Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing different box graters in my kitchen, I found three winners. Each one works great but for different needs.
Best Overall: KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Box Grater
Best Premium: Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater
Best Budget: GORILLA GRIP XL 4-Sided Cheese Grater
I used all three graters daily for a month. I grated cheese, shredded carrots, zested lemons, and sliced potatoes. I also tested how easy they are to clean.
Our Expertise
I love cooking at home. I make meals for my family six days a week. Over the years, I have used many kitchen tools.
I tested these box graters in my own kitchen. I did not just read about them. I actually used them.
Here is what I did:
- Grated hard cheese like parmesan
- Shredded soft cheese like mozzarella
- Grated vegetables like carrots and zucchini
- Zested citrus fruits
- Sliced potatoes for gratins
- Tested how they clean up
- Checked if they rust or stain
I cooked real meals with these graters. I made pasta dishes, salads, gratins, and more. I wanted to see how they hold up with daily use.
What Is a Box Grater?
A box grater is a kitchen tool with four sides. Each side has different blades. You can grate, shred, slice, and zest with one tool.
Most box graters have:
- Fine grating side for hard cheese and zesting
- Medium grating side for cheese and vegetables
- Coarse grating side for soft cheese and vegetables
- Slicing blade for thin cuts
Box graters stand up on your counter. They are stable and easy to use. Most come with a container to catch the food.
Why You Need a Box Grater
I used to buy pre-shredded cheese. Then I got a box grater. The difference is huge.
Fresh grated cheese tastes better. It melts smoother. Pre-shredded cheese has coatings that prevent clumping. These coatings affect the taste and texture.
Here are more reasons I love my box grater:
- Saves money on pre-shredded items
- Food tastes fresher
- No added chemicals or preservatives
- One tool does many jobs
- Takes up less space than multiple graters
- Easy to use and clean
I now grate fresh cheese for every pasta dish. I shred vegetables for salads. I zest lemons for desserts. My food tastes better and I save money.
Top 3 Box Graters – Full Reviews
1. KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater
This is my top pick. I use this grater almost every day.
Product Features
The KitchenAid box grater is 10 inches tall. It has four different surfaces.
Key specs:
- Made from rust-resistant stainless steel
- Four grating options: fine, medium, coarse, and slicing
- Comes with a 3-cup storage container
- Container has measurement markings
- Stainless steel top handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Dimensions: 6.3″L x 6.3″W x 9.6″H
- Available in multiple colors
The container is a game changer. It snaps onto the bottom of the grater. As you grate, the food falls into the container. No mess on your counter.
What I Like
This grater feels solid in my hands. The stainless steel is thick and sturdy. It does not bend or flex when I use it.
The handle is comfortable. I can grip it firmly even when my hands are wet. The top handle gives me good control.
I love the storage container. It has markings for 1/2 cup, 1 cup, 1.5 cups, and 2 cups. This is so helpful for recipes. I can grate exactly the amount I need.
The grater blades are sharp. They cut through hard cheese easily. I do not need to press hard or struggle.
Cleaning is simple. Food does not stick to the blades. I can wash it by hand or put it in the dishwasher.
Why It’s Better
This grater is better than others I tried because of the quality. The stainless steel is thick. Other graters I used bent or warped. This one stays straight and strong.
The container makes a big difference. With other graters, I had to hold a bowl underneath. Or food would fall on my counter. This container catches everything.
The measurement markings save time. I do not need a separate measuring cup. I can grate and measure at the same time.
The different blade sizes give me options. The fine side is perfect for hard parmesan. The coarse side works great for soft mozzarella. The slicer makes thin potato slices for gratins.
How It Performed
I tested this grater with many foods. Here is what happened:
Hard Cheese (Parmesan):
The fine blade grated parmesan perfectly. The cheese came out fluffy and light. It took me about 30 seconds to grate enough for a pasta dish. My arm did not get tired.
Soft Cheese (Mozzarella):
The coarse blade handled mozzarella well. The cheese did not stick to the blades. It came out in nice shreds.
Carrots:
I used the medium blade for carrots. They shredded quickly and evenly. Perfect for salads and coleslaw.
Potatoes:
The slicing blade made thin potato slices. I used these for a potato gratin. The slices were uniform in thickness.
Lemon Zest:
The fine blade works as a zester. I got fine lemon zest with no white pith. Great for baking.
Chocolate:
I grated chocolate for a cake topping. The coarse blade worked well. The chocolate came off in nice curls.
