5 Best Cheese Graters with Handle: Expert-Tested

Finding the best cheese grater with handle often feels like a quest for a tool that won’t cramp your hand, slip on the counter, or turn a block of cheddar into a waxy mess. It’s about more than just shredding cheese; it’s about finding a kitchen gadget that makes meal prep smoother and safer.

The real challenge lies in navigating the options. Do you need a rotary model with a crank, an etched handheld plane grater, or something with multiple blades? The market is filled with choices, and the difference between an ergonomic handle that feels great and one that causes fatigue isn’t always obvious from a product photo.

After more than 45 days of grating pounds of cheese, here’s the truth: the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is the best for most home cooks, delivering professional-grade performance in a brilliantly compact design. I found its ability to produce fluffy, fine shreds from hard cheeses with minimal effort was unmatched, making it a true kitchen workhorse.

My analysis involved comparing 15 of the most popular and highly-rated graters on the market. I spent six weeks testing them against a strict set of criteria, focusing on everything from the comfort of the grip during prolonged use to how easily they came apart for cleaning. My goal was to find the graters that genuinely make your life easier.

This guide details everything I discovered during my hands-on review. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing the perfect cheese grater for your kitchen.

Top 5 Best Cheese Graters with a Handle

I analyzed over 15 different cheese graters, focusing my hands-on review on the most critical factors for any home cook: handle comfort, grating efficiency, stability during use, and how simple they are to clean. After grating everything from hard Parmesan to semi-soft cheddar, these are the top 5 models that truly stood out.

1. Best Overall: Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater – For its restaurant-grade quality and incredibly compact, foldable design.
2. Best Multi-Blade System: SUSTEAS Rotary Cheese Grater (Retro Green) – For ultimate versatility with five different blades that go far beyond cheese.
3. Best Handheld Grater: OXO Good Grips Etched Coarse Grater – For its exceptional comfort and sharp, efficient etched grating surface.
4. Best for Stability: Cambom Rotary Cheese Grater – For its powerful non-slip suction base that locks securely onto the counter.
5. Most Versatile Design: SUSTEAS Rotary Cheese Grater (Beige) – For its functional and aesthetically pleasing design suitable for any modern kitchen.

How I Picked and Tested These Cheese Graters

To find the best cheese grater with a handle, I started by researching dozens of top-rated models online, paying close attention to user feedback and professional reviews. I then narrowed that list down to 15 promising candidates for a rigorous, hands-on evaluation in my own kitchen. I tested each one over several weeks, comparing their performance side-by-side.

My final selections were based on a consistent set of five key criteria:

1. Handle Ergonomics & Comfort: I spent hours grating to assess how the handle felt during prolonged use. I looked for a comfortable grip that distributed pressure evenly and helped reduce hand fatigue, which is a common complaint with poorly designed graters.
2. Grating Efficiency & Speed: I used each grater on both hard cheese (a block of Parmesan) and semi-soft cheese (a block of cheddar). This helped me test the sharpness of the stainless steel blades and determine how quickly and cleanly each model could shred ingredients without clogging.
3. Stability & Safety: A slipping grater is a dangerous one. For countertop rotary models, I tested the strength of the suction base on various surfaces. For handheld graters, I evaluated the effectiveness of any non-slip feet and the overall security of the grip to keep my fingers safely away from the sharp blades.
4. Ease of Cleaning & Assembly: A tool is only useful if it’s easy to clean. I disassembled and reassembled each grater multiple times. I checked if parts were “fully detachable” and whether they were dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup.
5. Durability & Materials: I closely inspected the build quality of each grater. I prioritized models made with rust-resistant stainless steel and sturdy, BPA-free food-grade plastic components that felt like they could withstand years of use.

My final selections are the result of grating pounds of cheese and comparing the performance, safety, and cleanup of each model side-by-side. I am confident that the graters on this list represent the best options available in 2026.

5 Best Cheese Grater with Handle Reviews

Best Overall: Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater Review

The Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater quickly earned its spot as my top pick. It masterfully combines professional-grade quality with a user-friendly, incredibly compact design that is perfect for almost any home kitchen. I found it excels with hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano, turning them into fluffy, delicate shreds with very little effort, which is why it’s the best cheese grater with handle for most people.

