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I’ve talked about microplanes in the past, but today I want to talk about the box grater, known for grating some serious cheese!
I feel like most people already have a cheese grater, but they’re usually old, outdated and don’t work very well. Oh, and talk about rusty!
If you’re in need of a new cheese grater, I think you’ll really enjoy this article.
If you asked me a few years ago about a box grater recommendation, I would have no clue which one to recommend, and would most likely have suggested picking one up at Target.
However, now that I spend a lot more time in the kitchen (3-5 hours a day), and I have to pay for my own cooking equipment, there are a few crucial things you may want to consider before just picking up the first box grater you see!
Durability
It’s important to consider the following questions, with durability in mind:
- Can your box grater withstand the test of time?
- In terms of durability, is it dishwasher friendly?
- Can it be dropped or slammed in the drawer (not that we would ever do that but… just in case)?
- Does it have pieces that can be removed, that may get lost or break?
I’m not a fan of buying cheap products that I have to replace frequently, and I would rather spend a little more on a product that lasts me a few years.
User Experience
The way you actually use this tool in your kitchen is a big deal, too.
- How easy is the product to use?
- Can kids use it?
- Can it be used without exerting a lot of force?
These are other questions I ask myself, and I suggest you do the same. Most of the products listed below are a dream to use, but others I looked at, well… they’ll probably give you a good arm workout!
Execution
At the end of the day, you probably just want to know which ones will grate cheese for your taco, which is important. But, does it do its job well?
Let’s take this a little further: can it grate carrots and beets (harder foods), which are perfect for salads?
I’m happy to say, all of the graters below can grate cheese and most hard vegetables. However, some do a much better job than others.
Below are some of the very best box graters on the market, and I’m confident in saying I would recommend any of the options below for your cooking needs!
Standard Box Graters
These are your classic graters, maybe a little nicer than what you grew up with, but pretty much the same design and model.
Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater Review
When I first saw this Cuisipro offering, I thought it was the same as the Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater (listed below), but boy, was I wrong.
This product is definitely a notch above the rest. At a closer glance, you can easily see the blades are sharp like a razor!
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Cuisipro-Surface-Glide-Technology-4-Sided-Boxed-Grater.jpg)
Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater available from Amazon.
They use advanced technology to make it easy to use, and this is what the company had to say about the technology and design of this product: “The science behind Super Glide Technology is based in the repeated grooved pattern that is spread evenly across the face of the grating surface.
I’m impressed, and so is Cooks Illustrated, as this is a product they recommend.
It works (no one questions that), and it’s easy to use. It comes with some extra features, like a ginger grater base that shreds fresh ginger root while leaving unwanted fibers behind. It also has an ultra-fine grater that works well on citrus fruits.
It comes with a 25-year warranty, even when bought on Amazon which tells me they are pretty confident it will last at least 25 years.
My Take
If you cook often and have a lot of things you like to grate, like cheese, vegetables and citrus fruits, then this would be the tool I would recommend for you.
I’m impressed by this model, and am already planning on who I can gift it to… or maybe I can convince my husband that we need another one!
What Others Are Saying
The Cuisipro is universally loved for its sharpness and longevity, and it maintains high marks on Amazon. Two users even complained that this grater was too sharp! The few ratings it received that were less an stellar were primarily from users who sliced themselves while using it.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NoCry-Cut-Resistant-Gloves-High-Performance-Level-5-Protection-Food-Grade.jpg)
NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves – High Performance Level 5 Protection, Food Grade
You can tell by looking at it that it’s sharp, and I would recommend handling with care and perhaps investing in a cut-resistant glove to protect your fingers (these also work very well with mandolines, should you have the desire to invest in one).
Not much more to report – it’s more expensive than most (but not prohibitively), at just about 30 dollars. However, this is a very popular product even with that higher price point, and is worth every penny.
OXO Good Grips Box Grater Review
This is another innovative design from OXO – the company known for taking the mundane and making it better. Like most of the other models, it’s stainless steel with 4 sides.
However, it does have a few features that make it stand out. One of the sides of this product is for slicing, so you can actually slice and grate cheese with this.
