OXO Manual Slim Box Grater

Graters are sometimes called shredders, choppers or slicers. Their main job is to quickly cut up various foods into smaller pieces without much effort, so they either melt faster in a recipe or are more bite-sized and easier to chew. The two biggest graters on the market are the box grater, which sits firmly on a countertop or a cutting board, and a handheld grater, which can be suspended over a frying pan or plate of food.

Whether you are a professional chef or an enthusiastic home cook, you’ll want to have a grater on hand. Before you select a model for your kitchen, read this guide to gain a better understanding of what you should look for while you shop.

Take a look at your specific needs to determine whether a box grater or a handheld grater would be a better fit. Box graters are meant to rest on a kitchen counter. They can withstand the pressure of shredding hard vegetables, like carrots and cabbage. Handheld graters work better for individuals who like to add a little extra flavor to their recipe or who want to garnish their plate with a little color before serving it to a guest.

Once you know the type of grater you’re interested in, you can move on to examining the material the grater is made out of.  While there are some graters on the market created out of wood and bamboo, stainless steel is the most commonly used material. The benefits of stainless steel include durability, easy cleaning and a resistance to rust.

Check graters for non-slip handles and bases. The Spring Chef Box Grater has both, and this ensures that your grater won’t go flying when you’re busy grating that garlic.

See how many different types of cuts you can get with the shredder you’re interested in. The Microplane Fine Grater only has one blade with teeth that cut fruits, vegetables and herbs nice and fine, but the Deiss Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater has four blades that offer a coarse, medium and fine cut, along with a bonus slicer.

Look for any extras that the grater may offer. For example, the Cuisipro Boxed Grater has a detachable base that is designed to grate ginger. Some models come with an attached measuring container, while others offer a small detached storage container. You can also get graters with some citrus juicers.

• Always be cautious when using a grater, as the product can cut through skin if you accidentally run your finger or knuckle over the teeth.
• Since graters have sharp teeth, it is important to store them out of the reach of small children. A top cabinet is a good choice. If you need to use a bottom cabinet, they make child locks you can use until the little one grows up enough to understand the danger involved in using the grater.
• If you have a hard time holding on to a grater, look for one with a large or wide handle. That will allow for a better grip.
• While it is important to verify with the product label, most graters are dishwasher safe. Of course, they can also be washed and rinsed by hand if need be.
• Graters also help in preparing food for certain pets. For example, guinea pigs eat raw vegetables. It’s easier for them to munch on carrots, celery and zucchini after you’ve used the slicer on your grater.
• You don’t just have to reserve your grater for food. You can also use it to shave down old soap to make new bars.
• Check to see if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a warranty, as these are good indicators that the company stands behind its products. Believe it or not, some companies even offer a lifetime guarantee!
• In addition to a warranty, look for any special recommendations, such as a recommendation from Cook’s Illustrated. That way, you know experts have tested the product and found it to be satisfactory.
• When comparing grater prices, it is important that you only compare like units and that you take into consideration any extras the grater may offer. For example, the Spring Chef Box Grater is cheaper than the Cuisipro Boxed Grater because the latter comes with an additional ginger grater. Additionally, when comparing the handheld graters, you’ll find the Deiss Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater is slightly cheaper than the Microplane Fine Grater because the blade and handle are much thinner.