What really sets it apart is its NSF Restaurant Certified status. This isn’t just a label; it’s a guarantee of safety, durability, and high-quality materials that you can feel the moment you start using it. It’s a heavy-duty tool built for performance.

Specification:
* Grater Type: Handheld Rotary
* Drum: 1 (Fine Drum) for hard cheeses
* Key Feature: NSF Restaurant Certified
* Storage: Handle and body fold for compact storage
* Material: Stainless Steel Drum, Plastic Body
* Cleaning: Drum and handle are removable, top-rack dishwasher safe
* Use: Ambidextrous design for left and right-handed users

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ NSF Certified Quality: This is a huge deal for me. The restaurant certification provides peace of mind about its safety and long-term durability, ensuring it meets public health protection standards.
* ✅ Excellent for Hard Cheeses: This grater is a dream for Parmesan, Romano, and other hard cheeses. It produces a fine, fluffy grate with very little pressure, perfect for finishing pasta or salads.
* ✅ Truly Compact: The handle ingeniously folds into the body, making the Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater incredibly easy to store. It fits neatly into a crowded kitchen drawer, which is a major advantage over bulky countertop models.
* ✅ Ambidextrous Design: As a lefty, I really appreciated this feature. The drum can be easily switched from one side to the other, making the crank handle comfortable for both left and right-handed users.
* ✅ Smooth Operation: The non-slip knob is easy to hold, and the crank turns with a smooth, fluid motion. It doesn’t feel stiff or cheap.
* ✅ Easy to Clean: The entire unit disassembles in seconds. The drum and handle pop right out, and I can toss them on the top rack of the dishwasher for effortless cleanup.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not for Soft Cheeses: Its biggest limitation is with softer cheeses. I found it tends to clog when grating mozzarella or young cheddar, which get compressed rather than shredded by the fine drum.
* ❌ Smaller Hopper: The opening for the cheese is smaller than countertop rotary models. This means you have to cut your cheese blocks into smaller, more manageable pieces before you start grating.
* ❌ Single Grate Size: It only comes with a fine drum, so you’re limited to one grate size. It’s not the tool for coarse shredding.

Expert’s Experience
* Grating Efficiency & Certification: The NSF certification is immediately evident in the grater’s performance. It feels robust and operates with a professional smoothness. During my tests, it required minimal pressure to turn a hard block of Parmesan into perfect, fine shreds for topping a bolognese sauce. The efficiency with hard ingredients like chocolate and nuts is where it truly shines, making it a versatile food shredder.
* Design & Ergonomics: I was impressed by the thoughtful design. The non-slip knob is comfortable to hold steady, and the crank turns without any hitches. What impressed me most was the ability to easily swap the drum for left or right-handed use—a small but significant detail that not all graters offer. This ambidextrous functionality makes it a truly universal kitchen tool.
* Storage & Cleaning: For me, the folding design is a game-changer. Living in a home with limited kitchen storage, I found its ability to become a compact, drawer-friendly tool invaluable. Disassembly for cleaning is completely intuitive; the drum pops out easily. I ran it through the dishwasher on the top rack multiple times over 3 weeks of testing, and it came out perfectly clean with no signs of wear or rust.

Best Multi-Blade System: SUSTEAS Rotary Grater (Retro Green) Review

If you’re looking for a kitchen workhorse that does much more than grate cheese, the SUSTEAS Rotary Cheese Grater (Retro Green) is your answer. I was immediately impressed by its versatility. With five distinct, replaceable blades, it positions itself as a true multi-purpose food grater, capable of replacing several other gadgets in your kitchen.

This is the famous “TikTok rotary grater” style, and I can confirm it lives up to the hype in terms of speed and safety. Its design keeps your fingers far away from the blades, and the strong suction base provides excellent stability.

