As you stand in the kitchen, poised with a block of parmesan, the humble cheese grater assumes an outsized importance. It’s a simple tool, yet the difference between a good one and a poor one can make or break your culinary endeavor. It’s not just about grating cheese; the best cheese graters are versatile instruments that also zest lemons, shred chocolate, and even grate nutmeg. Thus, it’s crucial to invest in a good quality grater that won’t rust or degrade over time. In this article, we’ll guide you through the maze of cheese graters available on Amazon and help you choose the best one for your kitchen.
Understanding the Different Types of Cheese Graters
Before we delve into specifics, let’s get familiar with the different types of cheese graters. Box graters, rotary graters, flat graters, and zesters each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Box graters are the most common. They usually have four sides, each with a different size of grating slots. Rotary graters, beloved in restaurant kitchens, are great for hard cheeses like parmesan. Flat graters are compact and easy to store, while zesters are ideal for fine grating.
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What to Look for in a Cheese Grater
When looking for a cheese grater, you should consider its handle, blades, and ease of cleaning.
The Handle
A good handle can make all the difference when grating. It should be comfortable to hold and provide good leverage. Avoid graters with small or thin handles that are hard to grip, as well as those with handles that feel flimsy or unstable. Look out for handles with a non-slip grip, which make grating easier and safer.
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The Blades
The blades are the heart of any grater. Look for blades that are sharp and durable. Stainless steel blades are a good choice as they are resistant to rust and corrosion. The grater should have a variety of shred sizes, from coarse to fine, to handle different types of food. Also, consider the shape of the blades. Straight blades tend to be sharper and grate more evenly, while etched blades, like those found in the Cuisipro grater, create incredibly fine shreds.
Easy to Clean
Nobody likes cleaning up after cooking, so the easier a grater is to clean, the better. Many graters are dishwasher safe, but make sure to check before purchasing. If the grater isn’t dishwasher safe, it should at least be easy to clean by hand. Look for graters with removable parts, as these are often easier to clean.
The Top Cheese Graters on Amazon
Now that you know what to look for in a grater, let’s review some of the best cheese graters available on Amazon.
Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater
The Cuisipro 4-sided boxed grater is widely regarded as one of the best graters on the market. It comes with a bonus ginger grater base, which shreds ginger while leaving the unwanted fiber behind. Its patented Surface Glide Technology ensures the blade is the perfect shape to make grating quick and effortless.
Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
The Zyliss classic rotary cheese grater is designed to grate more cheese in less time, while being a safer option. It features a fine drum for grating hard cheeses, chocolate, and nuts. The Zyliss rotary cheese grater is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean, and is NSF certified for restaurant use, ensuring it meets high kitchen standards.
A Few Final Tips
In addition to the aforementioned points, here are a few more tips to help make your cheese grating experience more pleasant and efficient.
Grate Cold Cheese
Cheese is easier to grate when it’s cold, so try grating it straight out of the fridge. This also helps to prevent the cheese from sticking to the grater.
Use a Brush to Clean the Grater
A small brush can make cleaning a grater much easier. Use it to dislodge any cheese or other food particles that are stuck in the blades.
Grate with the Right Technique
Finally, make sure you’re grating with the right technique. Always grate in one direction, not back and forth. This helps prevent the grater from clogging and makes the grating process faster and smoother.
In the end, a quality cheese grater is an investment. By following these tips and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to finding a cheese grater that not only fits your needs but also stands the test of time.
Lending More Versatility: The Microplane Professional Series Fine Grater
Continuing our search for the best cheese grater on Amazon, we cannot overlook the Microplane Professional Series Fine Grater. This grater is a favorite among professional chefs, and for good reason. It boasts a sleek design, with a large grating surface that makes grating quick and easy. The stainless steel blades on this grater are razor sharp and designed to stay that way, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with blunt blades.
The handle of the Microplane grater is sturdy and comfortable to hold, ensuring you have good grip and control while grating. This can make a world of difference, especially when you have a lot of cheese to grate. The handle is also easy to clean, as it is dishwasher safe. This grater is a great example of how high-quality materials and thoughtful design can result in a product that excels in performance and ease of use.
This grater isn’t just great for cheese, though. The fine grating surface makes it perfect for zesting citrus fruits, grating ginger and garlic, or even turning chocolate into fine shavings. This versatility makes the Microplane Professional Series Fine Grater a great addition to any kitchen.
Concluding Thoughts on Choosing Your Cheese Grater
Selecting a quality cheese grater that won’t rust is not just about choosing a tool, it’s about investing in your culinary journey. With the right grater, you’ll be able to create dishes with perfectly shredded cheese, finely zest lemons, and even grate ginger with ease. The key factors to consider when purchasing your cheese grater are its handle, blades, and ease of cleaning.
A grater with a comfortable and sturdy handle, sharp and durable stainless steel blades, and dishwasher safe features is ideal. Box graters, like the Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater, are versatile and cover all your grating needs. Rotary graters, such as the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater, are perfect for grating hard cheeses with minimal effort. For zesting and fine grating, the Microplane Professional Series Fine Grater is the preferred choice by professionals.
Remember to grate cold cheese straight from the fridge to make the process easier and cleaner. Use a small brush to dislodge any food particles stuck in the blades and always grate in one direction for a smoother grating process.
By following these tips and recommendations, you should be equipped to make an informed decision when purchasing your new cheese grater at Amazon. Whether you’re an aspiring home cook or a seasoned chef, a good cheese grater is an essential tool in any kitchen. Choose wisely, and your grater will serve you well for many meals to come.