A rotary cheese grater keeps your knuckles away from the blade. You put the cheese in a hopper, press down and turn a crank, and a drum does the rest. At the table that means fresh, dry aged cheese over elote or enchiladas without passing a box grater around. On the counter, the larger models shred a block of Chihuahua or Monterey Jack for quesadillas.
The name covers two different tools, though. Small handheld graters are made for hard cheese, and bigger countertop machines with suction bases are made for shredding. This guide compares nine of them and tells you which of the claims have an independent review behind them. If you are still deciding on a type of grater, start with our guide to the best box grater.
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Quick verdict: which rotary grater to buy
For most kitchens, the best rotary cheese grater is the Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater: it won America’s Test Kitchen’s review, grating Parmesan faster than any rival, and it folds into a drawer and works for either hand. For a machine that shreds more on the counter, choose the Cambom Five-Blade Rotary Cheese Grater if your counter is smooth, or the Zyliss Rotary Cheese Grater with 3 Drums if it is wood, because that one includes a table clamp.
The table below compares five standout graters. All nine are reviewed in full after it, followed by what to look for and common questions.
Five rotary graters at a glance
One pick for each kind of cook, with style and drums as stated by each maker or listing.
| Grater | Best for | Style | Drums | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zyliss Classic Rotary GraterBest overall
|
Hard cheese at the table | Handheld, folding | No extra drums listed | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Seal & Store Rotary GraterBest for storing cheese
|
Keeping grated cheese ready | Handheld with cap | One medium drum | View on Amazon |
Microplane Professional Rotary Cheese GraterBest fine blade
|
The finest cheese | Handheld | One fine etched drum | View on Amazon |
Zyliss Rotary Cheese Grater with 3 DrumsBest for wood counters
|
Counters where suction fails | Countertop | Fine, coarse, cutting | View on Amazon |
Cambom Five-Blade Rotary Cheese GraterBest for big shreds
|
Taco-night quantities | Countertop | Five, including crushing | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best rotary cheese grater
1. Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater – The Independent Test Winner
The Zyliss Classic has the best independent record of any grater here. America’s Test Kitchen named the Zyliss Classic Cheese Grater its winner in a review of six rotary graters, published in April 2020. It says the grater consistently beat every other model on Parmesan, at 23.3 seconds per ounce, and fits a relatively large hopper into a small body.
The reviewers also liked the rubbery grips and the crank, which mounts on either side of the drum for left- or right-handed use. Only the winner went on to chocolate, and it did well there too. One detail to know: America’s Test Kitchen lists model E900010U, and this listing is E900020U, the NSF-certified version sold for restaurants. The name and design description match, but we could not confirm the two are identical.
Zyliss says it is meant for hard cheese, chocolate and nuts. Think of a dry, aged cheese passed around the table, not a block of Monterey Jack.
Why we like it
- Winner of America’s Test Kitchen’s rotary grater review (model E900010U)
- This listing is NSF certified
- Crank works for either hand
- Folds for compact storage
Key specifications
| Model | E900020U |
|---|---|
| Style | Handheld, folding |
| Drums | No extra drums listed |
| Blade material | Not stated on the listing |
| Hold | Non-slip knob |
| Left or right hand | Both |
| Cleaning | Comes apart; America’s Test Kitchen lists the Classic as dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits most cooks who want fresh, fine cheese at the table and a tool that fits in a drawer.
Skip it if you want shreds for quesadillas. Zyliss aims this one at hard cheese, and a countertop model will do more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fastest in the America’s Test Kitchen trial
- Small and folding
- Works for either hand
Cons
- Aimed at hard cheese, chocolate and nuts
- Tested model number differs from this listing
- Warranty and drum material not stated
2. OXO Good Grips Seal & Store Rotary Grater – Keeps Cheese in the Fridge
This OXO solves a problem the others ignore: what to do with the grated cheese and the leftover wedge. A cap catches what you grate, and a window in the cap adjusts so you can pour out the amount you want. OXO says a silicone seal keeps the cheese fresh when the whole grater goes in the refrigerator.
The barrel is large and the stainless steel blades give a medium grate, which OXO recommends for hard cheese, chocolate and nuts. A medium grate is a little coarser than the fine drums on the Zyliss and Microplane.
We found no independent test of this model, so the case for it rests on the design and on OXO’s name. OXO’s guarantee offers a repair or replacement if something goes wrong.
Why we like it
- Cap collects grated cheese and pours through an adjustable window
- Silicone seal for refrigerator storage
- Large barrel with stainless steel blades
- OXO Better Guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 11316100 |
|---|---|
| Style | Handheld with cap |
| Drums | One, medium |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Hold | Handheld |
| Left or right hand | Not stated on the listing |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | OXO Better Guarantee (repair or replacement) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that grates a little cheese several times a week and wants it ready in the fridge door.