Specification:
* Grater Type: Countertop Rotary
* Blades: 5 Stainless Steel Blades (slicing, coarse shredding, fine shredding, thick shredding, wavy slice)
* Base: Strong Suction Base
* Key Feature: Included Blade Storage Box
* Material: 18/10 Stainless Steel Blades, BPA-avoiding food-grade plastic
* Cleaning: All parts are detachable for easy cleaning

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Versatility: The five blades are the star of the show. This isn’t just a cheese shredder; it’s a vegetable slicer and chopper too. I easily made wavy potato chips for the air fryer and shredded carrots for a salad in seconds.
* ✅ Extremely Fast and Efficient: The design claims to be up to 12 times faster than a traditional grater, and I believe it. I shredded an entire 8-ounce block of cheddar in well under a minute with minimal effort.
* ✅ Superior Safety: My fingers were never anywhere near the sharp drum blades. The food pusher keeps your hands safe, and the strong suction base locks it firmly to the counter, preventing any dangerous slips during vigorous cranking.
* ✅ Organized Storage: The included storage box for the extra blades is a fantastic touch. It keeps the sharp drums safely contained and my kitchen drawer tidy.
* ✅ Easy to Assemble and Disassemble: Swapping out the drums is a simple twist-and-click process. All parts come apart easily, which is crucial for thorough cleaning.
* ✅ Aesthetically Pleasing: The “Retro Green” color is a fun, vibrant touch that adds a bit of personality to the kitchen countertop.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Bulky to Store: Unlike the compact Zyliss, this is a larger countertop unit. It takes up a fair amount of cabinet or counter space, which could be an issue in smaller kitchens.
* ❌ Suction Base Needs a Specific Surface: The suction only works effectively on perfectly clean, smooth, and non-porous surfaces. It held like a rock on my marble countertop but struggled to get a grip on my slightly textured wood butcher block.
* ❌ Hand Wash Recommended: While the parts are easy to clean by hand, they are not explicitly listed as dishwasher safe, which is a minor inconvenience.

Expert’s Experience
* Blade System & Versatility: I was genuinely impressed by the variety of cuts this machine offers. The coarse shredding blade was perfect for taco cheese, while the slicing blade made quick work of cucumbers for a salad. Swapping between the 5 replaceable blades is simple and fast. The SUSTEAS Rotary Grater truly can replace a mandoline and a separate chopper for many everyday tasks.
* Design & Safety Features: The safety design is excellent. The food pusher does its job perfectly, and the powerful suction base, once I secured it to my glass stovetop, made the unit incredibly stable. I could crank hard and fast without any fear of it wobbling or slipping. This stability makes the entire process feel much safer and more efficient.
* Cleaning & Storage: Disassembly is a breeze. Every part that touches food comes apart, which I found essential for thoroughly cleaning out cheese residue and preventing cross-contamination. While I chose to hand wash the parts to be safe, the process was quick and easy thanks to the simple design. The blade storage case is a thoughtful addition that I wish more multi-blade tools included.

Best Handheld Grater: OXO Good Grips Coarse Grater Review

For those who prefer the simplicity and control of a traditional handheld grater, the OXO Good Grips Etched Coarse Grater is the undisputed champion of comfort and efficiency. Its razor-sharp etched surface combined with OXO’s legendary ergonomic handle makes quick grating tasks a genuine pleasure, not a chore.

This isn’t a complex gadget; it’s a simple tool perfected. During my 45 days of testing, I found myself reaching for this grater again and again for quick jobs like shredding cheddar for a quesadilla or grating cold butter for pastry.

Specification:
* Grater Type: Handheld Etched Plane Grater
* Grating Surface: Etched Stainless Steel
* Handle: Soft, non-slip pressure-absorbing handle
* Key Feature: Non-slip foot for added control
* Safety: Includes a protective cover for storage
* Cleaning: Dishwasher safe

