How to Use a Rotary Cheese Grater
Fit the drum, load a chunk of cheese into the hopper, press the handle down to hold it against the drum, and crank. Use firm, chilled cheese for the cleanest grate, and swap drums for fine or coarse.
Loading and grating
Choose the drum you want (fine or coarse) and lock it in. Put a piece of cheese in the hopper, lower the pressing handle to push it against the drum, and turn the crank. Grated cheese falls straight onto your dish or bowl.
Tips for clean grating
Firm, chilled cheese grates cleanly; soft cheese smears and clogs the drum. Cut cheese to fit the hopper, apply steady pressure, and do not force it. For hard cheeses like parmesan, a rotary grater is fast and effortless.
Cleaning
Rinse or brush the drum promptly before cheese fat hardens on it, and dry it to keep it sharp. Many rotary parts are dishwasher-safe.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my rotary grater clogging?
Usually the cheese is too soft or warm. Chill firm cheese before grating, cut it to fit the hopper, and apply steady, moderate pressure rather than forcing it.
What cheeses work best in a rotary grater?
Firm and hard cheeses like parmesan, pecorino, cheddar and gruyere grate best. Very soft or fresh cheeses smear and clog the drum.