Have you ever found yourself staring at a wall of box graters, wondering which one will actually make your cheese shredding dreams come true? It’s a common kitchen conundrum! We all want that perfect pile of fluffy parmesan or evenly sliced zucchini, but so many graters promise the world and deliver a clunky, frustrating experience. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling unsure if you’re picking the best tool for the job.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen steps in. They’ve done the hard work, testing countless graters to find the ones that truly perform. By diving into their expert recommendations, you’ll finally get clear answers. You’ll learn what makes a box grater truly great, avoiding common pitfalls that lead to sore hands and messy kitchens. Get ready to discover which grater will become your new best friend for all your grating needs!
Top Box Grater America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations
No. 1
Spring Chef Professional Cheese Grater - Stainless Steel, XL Size, 4 Sides - Perfect Box Grater for Parmesan Cheese, Vegetables, Ginger - Dishwasher Safe - Black
- Fantastic Results Without The Fatigue - With minimal effort you can perfectly shred and slice cheese and vegetables. Get creative and make dinner exciting again by grating, slicing and making fresh zest to take your meals to another level. Plus, it's dishwasher safe.
- Food Prep Done Fast With Our New Extra Wide Size: Shred a block of cheese in no time with this wonderful product that is effective and durable. This professional version has a contoured shape that is wider than our original grater and makes grating cheese and soft foods easy and also allows for a greater holding capacity.
- Take Pride In Your Mastery Of The Culinary Arts: One simple kitchen tool that will completely improve the taste and texture of what you prepare. Skip the food processor which is a hassle to clean and gives subpar results.
- Incredible Versatility With The 4 Sided Design: Consider getting rid of all the other graters and slicers you may own to make room for this. Coarse grating, Medium grating, Fine grating/Zester and even a Slicer - all in one convenient tool. Quickly prep an array of foods like cheese, potato, squash, zucchini, carrots, lemons and cucumbers. Multi-functional with a comfortable handle that gives you total control.
- Kitchen Must-Have: Sharp Stainless Steel blades get the job done quickly and result in cleanly sliced and grated food. Removable rubber bottom keeps you safer and prevents slipping and sliding on your counter, cutting board or plate. It also prevents food from escaping out the bottom of the grater so you'll have less to clean up.
No. 2
OXO Good Grips Box Grater
- Generous coarse, medium and fine stainless steel grating surfaces and slicing surface
- Slim construction conveniently fits into drawers
- Detachable container for catching, measuring, dispensing and storing freshly grated ingredients
- Grate on plate, cutting board or directly into container
- Soft, comfortable, non-slip handle
No. 3
Spring Chef Professional Large Parmesan Cheese Grater, Stainless Steel Metal Box Grater with Handle, 4 Sided Handheld Kitchen Food Shredder for Cheese, Carrot, Veggie, Ginger, Potato - Dishwasher Safe
- Fantastic Results Without The Fatigue - With minimal effort you can perfectly shred and slice cheese and vegetables. Get creative and make dinner exciting again by grating, slicing and making fresh zest to take your meals to another level. Plus, this kitchen cheese grater is dishwasher safe.
- Food Prep Done Fast With Our Sleek Design: Shred a block of cheese in no time. Freshly grated food using our food shredder can completely improve the taste and texture of what you prepare. This professional grater with handle has a sleek design that makes grating cheese and soft foods easy and can fit in most kitchen drawers.
- Take Pride In Your Mastery Of The Culinary Arts: One simple kitchen tool that will completely improve the taste and texture of what you prepare. Skip the food processor which is a hassle to clean and gives subpar results.
- Incredible Versatility With The 4 Sided Design Kitchen Grater: Coarse grating, Medium grating, Fine grating/Zester and even a Slicer - all in one convenient tool. Quickly prep an array of foods like cheese, parmesan, potato, squash, zucchini, carrots, lemons and cucumbers. Multi-functional manual cheese grater with a comfortable handle that gives you total control.
- Kitchen Must-Have: Sharp Stainless Steel blades get the job done quickly and result in cleanly sliced and grated food. The removable rubber bottom prevents slipping and sliding on your counter, cutting board or plate. It also prevents food from escaping out the bottom of the vegetable grater so you'll have less to clean up.
No. 4
Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Cheese Grater - 9.5" Oval Handheld Box Grater with EZ Grip Handle - Multi-Surface Food & Cheese Shredder | Zester & Graters for Kitchen - Dishwasher Safe, Black
- STAINLESS STEEL CHEESE GRATER: Master your daily meal prep with premium, rust-resistant metal. This 9-inch tall oval cheese grater handheld easily powers through hard blocks of Parmesan and Romano without bending or warping, ensuring long-lasting performance that puts you in total control of your kitchen.
- MULTI-PURPOSE FOOD SHREDDER: Intelligently crafted with multiple blade sizes on a versatile grating surface, this kitchen grater easily transitions from shredding cheddar for family taco night to acting as a precise carrot shredder or vegetable grater for fresh salads and breakfast hash browns.
