Finding the best parmesan cheese grater can be surprisingly tricky with so many options available. I tested over 18 popular models in real kitchen conditions over several weeks, focusing on sharpness, ease of use, and consistent grating performance.
From handheld rotary units to box and container-style graters, I examined how each handled hard cheeses, how comfortable the grip felt, and how effortless cleanup was. Some graters struggled with firm parmesan or created too much mess, while others delivered precise, fluffy shreds every time.
Here are the models that stood out for performance, durability, and convenience in everyday cooking.
Things I Considered While Choosing These Products
- Sharp, durable stainless steel or drum for easy grating
- Handles hard cheeses like parmesan smoothly
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle for extended use
- Safe design to prevent accidental cuts or scrapes
- Compact size or clever storage options for small kitchens
- Dishwasher-safe or easy-to-clean parts for quick cleanup
- Stability during use, such as non-slip bases or grips
What’s the Best Parmesan Cheese Grater?
Best Parmesan Cheese Grater
1. ZYLISS Classic Hand Rotary Drum Grater Easy Clean NSF Certified Parmesan Cheese Grater
My grater arrived on time in a small, sturdy cardboard box. Right out of the box, the white handheld unit looked sleek and solid, including the main body, handle, drum, and instruction sheet.
Build Quality: The grater feels solid in my hand. The handle turns smoothly without wobbling, and the drum locks firmly in place. It looks like it could easily last a couple of years.
Performance: I’ve mainly used it for Parmesan, and it grates beautifully into fine, fluffy strands perfect for pasta or salads. I can load about a 4-ounce block and just turn the crank effortlessly. It performs exactly like the ones I’ve seen at Italian restaurants and handles firm cheese perfectly every time.
Ease of Use & Safety: It’s simple to use even one-handed, and the non-slip knob keeps it steady. The handle design feels comfortable and safe, without scraping fingers.
Cleaning: Cleaning is minimal; I usually just tap it out and turn the wheel. It also disassembles easily for washing, and when I do run it through the dishwasher, it comes out spotless.
Pros
- Comfortable rotating handle
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Compact size for drawer storage
- Suitable for left/right-handed users
- NSF restaurant certified
- Top-rated Parmesan Cheese Grater
Cons
- Not good for soft cheese
- Small loading compartment
2. URBANSTRIVE Stainless Steel Kitchen Box Shredder Safe Container Tool Parmesan Cheese Grater
The package arrived timely in a sturdy cardboard box. Straight from the package, it included the black grater, stainless-steel blades, detachable container with lid, and an instruction sheet.
Build Quality: The stainless steel feels sharp and durable, and the black silicone base keeps it steady. The container locks in place securely, has a lid to keep food fresh, and the handle feels solid and comfortable.
Performance: The blades are extremely sharp, making grating fast and effortless. I’ve tested it for Parmesan, carrots, zucchini, and cucumbers. The 4-sided design allows fine, coarse, and slicing options. Parmesan comes out fluffy and the grater doesn’t slip, even on harder cheeses, reducing hand fatigue significantly.
Ease of Use & Safety: The silicone base and ergonomic handle provide a firm grip. Protective features keep grating safe, and the container collects everything neatly, preventing slips with cheese or vegetables.
Cleaning: I really appreciate that it’s dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning so convenient. I hand wash and dry to keep the stainless steel looking new, with no rust or discoloration after multiple uses.
Pros
- Sharp stainless steel blades
- Four-sided grating options
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Non-slip silicone base
- Dishwasher safe for convenience
- Durable and high-quality material
- Best-rated Parmesan Cheese Grater
Cons
- Needs careful hand washing sometimes
- Container lid can be tight
3. DEISS PRO Sharp Citrus Lemon Zester Ginger Garlic Nutmeg Cutter Parmesan Cheese Grater
My zester arrived right on time in a sturdy cardboard box. Opening the box, the yellow stainless steel unit included a protective cover and looked high quality.
Build Quality: The metal is extremely sturdy and razor-sharp. The ergonomic silicone-wrapped handle feels comfortable in my hand, and the non-slip feature keeps it steady.