It also has a non-slip bottom, so you don’t have to worry about it moving while you’re using it. And, this product even comes with a container that fits on the bottom of the grater to catch your cheese, with measurements on the side of the container, making it perfect for measuring just the right amount.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/41TzHdL0ibL.jpg)
OXO Good Grips Box Grater available from Amazon
Dishwasher safe, and it’s great for large jobs. If you have a big family to feed and need to shred a lot of cheese, it works well and is fast.
Users reported over and over again that they didn’t think they would like the little box that this comes with, but they were pleasantly surprised, which was exactly what I was thinking!
My Take
Buy this product! In all honesty, I think this is a great model and I love it nearly as much as I do my OXO vegetable peeler. It’s simple enough and made by a company I trust and use.
It’s not fancy, but it’s an upgrade from your basic model. It’s a bit on the pricy side for such a simple tool, but I think it’s still reasonable at about 60% of the cost of the Cuisipro model.
It also meets all the marks: it’s durable, user friendly, and it does what it says it can do. That’s a winner in my book.
What Others Are Saying
It’s praised for its design by many users on Amazon, which is something that you’ll hear about most OXO products.
One user reported using it for things other than cheese (carrots specifically), and said she was totally satisfied with the job it did. Another reviewer mentioned that this product is bulky and doesn’t fit in her drawer, something you might want to consider as well.
Norpro 339 Stainless Steel Grater Review
When I think of this product, the words “basic,” “classic” and “minimalist” all come to mind. It’s very simple: 4 sides, a handle, and holes of different sizes. It’s stainless steel, and the company recommends you hand wash and dry it to prevent rusting.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Norpro-339-Stainless-Steel-Grater.jpg)
Norpro 339 Stainless Steel Grater
My Take
This tool is perfect if you: don’t cook too often, want something that can grate cheese, and don’t want to spend a lot of money – I’m talking under 10 dollars on Amazon!
What Others Are Saying
Multiple users say this tool does its job, and can turn a block of cheese into nice shreds. It’s also very affordable and has sharp holes.
One user stated this is the same quality and design that she had for the last 20 years, so she’s confident this one will last just as long.
A few users stated that this was poorly made, and not as high quality as they had hoped. They noted it was flimsy and the handle broke within the first few uses. This is not a tool I would recommend for grating harder vegetables like carrots or beets.
Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater Review
This is another classic model, nothing too fancy. It has 4 sides, including one that can be used for slicing, and is dishwasher safe.
It contains a non-skid base, so it will stay put while you’re using it. It does have a black plastic handle, which initially made me question its durability.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Cuisinart-CTG-00-BG-Boxed-Grater.jpg)
Cuisinart CTG-00-BG Boxed Grater
My Take
Again, similar to the OXO product above, this tool doesn’t have a lot of negatives. It’s a decent quality product without any bells and whistles or special features to differentiate it, and a middle of the road price.
It’s worth buying if you don’t need anything special, but want a little better quality than the Norpro or dollar store special.
What Others Are Saying
It grates cheese and hard vegetables. Many people use it to grate lots of different vegetables like beets, carrots and even cabbage, with no reported problems.
As for the handle, users reported no problems with it breaking, and said they actually find it’s well designed and comfortable to use.
One thing a lot of users did complain about was the non-skid base, and cheese getting caught in it. When they go to wash it or put it in the dishwasher, they find leftover food inside.
I personally wouldn’t think this would be much of a problem, but since more than five users mentioned this in their reviews on Amazon, it makes me think it might be a bigger nuisance then one might think.
I think you get what you pay for, and this product is a few dollars less than the OXO model. So, if you want to save a few dollars, you might have to deal with some stuck-on cheese or food shreds in the bottom of this tool.
Or, you could spend a few extra dollars and get the OXO model above and avoid that altogether. Really, it’s about personal preference and priorities.
6-Sided Box Graters
4-sided graters are pretty standard, and may be all you need. However, there are some pretty high quality 6-sided graters on the market, and I wanted to add two to this list.
Cuisipro 6-Sided Box Grater Review
I really liked Cuisipro’s 4-sided model, so I was excited to check out the 6 – and it doesn’t disappoint! The company has added two sides to the traditional model, one of which is a chocolate shaver, so you can make fancy dessert recipes.
