Box Graters

We knew box graters come in all manner of shapes and sizes. We didn’t know how much that mattered. Nor how wide a gap exists between box graters that are merely functional and those that function fantastically. As we tested a variety of models for shredding performance, handle comfort, stability, durability and ease of cleaning, we quickly learned that those differences matter greatly.

Most graters feature four sides, each with a different blade for grating, shredding (large and small) and slicing. Overall, we found graters with etched blades—produced by a more precise manufacturing process that results in sharper edges—offered better performance than blades simply stamped into the metal.

A KitchenAid grater was criticized for its bulky design and difficulty in handling soft ingredients, resulting in messy grating. The Zwilling J.A. Henckels grater had intricate parts that made cleaning a chore. The Oxo was compact and easy to use but underperformed with softer foods. And we found the Microplane’s flimsy blades unsafe and ineffective at grating.

The clear winner was the Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater. It excelled in ease of use, quality of build and performance across various grating tasks. Its comfortable grip and sturdy metal construction made it easy to handle, while the design allowed for efficient grating of soft cheeses, beets and apples without turning them to mush. The sharp etched blades produced clean, feathery shreds of Parmesan and worked well with cucumbers, creating consistently even ribbons. And its special ridged surfaces prevented foods from sticking. Though this grater has some cleaning challenges, particularly after zesting, its overall performance and versatility were excellent.