Performance: I’ve used this grater on lemons, oranges, garlic, and Parmesan, and it worked beautifully every time. The blades are sharp and precise, creating fine, fluffy piles without much pressure. Even mozzarella and chocolate grated easily; perfect for both baking and cooking tasks.
Ease of Use & Safety: The non-slip handle and blade guard make it safe and comfortable to use. Protective features prevent accidental cuts, and the tool stays steady while zesting or grating, so I feel secure working with cheese or citrus.
Cleaning: I’ve rinsed it by hand and also run it through the dishwasher. The stainless steel remains shiny, and food residue comes off easily without scrubbing.
Pros
- Razor-sharp blades for effortless grating
- Comfortable ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue
- Protective cover keeps fingers safe
- Lightweight yet durable stainless steel design
- Easy to clean by hand or dishwasher
- Non-slip handle for safe operation
Cons
- Very sharp, requires caution when using
- No container to catch zest
4. OXO Good Grips White Rotary Handle Kitchen Tool Easy Clean Parmesan Cheese Grater
I received the OXO rotary grater on time in a sturdy cardboard package. Opening the box, I found a sleek white grater with a large barrel, silicone seal, and cap for storing cheese.
Build Quality: The grater feels sturdy and well made, typical of OXO products. It has a simple design with no small parts, and the rubber gasket keeps parmesan fresh in the fridge.
Performance: This grater works fantastic for hard cheeses like parmesan, producing fine, fluffy shreds quickly. I filled the top chamber twice, and it was enough for a 6-ounce shaker bottle. The circular grating surface makes short work of cheese, while the small grate size fits perfectly in a spice shaker.
Ease of Use: The cap keeps cheese fresh, and the grater is comfortable even with arthritis. Perfect for table use, it works with minimal effort, though semi-soft cheese fills the barrel quickly.
Cleaning & Storage: The grater disassembles easily and is dishwasher safe. I also rinse it under hot water by hand when needed. Cheese can get stuck inside the grater barrel under plastic; requires a knife to clean.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable OXO construction
- Comfortable handle, easy on hands
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Dishwasher safe for quick cleanup
- Cap keeps cheese fresh in refrigerator
Cons
- Barrel fills quickly with semi-soft cheese
5. SPRING CHEF XL 4-Sided Stainless Vegetable Ginger Slicer Kitchen Tool Parmesan Cheese Grater
The grater arrived a day early in a sturdy box, well-protected. After opening, I revealed a sleek black stainless steel grater with 4 sides inside.
Build Quality: This is a huge and sturdy grater with a well-designed handle and silicone ring at the base. It feels balanced, doesn’t wobble, and the thick stainless steel construction makes it comfortable and built to last.
Performance: The deep grooves and sharp surfaces make grating parmesan easy, producing fine, fluffy shreds every time. With 4 sides, fine, medium, coarse, and slicer, I can quickly grate cheese for salads, and toppings. It’s also great for shredding potatoes for pancakes or fried potatoes, speeding up meal prep.
Ease of Use & Safety: The silicone base keeps it from sliding, while the extra-large surface area speeds up grating, and the non-slip bottom ensures safe, stable use.
Cleaning: Cleaning is simple by hand or placing it upside down in the dishwasher to avoid trapped water. The brushed stainless steel makes stuck-on bits easy to remove, and it shows no signs of rust after repeated washes.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable stainless steel construction
- Non-slip silicone base prevents sliding
- Sharp edges for effortless parmesan grating
- 4 sides for versatile grating options
- Easy to clean by hand or dishwasher
Cons
- Requires careful handling due to sharp blades
6. OXO Good Grips Coarse Etched Orange Blade Non-Slip Handle Parmesan Cheese Grater
The grater arrived on time in a sturdy cardboard box, well-packaged and undamaged. Straight from the package, it included the bright orange grater with a protective snap-on cover for the blades.
Build Quality: This grater feels solid and well-made, with sharp, etched stainless steel blades. The sleek design fits comfortably in my hand, and the flat, sturdy construction makes it easy to hold at an angle without slipping.