They also kept the bonus ginger grater, which I’m excited about because I use a lot of fresh ginger.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/41FMDblAwL.jpg)
Cuisipro 6-Sided Box Grater with Bonus Ginger Grater
My Take
It has the same technology and is just as effective as the 4-sided version. However, it’s bigger than your standard grater, and it’s bulkier.
The company recommends that you wash it by hand.
It normally runs about 10 dollars more than its 4-sided sister tool (but prices fluctuate).
If you are going to be doing lots of grating, slicing, and shaving chocolate, then the 6-sided Cuisipro just might be the tool for you. This model is sharp enough that it could easily replace a mandoline for shaving small to medium quantities of vegetables, and it could also replace a zester.
There is no doubt in my mind that this tool works, and will last for a long while with proper care. If I were to keep a six-sided box grater in my kitchen, this would be my choice.
What Others Are Saying
Users rave, “This product just works, there’s not much more to say.” It’s easy to use, comfortable to hold, and comes with the same 25-year warranty as the other model available from this brand. Check out additional customer reviews on Amazon.
Isabella Dora 6-Sided Box Grater Review
When I first saw this product, the first thing that I noticed was the handle– it’s made of silicone and just looks comfortable to use.
This product was designed to be used on cheese and harder vegetables, which is a good sign of its durability. It has multiple grating sizes and a slicing side as well.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Isabella-Dora-Cheese-Grater-6-sided-Stainless-Steel-Box-Grater-for-Hard-Cheese-Parmesan-Vegetable.jpg)
Isabella Dora Cheese Grater – 6-sided Stainless Steel Box Grater
My Take
Again, not much to complain about. It’s sharp without being too sharp, it’s easy to use, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
It’s a solidly built device that should last a long time, and the silicone strip at the bottom makes it a joy to use – it simply stays put while it’s in use. If you want a six-sided grater, go with this product!
What Others Are Saying
One user reported that she really liked that soft cheeses don’t get stuck in the grater, and almost all reviewers mentioned that it is easy to clean (since the silicone bottom is removable, there is no chance of cheese getting stuck in it) and heavy duty.
Others commented that this model allowed them to get rid of 4 or 5 other cutting, slicing, or grating devices lurking in their drawers.
With high praise from most reviewers on Amazon, you can’t really go wrong with the Isabella Dora.
Box Sets
I thought I would add a couple sets to the list as well. These usually include multiple pieces that can be used interchangeably. The two options below are the most popular, and the highest reviewed.
Prepworks from Progressive International Review
I have to be honest, I didn’t even know these sets existed and wasn’t sure how I was going to like them. But when I first saw this model, I thought, “I can totally see this in my house.”
This product comes with 4 interchangeable blades and 1 box container to catch/store whatever you’re grating. It is dishwasher safe and is easy to store.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Prepworks-from-Progressive-International-HG-84-Grater-Set-5-Piece.jpg)
Prepworks from Progressive International HG-84 Grater Set, 5 Piece
My Take
This is the product for you… if it’s just for you! Or, if you don’t cook very often but want to be equipped when you do, it’s a good option.
I also like that I could put this in a drawer rather than taking up cabinet space, but that’s my personal preference and it really depends on where you have more space in your kitchen.
What Others Are Saying
You would think this product would be fancy, with its interchangeable blades, but users repeatedly stated that this is just a simple product that works. It works best on cheese, but can be used for vegetables as well. Although not the Cadillac of graters, its construction is adequate and it is competitively priced.
And, one user stated hers lasted 10-12 years.
The one problem I heard over and over again about this tool, is the size. Users complained that it is a lot smaller than it looks. It’s best for small jobs and perfect for grating cheese for one person.
OXO Good Grips Complete Grate and Slicer Set Review
This is the “jack of all trades” set, and it’s brightly colored! This set will grate and slice, cut and julienne.
If you need to grate and slice very thin and you don’t have a mandoline, this is a great product for all of your needs.
It comes with a container to catch the final product that also acts as a storage unit for the tool. It also comes with a food holder, to protect your hands and keep your fingers safe.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/OXO-Good-Grips-Complete-Grate-Slice-Set.jpg)
OXO Good Grips Complete Grate & Slice Set
My Take
OXO is a great brand, and they really cover all the bases with this tool. I like OXO and I like this product.
I would recommend it if you don’t have a mandoline and want to do more than just grate cheese and vegetables.