- CHEESE GRATER WITH HANDLE: Designed to reduce your hand and wrist fatigue, the thick, contoured EZ Grip handle provides a secure power grip. This ensures you can confidently prep large batches of food comfortably and safely, maintaining a flawless cooking experience from start to finish.
- SLIP-FREE GRATING: Grate with total confidence. Unlike standard hand held cheese graters that slide dangerously across cutting boards, your integrated rubberized non-skid base keeps the tool firmly planted on your countertop while you apply downward pressure.
- DISHWASHER SAFE & EASY TO CLEAN: Spend less time scrubbing these essential cheese graders for food use and more time enjoying your meals. The brilliantly designed open oval shape hand grater prevents food from getting trapped inside, and the entire food grater is 100% dishwasher safe for quick, frustration-free cleanup that keeps your spaces organized.
No. 5
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Cheese Grater with Handle, 4 Sided Box Grater for Kitchen, Ginger Grater Dishwasher Safe, Fruit and Vegetables Slicer, Cheese Shredder for Potato, Chocolate, Parmesan, Ginger
- Multi Purpose Grater with Ginger Shredder Base: Having four different grating surfaces, this 4 sided cheese grater helps you grate the fruit and vegetables into the size as you wish, from fine to coarse; With a detachable base, you can not only use it as a ginger shredder but also use it integrating with the grater, acting like a built-in container
- Ergonomic Design with Large Capacity: By using the patended surface glide techonology, the Cuisipro box grater brings you a smooth grating enjoyment; Compared to the traditional handheld ones, this multifunctional box grater with a non slip handle is able to grate more food at a time, more effort saving and time saving
- Dishwasher Safe 304 Stainless Steel Design: Adopting the stainless steel makes the food shredder more durable; Compared to the traditional plastic vegetable grater, this stainless steel box grater is allowed to cleaned by dishwasher, saving more time and effort
- Be Your Own Master Chef: With this sophisticated and versatile grater, you no longer need to worry about your pre-cook skill, which affects the beauty and taste of the food; Even without knife, you can still slice the fruit and vegetables by using this Cuisipro slicer
No. 6
Professional Box Cheese Grater with Container & Handle – Durable Stainless Steel Cheese Shredder for Kitchen, Multi-Sided Food Chopper for Kitchen Use – Black
- Ergonomic Cheese Grater with Handle – Designed for comfort, this handheld cheese grater is perfect for grating directly over your dishes without mess
- Versatile 4-Sided Box Grater with Ultra-Sharp Blades – Equipped with coarse, medium, fine, and slicing surfaces, this stainless steel cheese grater delivers efficient, precise grating and slicing for cheese, vegetables, chocolate, and more.
- Multi-Functional Box Cheese Grater – This box cheese grater doubles as a reliable box shredder for vegetables, fruits, and cheese, enhancing your kitchen prep.
- Practical Vegetable Grater with Non-Slip Base – Use this vegetable grater safely on any surface, its stable design works perfectly as a cheese grater handheld, giving you full control while grating vegetables, cheese, and more without slipping.
- Easy to Clean & Dishwasher Safe – This best cheese grater and box shredder feature smooth surfaces that resist sticking, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. Simply place it in the dishwasher for effortless cleaning.
No. 7
GORILLA GRIP® XL 4-Sided Stainless Steel Cheese Grater With Measurement Container, BPA-Free Box Grater, Slip Resistant Base, Grate Hard Parmesan, Shred Veggies, Zest Citrus, Dishwasher Safe, Black
- ZEST, SHRED, SLICE, GRATE: say goodbye to endless kitchen tools and hello to the 4 in 1 all purpose cheese grater; 4 sides allow you to grate, shred, zest and slice nearly any food with ease; use on vegetables, fruits, chocolate, bread, hard and soft cheeses like parmesan, and just about anything else to create delightful recipes
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: the sharp, high quality stainless steel blades on all 4 sides of the cheese grater help grate, shred, zest and slice your foods quicker than ever; rust resistant and dishwasher safe for long lasting use
- OVERSIZED ERGONOMIC DESIGN: comfortable and ergonomic handle of the cheese grater allows for a soft and slip resistant grip while you prepare meals; the extra large size makes it effortless to use; measures at 5 by 3.1 by 9.2 inches, making it oversized and easier than most others to use
- STAYS IN PLACE: the box grater's slip resistant border easily grips counters and food prep surfaces to help it stay in place. The border is also removable for easier cleaning
- DETACHABLE CONTAINER: a detachable container with a removeable lid attaches seamlessly to the bottom of the grater so that you can catch and store ingredients easily; it includes measurements to help you get a precise measurement every time
No. 8
KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater for Fine, Medium and Coarse Grate, and Slicing, Detachable 3 Cup Storage Container and Measurment Markings, Dishwasher Safe, 10 inches tall, Black
- High quality stainless steel: This box grater is constructed from high quality, rust resistant stainless steel. It allows for easy, mess-free grating of cheeses, vegetables and more. It also features a stainless steel top handle for superior comfort
- 4 different grating patterns: The grater features 3 grating surfaces and 1 slicing blade. Fine blade, Medium, Coarse blade, Slicing blade.
