A box grater is an essential kitchen tool that offers versatility, convenience, and efficiency. Whether you’re grating cheese, slicing vegetables, or zesting citrus, a high-quality box grater can make your food preparation tasks easier and more enjoyable. With various models available on the market, finding the perfect box grater can be challenging.
This buying guide will help you understand the key features to look for, things to consider before making a purchase, and answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring you select the best grater for your kitchen needs.
Top 10 Best Box Graters Brand
10. Microplane Elite Five Blade Box Grater
Key Features:
- Five-in-One Functionality: Features five grating surfaces – fine, coarse, ribbon, ultra-coarse, and large shaver.
- Removable Bottom: Includes a measuring cup base that can hold up to 2.5 cups, allowing easy measurement of grated ingredients.
- Ergonomic Design: Non-slip hand grip and rubber feet for comfortable and stable grating.
- Durable Construction: Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean and maintain, though hand washing is recommended to preserve blade sharpness.
What We Like:
- Versatility: The five grating surfaces provide a wide range of options, making it suitable for various tasks, from fine zesting to coarse shredding.
- Sharp Blades: The surgical-grade stainless steel blades are extremely sharp, allowing for effortless grating.
- Stable and Comfortable Use: The non-slip grip and base ensure stability, even on smooth surfaces, making it easy to use for extended periods.
- Built-in Measuring Cup: The integrated measuring cup is a convenient feature that helps minimize mess and provides accurate measurements.
What We Don’t Like:
- Cleaning Challenges: Some users find it difficult to clean, especially when grating softer cheeses that can get stuck in the blades.
- Storage Considerations: The removable base can be tricky to grip when greasy, and the overall design may be bulky for some kitchen spaces.
Overall:
The Microplane Elite Five Blade Box Grater is a high-quality, versatile tool that excels in both functionality and design. It’s ideal for those who need a reliable grater for a variety of tasks, though some may find it challenging to clean and store. Despite minor drawbacks, its sharp blades and ergonomic design make it a worthy addition to any kitchen.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shredder Cheese Grater
Key Features:
- Unique Design: This cheese grater features a classic box grater design but with a fun twist—an integrated handle shaped like Shredder, the villain from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for grating cheese, vegetables, ginger, potatoes, and more, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
- Official TMNT Product: This is an officially licensed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles product, ideal for fans of the series.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Made from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to rust.
- Compact Size: Measures approximately 4 x 3 x 9.5 inches, making it easy to store.
What We Like:
- Great Gift for TMNT Fans: This product is a fantastic gift for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enthusiasts, blending functionality with a fun, nostalgic design.
- Durable and Functional: Despite its novelty appearance, the grater is made from high-quality materials and performs well in the kitchen.
- Conversation Starter: Its unique design makes it a fun conversation piece, adding a touch of personality to any kitchen.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not Dishwasher Safe: The grater is not dishwasher safe, which might be inconvenient for some users who prefer low-maintenance kitchen tools.
- Small Size: The compact size might be a downside for those needing to grate large quantities of food at once.
Overall:
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cheese Grater is a unique, fun, and functional kitchen tool that’s perfect for fans of the series. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its design and maintenance requirements, it’s a high-quality grater that adds a touch of nostalgia and personality to any kitchen. Ideal as a gift, it combines practicality with a playful aesthetic.
8. Microplane 34006 4-Sided Stainless Steel Ultra-Sharp Multi-Purpose Box Grater
Key Features:
- Versatile Blades: Features four different blades: ultra-coarse, fine, ribbon, and a slicer, providing a wide range of grating and slicing options.
- Sharp and Durable: The blades are made from ultra-sharp, photo-etched stainless steel, ensuring precision cutting and long-lasting performance.
- Removable Fine Blade: The fine blade panel is removable, making it easier to clean and allowing you to grate directly over a bowl.
- Ergonomic Design: Equipped with a soft, ergonomic handle and non-slip rubber feet for stability during use.
- Dishwasher Safe: Although the grater is dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to maintain blade sharpness.
What We Like:
- High-Quality Construction: The stainless steel blades are made in the USA and offer excellent sharpness and durability, making grating effortless.
- Multiple Grating Options: The inclusion of multiple blades allows for versatile food preparation, from zesting citrus to grating cheese and vegetables.
- Easy Cleaning: The removable fine blade panel and the ability to disassemble the grater make it easier to clean, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
- Stable and Safe: The non-slip base ensures stability, while the included safety cover protects hands when the grater is not in use.
What We Don’t Like:
- Slicer Blade Design: Some users find the slicer blade less effective due to the plastic ridge that can obstruct the slicing path, making it challenging to use.
