Finding the perfect tool for grating cheese can feel like a search for a kitchen unicorn. You want something sharp enough to handle hard parmesan without a struggle, comfortable enough for a big block of cheddar, and easy to clean when you’re done. The right paddle grater makes all the difference, turning a tedious task into a quick and simple part of meal preparation.
This roundup cuts through the clutter to bring you a selection of the top-rated paddle graters available. We have considered everything from ultra-sharp Microplane models to versatile multi-sided box graters and innovative designs with built-in containers. Whether you are topping a pasta dish or preparing ingredients for a recipe, one of these ten graters is sure to become your new favorite kitchen helper.
The Best Paddle Graters for Your Kitchen
- Microplane Home Series Multipurpose Coarse Grater
- Joseph Joseph Twist Grater 2-in-1 Grater with Adjustable Handle
- Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater – Medium Grate
- Microplane Classic Zester Grater, Black
- OXO Good Grips Box Grater
- Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
- Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle
- KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater
- Rösle Stainless Steel Fine Grater, Wire Handle
- Borner V-Slicer Plus Swiss Classic Mandoline
Microplane Home Series Multipurpose Coarse Grater
For those who value American craftsmanship and a straightforward design, the Microplane Home Series Coarse Grater is a fantastic choice. Its ultra-sharp, photo-etched stainless steel blades are manufactured in the USA and excel at creating small, fluffy gratings from hard cheeses, carrots, ginger, and even chocolate. The sharpness means you use minimal effort, making food preparation faster and safer.
This paddle-style grater is designed with practicality in mind. Its flat profile allows it to be stored easily in a drawer without taking up much space. The durable construction ensures it will be a reliable tool in your kitchen for years to come, handling all your coarse grating needs with consistent results.
Joseph Joseph Twist Grater 2-in-1 Grater
Innovation meets functionality with the Joseph Joseph Twist Grater. This clever tool combines two essential grating surfaces—coarse and fine—into a single, compact unit. By simply twisting the head, you can switch between grating styles, which reduces the number of tools you need to store and clean. It’s a space-saving solution for kitchens with limited drawer space.
The grater also features an adjustable handle with two locking positions. Use it straight for grating directly over a pan or bowl, or set it at a 90-degree angle for better stability and control when working with larger quantities of food. Non-slip feet on the base and a comfortable handle provide additional safety and comfort during use.
Prep Solutions by Progressive Etched Hand Grater
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable medium grater, the Prep Solutions model from Progressive is a strong contender. Its extra-sharp, etched grating surface makes quick work of cheeses and vegetables, depositing them directly into your dish. The medium grate size is versatile for a wide range of common kitchen tasks.
Comfort is a key feature of this grater. It is equipped with an ergonomic soft-grip handle that is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and prevent slipping, even when your hands are wet or greasy. This focus on user-friendly design makes it a great option for everyday use.
Microplane Classic Zester Grater
The Microplane Classic Zester Grater is the original tool that revolutionized zesting and fine grating. Its incredibly sharp, precision-bladed surface is designed to remove the flavorful zest from citrus fruits without catching the bitter white pith underneath. This makes it indispensable for adding bright flavor to vinaigrettes, baked goods, and main courses.
Beyond zesting, this grater produces beautifully light and fluffy mounds of hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino. The fine shreds melt quickly and evenly, making it perfect for garnishing pasta, salads, and soups. Like other Microplane products, it features a comfortable BPA-free handle and is made with ultra-sharp blades in the USA.
OXO Good Grips Box Grater
The OXO Good Grips Box Grater is a testament to the brand’s reputation for user-friendly design. It offers four different surfaces: coarse, medium, and fine grating, plus a slicer. This versatility allows you to tackle almost any grating job, from shredding a block of mozzarella to slicing potatoes for gratin.
Despite its multi-functionality, this box grater has a slim profile that makes it easy to store in a kitchen drawer. The sharp stainless steel blades are effective and durable, while the comfortable, non-slip handles provide a secure grip and protect your knuckles during use. It’s a well-rounded and dependable choice for any home cook.
Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
For a mess-free and efficient grating experience, consider the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater. This handheld crank grater is designed to contain the shredded cheese within its drum, which minimizes cleanup. It requires very little pressure to use, making it an excellent option for those with limited hand strength.
This grater is not just for cheese; it also works well for grating chocolate and nuts. The design is compact and can be folded for storage, and it is engineered for both left and right-handed users. The non-slip knob ensures stable operation, and the drum is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning.
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle
The Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater stands out with its thoughtful design and high-quality construction. It features four different grating surfaces, including a unique fine grating surface that doubles as a ginger shredder with its own detachable base. This allows you to grate ginger directly into a small container for easy collection.
Using patented “surface glide” technology, the blades are designed to grate food smoothly with minimal effort. The grater is made from durable, dishwasher-safe 304 stainless steel, ensuring it will resist rust and last for a long time. The non-slip handle provides a comfortable and secure grip for all your grating tasks.
KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater
For those who appreciate a comprehensive and tidy grating solution, the KitchenAid Gourmet Box Grater is an excellent pick. This tall, sturdy grater provides four surfaces: fine, medium, and coarse grating, plus a slicer. The high-quality, rust-resistant stainless steel construction ensures smooth and efficient performance.