What Others Are Saying
Users reported that this tool is very durable and gets the job done. Some users found the horizontal grater harder to use, and said it was something they weren’t used to.
Another user reported that this product is sharp and dangerous to use, although she did not say whether she was using the food holder, which is designed to keep you safe.
Conclusion
I hope this extensive list will help you find the perfect tool for the job. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions, or just let me know which one you went with.
I have to say, at the end of the day, I’m impressed with the high quality graters on the market. I know there are a lot of options, but when you think about it, there are probably only a few that will fit exactly what you are looking for. I hope this helps you to find it!
First published April 26th, 2015. Last updated January 18th, 2017.
![](https://foodal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Sarah-Hagstrom-Profile-Pic-100x100.jpg)
About Sarah Hagstrom
Sarah is a health food advocate and loves to spend her time whipping up something healthy and delicious in the kitchen and then sharing either on Foodal or on her own blog "The Seasonal Diet" (www.theseasonaldiet.com). She lives in Sunny San Diego with her husband, where they enjoy running on the beach and weekend adventures.
I’ve always preferred a box grater to any of the other fancy gadgets around. I actually own the Oxo Good Grips standard box grater and have been using it for around 4 years. It still looks as good as new and hasn’t rusted at all (a pet peeve of mine) and whilst it does cost a bit more, it is well worth the investment.
A super important element I need in all my box graters is ease of cleaning. It drives me crazy having to clean out certain sides. dipping it a few times in boiling soapy water can leaved fragments that make me lose my mind. I think being able to slide out the sides is an incredibly helpful aspect of a box grater.
I have only seen the basic store grater, so this review is quite eye-opening. It would be nice to have one that can do the shredding and thin slicing too. I like the concept of the box grater, to catch the food, but it would definitely have to be vertical. The horizontal would be strange. I have my eye on the Cuisinart and the protective gloves.
I’m definitely guilty of using an old, outdated box grater that’s more effective for an arm workout than actual grating/slicing. Hadn’t really put much thought into it until now, but it would be nice to save time and put in a bit less effort. As tempted as I am by the Cuisipro offerings, I think I like the look of the OXO Good Grips 4-sided one. My grater always slips around, so I appreciate the non-slip aspect.
I haven’t bought a new grater for years and didn’t even know that six sided ones existed. It does boil down to price and how versatile they are, but next time I will get one with the container to catch everything in as that is my biggest annoyance, cleaning up after grating.
Haha, I wouldn’t imagine myself cutting tomatoes or onions with those gloves you mentioned in the article! Also, I tend to like and use the most the graters with a good grip. I won’t even touch those that I can’t get a good grip on since I myself am a blockhead when it comes to using kitchenware!
This is a nice comparison of box graters, and I’m glad you also included some 6-sided models (I didn’t even know they existed), as well as box sets. I am about ready to replace my basic model, and I will buy one that grips the counter or whatever else I put it on, since I’m tired of mine slipping. I think the box sets are interesting, since I don’t have a mandolin, and I also think being able to put them in a drawer is helpful, but I’m pretty clumsy, so these could get dangerous. Another feature I like is the container at the bottom, to catch whatever you’re slicing. As usual, I’m glad y’all have done the research for me, so I can select from this list, rather than starting from scratch, and comparing all the models out there.
I actually would rather pull out the food processor or Nutrabullet to do my kitchen work than I would use one of these clunky old things. I’ve never actually been able to use one without worrying about grating my fingers or knuckles alongside my food.
Maybe I’m just not old school enough in my cooking approach but I also have more trouble cleaning one of these things than I do a food processor. I never feel as though its completely clean afterwards either….even if I can’t see any particles.
All in all I am proud to say that this a kitchen device that I will never use again.
What a very detailed post! I always just bought cheap graters, now that I am a young professional I am trying to stock up on items that will last and last. This isn’t college anymore and I should not have to suffer though one more dull grater! It’s why we all work so hard right?
Anyways I am thinking of going with the CTG-00-BG now. Just have to have wifey read this post and see if she agrees. That one seems like the best value for the money.