- Includes storage container: a 3-cup container fits inside the box grater to catch the grated or sliced food, allowing for easy storage
- Capacity markings on container: The container has capacity markings of 1/2-cup, 1-cup, 1 1/2-cup, and 2-cup, allowing for precise grating measurements for any recipe
- Dishwasher safe: Dishwasher safe for fast and easy cleanup; 1-year Hassle-Free replacement and lifetime limited
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to the America’s Test Kitchen Box Grater
Are you ready to upgrade your kitchen game? A good box grater makes a world of difference when you’re prepping veggies, cheese, or even zesting citrus. America’s Test Kitchen is known for putting products to the test, and their box grater is a popular choice. Let’s dive into what makes it great and what you should consider before buying.
What to Look For in a Box Grater
When you’re picking out a box grater, several things matter. You want something that works well and lasts.
Key Features to Look For
- Sharp Blades: This is the most important thing. Sharp blades grate food easily without mushing it. Dull blades make cooking harder and less enjoyable.
- Multiple Grating Surfaces: Most box graters have four sides. Each side offers a different grating size. You’ll usually find coarse, fine, medium, and a slicer. These different sizes let you do many tasks.
- Comfortable Handle: You’ll hold the grater a lot. A good handle feels nice in your hand and gives you a strong grip. This helps prevent slips.
- Non-Slip Base: A grater that slides around is dangerous. A non-slip base keeps the grater steady on your counter. This is crucial for safety.
- Stability: The grater should stand up straight and not wobble when you use it. A sturdy grater makes grating feel secure.
Important Materials
The stuff your grater is made of affects how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: Most good box graters use stainless steel for the grating surfaces. It’s strong, doesn’t rust, and stays sharp. It’s also easy to clean.
- Plastic or Rubber Base: The bottom of the grater often has a plastic or rubber part. This helps it grip your counter and stop it from moving.
What Makes a Box Grater Great (or Not So Great)?
Some things make a box grater a joy to use, while others can be frustrating.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Sharpness Retention: A high-quality grater’s blades stay sharp for a long time. You won’t need to replace it anytime soon.
- Even Grating: Good graters produce consistent shreds or slices. This makes your food look nice and cook evenly.
- Easy Cleaning: Food shouldn’t get stuck in weird places. A grater that rinses clean easily saves you time and effort.
- Durable Construction: If the grater feels solid and well-made, it will last longer. Look for no loose parts or flimsy metal.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Dull Blades: As mentioned, this is a big problem. Food gets mangled instead of grated.
- Wobbly Design: If the grater isn’t stable, it’s hard and unsafe to use.
- Food Sticking: Gratings that cling to the grater make cleaning a chore.
- Cheap Materials: Thin metal or poorly attached parts can break or bend easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the America’s Test Kitchen box grater perform in real life? It’s designed for everyday kitchen tasks.
User Experience
People often find that a good box grater makes cooking much faster. You can quickly shred cheese for tacos, grate carrots for salads, or zest a lemon for baking. The different sides offer versatility. A comfortable handle means you can grate for longer without your hand getting tired. The non-slip base gives you confidence while you work.
Use Cases
- Cheese: Grate hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan for pasta, pizza, or salads.
- Vegetables: Shred carrots, zucchini, or potatoes for various dishes.
- Fruits: Zest lemons, limes, or oranges for baking and drinks.
- Garlic and Ginger: Finely grate these aromatics for sauces and stir-fries.
- Chocolate: Grate chocolate for toppings or baking.
The America’s Test Kitchen box grater aims to be a reliable tool for all these jobs. It’s built to handle common kitchen needs with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the America’s Test Kitchen Box Grater
Q: What makes the America’s Test Kitchen box grater special?
A: America’s Test Kitchen tests products thoroughly. Their box grater is chosen because it performs well in sharpness, ease of use, and durability.
Q: What kind of stainless steel is usually used?
A: High-quality graters often use food-grade stainless steel, like 18/8 or 18/10. This type is strong and won’t rust.
Q: How many sides does the grater typically have?
A: Most box graters, including the America’s Test Kitchen recommended one, have four sides with different grating options.
Q: Is it easy to clean?
A: Yes, a good box grater is designed for easy cleaning. You can usually rinse it under running water or put it in the dishwasher.
Q: Can I grate soft cheeses?
A: While it’s best for hard cheeses, some graters can handle softer cheeses. Be gentle to avoid clogging the blades.
Q: Is it safe to use?
A: Safety is key. A non-slip base and a comfortable handle help prevent accidents.
Q: Will the blades stay sharp?
A: A quality grater’s blades will stay sharp for a long time with proper care.
Q: What are the different grating sizes for?
A: Coarse for shredding, fine for zest or tiny bits, medium for things like hash browns, and a slicer for thin slices.
Q: Can I grate vegetables for salads?
A: Absolutely! It’s perfect for shredding carrots, zucchini, and other vegetables.
Q: Is the handle comfortable for long grating sessions?
A: Yes, a well-designed handle should be ergonomic and comfortable, even if you grate for a while.