Best Cheese Graters for Home Kitchens
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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Cheese Graters for Home Kitchens Buying Guide
Photo by www.kaboompics.com / PexelsBest 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.
Grater Blade Styles
Fine/zester (Microplane Classic): Very fine, fluffy grate. For hard cheeses, citrus, ginger, spices.
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.
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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Watch Before You Buy
“Microplane Classic Series Zester Grater — verified active product.”
See Today’s Price →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
“OXO Good Grips 4-Sided Box Grater — verified active product.”
See Today’s Price →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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheese grater for parmesan?
Can cheese graters go in the dishwasher?
What is the difference between a zester and a cheese grater?
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