Cheese Graters
The right cheese grater turns a chore into seconds, whether you want a pile of shredded cheddar, a dusting of parmesan, or grated vegetables. This guide covers rotary, box and handheld graters, what each does best, and tracks real graters across budgets.
Which type do you need?
Rotary (drum)
- Hard cheese at the table
- Fast, safe grating
- Keeps fingers clear
- Quick crank action
- More parts to clean
Box & handheld
- Multiple grate sizes
- Cheese and vegetables
- Versatile surfaces
- Simple to store
- Knuckles near the blade
Find the right cheese grater
| Your need | Best type | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| The best all-round pick | Rotary (drum) | Best cheese graters |
| Compare everything | All products | Full database |
Explore cheese graters
Start here
Cheese Grater database
PantryGear Lab tracks 16 cheese grater models with sourced specifications. Here is a representative preview; the full table adds filters and sorting.
| Model | Material | Weight | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambom Rotary Cheese Grater Hand Crank Cheese Shredd | — | 0.9 lb | Check price |
| Cambom Rotary Cheese Grater Hand Crank Cheese Shredd | — | 2.4 lb | Check price |
| Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle | Stainless steel | 0.5 lb | Check price |
| EDEFISY Cheese Grater Hand Crank Rotary Vegetables S | — | 1.6 lb | Check price |
| Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater Hand Crank | — | 0.8 lb | Check price |
| Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater Hand Crank | — | 0.9 lb | Check price |
| Geedel Upgraded Rotary Cheese Grater Hand Crank | — | 1.5 lb | Check price |
| Martha Stewart Sprucedale 9.5-Inch Stainless Steel 4 | Stainless steel | 0.7 lb | Check price |
| Norpro Stainless Steel Grater | Stainless steel | 0.3 lb | Check price |
| OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater for Cheese & Veget | — | 1.1 lb | Check price |
View all 16 cheese graters, with filters & sorting →
What matters when choosing a cheese grater
Rotary graters crank cheese through a drum and keep fingers safe; box and handheld graters offer several grate sizes but need care near the blade.
Sharp stainless teeth or drums grate cleanly without tearing or clogging, and last far longer than dull cheap ones.
A comfortable handle and a non-slip base or foot make grating faster and safer.
Dishwasher-safe parts matter, since cheese fat and shreds cling. Rotary drums that pop out clean most easily.
How PantryGear Lab researches cheese graters
We track real products using verified specifications and current listings, recorded by brand and dated on capture. We never publish a figure we cannot source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cheese grater and a microplane?
A microplane has a single row of razor-fine etched teeth designed for zesting citrus or grating hard cheese into a light dusting. Cheese graters, whether rotary or box style, offer multiple hole sizes and are built for larger batches rather than a fine finishing touch.
How do I keep a cheese grater from rusting?
Dry it fully after washing instead of leaving it wet in a rack, and choose 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel over carbon steel or coated blades if you plan to run it through a dishwasher regularly. Rust usually starts at hinges, gears, or seams where moisture lingers.
What is the best type of grater for hard cheeses like parmesan or pecorino?
A rotary hand-crank grater with a hardened-steel drum handles hard, aged cheese with the least arm effort and keeps fingers clear of the blade. A box grater's fine face also works well for smaller amounts.
How often should a cheese grater be replaced?
A well-made stainless grater can last many years if it is dried after washing and not left to soak. Replace it once the teeth feel dull and stop biting into cheese, or once rust pitting starts affecting the blade edge.
Are electric cheese graters worth buying?
Electric graters save effort for very large batches, such as grating cheese for a catering job, but they add another appliance to store and clean. For home kitchens, a manual rotary or box grater usually covers the workload with less counter space and upkeep.