5 Best Cheese Graters for Hard Cheeses

Choosing the right cheese grater can significantly enhance your cooking experience. A good cheese grater allows you to effortlessly add freshly grated hard cheeses to your dishes, elevating their flavor and texture. Whether you are preparing a gourmet meal or a simple pasta dish, having the right tool can make all the difference. In this article, you will discover the top five cheese graters that excel in performance and ease of use, helping you make informed decisions for your kitchen.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater – $17.95
• Best Value: KucheCraft Cheese Grater with Handle – $11.99
• Best for Durability: Microplane Professional Handheld Rotary Cheese Grater – $29.99
• Best for Versatility: Zyliss Restaurant Cheese Grater – $22.95
• Best Compact Option: Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater – $10.98

How We Selected Our Top Picks

When selecting the best cheese grater for hard cheeses, consider factors such as ease of use, cleaning convenience, durability, and versatility. A good grater should be able to handle various types of hard cheeses while also being easy to clean after use. Look for features like ergonomic handles, dishwasher-safe components, and multiple grating options to suit your cooking needs.

OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater, White

The OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater is your new best friend in the kitchen, especially when it comes to grating hard cheeses like Parmesan. This handy tool not only makes grating a breeze but also features a built-in compartment to store un-grated cheese, keeping it fresh with a silicone seal. Whether you’re whipping up a quick pasta dish or preparing for a special dinner, this grater is perfect for everyday use and special occasions alike. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, making cleanup a cinch. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient grater, this one comes highly recommended.

What People Say

Users rave about the OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater for its ease of use and effective design. Many appreciate how it simplifies the grating process, especially for hard cheeses, and the built-in storage feature is a big hit.

• I love this OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater! It’s well-designed, easy to use, and makes grating parmesan cheese a breeze. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the grater works smoothly without requiring a lot of effort. Cleanup is simple since it comes apart easily and is dishwasher-safe.

  – MachMoot

• Excellent grater for grating hard medium to hard cheeses (pecorino, parm/reggianno, favia, etc.). Breaks down simply for cleaning and re-assembles easily. I do like the simplicity of the product, ease of use, and the construction is quality made.

  – Circle B Ranch

Why You’ll Love It

• Built-in storage compartment keeps cheese fresh
• Comfortable non-slip handle for easy grating
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• Versatile for grating cheese, chocolate, and nuts

Ideal For Any Occasion

Perfect for grating cheese directly onto pasta, salads, or any dish where you want that fresh touch. It’s also great for baking when you need finely grated chocolate or nuts.

Current Price: $17.95

Rating: 4.4 (Total: 2545+)

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KucheCraft Cheese Grater with Handle

The KucheCraft Cheese Grater is a delightful addition to your kitchen, especially if you love hard cheeses like Parmesan. This handy tool features two stainless steel drums that make grating a breeze, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight pasta or hosting a dinner party. Its lightweight design and comfortable handle mean you can grate cheese effortlessly, and the modular design makes it easy to clean. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meals. If you’re looking for a reliable grater that won’t let you down, this one is worth considering.

What People Say

Users appreciate the KucheCraft Cheese Grater for its ease of use and sturdy design. Many highlight how well it grates hard cheeses and the convenience of its lightweight structure, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions.

• I’ve had a metal version (VERY similar) to this grater since the 1970’s. This little rotary grater does its job quite well, in spite of the plastic construction. It’s actually rather rigid and doesn’t twist or distort while grating. The two rotary drums are easy to clean and thread onto the hand crank effortlessly.

  – Paul A Pongratz

• Great product – very lightweight which might feel cheap at first, but it’s surprisingly sturdy! I love the two grating options. It is super easy to use, switch out wheels, and clean. More often than not, I just rinse it under the faucet.

  – well RED

Why You’ll Love It

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Two stainless steel drums for versatile grating
• Dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning
• Perfect for grating hard cheese, chocolate, and more

Perfect For Any Occasion

Ideal for grating cheese directly onto pasta, salads, or even for baking when you need finely grated chocolate or nuts. It’s a great tool for both casual meals and more elaborate dishes.

Current Price: $11.99

Rating: 3.8 (Total: 576+)

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Microplane Professional Handheld Rotary Cheese Grater

The Microplane Professional Handheld Rotary Cheese Grater is a game changer for anyone who loves hard cheeses. With its ergonomic design, this grater is not only easy to use but also comfortable for both left and right-handed folks. The large capacity hopper means you can grate more cheese in one go, making it perfect for everything from weeknight pasta to fancy cheese platters for your guests. Plus, it’s super easy to clean, which is always a bonus in my book. If you want a reliable grater that delivers consistent results, this one is definitely worth a look.

What People Say

Users rave about the Microplane Professional Grater for its durability and performance. Many highlight how effortlessly it grates hard cheeses, making it a favorite for both everyday meals and special occasions.

• We bought this as a gift for one of our kids. Microplane makes the absolute best kitchen graters. This cheese grater works fantastic & should last a long time. We’ve had ours for nearly 10 years now and it’s still going strong, cutting like the day we bought it.