- Not Fully Dishwasher Safe: While technically dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Overall:
The Microplane 4-Sided Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Grater is a top-tier kitchen tool designed for those who appreciate quality and versatility. It excels in grating and slicing various foods with precision, thanks to its ultra-sharp blades. While it comes at a higher price point and has a few minor design flaws, its durability and performance make it a valuable addition to any kitchen, especially for serious home cooks and professionals.
7. K BASIX Cheese Grater & Shredder
Key Features:
- Multipurpose Design: Features four sides with different grating options—fine, medium, coarse, and slicing—making it versatile for various kitchen tasks.
- Stainless Steel Blades: The ultra-sharp blades are made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and effective grating for years.
- Ergonomic Handle: Equipped with a thick, soft rubber handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.
- Non-Slip Base: Includes a rubber base to prevent slipping during use, ensuring stability and safety while grating.
- Dishwasher Safe: Designed for easy cleaning, though hand washing is recommended to maintain blade sharpness.
What We Like:
- Affordability: Offers excellent value for money with its durable construction and multiple grating options, making it a cost-effective kitchen tool.
- Ease of Use: The ergonomic handle and non-slip base make the grater easy to use, even for extended periods, reducing hand strain.
- Versatile Functionality: With four different grating surfaces, this grater can handle a wide range of foods, from hard cheeses to vegetables and even chocolate.
- Customer Satisfaction: K BASIX emphasizes customer satisfaction, offering support and solutions if any issues arise with the product.
What We Don’t Like:
- Lightweight Build: While its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, some users might perceive it as less sturdy compared to heavier models.
- Not Fully Dishwasher Safe: Although it is dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to maintain the blade’s sharpness, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Overall:
The K BASIX Professional 4-Sided Box Grater is an excellent kitchen tool for those seeking a versatile, affordable, and easy-to-use grater. Its multiple grating surfaces and durable stainless steel blades make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it has a lightweight build, its ergonomic design and non-slip base ensure stability and comfort during use. This grater is a great choice for both everyday cooking and more demanding culinary tasks.
6. AmazonBasics 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater with Storage Container, 10-Inch
Key Features:
- Four-Sided Grating: Includes fine, coarse, and medium grating surfaces, along with a slicing blade, providing versatile options for different food preparation needs.
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Made from food-grade stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to rust.
- Non-Slip Design: Features a non-slip handle and base, providing stability and safety during use.
- Storage Container: Comes with a removable storage container that catches grated food directly, making it easy to transfer or store the contents.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean and maintain, with the convenience of being dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Versatility: The four different sides offer multiple grating and slicing options, making it suitable for various ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and more.
- Built-In Storage: The integrated storage container is a convenient feature that reduces mess and makes it easy to store grated food.
- Stable and Safe: The non-slip handle and base ensure that the grater remains stable during use, minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Affordable Quality: Offers excellent value for its price, with durable construction and practical features that make it a reliable kitchen tool.
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulky Design: Some users may find the grater bulkier than expected, which might be an issue for those with limited kitchen storage space.
- Storage Lid: The lid of the storage container may not fit as securely as desired, which could lead to spills if not handled carefully.
Overall:
The Amazon Basics 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater is a versatile and affordable kitchen tool, ideal for those looking for a reliable grater with multiple functionalities. Its durable construction, combined with a practical storage container, makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as bulkiness and a less secure storage lid, its overall performance and ease of use make it a great choice for everyday cooking tasks.
5. Professional Box Grater, Non-stick Coating Stainless Steel
Key Features:
- 6-Sided Grater: Includes six different grating and slicing surfaces, offering versatility for grating vegetables, cheese, citrus zest, and more.
- Nonstick Coating: The stainless steel blades are coated with a nonstick surface, making grating smoother and easier while also reducing food buildup.
- Ergonomic Design: Features a comfortable, generously sized handle and a non-slip bottom for stable use on various surfaces.
- Durable Build: Made from high-quality food-grade stainless steel with reinforced top and bottom edges to prevent bending or warping.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean, and both the grater and storage container are dishwasher-safe, making maintenance simple.
What We Like:
- Versatility: The six different grating surfaces provide a wide range of options, making this grater a versatile tool for any kitchen task.
- Nonstick Coating: The nonstick coating makes grating more efficient and cleaning easier, a significant improvement over traditional graters.
- Stable and Safe: The ergonomic handle and non-slip base ensure stability during use, minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Storage Container: The grater comes with a detachable container that catches grated food directly, making it convenient to store or transfer the contents.
What We Don’t Like:
- Slightly Flimsy: Some users have noted that the grater can feel a bit flimsy during heavy use, particularly when grating harder foods.
