Quick Answer
Microplane Classic Series Zester Grater

The Microplane Classic Zester Grater is our top pick for fine grating of hard cheeses and citrus zest. For a multi-function box grater, the OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater handles every grating task in one tool.

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At a Glance

#ProductAwardPriceOur Score
1 Our Top Pick $12 9.5 Buy →
2 Best Premium $24 8.9 Buy →

Cheese Graters for Home Kitchens Buying Guide

Best Cheese Graters for Home KitchensPhoto by www.kaboompics.com / Pexels

Best Cheese Grater: Microplane Classic Zester/Grater

The Microplane Classic costs around $15-18 and is the single most useful grater for dedicated cheese work. The photo-etched stainless steel blades are razor sharp — they shave Parmesan into a light, airy pile that melts instantly rather than clumping. The same sharpness makes it the go-to for lemon and orange zest (produces fragrant, fine zest without the bitter white pith), fresh ginger, hard spices, and dark chocolate. The blade stays sharp for years because the photo-etching creates forward-facing sharp edges rather than punched holes with dull rims. For any home cook who finishes pasta with Parmesan or bakes with citrus zest, this is the tool that makes those tasks noticeably better.

Microplane vs. Box Grater for Cheese

A box grater produces thicker shreds suitable for melting into sauces, topping casseroles, and adding to salads. A Microplane produces finely grated wisps that dissolve immediately — ideal for finishing dishes tableside and for Parmesan-forward recipes where the cheese integrates into the dish rather than sitting on top. For mozzarella and cheddar: box grater. For Parmesan, Pecorino, and aged hard cheeses: Microplane. The distinction in texture is significant enough that most professional cooks keep both.

The Best Kitchen Graters
The Best Kitchen Graters

Grater Blade Styles

Fine/zester (Microplane Classic): Very fine, fluffy grate. For hard cheeses, citrus, ginger, spices.

Microplane Classic Series Zester Grater
Microplane Classic Series Zester Grater
$12.99
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Coarse (Microplane Coarse): Produces larger, fluffier shreds than a box grater's coarse side. For softer cheeses and vegetables.

Extra coarse (Microplane Extra Coarse): Large chunky shreds for mozzarella, zucchini for bread, and hash brown potatoes.

The fine zester is the most useful first Microplane purchase. The coarse is the useful add-on for block mozzarella and vegetable work.

OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater
OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater
$24.99
See Full Review →

Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean graters immediately after use — dried cheese or citrus zest in the blade holes is difficult to remove. Rinse under hot water and use the brush that comes with some Microplanes, or a dedicated narrow-bristle brush. Dishwasher cleaning works but dulls blades faster than hand washing. Store with the protective cover or sleeve — unprotected grater blades in a drawer catch on everything and are a hand injury risk. Replace when grating requires noticeably more pressure than when new.

The Bottom Line

Microplane Classic Zester for Parmesan, citrus, ginger, and spices — the single most useful specialty grater at $16. OXO Box Grater for volume grating of block cheese and vegetables at $20. Rotary grater (Zyliss) for tableside Parmesan service. Grate Parmesan fresh rather than using pre-grated — the texture, melt, and flavor difference is significant in pasta dishes and risotto.

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✅ Best Cheese Grater Hand Crank : Cheese Grater Hand Crank (Buying Gui

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Our Top Pick
Microplane Classic Series Zester Grater
Best for: Fine grating of hard cheeses and citrus zesting

“Microplane Classic Series Zester Grater — verified active product.”

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What we like

  • Razor-sharp American steel blades
  • Produces light fluffy parmesan
  • Comfortable soft-grip handle
  • Dishwasher safe

Watch out for

  • Single fine grating surface only
  • Not ideal for coarse shredding
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Full Specs & Measurements
UseHard cheese and citrus
BladePhoto-etched American steel
ColorBlack
ShapeRectangular
HandleSoft-grip
DishwasherSafe
Style NameClassic
Unit Count1.0 Count
Material TypeStainless Steel
Item Type NameMicroplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater
Best Sellers Rank#3,735 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #16 in Graters
Included ComponentsMicroplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater
Manufacturer Part Number40020
Item Dimensions L X W X H12"L x 1.3"W x 1.3"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Manufacturer Warranty Description1 Year
Global Trade Identification Number00098399400204
Best Premium
OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater
Best for: Ergonomic handle and non-slip base for comfortable grating

“OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater — verified active product.”

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What we like

  • OXO soft-grip top handle
  • Non-slip base
  • 4 sides including fine grater
  • Dishwasher safe

Watch out for

  • Standard stamped blades — not as sharp as etched
  • No container
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Full Specs & Measurements
BaseNon-slip
ColorBlack
Shapeshape
Sides4 grating surfaces
HandleOXO soft-grip
DishwasherSafe
Style NameBox Grater
Unit Count1.0 Count
Material TypeStainless Steel
Manufacture Year2015
Best Sellers Rank#5,202 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #22 in Graters
Included ComponentsEMW6165179
Manufacturer Part Number1057961V3
Item Dimensions L X W X H12"L x 5"W x 12.4"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Manufacturer Warranty DescriptionSatisfaction Guaranteed. If for any reason you are not satisfied with an OXO product return for replacement or refund.
Global Trade Identification Number00719812005973

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cheese grater for parmesan?
A microplane-style fine grater produces the lightest, fluffiest parmesan. The Microplane Classic Zester is the professional standard. For grating large amounts of parmesan for pasta, a rotary grater is faster and keeps your knuckles safe. Box graters work but the fine side produces denser shreds than microplane.
Can cheese graters go in the dishwasher?
Most stainless steel graters are dishwasher safe but hand washing preserves blade sharpness longer. The dishwasher's heat and detergent can dull fine grating surfaces over time. If dishwasher cleaning is a priority, look for graters specifically rated dishwasher safe and use the top rack.
What is the difference between a zester and a cheese grater?
Zesters (microplane-style) have very fine sharp teeth that produce fluffy thin shreds, ideal for hard cheeses and citrus zest. Box graters have multiple surfaces from coarse to fine for different shred sizes. A microplane can zest citrus and grate hard cheese finely, while a box grater handles everything from slicing to coarse shredding but is less precise for very fine grating.

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