  – ghunger

• This is the best grater I have ever purchased, goes through hard cheese like crazy.

  – frank petrelli

Why You’ll Love It

• Ergonomic design for comfortable use
• Large capacity for efficient grating
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Perfect for hard cheeses, chocolate, and nuts

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether you’re grating cheese for a cozy family dinner or preparing a gourmet dish for guests, this grater shines. It’s also great for adding a sprinkle of chocolate or nuts to desserts, making it a versatile tool in your kitchen.

Current Price: $29.99

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 16+)

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Zyliss Restaurant Cheese Grater

The Zyliss Restaurant Cheese Grater is a fantastic addition to your kitchen if you enjoy hard cheeses. This handheld rotary grater is designed for both right- and left-handed cooks, making it super user-friendly. With its stainless steel microblades, it effortlessly grates hard cheeses like parmesan, chocolate, and even nuts. The compact design means it’s easy to store, and the non-slip knob ensures a secure grip while you work. Plus, it disassembles easily for cleaning, which is a huge plus after a long cooking session. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient grater, this one is definitely worth considering.

What People Say

Users appreciate the Zyliss Cheese Grater for its solid build and ease of use. Many highlight how well it handles hard cheeses, making it a go-to tool for both everyday cooking and special occasions.

• Feels really sturdy. Used it today, worked really well. Grandson loved it. Came apart easily for cleaning.

  – Michael A. Dill

• As the name suggests it’s GRATE (and great!). Does the job well holding up to hard cheeses like parmesan and grates with ease. Clean up is easy and we’ve found that there is not a lot of ‘trapped cheese’. Overall, good choice!

  – Mark Fischer

Why You’ll Love It

• Sturdy construction for long-lasting use
• Effortlessly grates hard cheeses and more
• Easy to clean and disassemble
• Compact design for convenient storage

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether you’re grating cheese for a cozy family dinner or preparing a gourmet dish for guests, this grater shines. It’s also perfect for adding a sprinkle of chocolate or nuts to desserts, making it a versatile tool in your kitchen.

Current Price: $22.95

Rating: 4.4 (Total: 16,686+)

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Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater

The Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook with hard cheeses. This versatile tool not only grates parmesan but also zests lemons, grates garlic, and even shreds vegetables. Its stainless steel blade is razor-sharp and designed to make quick work of even the toughest ingredients. The comfortable, non-slip handle ensures you have a secure grip while you work, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to clean, which is always a bonus after a busy cooking session. If you’re looking for a reliable grater that can do it all, this one is definitely worth adding to your kitchen arsenal.

What People Say

Users rave about the Deiss Cheese Grater for its versatility and ease of use. Many appreciate how well it handles hard cheeses and the convenience of cleaning it up afterward, making it a favorite for both daily cooking and special events.

• I’ve only used my new Zester once so far, but it worked great for zesting lemons for some Ameretti cookies. The grip part on the bottom was very helpful. It took only a rinse & gentle swipe with a cloth to clean it. So far it’s a great tool! Nicely made. The plastic safety cover is great, too.

  – Survivor Wen

• This thing does its job perfectly!! Easy to use and clean!! Great quality!

  – h wymm

Why You’ll Love It

• Versatile for grating cheese, zesting, and shredding
• Razor-sharp stainless steel blade for efficient grating
• Comfortable, non-slip handle for easy use
• Easy to clean and store

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a gourmet dish, this grater is your go-to tool. It’s also fantastic for adding a touch of zest to desserts or grating chocolate, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

Current Price: $10.98

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 41,677+)

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FAQ

What Should I Look For When Buying A Cheese Grater For Hard Cheeses?

When you’re shopping for a cheese grater specifically for hard cheeses, consider the material and design. Stainless steel blades are ideal because they stay sharp and resist rust. Look for a grater that has a comfortable handle, as you’ll be using it repeatedly. A rotary grater can be particularly effective for hard cheeses, allowing you to grate with less effort. Also, check if it’s easy to clean, as some designs can trap cheese bits, making cleanup a hassle.

Can I Use A Cheese Grater For Other Foods Besides Cheese?

Absolutely! Many cheese graters are versatile and can handle a variety of foods. For instance, you can use them for grating chocolate, nuts, or even vegetables. Just make sure to choose a grater that is designed for multiple uses. For example, the OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater is great for not just cheese but also chocolate and nuts, making it a handy tool in your kitchen.

How Do I Properly Clean And Maintain My Cheese Grater?

Cleaning your cheese grater is essential for maintaining its performance. Most rotary graters can be disassembled for easy cleaning. After each use, rinse it under warm water to remove any cheese residue. If it’s dishwasher safe, you can toss it in there for a thorough clean. Avoid using abrasive sponges that could scratch the surface. Regular maintenance will ensure your grater lasts longer and continues to perform well, especially when grating hard cheeses.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, investing in a quality cheese grater can enhance your culinary creations by allowing you to easily incorporate freshly grated hard cheeses into your meals. Each of the graters listed above offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. By choosing one that fits your cooking style, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh cheese in your dishes, making every meal more flavorful.