Finding the right tool for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan can significantly impact your cooking. The perfect grater creates light, fluffy shreds that melt beautifully over pasta, salads, and soups, enhancing both flavor and presentation. With so many options available, from classic box graters to innovative rotary models, selecting the best one for your kitchen needs is essential.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best cheese graters designed specifically for handling hard cheeses. We’ve evaluated each product on its features, durability, and unique benefits to help you find a grater that makes food preparation easier and more efficient, whether you’re a casual cook or a seasoned chef.
The Best Cheese Graters for Parmesan
- Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle
- Cuisinart Boxed Grater, Black
- OXO Good Grips Multi Grater
- Cheese Grater with Food Storage Container & Lid
- Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
- Microplane Classic Zester Grater, Black
- OXO Good Grips Box Grater
- Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandoline Set
- Joined Stainless Steel Rotary Cheese Grater
- KitchenAid Classic Box Grater
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle
The Cuisipro four-sided box grater is a versatile kitchen workhorse. Its patented surface glide technology makes grating hard Parmesan feel smooth and requires less effort than traditional models. The detachable base acts as a built-in container to catch your shreds, minimizing mess, and can also be used separately as a dedicated ginger grater.
Constructed from durable, dishwasher-safe 304 stainless steel, this grater is built to last. The ergonomic non-slip handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, allowing you to grate larger quantities of cheese, vegetables, or chocolate efficiently and safely.
Cuisinart Boxed Grater
For a straightforward and reliable box grater, the Cuisinart model is an excellent choice. It features four different stainless steel surfaces for slicing, grating, and shredding, giving you multiple options for preparing Parmesan and other ingredients. Its simple design is both functional and easy to use.
The sturdy construction ensures stability during use, while the black plastic handle offers a comfortable grip. This grater is a practical addition to any kitchen, providing essential grating functions without unnecessary complexity.
OXO Good Grips Multi Grater
The OXO Good Grips Multi Grater offers a modern, flexible approach to grating. Unlike a standard box grater, it lies flat on your countertop or stretches over any bowl, providing stability and containing the mess. Its two stainless steel grating surfaces are perfect for creating fine or coarse shreds of Parmesan.
Cleaning is simple because the unit snaps apart effortlessly. Combined with the trusted OXO Good Grips handle for comfort and control, this grater is a smart, space-saving solution for everyday kitchen tasks.
Cheese Grater with Food Storage Container & Lid
This innovative grater solves two problems at once: grating and storage. It comes with an attachable, airtight container base that catches your Parmesan shreds directly. Once you’re done grating, simply snap the lid on to keep the cheese fresh, making it ideal for meal prep.
The razor-sharp stainless steel blades make quick work of hard cheeses and vegetables. Designed for convenience, the entire unit is dishwasher safe, offering a seamless and tidy grating experience from start to finish.
Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
The Zyliss Rotary Grater is a compact and efficient tool for grating hard Parmesan. The hand-crank operation requires minimal pressure, making it easy to use. Its design is comfortable for both left and right-handed users, and it folds down for simple storage in a drawer.
This NSF-certified grater is not only great for cheese but also for chocolate and nuts. Easy disassembly makes cleaning the drum straightforward, offering a no-fuss approach to small-scale grating tasks.
Microplane Classic Zester Grater
The Microplane Classic is renowned for creating incredibly fine, fluffy shreds of Parmesan cheese. Its ultra-sharp, photo-etched blades, made in the USA, glide through hard cheese with ease, producing a light texture that melts instantly over hot dishes.
While exceptional for cheese, this grater is also the perfect tool for zesting citrus. The comfortable, BPA-free handle provides excellent control, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs for its precision and performance.
OXO Good Grips Box Grater
The OXO Good Grips Box Grater is a thoughtfully designed classic. It features four sharp, stainless steel surfaces for coarse, medium, and fine grating, plus a slicer, giving you full versatility for Parmesan and other foods. The slim profile allows for easy storage in kitchen drawers.
A non-slip base keeps the grater steady on your counter, and the soft, comfortable handles make it secure to hold. This grater combines traditional functionality with the ergonomic benefits OXO is known for.
Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandoline Set
For those who need precision beyond grating, the Swissmar Borner set is a comprehensive food preparation system. Its micro-fine stainless steel blade can create perfect shreds of hard cheese, along with even slices and julienne cuts for vegetables.
The set includes multiple blades and a safety holder to protect your fingers. All components store neatly in a protective caddy, making it a compact and organized solution for advanced kitchen prep work.