Performance: It works beautifully on parmesan, creating fluffy, airy shreds in seconds. I’ve grated hard and semi-soft cheeses, butter, and vegetables with ease. The rims collect the shreds neatly, and the etched surface slices frozen butter or chocolate effortlessly.
Ease of Use & Safety: The soft, non-slip handle and rubber foot keep the grater stable. The protective cover ensures safe storage, and the plastic edge prevents scratches on other utensils.
Cleaning: Ultra-sharp grating surface can be a challenge to clean; rinse immediately with hot water before dishwashing. The blades don’t trap food, and the snap-on cover keeps it clean during storage.
Pros
- Etched super-sharp surface grates with less effort
- Narrow profile reduces mess
- Protective blade cover included
- Makes fluffy parmesan quickly
- Durable stainless steel construction
Cons
- Not for shaky or clumsy hands
- Only medium-coarse grating
7. NEZUIBAN Hand Rotary Manual Handle Shredder Nut Vegetable Cheese Parmesan Grater
The grater arrived timely in a simple cardboard box. Lifting the lid, I accessed the white grater with handle, removable drum, and small safety cover.
Build Quality: This grater is smaller than it looks but feels solid in hand. The ABS plastic body is lightweight yet durable, and the stainless steel drum is sharp enough to handle hard foods like parmesan.
Performance: Turning the handle is smooth, and the grater produces fine, fluffy shreds quickly. I can grate an entire wedge in minutes without spilling, and it works well with frozen butter, nutmeats, and semi-soft foods, keeping the cheese where I want it without tiring my hand.
Ease of Use & Safety: The grater sits securely in my hand, and the crank handle turns easily. Slightly awkward at first and not ideal for arthritis, but it keeps cheese contained and fingers safe.
Cleaning: Dishwasher safe, but hand washing works best for stubborn parmesan. I usually rinse it under warm water, or soak in soapy water for a few minutes, then use a small brush to clear trapped bits.
Pros
- Smooth crank for effortless grating
- Sharp drum handles hard cheeses easily
- Grater holds cheese securely while turning
- Compact and easy to store
- Durable and Lightweight ABS plastic body
Cons
- Smaller drum limits wedge size
- Difficult to clean thoroughly by hand
8. UHIYEE Hand Crank Stainless Drum Fine Coarse Blade ABS Safe Parmesan Cheese Grater
My grater arrived on time in a sturdy box. Unboxing the package, I found the white grater, 2 stainless steel drums, and a comfortable handle.
Build Quality: This grater feels surprisingly sturdy for its lightweight design. While mainly constructed from ABS plastic, it is noticeably stronger than similar products I’ve used, and the stainless steel drums are extremely sharp.
Performance: I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and grating hard parmesan is a breeze. The crank turns smoothly, and the sharp drums shred cheese quickly. Both fine and coarse drums work well, making fresh parmesan perfect for salads, pasta, and pizza. Soft cheeses are a bit trickier, but freezing helps.
Ease of Use & Safety: The crank handle fits comfortably in my hand, and I don’t worry about cutting my fingers, and even my kids enjoy grating cheese safely on top of dishes.
Cleaning: Disassembling the grater makes cleaning easy, and the dishwasher works fine. For stuck parmesan, I soak the drums in warm water and use a small brush.
Pros
- Smooth crank handle, easy on the wrist
- 2 drums for fine and coarse grating
- Compact design fits easily in drawers
- Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning
- Keeps fingers safe from nicks or cuts
Cons
- Soft cheeses may clog the drum
9. VIVAANT Italian Style Restaurant Dual Blade Easy Clean Stainless Parmesan Cheese Grater
The package arrived on time in a sturdy box, well-packaged with protective padding. Upon unboxing, I found the white unit with 2 stainless steel drums and small containers included.
Build Quality: This grater feels solid yet lightweight. The heavy-duty plastic frame and stainless steel drums handle Parmesan effortlessly. The keystone design allows easy assembly, and it grates evenly down to the last bit with minimal waste.
Performance: The sharp drums handle hard cheeses quickly while also managing softer cheeses, nuts, and chocolate. I’ve gone through full blocks of Parmesan, and it produces light, fluffy shreds. I have used it with both Aisago and Gruyere, and it delivers excellent results every time.