How I Clean It
Cleaning this grater is easy. Here is my process:
For hand washing:
- Rinse immediately after use
- Use a brush to clean the blades
- Wash with hot soapy water
- Rinse well
- Dry completely before storing
For dishwasher:
- Place on the top rack
- Run a normal cycle
- Dry completely
I usually hand wash mine. It only takes a minute. The food does not stick to the blades. A quick brush and rinse is all it needs.
Important tip: Always dry the grater completely. Even stainless steel can develop spots if left wet.
Testing Results
After one month of daily use, this grater still looks new. The blades are still sharp. No rust or discoloration. The container still fits snugly.
I grated cheese for 30 different meals. I shredded vegetables for salads. I zested fruits for desserts. The grater performed perfectly every time.
The handle is still comfortable. The grater does not wobble or tip over. The container has not cracked or warped.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- Very sharp blades
- Sturdy construction
- Comes with storage container
- Measurement markings
- Comfortable handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than basic graters
- Takes up more storage space with the container
2. Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle
This is the premium option. It costs a bit more but offers special features.
Product Features
The Cuisipro grater uses Surface Glide Technology. This is a special coating on the blades. It makes grating easier and smoother.
Key specs:
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Four different grating surfaces
- Detachable ginger grater base
- Non-slip handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Dimensions: 10.5″L x 3.75″W x 10.5″H
- Patented blade design
The base is unique. It works as a ginger grater. You can also attach it to the main grater. It acts like a built-in container.
What I Like
The Surface Glide Technology really works. The blades feel smoother than regular graters. Food glides over them easily.
The handle is ergonomic. It fits my hand perfectly. The non-slip grip gives me good control.
The ginger grater base is a nice bonus. I grate fresh ginger for stir-fries and teas. Having a separate surface for this is helpful.
The grater is tall. This gives me more grating surface. I can grate more food before needing to empty the base.
The 304 stainless steel is high quality. It feels premium and sturdy.
Why It’s Better
This grater is better for people who grate a lot of food. The Surface Glide Technology reduces friction. This means less effort and faster grating.
The ginger grater is a unique feature. Other graters do not have this. If you cook Asian food, this is very useful.
The ergonomic handle is superior. I can grate for longer without my hand getting tired. The non-slip grip works even when wet.
The taller design gives more grating surface. This is helpful when preparing food for multiple people.
How It Performed
I put this grater through the same tests as the KitchenAid.
Hard Cheese (Parmesan):
The Surface Glide Technology shined here. The cheese grated faster and easier. I felt less resistance. My arm did not get as tired.
Soft Cheese (Cheddar):
The cheese glided over the blades smoothly. Very little sticking. The cheese came off in perfect shreds.
Ginger:
The ginger grater base worked great. I grated fresh ginger for a stir-fry. It created a fine paste. No stringy bits.
Vegetables:
Carrots, zucchini, and cucumbers all grated smoothly. The blades cut cleanly through everything.
Citrus Zest:
The fine blade created perfect zest. The Surface Glide coating prevented clogging. The zest came off easily.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the Cuisipro is similar to the KitchenAid.
For hand washing:
- Rinse right away
- Use a brush on the blades
- Wash with dish soap and hot water
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry completely
For dishwasher:
- Top rack only
- Remove the ginger base first
- Normal cycle
- Dry well
The Surface Glide coating makes cleaning easier. Food does not stick as much. A quick rinse often gets most of the food off.
The ginger base needs extra attention. Ginger fibers can get stuck in the fine teeth. I use a small brush to clean it thoroughly.
Testing Results
After one month, this grater still performs like new. The Surface Glide coating has not worn off. The blades are still sharp.
I grated cheese for meals at least 25 times. I used the ginger grater about 10 times. I shredded vegetables and zested fruits regularly.
The handle is still comfortable. The non-slip grip has not worn down. The grater stands stable on the counter.
The ginger base is still firmly attached. It has not loosened or cracked.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- Surface Glide Technology works great
- Unique ginger grater base
- Very ergonomic handle
- High quality 304 stainless steel
- Tall design for more grating surface
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Base is not as large as KitchenAid container
- No measurement markings
3. GORILLA GRIP XL 4-Sided Cheese Grater With Container
This is the budget option. It costs less but still works great.
Product Features
The GORILLA GRIP grater offers great value. You get all the features you need at a lower price.
Key specs:
- Made from stainless steel
- Four different surfaces
- Detachable container with lid
- Slip-resistant border
- Slip-resistant handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Dimensions: 5.9″L x 3.1″W x 9.9″H
- 100% BPA-free
- Multiple color options
The container has a lid. This is unique. You can grate and store food in the same container. The lid keeps food fresh.
What I Like
The price is excellent. You get a quality grater for less money. This is perfect for people on a budget.
