Why We Recommend Graters
Types
Flat Grater
Flat graters, also known as handheld graters, are the most basic and traditional type. As the name suggests, they consist of a flat, rectangular metal surface with sharp-edged holes or slits. The varying sizes of these holes allow for different grating textures, from coarse to fine, making them versatile for multiple uses. Flat graters are ideal for grating small amounts of food, such as zesting citrus fruits or grating nutmeg. They are compact, easy to clean, and can be stored conveniently in a kitchen drawer.
Rotary Grater
Rotary graters are designed with a cylindrical grating drum enclosed in a plastic or metal casing, which is operated by turning a handle. The food item is placed inside the casing, and as the handle is turned, the grating drum rotates and shreds the food. These graters are particularly useful for grating hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, as they provide a consistent texture while keeping your fingers safe from the sharp grating surface. Moreover, they are easy to use and clean, making them a popular choice in many kitchens.
Box Grater
Box graters are the most versatile of the three types, offering multiple grating surfaces on each side of a rectangular box-like structure. These graters usually have four sides with different grating options, such as coarse, medium, fine, and slicing. The grated food is collected inside the box, preventing any mess or spillage. Box graters are perfect for grating larger quantities of food and provide various textures, making them suitable for a wide range of recipes. They do, however, take up more storage space compared to flat and rotary graters.
Factors to Consider
Material Quality
Graters are usually made of metal or plastic. Metal graters are more durable and long-lasting than plastic graters. The metal blades can be sharp or angled. Stainless steel graters are the most common type of metal grater. They are rust-resistant and won't stain your food.
Plastic graters are lightweight and cheaper than metal graters. But the blades are usually staineless steel. Some plastic graters come with different types of blades to slice, shred, or julienne.
Grating Blades
Grating blades come in different shapes and sizes. The most common types of blades for graters are the coarse and fine blades. The coarse blade is suitable for grating hard cheese, potatoes, and carrots. The fine blade is suitable for grating citrus zest, ginger, and nutmeg.
Easy Cleaning
Cleaning your grater can be a challenging task. Some graters are dishwasher safe, but it's always better to hand wash them to extend their lifespan. Look for graters with detachable blades and bases which allow for easier cleaning.
Flat graters are easier to clean compared to box graters. They can be washed with soap and water to remove any residue from the grating process.