- Bulkier Size: The grater is on the larger side, which might be cumbersome for those with limited storage space in their kitchens.
Overall:
The HCHUANG Professional 6-Sided Box Grater is a versatile and efficient kitchen tool, ideal for those who need a grater with multiple functionalities. Its nonstick coating, ergonomic design, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it may feel slightly flimsy during heavy use and is bulkier than some other graters, its overall performance and ease of cleaning make it a great choice for both home and professional kitchens.
4. Rachael Ray Tools and Gadgets Stainless Steel Box Grater
Key Features:
- Heavy-Gauge Stainless Steel: The grater is made from durable, high-quality stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting use.
- Ultra-Sharp Blades: Features etched stainless steel blades for effortless cutting, including two-way slicer and julienne blades that make cuts efficiently.
- 4-Cup Built-In Container: Comes with a built-in 4-cup container that catches grated ingredients, reducing mess and making it easy to transfer.
- Safety Features: Includes an innovative finger guard to protect hands and a protective sleeve for safe storage.
- Ergonomic Design: The contoured top handle offers a secure and comfortable grip, making grating easier and safer.
- Dishwasher Safe: Designed for easy cleaning, as the grater is dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Versatility: The grater includes multiple surfaces for grating, slicing, and julienning, making it a versatile tool for various kitchen tasks.
- Built-In Container: The 4-cup container is a convenient addition that catches all the grated food, reducing mess and simplifying cleanup.
- Safety and Convenience: The finger guard and protective sleeve enhance safety, while the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean, which is a significant plus for regular kitchen use.
What We Don’t Like:
- High Price Point: Some users find the grater to be expensive compared to other options on the market.
- Fragile Slicer Blade: A few users have reported that the slicer blade can be fragile and may break with use.
Overall:
The Rachael Ray Tools and Gadgets Stainless Steel Box Grater is a high-quality, versatile kitchen tool that offers convenience, safety, and durability. It’s especially great for those who need a reliable grater with multiple functionalities. While it’s on the pricier side and has some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and the added features like the built-in container and finger guard make it a solid choice for both amateur cooks and kitchen enthusiasts.
3. KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater
Key Features:
- High-Quality Stainless Steel: Constructed from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting use and easy, mess-free grating.
- Four Grating Patterns: Features three grating surfaces (fine, medium, and coarse) and one slicing blade, offering versatility for various kitchen tasks.
- Integrated Storage Container: Includes a 3-cup container that fits inside the box grater to catch grated or sliced food, making it easy to store or measure.
- Capacity Markings: The storage container has capacity markings (1/2-cup, 1-cup, 1 1/2-cup, and 2-cup), allowing for precise measurements.
- Dishwasher Safe: The grater is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and it comes with a 1-year hassle-free replacement and a lifetime limited warranty.
What We Like:
- Versatility: The four different grating and slicing surfaces make this grater versatile for a wide range of food preparation tasks.
- Convenient Storage: The included storage container with measurement markings is a thoughtful feature that minimizes mess and aids in portion control.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality stainless steel, the grater is designed to withstand frequent use without rusting or losing its sharpness.
- Easy to Clean: Being dishwasher safe adds to the convenience, making it easy to maintain after use.
What We Don’t Like:
- Size: Some users might find the grater a bit bulky, which could be an issue for those with limited storage space.
Overall:
The KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater is a versatile and durable kitchen tool, ideal for those who appreciate quality and functionality. The grater’s multiple surfaces, combined with a practical storage container, make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it may be slightly bulky and the container fit could be improved, its overall performance and ease of use make it a great choice for both everyday and specialized cooking tasks.
2. OXO Etched Box Grater with Removable Zester, One size, Steel
Key Features:
- Four Grating Surfaces: The grater features four surfaces: a medium grater, coarse grater, slicer, and a removable zester.
- Sharp Stainless Steel Blades: The blades are etched stainless steel, providing sharp, efficient grating and slicing.
- Removable Zester: The zester can be used directly on the grater or separately over bowls or cutting boards.
- Convenient Container: The grater includes a container that catches and measures freshly grated food, with a lid that seals for storage.
- Ergonomic Design: Features a soft, non-slip handle and a non-slip foot, ensuring a comfortable grip and control during use.
What We Like:
- Versatile Functionality: The four different grating and slicing surfaces, including a removable zester, make this grater highly versatile for various kitchen tasks.
- Sharp and Efficient: The etched stainless steel blades are sharp and make grating and slicing smooth and easy.
- Removable Zester: The option to use the zester separately is a thoughtful addition, allowing for more flexibility in the kitchen.
- Convenient Storage: The container with measurement markings and a sealing lid is perfect for catching, measuring, and storing grated food.
