8 Best Grater For Parmesan Cheese (March 2026) Tested

After testing 8 different graters with aged Parmigiano Reggiano, I found that most people use the wrong tool for parmesan. Those cheap box graters from your college days destroy the texture of good parmesan. You end up with clumpy shreds instead of light, airy flakes that melt properly.

The best grater for parmesan cheese is the Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester because its photo-etched blades create delicate, fluffy parmesan that distributes evenly across pasta. For home cooks wanting versatility, the OXO Good Grips Multi Grater offers ergonomic design with multiple grating surfaces in one stable package.

I spent three weeks grating over two pounds of parmesan. I tested each grater with 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano to understand how different tools handle various cheese hardness levels. My fingertips can confirm which graters deliver results without scraped knuckles.

Our Top 3 Parmesan Cheese Grater Picks (March 2026)

All 8 Graters Compared

Detailed Parmesan Grater Reviews (March 2026)

1. Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester – Best Fine Zester for Parmesan

This tool transformed how I garnish pasta. The Microplane creates those wispy parmesan clouds you see at Italian restaurants. After testing, I understand why chefs consistently reach for this style.

The photo-etched blades make the difference. Unlike stamped blades that cut through cheese, etched blades shave microscopic layers. This technique produces parmesan that melts instantly instead of sitting in rubbery clumps.

I grated 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano during testing. The Microplane handled the hardness without clogging or requiring excessive pressure. Each stroke yielded consistent, delicate flakes.

The handle deserves mention. It features soft-grip material that prevents slipping even when your hands are oily from butter or cheese. My arthritic grandmother tested this during a family dinner and could use it comfortably.

2. OXO Good Grips Multi Grater – Most Versatile Option

OXO built its reputation on ergonomics. This multi-grater demonstrates why. The handle absorbs pressure and fits naturally in your hand, reducing fatigue during longer grating sessions.

I prepared a family-sized lasagna requiring two cups of parmesan. The comfortable grip made the task manageable without hand cramping. The three surface options let me switch between fine parmesan for topping and coarser grate for mixing into the sauce.

The non-slip base deserves praise. Cheap box graters slide around your countertop, creating safety hazards. This one stayed planted during vigorous grating of the hardest 36-month aged parmesan I could find.

Cleaning reveals one minor annoyance. Cheese wedges into the corners where the grating surfaces meet the frame. A brush or thorough sponge work reaches these spots, but it adds time to cleanup.

3. CUISIPRO 6 Sided Box Grater – Premium Box Grater

This hexagonal grater impressed me with its thoughtful engineering. Cuisipro’s Surface Glide Technology reduces resistance while grating. The blades actually glide over the cheese rather than catching and dragging.

The six sides offer remarkable versatility. During testing, I found dedicated surfaces for extra-fine, fine, medium, coarse, ultra-coarse, and slicing. The extra-fine side creates parmesan nearly identical to the Microplane.

What surprised me was the comfort. Hexagonal graters look awkward, but the shape actually fits your hand naturally at multiple angles. I grated cheese for 20 minutes straight without discomfort.

This is a tool built to last. The stainless steel feels substantial, not flimsy like budget box graters. After testing, I believe this grater could handle daily restaurant use for years.

4. Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater – Best Value Zester

This Amazon bestseller delivers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. I found the etched blades nearly as sharp as the premium Microplane, creating similarly delicate parmesan flakes.

The Deiss earns its reputation through value. You get photo-etched blade technology for significantly less than the big-name brands. My tests showed minimal difference in parmesan texture compared to tools costing twice as much.

One thoughtful inclusion is the protective cover. Unlike some brands where the cover feels like an afterthought, Deiss designed theirs to stay secure. This matters when storing sharp blades in drawers with other utensils.

The handle feels slightly shorter than premium options. If you have larger hands, you might notice the difference during longer grating sessions. For typical home use, this rarely becomes an issue.

5. Spring Chef Professional Cheese Grater – Best Box Grater Value

Spring Chef delivers impressive value with this XL box grater. The extra-large grating surface means fewer strokes to achieve your desired quantity. During testing, I finished grating tasks about 30% faster than with standard-sized box graters.

The four sides cover all your needs: fine, medium, coarse, and slice. The fine side creates parmesan suitable for pasta topping, though not as delicate as a dedicated microplane zester.

The rubber non-slip base works effectively. I grated hard pecorino on a granite countertop without any slippage. The stable base inspires confidence when working with very hard cheeses that require more pressure.

The plastic top component feels less substantial than premium models. This does not affect performance negatively, but it is noticeable during cleaning. Handle with care when washing by hand as the edges are genuinely sharp.

6. PrepWorks Grate, Slice & Store Set – Best Storage Solution

This set solves the mess problem that plagues traditional box graters. Instead of grated cheese falling onto your counter, it collects directly into containers with lids. Grate, store, and refrigerate without dirtying additional dishes.

