A rotary cheese grater uses a hand crank to turn a drum against the cheese while a handle presses it into place. Your fingers stay well away from the blades, and the cheese comes out in even shreds. It is a favorite for pasta nights, tacos and anyone who dislikes grating a block on a box grater.
The six graters below include classic hand-held drums, a tabletop style and a version with a storage container. We have not used these products ourselves, and drum types, parts and cleaning guidance differ, so confirm the details on the current listing before you buy. Think about how often you grate, which cheeses you favor and whether you would rather keep one simple tool or a small kit of interchangeable drums.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Drum options | Fine, coarse and shaving drums suit hard and soft cheeses |
| Handle and crank | A comfortable handle makes grating a bigger block less tiring |
| Grip or clamp | A tabletop clamp or a steady base frees one hand |
| Dishwasher care | Removable drums make cleanup far easier |
| Capacity | A wider hopper takes bigger chunks of cheese |
| Cleanup | Look for parts that come apart so you can reach every crevice |
Specs at a Glance
| Grater | Style | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zyliss Classic Rotary | Handheld | Plastic with steel drum | Several drums by listing |
| OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater | Handheld | Plastic with steel drum | Non-slip handle |
| Fullstar Rotary Grater | Handheld | Plastic and stainless steel | Multiple drums |
| Norpro Rotary Grater | Handheld | Plastic and steel | Simple build |
| Kuhn Rikon Rotary Grater | Handheld | Plastic and steel | Swiss brand |
| Westmark Rotary Grater | Handheld | Plastic and steel | German brand |
The 6 Best Rotary Cheese Graters
1. Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater
One of the best-known rotary graters. It uses a hand crank, a pressing handle and a steel drum, and some versions come with several drum options.
Suits: everyday grating of hard cheeses. Strengths: a trusted design. Weaknesses: parts can be fiddly to clean. Skip it if you want a tabletop model.
View Zyliss Classic Rotary Cheese Grater on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater
A handheld grater with the soft, non-slip handle the brand is known for. It is easy to disassemble for washing.
Suits: comfort-focused cooks. Strengths: a grippy handle and easy cleaning. Weaknesses: check the listing for drum details. Skip it if you want several drums.
View OXO Good Grips Rotary Grater on Amazon
3. Fullstar Rotary Cheese Grater
A handheld grater with multiple interchangeable drums for fine, medium and coarse shreds. It is often packaged as a value kit.
Suits: cooks who like options. Strengths: extra drums for variety. Weaknesses: more parts to store. Skip it if you want minimal gear.
View Fullstar Rotary Cheese Grater on Amazon
4. Norpro Rotary Grater
A plain, no-nonsense handheld rotary grater with a steel drum. It is a long-standing option for simple needs.
Suits: occasional use. Strengths: a simple build. Weaknesses: fewer comforts. Skip it if you grate large amounts weekly.
View Norpro Rotary Grater on Amazon
5. Kuhn Rikon Rotary Grater
A Swiss-brand handheld grater with a design aimed at a smooth, easy turn. It is good for hard cheeses, chocolate and nuts.
Suits: varied grating tasks. Strengths: a quality brand name. Weaknesses: version details vary. Skip it if you want a clamped base.
View Kuhn Rikon Rotary Grater on Amazon
6. Westmark Rotary Cheese Grater
A German-made style of handheld grater with a metal drum. It focuses on straightforward, sturdy operation.
Suits: steady daily use. Strengths: a solid feel. Weaknesses: stock of specific colors varies. Skip it if you want a drum set.
View Westmark Rotary Cheese Grater on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Chill very soft cheese before grating so it does not clump.
- Rinse the drum soon after use before cheese hardens.
- Use a small brush to clear the holes.
- Dry parts fully before storing.
- Keep the blades away from small hands and store the grater in a drawer or on a hook.
- Replace the drum or the whole grater if the teeth go dull.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing too hard, which can jam the drum.
- Using very soft cheese at room temperature.
- Putting parts in the dishwasher when the maker says not to.
- Grating over a plate that is too small.
- Cranking too fast and pushing cheese out of the hopper.
- Grating directly over a bowl that is too narrow.
Rotary Cheese Grater FAQ
Which cheeses work best?
Hard and semi-hard cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar and pecorino work best.
Can it grate chocolate or nuts?
Many can, using the right drum. Check the maker’s notes.
Is a rotary grater safer than a box grater?
Your fingers stay away from the blades, so many cooks find it safer.
Does a rotary grater work for soft cheese?
It struggles with very soft cheese like fresh mozzarella. Firm and aged cheeses give far better shreds.
The Short Version
For a classic, the Zyliss. For comfort, the OXO Good Grips. For variety, the Fullstar. For simplicity, the Norpro. For a Swiss brand, the Kuhn Rikon. For a sturdy daily tool, the Westmark.