplane 46020 are ahead. They offer the best grating results, are easy to use, and last a long time. They’re the top picks for anyone who loves cooking.

Tips for Selecting the Right Grater

Finding the perfect grater for your kitchen is important. You’ll need it for grating cheese, zesting citrus, or shredding veggies. Here are some tips to pick the right grater for you:

1. Sharpness

A sharp grater makes grating easy and quick. Choose graters with stainless steel blades for their sharpness and strength. The Microplane 4-Sided Box Grater is a top pick, known for its sharp teeth and versatility.

2. Versatility

Get a grater with various hole sizes and functions for different tasks. The Microplane 4-Sided Box Grater has four surfaces, perfect for shredding or grating cheese. It’s versatile and suitable for many uses.

3. Sturdiness

Pick a grater that’s sturdy and stable for safe use. Look for a solid build and a handle that feels good in your hand. Brands like Microplane focus on ergonomics to make grating easier and more comfortable.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Choose a grater that’s easy to clean to save time. Stainless steel graters are great because they’re easy to clean and last long. Also, look for ones that are dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe down.

Keep these tips in mind when picking a grater. You’ll find one that offers sharpness, versatility, sturdiness, easy cleaning, and comfort for your cooking.

References:

– The Microplane 4-Sided Box Grater won Best Overall Box Grater by Fine Cooking.
– The Microplane 4-Sided Box Grater received top honors in the Kitchen Hand Tools category of the Housewares Design Awards.
– Microplane graters are known for their sharp stainless steel teeth and production of fine textures.

Techniques for Using a Grater

Mastering the right techniques is key to getting perfect results with a grater. Whether you’re shredding, grating, or zesting, here are some tips to improve your grating skills:

Shredding and Grating:

For tasks like shredding cheese or grating vegetables, use even pressure and move in a fluid motion. Grate the cheese side-to-side on the counter for consistent results. If cheese sticks, spray the grater with cooking spray to make it easier.

Zesting Citrus Fruits:

When zesting citrus fruits, hold the fruit at an angle and grate in short strokes. This method avoids bitter pith and captures the zest’s flavor. Always keep your hands in the right position to avoid injuries.

Graters aren’t just for cheese. They can also be used to grate chocolate, crush tomatoes, shred apples, make breadcrumbs, and shred butter. Exploring your grater’s versatility can boost your cooking skills and efficiency.

The grater has a long history, starting in the late 17th century in France. Today, we have different types like handheld, rotary, and box graters. In Indian kitchens, the box grater, Microplane grater, rotary grater, and handheld grater are most popular.

Here are some tips to get the most from your grater. Choose the right grater for the job and handle it carefully to avoid accidents. Grate over a dish to catch everything and clean your grater with soapy water after each use. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust.

A microplane grater is great for finer shavings. It’s smaller and has fine blades for consistent results. It’s easier to use and produces fluffy shavings. You can grate in both directions, making it versatile.

For baking, use a microplane to shave chocolate or zest citrus fruits. It’s also good for salvaging burnt food. In cooking, mince garlic, ginger, and shallots with it. Grate cheese or spices for more flavor in your dishes.

Whether you like box graters or microplane graters, mastering these techniques can elevate your cooking. From shredding to zesting, using your grater right will improve your cooking and make your dishes better.

Care and Maintenance of Your Grater

Looking after your grater is key to making it last longer and work better. Focus on cleaning and storing it right.

Always clean your grater right after using it. This makes cleaning easier and quicker. Use a brush or sponge to get rid of any cheese or food bits stuck in the holes. If your grater can go in the dishwasher, use it but skip the dry cycle to avoid damage.

For a natural way to clean, try using lemon and salt. Rub the grater with this mix, then rinse with hot water and wash with soap. Or, grate a potato over the grater to help loosen stuck-on food. Clean it with soap and a microfiber cloth, always going in the blade’s direction to stay safe.

Store your grater in a dry, safe spot. This keeps it from getting damaged and makes it ready for next time. Check the blades often for sharpness. If they’re dull or damaged, it might be time for a new grater. With the right care, your grater will keep performing well for many years.