I absolutely hate my box grater. It scares me because, I once had a nightmare about grating my fingers all horribly. Plus it’s grip just sucks. That being said, I think the oxo good grips looks pretty interesting as it only has one grating side and I love the colors on it. Plus the fact that it comes with a grip for the food makes it seem so much safer to me. I just think there’s a slight downside of it being all small and there’s a lot of people to feed in my house.
Thank you for this article! I have never thought of the important of a grater. I usually just go to the store and pick out the cheapest one. Now, after reading this makes me think more on the things I buy. Especially when it come to cooking utensil. I’ll have to look at my budget and see if I can improve my arsenal of kitchen tools based on your recommendations. 🙂
My family and I love cheese. We try not to eat it too often, but when we do, we like to enjoy quality cheese! I have never considered buying a new cheese grater until now. Thank you for the article!
For as much as I enjoy cooking, and have for a long time, this is one gadget I’ve never owned. I *did* have a tiny little flat one for a while, though.
My mom used to have one of the box variety, but I’m not sure if she uses it any longer or not. I should probably think about picking one up so this article will be useful when I do that. I especially like the 6-sided kind!
I’ve been doing my grating in a mini food processor… it’s worked well for me … and for most things I need to grate, but not all. What do you find is a major advantage for this kind vs. a processor?
For me, and a lot of other people, I tend to own a grater that is both easy to clean and cheap. I’ve usually dealt with the standard 4-sided “cowbell” grater, but I have a soft spot for the box set. Sure, it is a bit more hectic to store, but it’s very simple to clean. Plus, you can see where the shreds go without having to worry about spilling over a tower of cheese that lies underneath.
I would have to say that my favorite grater that I own is one of the graters listed above in your article…NORPRO 339 STAINLESS STEEL GRATER. I use this item a lot and have no rust spots or dullness. I also own a box set and a one plane grater for quick access.
Besides using my grater for the usual cheese purpose, I grate onions, garlic and vegetables, therefore, my grater needs to be durable and practical.
Hi Sarah! Thanks for such a great article! I never knew there were so many different types of box graters. All the box graters I’ve ever seen are very similar to the Norpro 339 but of somewhat lesser quality. I would use them for about a year and once I would see the metal turning rusty I would toss them out. I’m crazy about the Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater and the Cuisipro 6-Sided Box Grater. Their quality looks impeccable and definitely look like they could last more than one year. They seem like timeless cookware. Totally love them. Thanks again!
thank you for this info. I’ve been looking for a proper grater for my cheese for awhile now. I’ll definitely try out this product.
We currently have the Cuisipro Surface Glide Technology 4-Sided Boxed Grater. It is sharper than most we have had, but the best was a grater from Microplane, which they do not offer anymore… the hollow plastic body grew mould inside. My biggest complaint of all graters (but not the Microplane) is that they have the grating teeth down to the bottom… you bang your hand on the table. The grater should have an inch of blank space at the bottom, and have at least 8 inches of grating surface. All the comments about food processors miss the point. You are grating. You can’t use a food processor to grate vegetables, chocolate, soft cheese, etc. I am still searching for the perfect grater.
I meant to say that you can’t use a food processor to grate vegetables, chocolate, soft cheese, etc. as easily as a grater. Unless one needs pounds of grated product, a simple box grater is the easiest way to go.
Thank you for this post. I was traveling in Portugal and bought a vertical ROUND grater that has a container to catch the gratings. I am loving it and wanted to find more. I think it could be very good for my grandson who loves to grate and juice and just generally help in the kitchen. I worry about his fingers and knuckles and think the round shape might help prevent him from hurting himself. Have you seen this round variety?
Hi, thank you for this informative article. I thought you may be interested to hear from a one-handed cook… Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults, and as a stroke survivor myself, I have worked to find techniques and adaptive products to help me in the kitchen. The only grater on your list that I have is the 5-piece Prepworks from Progressive International HG-84 Grater Set. If I push the box to the wall, it can’t move away from me while I grate cheese (slowly). I have to grate toward the wall, rather than toward my body. It is definitely small, but it does the job for me. I’ve had this set for about 20 years, and it’s the only one I use.
Thanks for your message, Alicia! I’m sure this information will help other readers as well, and I’m glad this model works for you.
Are you familiar with the writings of JJ Goode? I think you might enjoy his piece “Cooking Shorthanded,” and other articles.