A key feature of this model is the included 3-cup plastic container that fits snugly inside the grater. This container catches all your grated or sliced food, which helps keep your countertop clean and makes it easy to store leftovers. The stainless steel top handle offers a comfortable and secure hold during use.
Rösle Stainless Steel Fine Grater
The Rösle Fine Grater is a premium, heavy-duty tool built for performance and longevity. It features a large, 8.5 by 3.5-inch grating surface made from high-quality stainless steel, allowing you to grate a significant amount of food very quickly. The fine teeth are perfect for creating delicate shreds of hard cheese or citrus zest.
This grater boasts a robust and ergonomic design with a distinctive wire handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The overall construction is designed to withstand years of frequent use, making it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks who value durable kitchen tools.
Borner V-Slicer Plus Swiss Classic Mandoline
While technically a mandoline, the Borner V-Slicer is an incredibly efficient tool for creating uniform slices and julienne cuts that can often replace a traditional grater. It is renowned for its ultra-sharp blade and precision engineering, allowing you to quickly slice potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and even firm cheeses with consistent thickness.
This tool is ideal for anyone who frequently needs large quantities of thinly sliced or julienned vegetables for salads, garnishes, or cooking. Its straightforward and durable design has made it a favorite in home and professional kitchens for decades. It offers a different, yet highly effective, approach to food preparation.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Paddle Grater for Cheese
I love a good paddle grater. It sits comfortably in my hand and turns a block of cheese into a fluffy pile of shreds with minimal effort. But not all paddle graters are created equal. After testing more than a few, I’ve learned what separates a great one from a frustrating one. If you’re looking to add one of the best paddle graters for cheese to your kitchen, here’s what I think you should consider.
First, let’s talk about the blade material. This is the heart of the tool. I strongly prefer stainless steel blades. They are incredibly sharp, resist rust, and don’t retain odors. I’ve had some with cheaper, coated blades that dulled quickly and started to flake, which is not something I want near my food. A high-quality stainless steel blade will stay sharp for years, making your grating sessions fast and efficient.
Next, consider the construction of the grater body. I look for something solid and ergonomic. A grater that feels flimsy or has sharp edges on the handle is no fun to use. Many of the best models are made from a single piece of durable plastic or resin, which makes them easy to clean and virtually indestructible. The shape should fit comfortably in my palm, and there should be a clear, non-slip grip area. If my hand aches after grating a single carrot, it’s a hard pass from me.
The design of the collection bin is another big factor. Some paddle graters have a small, integrated bin, while others are designed to sit directly over a bowl. I prefer the ones with a decent-sized bin because it contains the mess. There’s nothing worse than cheese shreds flying all over the counter. A lid for the bin is a huge bonus, allowing me to grate cheese in advance, store it right in the container, and pop it in the fridge. This feature alone can save me time on busy weeknights.
Finally, think about ease of cleaning. Graters are notoriously difficult to clean, but a good paddle grater should simplify this. I always check if the parts are dishwasher safe, though I often find a quick rinse under hot water is all that’s needed. Avoid models with lots of nooks and crannies where cheese and food particles can get stuck. A simple, streamlined design is my best friend when it’s time to wash up. By focusing on the blade, build, bin, and cleanability, you’ll find a tool that makes prepping ingredients a genuine pleasure.
FAQ
What makes a paddle grater different from a box grater?
I find the main difference is the ergonomics and motion. A box grater requires a back-and-forth motion and can be a bit awkward to hold, especially for larger items. A paddle grater fits right in my palm, and I use a simple, comfortable pushing motion across the blades. It feels more controlled and puts less strain on my wrist, which is a big plus when I have a lot of cheese to shred.
Are paddle graters easy to clean?
Generally, yes, and that’s one of the reasons I like them so much. Compared to the multiple surfaces of a box grater, a paddle grater usually has a much simpler design. Most of the ones I use are dishwasher safe on the top rack. For hand washing, I give mine a quick rinse immediately after use before any cheese has a chance to dry and stick. A small brush can help dislodge any stubborn bits from the blades.
Can I use a paddle grater for anything other than cheese?
Absolutely! While I primarily use mine for cheese, a good paddle grater is versatile. I’ve successfully used it to grate chocolate for desserts, zest citrus fruits, and even shred vegetables like carrots and zucchini for salads or baking. Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines, as some are specifically designed for softer foods.
Is it worth investing in a more expensive model?
In my experience, yes, but only up to a point. The price often reflects the quality of the materials, especially the blades. A cheaper model might have blades that dull quickly or a body that cracks. Spending a little more on a well-made tool with sharp, durable stainless steel blades means it will perform better and last much longer, making it one of the best paddle graters for cheese you can own. You don’t need the most expensive one, but avoid the absolute cheapest options.
How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the grater?
This is a common issue, and I have a couple of tricks. First, I make sure my cheese is cold, as it’s firmer and less likely to gum up the blades. If I’m grating a particularly soft or oily cheese, I might very lightly spray the blades with cooking oil to create a non-stick barrier. Grating in short, quick strokes rather than one long, slow push also helps prevent clogging.
What safety tips should I follow when using a paddle grater?
Safety is key because those blades are sharp! I always use the food holder or pusher if one is included. If not, I make sure the piece of cheese I’m holding is large enough that my fingers are never close to the grating surface. I also grate away from my body, not towards it. And when it’s time to clean, I handle the blade area with care, using a brush instead of my fingers to clear away debris.