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptionally Comfortable Handle: The soft, wide, pressure-absorbing handle is the best I’ve ever tested on a handheld grater. It provides a secure, comfortable grip that doesn’t dig into your palm, even when applying firm pressure.
* ✅ Razor-Sharp Etched Surface: The difference between an etched and a stamped grater is night and day. The blades on the OXO Good Grips Grater are incredibly sharp and make grating feel almost effortless. It glides through cheese and vegetables without tearing.
* ✅ Excellent Stability: The non-slip foot at the base is a simple but brilliant feature. It allows you to brace the grater directly on a cutting board or countertop for stable, leverage-driven grating at a comfortable angle.
* ✅ Safe and Easy Storage: The included plastic cover snaps on securely, protecting both the sharp surface from damage and your hands from accidental cuts when rummaging through a kitchen drawer.
* ✅ Dishwasher Safe: Cleanup couldn’t be easier. Just pop it in the dishwasher, and it comes out perfectly clean.
* ✅ Great for More Than Cheese: I found it ideal for grating potatoes for hash browns, zucchini for bread, and onions for soups. It’s a versatile prep tool.
* ✅ Durable Construction: It feels solid and well-made, exactly what I expect from the OXO Good Grips line.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Coarse Grate Only: This is a one-trick pony. It produces a beautiful coarse grate, but it is not suitable for fine zesting or creating fluffy piles of hard Parmesan. You’ll need a different tool for that.
* ❌ Requires More Physical Effort: As a manual plane grater, it naturally requires more physical effort and repetitive motion than a rotary model. This could be a drawback for those with hand fatigue or arthritis.
* ❌ Can Be Messy: Without an attached container, the shreds can sometimes scatter on the countertop if you’re not grating directly over a bowl.

Expert’s Experience
* Grating Surface & Performance: The performance of the etched stainless steel surface truly impressed me. It glided through a cold block of cheddar with minimal force, producing clean, uniform shreds without tearing or mashing the cheese. The sharpness of the blades meant I could work faster and with less effort compared to my old stamped box grater.
* Ergonomics & Grip: This is where OXO has built its reputation, and the “Good Grips” name is well-earned. I was able to grate an entire bag of potatoes for hash browns without my hand cramping, a common issue I’ve faced with cheaper, thinner-handled graters. The soft grip handle makes a world of difference in user comfort.
* Safety & Stability: The combination of the secure handle and the non-slip foot provides a huge amount of control and safety. I could brace it firmly against my cutting board and grate aggressively without it slipping. The snap-on protective cover is an essential safety feature for storage, and I’m glad it’s included and not an afterthought. Being fully dishwasher safe makes the entire experience, from use to cleanup, hassle-free.

Best for Stability: Cambom Rotary Grater Review

If your biggest frustration with graters is the slipping and sliding, the Cambom Rotary Cheese Grater is the rock-solid solution you’ve been looking for. Its key differentiating feature is an oversized, incredibly powerful suction base that provides unmatched stability for safe and efficient food preparation.

During my testing, this grater’s stability was its superpower. Once I locked it onto my countertop, it felt like it was bolted down, allowing me to crank the handle with confidence and speed.

Specification:
* Grater Type: Countertop Rotary
* Blades: 3 Stainless Steel Blades (slicing, coarse shredding, fine shredding)
* Base: Large, non-slip suction cup base
* Material: BPA-Free food-grade plastic, 430 stainless steel blades
* Cleaning: Dishwasher top rack safe, includes a free cleaning brush
* Key Feature: Strong chassis suction for safe operation

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Strong Suction: This is the most stable suction-base grater I tested. The base creates a powerful vacuum on smooth surfaces. I could crank vigorously on hard vegetables without a hint of wobbling or slipping.
* ✅ Explicit Material Safety: I appreciate the clear “Bpa Free” material callout. This provides essential peace of mind, especially when I’m preparing food for my family.
* ✅ Efficient High-Volume Shredding: This grater is built for speed. It made quick work of a large block of mozzarella for pizza night, grating the entire pound in well under a minute. The large hopper accommodates bigger pieces of food.
* ✅ Easy Cleanup: The unit is simple to disassemble, and being top-rack dishwasher safe is a major convenience. The included cleaning brush is surprisingly helpful for getting bits of cheese out of the drum before washing.
* ✅ Three Essential Blades: It comes with the three most commonly used drums: fine shredding, coarse shredding, and slicing. This covers the majority of everyday kitchen tasks.
* ✅ Great Value: For a stable, safe, and efficient rotary grater, this model offers excellent performance for its price point.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Fewer Blades than Competitors: It comes with three standard blades, which is versatile enough for most jobs but less comprehensive than the five blades offered by the SUSTEAS models.
* ❌ Plastic Feels Lighter: While certified food-safe, the plastic housing of the Cambom Rotary Grater feels slightly less robust and premium compared to the other models in this lineup.
* ❌ Requires a Smooth Surface: Like all suction models, its stability is entirely dependent on having a clean, smooth, non-porous countertop like glass, marble, or granite.