Skip it if you want a fine, fluffy grate, or you want independent testing behind your purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stores cheese in the grater
- Pours a measured amount
- Maker guarantee
Cons
- Medium grate only
- No independent test found
- Care instructions not on the listing
3. Microplane Professional Rotary Cheese Grater – Etched Blade, Three Parts
Microplane’s reputation rests on etched blades, and this grater uses a surgical-grade stainless steel one, made in the USA. The fine blade is meant for Parmesan at the table, and the extra-large hopper takes a generous piece. It comes apart into three parts, which leaves fewer corners to clean, and it is dishwasher safe.
There is an important warning in its history. America’s Test Kitchen did not recommend Microplane’s earlier white rotary grater, model 39304. It was nearly as fast as the winner, but the handle felt flimsy and the plastic struts on its drum insert snapped, which made it useless. Microplane says this version has been redesigned with a sturdier drum and crank arm. We found no independent test of the new design, so treat that as the maker’s claim.
Why we like it
- Surgical-grade etched stainless blade, made in the USA
- Extra-large hopper
- Three parts to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 7103139004 |
|---|---|
| Style | Handheld |
| Drums | One, fine |
| Blade material | Surgical-grade stainless steel, etched |
| Hold | Handheld, ergonomic grip |
| Left or right hand | Both |
| Cleaning | Three parts; dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who already trusts Microplane blades and wants very fine cheese without a rasp.
Skip it if the earlier model’s failure worries you. The Zyliss Classic has the stronger record.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fine etched blade
- Large hopper
- Simple to take apart
Cons
- Earlier model broke in an independent review
- Redesign has no independent test we could find
- Warranty not stated
4. Zyliss Rotary Cheese Grater with 3 Drums – Suction Foot and Table Clamp
Suction is the weak point of countertop rotary graters, and this Zyliss has an answer. A suction foot holds it on smooth surfaces, and an included table clamp fixes it to rough ones, which matters if your counter is butcher block or stone with a texture.
Three stainless steel drums cover fine grating, coarse grating and cutting, and they go in a storage tube so loose blades do not sit in a drawer. A plunger pushes the food down. Zyliss lists cheese, vegetables, fruit, nuts and chocolate, so it can take on cabbage and carrots as well as a block of Chihuahua.
We found no independent test of this model. It comes from the same maker as our top pick, and it has a 5-year guarantee, but it is a different grater and the Classic’s result does not carry over.
Why we like it
- Suction foot plus table clamp
- Three stainless drums with a storage tube
- Plunger keeps fingers away from the drum
- 5-year guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | E900057 |
|---|---|
| Style | Countertop |
| Drums | Three: fine, coarse, cutting |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Hold | Suction foot and table clamp |
| Left or right hand | Not stated on the listing |
| Cleaning | Hand washing recommended |
| Warranty | 5-year guarantee |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who shreds real quantities and has a counter that defeats suction bases.
Skip it if you want dishwasher cleanup, since Zyliss recommends hand washing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two ways to hold it steady
- Drums store safely
- Long guarantee
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
- No independent test found
- Bulkier than a handheld
5. Cambom Five-Blade Rotary Cheese Grater – Five Blades, Reviewed Well
Cambom is an Amazon-first brand, and we normally pass on those for anything that touches food. It stays because Taste of Home tried it and named it best overall. Its reviewer praised the speed and the five blades: coarse, fine and extra-fine shredding, slicing, and a crushing blade that other models lacked.
The same review is clear about the drawbacks. The suction base was inconsistent and does not work on wood, there are a lot of parts to clean, and food can get stuck in the chute. The slicing blade also suits vegetables better than cheese.
Cambom lists moderately firm cheeses, including cheddar and mozzarella, along with vegetables and nuts. That is a good fit for a pile of shredded cheese before tacos or enchiladas.
Why we like it
- Named best overall by Taste of Home
- Five blades, including extra-fine and crushing
- Top-rack dishwasher safe, per the listing
- Stainless steel blades
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated on this listing |
|---|---|
| Style | Countertop |
| Drums | Five: coarse, fine, extra fine, slicing, crushing |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Hold | Suction base, for marble or glass |
| Left or right hand | Not stated on the listing |
| Cleaning | Top-rack dishwasher safe, or hand wash |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who shreds a lot of cheese and vegetables and has a smooth stone or glass surface.