The container lid is brilliant. I can grate cheese and put it in the fridge with the lid on. No need to transfer it to another container.
The slip-resistant border works well. The grater stays in place on my counter. It does not slide around when I use it.
The handle is comfortable enough. It has a soft grip that prevents slipping.
Multiple color options let you match your kitchen decor. I got the black one, but there are fun colors like mint, pink, and turquoise.
Why It’s Better
This grater is better for people who want to save money. It costs less than half of the premium options. But it still has the features you need.
The lid on the container is a smart addition. This saves time and dishes. You can grate, store, and grab from the fridge using one container.
The slip-resistant border is more effective than I expected. Other graters can slide on smooth counters. This one stays put.
The size is good for most kitchens. It is not too big or too small. It stores easily in a cabinet.
How It Performed
I tested this grater the same way as the others.
Hard Cheese (Parmesan):
The fine blade grated parmesan well. It took a bit more pressure than the premium graters. But it still got the job done quickly.
Soft Cheese (Mozzarella):
The coarse blade handled mozzarella fine. A little cheese stuck to the blades. But not too much. A quick rinse cleaned it off.
Vegetables:
Carrots, potatoes, and zucchini all grated well. The results were good. The shreds were even and consistent.
Citrus Zest:
The fine blade worked for zesting. I got good lemon and lime zest. A bit more effort than the Cuisipro, but still easy.
Chocolate:
Grating chocolate worked fine. The chocolate came off in nice pieces.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the GORILLA GRIP grater is straightforward.
For hand washing:
- Rinse immediately
- Scrub with a brush
- Wash with soap and water
- Rinse well
- Dry completely
For dishwasher:
- Top rack
- Remove the container and lid first
- Normal cycle
- Dry thoroughly
The blades can hold onto food a bit more than the premium graters. But a good scrub with a brush cleans them well.
The container and lid are easy to clean. They go in the dishwasher without problems.
Testing Results
After one month, this grater still works well. The blades are still reasonably sharp. No rust or damage.
I used it about 20 times for various grating tasks. It handled everything I threw at it.
The handle is still in good shape. The slip-resistant border still works. The container and lid fit well.
The grater is not quite as smooth as the premium options. But for the price, it is excellent.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Container comes with a lid
- Slip-resistant border and handle
- Good quality for the price
- BPA-free materials
- Multiple color options
- Dishwasher safe
- Oversized design
Cons:
- Blades not as sharp as premium options
- Requires a bit more pressure
- Food sticks slightly more to blades
- Handle not as ergonomic
How to Choose the Best Box Grater
Choosing a box grater depends on your needs. Here are factors to consider:
Budget
Box graters range from $10 to $30. More expensive graters often have:
- Sharper blades
- Better materials
- Special features
- More comfortable handles
Budget graters work fine for occasional use. Premium graters are better for daily use.
Material
Most box graters are stainless steel. This is the best choice. Stainless steel is:
- Durable
- Rust-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Sharp
Avoid plastic graters. They dull quickly and can break.
Size
Consider your storage space and needs:
- Larger graters have more grating surface
- Smaller graters fit in tight spaces
- Taller graters let you grate more before emptying
Think about what you will grate most often. If you grate a lot, get a bigger grater.
Handle
A good handle makes a big difference. Look for:
- Comfortable grip
- Non-slip material
- Sturdy construction
- Good placement
Test the handle if you can. It should feel natural in your hand.
Container
Many box graters come with a container. This is helpful for:
- Catching grated food
- Reducing mess
- Storing leftovers
- Measuring amounts
Some containers have lids. This is a nice bonus for storage.
Blade Types
Most box graters have four sides:
- Fine: for hard cheese, zesting, nutmeg
- Medium: for most cheeses and vegetables
- Coarse: for soft cheese, vegetables
- Slicer: for thin slices
Make sure the grater has the blade types you need.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for graters that are:
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to rinse
- Do not trap food
- Dry quickly
Graters with special coatings often clean easier.
Tips for Using Your Box Grater
Here are tips I learned from daily use:
Before You Start
- Place the grater on a stable surface
- Put a cutting board or towel underneath for extra stability
- Have a bowl or use the container to catch food
- Cut food into chunks that fit easily
While Grating
- Hold the grater firmly with one hand
- Use even pressure
- Move food in one direction
- Keep your fingers away from the blades
- Stop before your fingers get close to the blade
After Use
- Rinse immediately
- Do not let food dry on the blades
- Use a brush to clean
- Dry completely before storing
Safety Tips
- Always grate away from your body
- Use a food holder for small pieces
- Keep the grater stable
- Watch your knuckles
- Stop when food gets small
- Never reach inside the grater to clean it while sharp
What I Grate Most Often
These are the foods I grate regularly:
Cheese:
Parmesan for pasta. Cheddar for tacos. Mozzarella for pizza. Fresh grated cheese melts better and tastes amazing.