Joined Stainless Steel Rotary Cheese Grater
This heavy-duty rotary grater is designed for larger grating jobs. It features an elevated stainless steel stand that holds the included 5-quart mixing bowl, allowing for mess-free, high-volume grating of Parmesan and vegetables. The suction base ensures stability on your countertop.
With three different stainless steel drum blades, you can switch between grating and slicing textures. The ergonomic hand crank makes operation smooth and efficient, saving time and effort during food preparation.
KitchenAid Classic Box Grater
A trusted name in kitchen appliances, the KitchenAid Classic Box Grater brings reliability and performance to your countertop. It is built with durable stainless steel grating surfaces designed to handle hard cheeses like Parmesan with consistency and ease.
The classic box design includes multiple grating and slicing options to suit various recipes. Its sturdy construction ensures it will remain a dependable tool in your kitchen for years to come, embodying the quality associated with the KitchenAid brand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cheese Graters for Parmesan
Finding the right tool for grating Parmesan can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options on the shelf. I have found that the best cheese graters for Parmesan are not always the most expensive or the fanciest looking ones. Instead, they are the ones that match how you cook and what you need from your kitchen tools. The goal is to get those perfect, fluffy shreds or delicate wisps that melt beautifully over pasta or add texture to a salad, without the cheese turning into a sticky, clumpy mess.
First, consider the material. Stainless steel is my go-to because it resists rust and is a breeze to clean. It also stays sharp for a long time. I tend to avoid graters with plastic parts on the grating surfaces, as they can wear down quickly and might not produce as fine a shred. The handle is another important part. Look for one with a comfortable, secure grip. A grater that feels good in your hand is much safer to use, especially when you are working with a hard cheese and applying some pressure.
Next, think about the grating styles. A classic four-sided box grater is incredibly versatile. It usually has a fine side, which is perfect for Parmesan, creating a soft snow-like texture. Some also have a razor-sharp microplane side, which is excellent for creating light, airy shreds that are great for finishing a dish. If you only grate hard cheeses like Parmesan, a dedicated rotary grater or a flat microplane zester might be a better fit. Rotary graters are fantastic for consistent shreds and often come with a container to catch the cheese, which keeps things tidy.
Finally, don’t forget about cleaning. This is a big one for me. Graters with lots of small holes can be tricky to wash. I look for models that are dishwasher safe to save time, but even if you hand-wash, a simple design with fewer nooks and crannies makes the job much easier. It is also worth checking how stable the grater is. A box grater with a solid, non-slip base or a rotary grater with solid suction feet will stay put while you work, which makes the whole process smoother and safer. By focusing on these key areas—material, grating style, ease of use, and clean-up—you can find a grater that will be a reliable partner in your kitchen for years.
FAQ
What is the best type of grater for hard cheeses like Parmesan?
For hard cheeses such as Parmesan, a fine grater is essential. I personally get the best results from a microplane or the fine side of a box grater. These create light, fluffy shreds that melt evenly. Rotary graters with a fine drum are also a solid choice, especially if you want to grate a larger amount at once and keep your fingers safely away from the sharp blades.
How do I clean a cheese grater without hurting myself?
Cleaning a grater can be the most difficult part. I always use a small brush, like a dedicated dish brush or even a clean toothbrush, to get into the small holes. For stubborn cheese bits, I rinse the grater under hot water immediately after use before the cheese has a chance to dry and stick. If your grater is dishwasher safe, that is the easiest route, but check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Can I use the same grater for Parmesan and soft cheeses?
You can, but it might not be ideal. Soft cheeses can gum up the small holes of a fine grater, making it very hard to clean. If you only have one grater, using the larger, coarser sides for soft cheeses can help. However, for the best results and easiest cleanup, I prefer to have separate tools—a fine grater for hard cheeses and a different one for softer varieties.
Why does my Parmesan cheese sometimes clump in the grater?
This usually happens if the cheese is too warm or has a higher moisture content. I find that grating Parmesan directly from the refrigerator helps a lot. The colder, firmer cheese produces cleaner shreds. If your cheese is a bit oily or soft, popping it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before grating can make a world of difference.
Are there any safety tips for using a hand-held grater?
Safety is important. Always use the hand guard if your grater came with one. If it did not, be very mindful of your fingers. I stop grating when a small piece of cheese is left, rather than trying to grate it all. Also, make sure your grater is on a stable, non-slip surface. A damp cloth underneath a box grater can help prevent it from sliding around on your counter.