A box grater is a four-sided tool for cheese, vegetables, citrus zest and spices. Most have a coarse side, a fine side, a slicing side and a zester side, so one tool does the work of several. A good one has sharp, stable teeth and a base that does not slide on the counter.
The six graters below are widely sold models in stainless steel, with a mix of basic classics and versions with handles or finer blades. They suit cooks who grate cheese for pasta and tacos as well as those who shred carrots and potatoes. We have not used these products ourselves, and details can change, so confirm size, material and care notes on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Number of sides | Four sides give coarse, fine, slice and zest options in one tool |
| Blade quality | Sharp stainless teeth grate cleanly without crushing food |
| Stability | A non-slip base keeps the grater from sliding as you press |
| Cleaning | Open sides and dishwasher-safe steel make cleanup easier |
Specs at a Glance
| Grater | Material | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Box Grater | Stainless steel | Four-sided | Soft handle on top; check the listing for height |
| OXO Box Grater | Stainless steel with plastic | Four-sided | Non-slip base; comfortable handle |
| Microplane Box Grater | Stainless steel | Four-sided | From the maker of the Microplane zester |
| KitchenAid Gourmet Box Grater | Stainless steel | Four-sided | Often has a comfort handle |
| Cuisipro Box Grater | Stainless steel | Four-sided | Often features etched blades |
| Zyliss Box Grater | Stainless steel with plastic | Four-sided | Swiss design; check the listing for accessories |
The 6 Best Box Graters
1. Cuisinart Box Grater
A widely sold stainless steel box grater with a comfortable top handle. It is a dependable all-purpose option for cheese, vegetables and zest.
Suits: everyday cheese and vegetable grating. Strengths: a familiar kitchen brand and a classic layout. Weaknesses: basic design with no catch container. Skip it if you want a container to catch shreds.
View Cuisinart Box Grater on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips Box Grater
A long-running box grater with a soft, wide handle and a non-slip base. The sides are etched for different cuts, and a removable zest side is part of the design.
Suits: comfort-minded cooks. Strengths: a stable base and a handle that is easy to grip. Weaknesses: bulkier than a basic metal grater to store. Skip it if you want the most compact option.
3. Microplane 4-Sided Box Grater
A four-sided grater from the company known for razor-sharp Microplane zesters. It aims to bring finer, sharper edges to a standard box format.
Suits: cooks who want very sharp teeth. Strengths: fine, clean grating. Weaknesses: often priced higher than basic models. Skip it if you only grate cheese for casual use.
View Microplane Box Grater on Amazon
4. KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater
A stainless steel four-sided grater from a familiar appliance brand. Its handle and sturdy build suit everyday cheese, vegetable and zest tasks.
Suits: general kitchen use. Strengths: a sturdy build and a recognized brand. Weaknesses: no container for catching shreds. Skip it if you prefer a very light grater.
View KitchenAid Gourmet Box Grater on Amazon
5. Cuisipro 4-Sided Box Grater
A box grater from a maker known for etched, sharp grating surfaces. Its design focuses on clean cuts and a comfortable grip.
Suits: cooks who value blade quality. Strengths: sharp, precise grating surfaces. Weaknesses: costs more than a basic model. Skip it if you want a low-cost option.
View Cuisipro Box Grater on Amazon
6. Zyliss Box Grater
A box grater from the Swiss kitchenware brand Zyliss. It follows the classic four-sided style with an easy-grip handle.
Suits: general home cooking. Strengths: a simple, familiar layout. Weaknesses: less widely reviewed than the biggest brands. Skip it if you want a container included.
View Zyliss Box Grater on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Rinse the grater straight after use so cheese does not dry on the teeth.
- Use a soft brush to clean inside the holes.
- Check whether the maker says the grater is dishwasher safe.
- Store it upright or in a drawer where the blades will not catch your hand.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing too hard and slipping on the sharp teeth.
- Grating soft cheese without chilling it first.
- Using the fine side for large amounts of vegetables.
- Putting a plastic-handled grater in a hot oven or on a burner.
Box Grater FAQ
What is a four-sided box grater used for?
The coarse side shreds cheese and vegetables, the fine side grates hard cheese and spices, the slicing side makes thin slices and the zester side handles citrus.
Is a box grater better than a Microplane?
They do different jobs. A box grater is better for shredding larger amounts, while a Microplane is better for zest, garlic and fine hard cheese.
How do I stop a box grater from slipping?
Use a model with a non-slip base, set it on a damp cloth and press down firmly with one hand.
The Short Version
For a classic stainless pick, the Cuisinart. For comfort, the OXO. For sharp teeth, the Microplane. For a recognized appliance brand, the KitchenAid. For etched blades, the Cuisipro. For a Swiss-designed option, the Zyliss.