What We Don’t Like:
- High Price Point: Some users may find the price a bit high compared to other box graters, although the additional features may justify the cost.
- Bulky Design: The grater’s size may be considered bulky for those with limited kitchen storage space.
Overall:
The OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater with Removable Zester is a versatile and well-designed kitchen tool that offers excellent functionality and convenience. With its sharp stainless steel blades, ergonomic design, and thoughtful features like the removable zester and storage container, it’s ideal for those who want a high-quality grater that can handle various tasks. While it is more expensive and slightly bulky, the added features and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts.
1. Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater
Key Features:
- Surface Glide Technology: This technology features grooved grating surfaces that reduce resistance, making grating easier and more efficient.
- Four Grating Surfaces: Includes fine, coarse, ultra-coarse, and slicer surfaces, allowing for a wide range of grating tasks.
- Non-Slip Handle and Base: The grater is designed with a non-slip handle and base, providing stability and ease of use.
- Bonus Ginger Grater: A special grating surface at the base is designed specifically for grating ginger, leaving unwanted fibers behind.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Made from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resistance to rust.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean and maintain, as the grater is dishwasher safe.
What We Like:
- Efficient Grating: The Surface Glide Technology makes grating more efficient, requiring less effort and reducing food buildup.
- Versatility: The multiple grating surfaces allow for various uses, from zesting citrus to grating hard cheeses and slicing vegetables.
- Stable and Secure: The non-slip handle and base ensure that the grater remains stable during use, minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Bonus Ginger Grater: The ginger grater feature is a thoughtful addition that works effectively for grating ginger without the fibers.
What We Don’t Like:
- Difficulty Removing the Base: A few users have noted that the bottom base can be difficult to remove, which might cause the grated contents to spill.
- Sharpness: While the sharpness of the blades is a benefit, it also requires careful handling to avoid injury.
Overall:
The Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater is a high-quality, versatile kitchen tool that excels in performance due to its Surface Glide Technology. It offers multiple grating options, making it suitable for a wide range of kitchen tasks. Although it is priced higher than some other graters, its efficiency, stability, and added features, like the ginger grater, make it a worthy investment for those who value quality and versatility in their kitchen tools.
Things to Consider When Buying a Box Grater
Material and Durability
Look for graters made from high-quality stainless steel, which is durable, rust-resistant, and sharp. Stainless steel blades ensure that the grater will perform efficiently over time, handling everything from hard cheeses to vegetables.
Grating Surfaces
A versatile box grater should have multiple grating surfaces, such as fine, medium, coarse, and a slicer. Some models, like the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater, even feature ultra-coarse and ginger grating options, providing you with more versatility in your food preparation.
Comfort and Stability
Ergonomically designed handles and non-slip bases are crucial for comfort and safety. Graters like the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater offer a soft, non-slip handle and foot, ensuring that the grater remains stable during use, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Ease of Cleaning
Consider whether the grater is dishwasher safe. While most stainless steel graters, such as the KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Box Grater, are dishwasher safe, some models might recommend hand washing to preserve blade sharpness.
Additional Features
Some graters come with extra features like a removable zester or a storage container with measurement markings. The Rachael Ray Tools and Gadgets Stainless Steel Box Grater, for example, includes a built-in 4-cup container that catches grated food, reducing mess and making it easier to measure.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality grater like the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater can save you money in the long run by offering durability, versatility, and efficiency.
FAQs About Box Graters
A box grater typically has multiple grating surfaces (fine, coarse, medium, slicer) all in one tool, while a flat grater usually offers just one surface. Box graters are more versatile and can handle a variety of tasks, making them ideal for comprehensive food preparation.
Yes, many box graters, such as those with fine grating surfaces, are perfect for zesting citrus. Look for models like the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater that include a fine surface specifically designed for zesting.
Stainless steel graters are generally more durable, sharper, and resistant to rust compared to plastic ones. They are also better suited for grating hard foods like cheese and vegetables.
Always grate away from your hands and wash the grater immediately after use. If your grater is dishwasher safe, place it in the dishwasher. For hand washing, use a brush or sponge, and be careful not to rub against the sharp blades.
A non-slip base provides stability, preventing the grater from moving around while in use, which reduces the risk of injury and makes grating easier and more efficient.
Conclusion
Selecting the right box grater can make a significant difference in your kitchen experience. By considering factors like material, grating surfaces, comfort, and additional features, you can find a grater that meets your needs and lasts for years. Whether you opt for the versatile OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater or the durable Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater, investing in a quality tool will enhance your cooking efficiency and safety. Take the time to choose a grater that aligns with your cooking habits, and you’ll find it to be an invaluable asset in your kitchen.