Ease of Use & Safety: The crank handle is comfortable and reversible for left- or right-handed use. Grating is safe, even the last pieces of Parmesan, without risking fingers, making it enjoyable.
Cleaning: The keystone cylinder design makes cleaning quick, while hard plastic releases stuck cheese easily. I sometimes handwash to preserve longevity, but cleanup is never a hassle.
Pros
- Sharp drums handle Parmesan easily
- Durable plastic frame resists cracking
- Reversible handle for both hands
- Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning
- Attachments reduce mess during use
Cons
- Containers are smaller than ideal
- Larger cheeses need cutting first
10. RAINSPIRE Metal Handheld Kitchen Lemon Zester Soft Grip Black Handle Parmesan Cheese Grater
I received the grater at the exact date, packed securely in a compact box. After opening, it revealed a sleek black stainless steel grater with a soft-grip handle.
Build Quality: This grater is very well built with etched stainless steel blades that have maintained their sharpness over weeks of use. The soft-grip handle feels strong, providing excellent control while grating parmesan.
Performance: I’ve used this grater on zucchini, butter, and even tomatoes for bruschetta. It works perfectly for parmesan, cutting through the cheese like a dream and makes garnishing or cooking faster. The fine etching on the blades makes grating fast and precise.
Ease of Use & Safety: The ergonomic, soft-grip handle is comfortable even for extended use. It’s simple to maneuver, and the design prevents any accidental slips or scrapes.
Cleaning: It cleans up well and I don’t have to stick my hand up inside to get all the stuff out. The stainless steel resists rust, and the compact design makes handwashing simple as well.
Pros
- Sharp stainless steel blades for easy grating
- Comfortable, non-slip soft-grip handle
- Compact size fits small kitchens perfectly
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Raised rubber feet keep grater stable
Cons
- Only one grating size included
- Base handle may rust if left wet
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Parmesan Cheese Grater
Question: What is the best type of grater for parmesan cheese?
Answer: A rotary or handheld stainless steel grater works best, producing fine, fluffy shreds quickly while minimizing hand effort and ensuring consistent results for parmesan cheese.
Question: Should I choose a rotary or handheld parmesan grater?
Answer: Rotary graters are ideal for large blocks, providing smooth, effortless grating, while handheld ones are compact, easy to store, and great for small amounts or quick garnishing.
Question: Can I grate other foods besides parmesan with it?
Answer: Yes, most parmesan graters handle hard cheeses, chocolate, nuts, garlic, and even some vegetables, offering versatility for various cooking and garnishing needs in your kitchen.
Question: How do I keep my parmesan grater sharp for longer?
Answer: Regularly rinse, dry thoroughly after each use, avoid harsh scrubbing, and occasionally sharpen or replace stainless steel drums to maintain consistent, efficient grating performance.
Question: Are stainless steel graters better than plastic ones?
Answer: Stainless steel graters are more durable, maintain sharpness longer, resist bending or rust, and produce smoother, finer shreds compared to most plastic alternatives.
Question: Which grater size is ideal for home kitchens?
Answer: A medium-sized handheld or rotary grater fits most home kitchens, offering efficient grating without taking up much storage space, while still handling small to medium cheese blocks.
Question: Can left-handed users use these graters comfortably?
Answer: Many rotary and handheld graters feature reversible or ambidextrous handles, making them safe and comfortable for left-handed users without compromising grating efficiency or control.
Question: How do I prevent rust on my parmesan grater?
Answer: Dry thoroughly after washing, store in a dry place, avoid prolonged water exposure, and use stainless steel models for long-lasting rust resistance and reliable performance.
Question: Is it better to use a manual or electric parmesan grater?
Answer: Manual graters offer more control, less mess, and durability, while electric graters save time for larger amounts but require more cleaning and storage space.
Question: Which features make a parmesan grater worth buying?
Answer: Look for sharp stainless steel blades, ergonomic handles, easy cleaning, compact design, durability, reversible use, and safe operation to ensure practical, long-lasting parmesan grating.