These are the only cheese graters you should consider.

A good cheese grater can grate much more than just cheese. In the video below, check out these "cheese grater hacks" to make your cooking and baking more effortless. Check out how a cheese grater can be used to grate frozen butter, tomatoes, and more! You'll also see how having a toothbrush handy helps keep your grater clean.

A Guide to Great Graters

A good cheese grater is a staple of a well-stocked kitchen. While there is not a single best grater for everyone, your ideal graters should consider the following factors for your use:

• ergonomics - Does it feel comfortable in hand and is it easy for you to use? Furthermore, will it be easy for you to clean after use?

• versatility - Will you just be using this grater for cheese, or do you need it to also handle other tasks in the kitchen like slicing vegetables? Will you only be grating or would you also like to slice, zest, and perform other functions with the same tool?

• shred style - Graters will vary by size and volume of shredding capability. Choose a grater that can handle the amount you need to grate and results in a size that you need for your recipes.

Types of Cheese Graters

Box Graters: Box graters are named well and look like a rectangular box with a handle on top. Box graters are used to shred greater volumes for large dishes like nachos or lasagna. These graters are also versatile and offer different cutting patters on each side of the box, so you can also perform slicing and other cuts with this style of kitchen tool. Box graters are also popular because the design is ergonomically friendly because it can stand vertically unassisted and can be braced against surfaces while in use.

Plane Graters: These flat formed graters are useful for adding a layer of cheese over a dish or food, even though they originally took design cues from woodworking tools. This form is usually easy to wield because it is simply a handle and flat area. This also makes them easy to clean and a good option if your kitchen is short on space.

Rotary Graters: These graters have a handle that cranks to produce a finer cheese in smaller amounts. These are handy for recipes that call for specific small amounts and garnishes. Another benefit of this style is the ability to grate and see the quantity in the grater before placing it on your food or in recipes. These graters can also come with interchangeable or replaceable blades.