Skip it if your counter is wood or you dislike washing many small parts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Independent reviewer’s top pick
- Wide choice of blades
- Quick for large amounts
Cons
- Inconsistent suction in review
- Does not hold on wood
- Many parts to clean
6. Westmark Drum Grater Trio – Three Drums in One Grater
The Westmark Trio is the only handheld here with extra drums and an independent recommendation. America’s Test Kitchen tested this exact model number and recommended it, though it ranked below the Zyliss. It grated Parmesan at 32.0 seconds per ounce, noticeably quicker than a rasp, and it works for either hand.
Its reviewers had two complaints: the hopper is one of the smallest they saw, and the plastic handle felt slippery and brittle. The two extra drums were not part of their trial, so we cannot say how those perform. The listing itself says little beyond the three grinders, so most of what we know comes from that review.
Why we like it
- Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen (same model number)
- Three drums
- Works for either hand
Key specifications
| Model | 11722260 |
|---|---|
| Style | Handheld |
| Drums | Three |
| Blade material | Not stated on the listing |
| Hold | Handheld |
| Left or right hand | Both |
| Cleaning | Not stated on the listing |
| Warranty | Manufacturer guarantee; terms not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants one handheld grater that can change texture.
Skip it if you want a large hopper or a sturdy-feeling handle.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Independent recommendation
- Extra drums included
- Works for either hand
Cons
- Small hopper
- Plastic handle felt brittle to reviewers
- Thin listing details
7. Zulay Kitchen 5-Blade Rotary Cheese Grater – Dishwasher-Safe Hopper and Blades
Zulay is the second Amazon-first brand on this page, and like Cambom it earned its place through Taste of Home, which named it easiest to clean. Its reviewer found the blade panels easy to wash and said the unit locks together tightly. A cleaning brush and blade storage come with it. Her complaints were that changing panels takes some effort and that the price was on the high side for the type.
Zulay says the blades are 304 stainless steel, the materials are BPA free and the grater suits both left and right hands. Note the wording on cheese: the listing says a soft block of cheese, with the rest of its examples being vegetables, nuts and cookies. This is a vegetable shredder that also does cheese. Zulay backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Named easiest to clean by Taste of Home
- 304 stainless steel blades
- Hopper and blades go in the dishwasher
- Lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 5 Blade Rotary Cheese Grater |
|---|---|
| Style | Countertop |
| Drums | Five: thin slice, wavy slice, coarse shred, fine and coarse julienne |
| Blade material | 304 stainless steel |
| Hold | Suction base |
| Left or right hand | Both |
| Cleaning | Hopper and blades dishwasher safe; wipe the base, handle and pusher |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who will only use a tool that is quick to clean.
Skip it if you mainly want finely grated hard cheese. A handheld does that better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to clean, per an independent reviewer
- Stores its own blades
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Changing panels takes some effort
- Better for vegetables than hard cheese
- Suction base needs a suitable surface
8. Cuisinart Fresh Slice Rotary Drum Grater – Three Drums, Top-Rack Clean
If you want a countertop grater from a maker you already know, this is the plain choice. Cuisinart includes fine, coarse and slicing drums in stainless steel, a suction base and a food pusher that keeps fingers clear of the blades and takes the food down to the end. All the removable parts go on the top rack of the dishwasher.
We found no independent test of it, and the listing does not say whether the base holds on wood. It measures about 4.9 by 4.2 by 9.3 inches, so it is a tall tool to store.
Why we like it
- Fine, coarse and slicing drums
- Food pusher included
- Removable parts are top-rack dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | CTG-00-DG |
|---|---|
| Style | Countertop |
| Drums | Three: fine, coarse, slicing |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Hold | Suction base |
| Left or right hand | Not stated on the listing |
| Cleaning | Removable parts top-rack dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a simple drum set from a large, familiar brand with easy cleanup.
Skip it if you want proof from an independent review before buying, as Cambom and Zulay have.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy cleanup
- Three useful drums
- Established maker
Cons
- No independent test found
- Suction base only
- Warranty not on the listing
9. Farberware Pro Rotary Cheese Grater – Plain Etched Drum for the Table
This is the plain version of the handheld idea, from a familiar supermarket brand. Farberware uses an etched stainless steel blade in a white plastic housing, with a handle that folds flat to fit in a standard drawer. It names Parmesan, Romano and Asiago along with chocolate and nuts.
The grater is dishwasher safe, and the drum and knob come out for hand washing. We found no independent test, and there is nothing here that the Zyliss Classic does not also do. It is an entry-level option if the Zyliss is unavailable or you want a spare for the table.