The horizontal grating motion feels more natural than vertical box grater movements. I found this design easier on the wrist, especially when working with very hard cheeses that require downward pressure.

The three included containers stack neatly in the refrigerator. I grated parmesan three days ahead of a dinner party and stored it directly in the provided containers. The cheese stayed fresh without transferring to separate storage.

You will have more parts to keep track of and clean. The containers, lids, and grater surfaces all need washing after use. If you prefer simple tools with minimal components, this might feel overly complicated.

7. Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater – Best Rotary for Arthritis

Rotary graters shine for anyone with hand strength or joint issues. The hand-crank motion eliminates the repetitive arm movement required by traditional graters. After testing, my grandmother with arthritis said this was the only grater she could use comfortably.

The three interchangeable drums offer fine, coarse, and slicing options. The fine drum creates parmesan similar to box grater results. While not as delicate as a microplane, it works well for mixing into sauces and sprinkling over dishes.

The suction base provides stability on smooth surfaces. It held firmly to my granite countertop during testing. The suction struggles a bit on textured surfaces, so consider your countertop material.

Cleaning takes more effort than simpler graters. Cheese gets inside the drum mechanism, requiring disassembly and careful cleaning. Small brushes help, but this adds time after cooking.

8. Cambom Rotary Cheese Grater – Best Budget Rotary

This budget rotary makes hand-crank grating accessible at a lower price point. The suction base held surprisingly well during testing, providing stability that cheaper rotary graters often lack.

The included cleaning brush is a thoughtful addition. Rotary graters are notoriously difficult to clean, and having a dedicated brush helps remove cheese from the drums and housing. This small inclusion significantly improves the user experience.

The plastic construction feels lighter than the Geedel. This does not affect performance negatively but gives a less substantial impression. The drum blades produce consistent parmesan, though removing them for cleaning requires some effort.

For occasional use or those curious about rotary graters without investing heavily, this Cambom offers a solid entry point. It performs the essential functions well, even if it lacks the premium feel of more expensive models.

How to Choose the Best Grater for Parmesan Cheese?

Understanding the different grater types helps you match the tool to your cooking style. After testing eight models across four categories, I found clear use cases for each style.

The Four Main Grater Types

Microplane Zesters: These handheld tools with long, narrow blades create delicate parmesan flakes. They use photo-etched blades that shave rather than cut. The result is light, airy parmesan that melts beautifully. This style most closely replicates what you find in Italian restaurants.

Box Graters: Four-sided tools offering multiple grate sizes. The fine side works for parmesan, while medium and coarse sides handle softer cheeses and vegetables. Premium models include extra-fine surfaces that approach microplane quality. Box graters excel for versatility and larger quantities.

Rotary Graters: Hand-crank devices that feed cheese through rotating drums. The mechanical action reduces hand and wrist strain. These work exceptionally well for anyone with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or limited grip strength. The trade-off is more involved cleaning.

Flat Handheld Graters: Simple rectangular tools with single grating surfaces. Budget-friendly and easy to store, they lack the versatility of box graters but handle basic parmesan tasks adequately. Good for occasional users or minimalist kitchens.

Blade Technology: Etched vs. Stamped

Etched blades represent the superior technology for parmesan. The chemical etching process creates hundreds of tiny razor-sharp teeth. Stamped blades are punched from metal sheet, leaving behind duller edges that crush rather than shave.

My testing revealed a clear difference. Etched blade tools like the Microplane and Deiss produced consistent parmesan flakes throughout testing. Stamped blades from budget box graters created uneven results and tended to clog with hard cheese.

Essential Features to Consider

Handle Comfort: You will grip this tool tightly while applying pressure against hard cheese. Look for soft-grip materials, ergonomic shapes, and adequate length. The OXO Good Grips line demonstrates proper handle design with pressure-absorbing materials.

Stability: A slipping grater creates safety hazards and uneven results. Non-slip rubber feet on box graters or suction bases on rotary models prevent movement during vigorous grating. I tested each grater with 36-month aged parmesan requiring substantial downward pressure.

Cleaning Difficulty: Parmesan sticks to everything. Look for smooth surfaces without tight corners where cheese accumulates. Some models include protective covers or cleaning brushes to help. Dishwasher safety simplifies maintenance but hand washing often produces better results.

Storage Considerations: Box graters demand significant drawer or shelf space. Some include protective covers to prevent damage to other utensils. Rotary graters need space for multiple drum blades. Consider your kitchen organization before purchasing bulky tools.

Safety Considerations for Hard Cheese

Grating parmesan presents real dangers. The hard cheese requires significant pressure, increasing accident risk. As cheese pieces shrink, your fingers approach the blades.

I recommend two safety approaches. First, hold cheese with a fork or use the provided safety guard once pieces become small. Second, consider purchasing cut-resistant gloves if you grate frequently. A minor slip with a sharp grater can cause serious injury.

Frequently Asked Questions