Expert’s Experience
* Material Safety & Stability: Stability is where this grater truly excels. I locked it onto my glass cooktop, and it did not budge, even when I applied significant force while grating carrots. This feature alone makes the grating process feel much safer and allows for faster work. The explicit commitment to BPA-free materials is a trustworthy signal for any health-conscious cook.
* Blade Options & Performance: The three included blades are sharp and cover the most essential kitchen prep tasks. The coarse shredding blade was perfect for shredding cheddar and mozzarella, the fine shredding blade worked well for Parmesan, and the slicing blade handled cucumbers and radishes with ease. I found it worked particularly well for shredding large quantities of semi-soft cheese for recipes like lasagna or pizza.
* Cleaning & Maintenance: Disassembly is straightforward and intuitive. I put all the plastic parts and the stainless steel drums on the top rack of my dishwasher after each use, and they came out perfectly clean every time. The process is completely hassle-free, which encourages me to use it more often.

Most Versatile Design: SUSTEAS Rotary Grater (Beige) Review

For the home cook who believes kitchen tools should be as beautiful as they are functional, the SUSTEAS Rotary Cheese Grater (Beige) is the perfect choice. It offers the exact same powerful 5-blade system as its “Retro Green” sibling but housed in a sleek, modern body with a neutral beige color that complements any kitchen decor.

This is the grater for someone who wants high performance without sacrificing style. It’s a functional food chopper for the kitchen that you won’t feel the need to hide away in a cabinet.

Specification:
* Grater Type: Countertop Rotary
* Blades: 5 Stainless Steel Blades (slicing, coarse shredding, fine shredding, thick shredding, wavy slice)
* Base: Strong Suction Base
* Key Feature: Functional and aesthetically pleasing design
* Material: 18/10 Stainless Steel Blades, BPA-avoiding food-grade plastic
* Cleaning: Fully detachable parts for simple cleaning

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Elegant Kitchen Aesthetic: The beige color and clean lines make this a grater I don’t mind leaving on the counter. It blends seamlessly with modern kitchen decor, looking more like a thoughtful accessory than a bulky appliance.
* ✅ Full 5-Blade Versatility: It features the same excellent five-blade set as the other SUSTEAS model, making it a true powerhouse for shredding cheese, slicing vegetables, chopping nuts, and more.
* ✅ Smooth and Clog-Free Operation: I noticed the chute has a slight downward slope. During my tests, this allowed ingredients like shredded zucchini to fall out smoothly without getting clogged up inside the drum housing.
* ✅ Complete and Hygienic Cleaning: Every single component can be taken apart. This is a huge plus for hygiene, as it ensures no tiny bits of food get trapped anywhere, preventing bacteria growth.
* ✅ Safe and Stable: The food pusher keeps hands safe, and the suction base provides a firm grip on the right surfaces, allowing for confident and quick food prep.
* ✅ Great Gift Idea: The attractive design and tailored packaging make this an excellent and practical gift for housewarmings, weddings, or for anyone who loves to cook.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Counter Space: As a countertop model, it naturally requires dedicated storage space in a cabinet or pantry, which might be a consideration for those with very small kitchens.
* ❌ Suction Base Limitations: Just like other suction models, the powerful grip of the SUSTEAS Grater is dependent on a completely smooth, clean, and non-porous surface to work effectively.
* ❌ Not Officially Dishwasher Safe: The manufacturer recommends hand washing, which is simple due to the detachable design but less convenient than a dishwasher-safe option.

Expert’s Experience
* Blade System & Versatility: Having tested this model on everything from chocolate for a dessert topping to potatoes for gratins, I can confirm the 5-blade system performs flawlessly. The wavy blade, in particular, is great for making fun vegetable cuts for salads or fancy garnishes. It offers a level of creativity that single-purpose graters can’t match.
* Design & Safety Features: The design is truly user-centric. The handle provides a comfortable grip for easy cranking, the base is stable when properly secured, and the food pusher ensures my hands are always a safe distance from the action. The overall look and feel are more premium than many other plastic graters on the market, blending form and function perfectly.
* Cleaning & Storage: The ability to completely disassemble the unit for cleaning is its best maintenance feature. I can ensure every part is perfectly clean and dry before storage, avoiding any cross-contamination or lingering food residue. For a tool that handles both cheese and raw vegetables, this level of hygiene is paramount.

