Do you grate cheese regularly? If so, do you have a favorite grater? What makes it your go-to?
I consider myself a bit of a minimalist—I prefer not having too many things around me. So, it’s a little ironic that I own so many graters and zesters: a box cheese grater, a rasp zester, a Japanese-style multi-purpose box grater, a ceramic grater, and even a copper grater. And yet, I still find myself wishing for the perfect cheese grater!
This got me thinking: What exactly is the perfect grater for my needs?
If I’m just sprinkling a little cheese over pasta, I grab the box cheese grater. But when I need a larger amount—for Caesar dressing or lasagna—I turn to my Japanese-style multi-purpose box grater. Why? It’s easier on my hands and wrists. Designed to sit securely on the counter, it lets me apply force straight down, making the process more comfortable compared to holding a box grater upright or in the air.
That said, my Japanese box grater isn’t without its flaws. The metal part isn’t as sturdy as I’d like, especially when grating the harder parts of Parmesan. To make matters worse, I damaged it by putting it in the dishwasher—now the metal piece doesn’t even fit into the box properly. Traditionally, Japanese don’t grate cheese or use dishwashers, so they’re not made for it, lol.
I can’t help but dream that one of Japan’s talented stainless steel makers will one day create a grater that’s both functional and beautiful. Until then, if anyone knows of a perfect grater for someone like me, please share your wisdom!