Best Handheld Cheese Grater
A handheld flat grater is quick and easy for grating cheese or zesting over a dish, and stores flat. Look for a sharp stainless surface and a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Top picks
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Cheese Grater
Quick grating straight over a dish
The Spring Chef's fine, sharp teeth shred parmesan and other hard cheeses into light strands rather than clumps, and the handle sits comfortably in hand through repeated passes. A protective cover doubles as a stand, keeping the blade safe in a drawer.
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Spring Chef Stainless Steel XL Cheese Grater for Kit
Bigger blocks and larger batches
This XL version stretches the grating surface longer than the standard Spring Chef, so you cover more of a cheese block per stroke when prepping for a crowd. The extra length also gives more clearance over a mixing bowl or pot.
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Norpro Stainless Steel Grater
A simple backup grater on a budget
The Norpro strips the handheld grater down to basics, a sturdy stainless blade and a plain handle, at a price that makes it easy to keep a spare in a drawer. It will not win points for comfort extras, but it grates cheese reliably.
Check price on AmazonWhat matters in a handheld grater
A sharp stainless grating surface, a comfortable handle and a non-slip end to steady it over a bowl. Compact and cheap, it suits quick jobs and finishing dishes at the table.
Most handheld graters have a hole punched in the handle, meant for hanging on a hook rather than tossing loose into a drawer where the exposed teeth can nick fingers or dull against other utensils. If your model comes with a plastic guard or cover, keep using it between uses, since that thin cover protects the blade's edge better than any drawer organizer. A hook inside a cabinet door is an easy way to keep the grater accessible without it sitting blade-up in a utensil crock.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a handheld grater and a microplane?
A microplane is a type of handheld grater with very fine, razor-like teeth meant for zesting citrus or turning hard cheese into a powder. A standard handheld cheese grater has larger teeth built for shredding cheese into strands rather than dust.
Can I put a handheld cheese grater in the dishwasher?
Most stainless steel handheld graters are dishwasher-safe, but cheese residue can dry onto the teeth if left sitting, so a quick rinse right after use makes later cleaning easier. Check the specific product listing since handle materials can vary.
How do I grate cheese without it sticking to the grater?
A light coating of oil or nonstick spray on the blade before grating soft cheeses helps them slide off instead of clumping. Chilling the cheese for a few minutes beforehand also firms it up so it shreds cleanly.
Is a handheld grater safe to use over a bowl at the table?
Yes, that is one of its main advantages over a box grater or rotary model. Keep fingers a few inches from the grating surface as the cheese block gets smaller, since the last inch is where most slips happen.