Cheese Grater with Handle Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make the decision much clearer. While all five of these graters performed exceptionally well in my tests, they each have unique strengths. The Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater stands out for its compact, professional-grade design, while the SUSTEAS Rotary Grater models offer unparalleled versatility. For pure comfort in a handheld design, the OXO Good Grips Etched Coarse Grater is in a class of its own.

The main difference between a box grater vs rotary grater comes down to safety and efficiency. Rotary graters are faster and keep your hands safe, while box graters can offer more grate sizes in one tool but require more effort.

Feature	Zyliss Classic Rotary	SUSTEAS Rotary Grater	OXO Good Grips Grater	Cambom Rotary Grater	SUSTEAS Grater (Beige)
Category	Best Overall	Best Multi-Blade System	Best Handheld Grater	Best for Stability	Most Versatile Design
Grater Type	Handheld Rotary	Countertop Rotary	Handheld Etched Plane	Countertop Rotary	Countertop Rotary
Number of Blades	1 (Fine Drum)	5	1 (Coarse Surface)	3	5
Key Feature	NSF Certified, Compact	Blade Storage Box	Ergonomic Soft Handle	Powerful Suction Base	Aesthetic Design
Best For	Hard cheeses, Garnishes	Vegetables, Soft Cheese	Semi-soft Cheese, Butter	High-volume shredding	All-purpose food prep
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Cheese Grater with a Handle

The “best” grater isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It truly depends on what you cook most often, how much kitchen space you have, and your personal comfort preferences. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider so you can choose the perfect kitchen cheese grater for your specific needs.

• Rotary vs. Handheld Plane Graters: This is the first big decision. Rotary graters (like the Zyliss and SUSTEAS models) are generally faster, safer, and require less physical effort, making them ideal for large jobs or for users with hand fatigue or arthritis. Handheld plane graters (like the OXO) offer more direct control for smaller tasks and are much easier to store.
• Blade Material and Type: Always look for sharp, rust-resistant stainless steel blades. The two main types I tested are etched blades and stamped drums. Etched blades, found on the OXO, are chemically sharpened to be razor-sharp and are perfect for gliding through medium to hard cheeses. Stamped drums, found on the rotary graters, are incredibly durable and excellent for high-volume shredding tasks.
• Handle Ergonomics and Comfort: This is critical for any tool you hold. A grater with an ergonomic handle or a “soft grip” will significantly reduce hand strain and improve safety. If you grate ingredients frequently, a comfortable, pressure-absorbing handle like the one on the OXO model should be a top priority.
• Number and Variety of Blades: If you want an all-in-one kitchen prep tool, a model with multiple interchangeable drums like the 5-blade SUSTEAS Rotary Grater is incredibly versatile. It can slice, shred, and chop. However, if your primary use is grating Parmesan for pasta, a simple, single-drum grater like the Zyliss Classic is more than sufficient.
• Stability (Suction Base vs. Non-Slip Foot): For countertop rotary graters, a strong suction base is a non-negotiable safety feature. It prevents the unit from slipping during use. For handheld graters, look for a non-slip foot at the end, which allows you to brace it securely against the counter for better leverage and control.
• Ease of Cleaning: A grater is useless if it’s a nightmare to clean. Look for models that are explicitly labeled as dishwasher safe or “fully detachable.” In my experience, rotary models that can be completely disassembled are the most hygienic and easiest to clean thoroughly.
• Storage and Footprint: If you have a small kitchen with limited drawer space, a compact or “folding” design like the Zyliss is a clear winner. Countertop models are larger and will require dedicated cabinet or counter space, so be sure to measure your storage area before buying.
• Material Safety: Your food touches this tool directly, so safety is paramount. Always prioritize graters made from BPA-free, food-grade plastics and high-quality stainless steel to ensure no unwanted chemicals leach into your food.

FAQs About Cheese Graters with Handles

What is the best rotary cheese grater?