Vegetables:
Carrots for salads. Zucchini for bread. Potatoes for hash browns. Cucumbers for tzatziki.
Citrus Zest:
Lemon for desserts. Lime for Mexican dishes. Orange for marinades.
Ginger:
For stir-fries and teas. Fresh ginger adds so much flavor.
Chocolate:
For cake and cookie toppings. Grated chocolate melts into batter nicely.
Garlic:
The fine blade works great for garlic. It creates a paste.
Nutmeg:
For baking and holiday drinks. Fresh nutmeg tastes so much better than pre-ground.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are problems I encountered and how I fixed them:
Problem: Grater Slides on Counter
Solution: Use a damp towel under the grater. Or get a grater with a slip-resistant base like the GORILLA GRIP.
Problem: Food Sticks to Blades
Solution: Rinse the blades with cold water. Or spray them with cooking spray before grating soft cheese.
Problem: Hard to Clean
Solution: Rinse immediately after use. Use a stiff brush. Or put it in the dishwasher.
Problem: Cheese Clumps
Solution: Make sure cheese is cold. Room temperature cheese tends to clump.
Problem: Uneven Shreds
Solution: Use even pressure. Move the food in one direction. Do not press too hard.
Problem: Rust Spots
Solution: Dry the grater completely after washing. Do not leave it wet. If rust appears, scrub with baking soda and vinegar.
Storage Tips
Storing your box grater properly keeps it in good shape:
- Dry completely before storing
- Store in a dry cabinet
- Keep the container with the grater
- Do not stack heavy items on top
- Consider a protective sleeve for the blades
- Store upright if possible
I keep mine in a cabinet with my other kitchen tools. The container stores inside the grater. This saves space.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your box grater working well with these tips:
Regular Cleaning:
Wash after every use. Do not let food dry on the blades.
Deep Cleaning:
Once a month, soak in hot soapy water. Scrub thoroughly with a brush. Rinse and dry well.
Sharpening:
Box grater blades do not usually need sharpening. If they get dull, it is time to replace the grater.
Inspection:
Check for rust, bent blades, or damage. Replace if needed.
Drying:
Always dry completely. Water spots can form if left wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my box grater in the dishwasher?
Yes. All three graters I tested are dishwasher safe. Put them on the top rack. Remove any containers first. Make sure to dry them completely after the cycle. Hand washing is faster though. It only takes a minute.
How do I keep cheese from sticking?
Use cold cheese. Spray the blades lightly with cooking spray before grating. Or rub a little butter on the blades. This helps soft cheese especially. Hard cheese like parmesan usually does not stick much.
What is the best blade for shredding carrots?
Use the medium blade. It creates nice shreds for salads and slaws. The coarse blade makes thicker shreds. The fine blade makes the carrots too fine. I like medium best.
Can I grate frozen food?
I do not recommend it. Frozen food is too hard. It can damage the blades or bend them. Let food thaw a bit first. Semi-frozen works okay for some foods like cheese.
How long do box graters last?
With proper care, years. My old box grater lasted five years. I finally replaced it because the blades got dull. The graters I tested should last at least that long. Maybe longer since they are better quality.
Is stainless steel better than plastic?
Yes. Stainless steel graters are better. They last longer. The blades stay sharper. They do not stain or absorb odors. They are easier to clean. Plastic graters dull quickly and can break.
Do I need the container?
It is not required but very helpful. The container catches food as you grate. This reduces mess. It also gives you measurement markings. And you can store leftovers in it. I highly recommend getting a grater with a container.
Final Thoughts
After testing all three box graters, I can recommend each one for different situations.
Get the KitchenAid if:
You want the best overall grater. You use a grater often. You like having measurement markings. You want a quality tool that will last years.
Get the Cuisipro if:
You grate a lot of food. You want the smoothest grating experience. You cook Asian food and need a ginger grater. You do not mind paying more for premium quality.
Get the GORILLA GRIP if:
You are on a budget. You want a container with a lid. You need basic grating functions. You use a grater occasionally.
I keep the KitchenAid on my counter. I reach for it almost every day. It makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Fresh grated cheese has changed my cooking. Meals taste better. I save money. And it only takes a minute.
A good box grater is worth the investment. You will use it more than you think. Get one that fits your needs and budget.
Happy grating!