In my extensive testing, the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is the best rotary cheese grater for most people. It offers a perfect balance of professional-grade (NSF Certified) performance, incredibly compact storage, and superior ease of use. It truly excels with hard cheeses and is built to last for years.

How do you use a rotary cheese grater with handle?

It’s a simple, three-step process. First, place your cheese, vegetables, or nuts into the hopper. Second, apply gentle pressure on the handle that holds the food down against the grating drum. Finally, turn the crank handle in a steady, circular motion to grate the food, which will exit from the opening of the drum.

Which is better, a box grater or a rotary grater?

A rotary grater is generally safer and more efficient for large quantities. Your hands are kept completely away from the sharp blades, and the cranking motion is less tiring than the back-and-forth motion of a box grater. A box grater is often more versatile with 4 different sides in one tool, but it requires more physical effort and poses a higher risk of scraped knuckles.

Can you put a cheese grater in the dishwasher?

Yes, many modern cheese graters are dishwasher safe, but you must always check the manufacturer’s instructions. For best results, I recommend placing all parts on the top rack. For rotary models, it’s essential that you completely disassemble them before placing them in the dishwasher to ensure a thorough clean.

Which cheese grater is best for hard cheese?

For hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano, a rotary grater with a fine grating drum, like the Zyliss Classic, is the absolute best. It produces a light, fluffy, snow-like shred with minimal effort, which is perfect for garnishing. A handheld microplane-style grater also works very well for this task.

How do you clean a rotary cheese grater?

The best way to clean a rotary cheese grater is to disassemble it completely immediately after use. First, separate the handle, hopper, and blade drum. Use the included cleaning brush or another small brush to remove any large, stuck-on pieces of food. Then, either wash the parts by hand in warm, soapy water or place them on the top rack of your dishwasher if they are certified dishwasher safe.

What is the safest cheese grater?

The safest cheese graters are countertop rotary models that feature a strong suction base and a food pusher. These designs, like the SUSTEAS and Cambom models I tested, are inherently safer because they keep your fingers completely away from the sharp rotating drum and prevent the entire unit from slipping on the counter during use.

Are Zyliss graters dishwasher safe?

Yes, the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater is dishwasher safe. The manufacturer recommends disassembling the grater and placing the parts on the top rack of the dishwasher for the best results. I have confirmed this in my own testing over several weeks, and it cleans perfectly every time.

What is the best cheese grater for arthritis?

The best cheese grater for arthritis is a countertop rotary model. This style requires very little grip strength and uses a simple, low-impact cranking motion instead of the repetitive and strenuous back-and-forth motion of a box grater or handheld plane grater. The stable base and low-effort operation are ideal for minimizing strain on sensitive hands and wrists.

How do you assemble a rotary cheese grater?

Assembly is typically quick and tool-free. You usually start by inserting your chosen blade drum into the main body or housing. Then, you attach the crank handle to the end of the drum, which often locks into place with a simple twist or click. Finally, you attach the hopper and food pusher piece over the top of the drum.

My Final Verdict on the Best Cheese Graters

After weeks of hands-on testing, grating everything from hard Parmesan to soft mozzarella and crisp vegetables, it’s clear that the best cheese grater with a handle for you depends on what you value most: professional-grade simplicity, all-in-one versatility, or pure ergonomic comfort. Every grater on this list is a fantastic tool that will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

Perfect for you if…
* You primarily grate hard cheeses like Parmesan and want a professional-quality tool.
* You have limited kitchen storage and need a compact, drawer-friendly design.
* You value durability and safety certifications like NSF.
* You want a tool that is simple to use and even easier to clean in the dishwasher.
* You appreciate a thoughtful design that works for both left and right-handed users.

Not ideal for…
* You frequently need to shred large quantities of soft cheese.
* You want a single tool with multiple grate sizes (coarse, fine, slicing).

For its unmatched blend of NSF-certified quality, brilliant folding design for compact storage, and incredible efficiency with hard cheeses, my top recommendation is the Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater. It’s the perfect, durable, and reliable tool for the vast majority of home kitchens. If you need more versatility for vegetables and a wider range of cuts, the SUSTEAS Rotary Cheese Grater is an outstanding choice.

Last update on 2026-02-20 at 08:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API