Why we like it
- Etched stainless steel blade
- Handle folds flat
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 5293112 |
|---|---|
| Style | Handheld, folding |
| Drums | One |
| Blade material | Etched stainless steel |
| Hold | Handheld, non-slip grip |
| Left or right hand | Not stated on the listing |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe; drum and knob remove |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a simple grater for pasta night and little else.
Skip it if you can get the Zyliss Classic, which has a far stronger independent record.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact
- Etched blade
- Easy care
Cons
- Plastic housing
- No independent test found
- Made for hard cheese, not shredding
Handheld or countertop: pick the type first
Most disappointment with rotary graters comes from buying the wrong type. A handheld has a small hopper and a fine or medium drum. It is meant for dry, hard cheese, chocolate and nuts, and it works over the plate. Our guide to Mexican cheeses covers which ones are aged and dry and which are made for melting.
A countertop model has a wider chute, a pusher, several drums and a base that holds it down. It sits still while you crank, and it handles cheese for melting, along with carrots, cabbage and potatoes. It takes up more room and has more parts to wash. If you mostly slice vegetables, look at the best mandoline slicer as well, because a drum slicer is a slower way to do that job.
How to choose a rotary grater for your kitchen
- The cheese you use most. Hard, dry cheese suits a handheld. Soft melting cheese suits a countertop model, chilled first so it holds its shape.
- Your counter. Suction needs a smooth surface. Taste of Home found Cambom’s base does not work on wood, and Cambom’s listing names marble and glass. For wood, buy a model with a clamp.
- The drum. Etched drums, as on the Microplane and Farberware, have thin cutting edges. Check the coarseness too: OXO’s is medium, while Microplane’s is fine.
- Your hand. Several makers do not state left-hand use. Zyliss Classic, Westmark, Microplane and Zulay all work for either hand.
- Cleaning. Count the parts. The Microplane has three, while a five-blade model has many, and Zyliss recommends hand washing for its countertop grater.
- Hopper size. A bigger hopper means fewer refills, and America’s Test Kitchen counted small ones as a drawback.
How we picked these nine graters
We have not used these products ourselves. We looked through the rotary graters sold on Amazon in the United States, kept only items in stock when we checked, and read the maker’s listing for each. Our main independent sources are America’s Test Kitchen’s rotary grater review from April 2020 and Taste of Home’s rotary grater guide. America’s Test Kitchen grated 1, 2, 4 and 6 ounces of Parmesan in each of six models and washed each one five times. It also warns that many of the models it first looked at have since been discontinued or redesigned, so its results are a guide and not a guarantee for the current version.
We were strict because these tools touch food. Many Amazon-first sellers offer near-identical countertop graters, and we left out the ones with no independent review we could find, even where the listing looked good. Geedel does have a review, from Taste of Home, but it reported fiddly clip-in blades that were less sharp than others, so we passed on it. Cambom and Zulay are the only two Amazon-first brands here, and they are here because of an independent reviewer. OXO, Cuisinart, Farberware and the Zyliss 3-drum model have no independent test that we could find, and we kept them because the makers are established and identify their materials. We skipped good names that were nearly sold out when we checked, including Rösle’s cheese mill and GEFU’s Transforma. We found no cpsc.gov recall for a cheese grater from any of these makers.
Rotary cheese grater questions, answered
What is the best rotary cheese grater?
For most kitchens, the Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater, because it won America’s Test Kitchen’s review for speed on Parmesan. For larger amounts on the counter, the Cambom and the Zyliss 3-drum model are the stronger choices.
Can a rotary grater handle soft cheese like Oaxaca?
A handheld is the wrong tool, since most are sold for hard cheese. A countertop model works better if the cheese is well chilled, but soft cheese can still smear. Taste of Home found the Susteas grater smooshed soft cheese instead of slicing it.
Is a rotary grater better than a box grater?
It is safer for your knuckles and neater at the table, but a box grater has more surfaces and fewer parts. If you want one general tool, see the best box grater. For small amounts of very fine cheese, a Microplane rasp is simpler still.
Why won’t my rotary grater stay on the counter?
Suction bases need a clean, smooth surface. Wipe the counter and the base and try again. On wood or textured stone, choose a model with a clamp, such as the Zyliss 3-drum grater.
Are rotary cheese graters dishwasher safe?
Many are, but check each one. The Microplane, Farberware and Cambom listings say yes, Cuisinart says top rack, Zulay limits it to the hopper and blades, and Zyliss recommends hand washing its countertop model.
Do rotary graters work for left-handed cooks?
Some do. The Zyliss Classic, Westmark Trio, Microplane and Zulay are all listed or reviewed as working in either hand. Others do not say, so check before you buy.
Our final pick for fresh cheese
Buy the Zyliss Classic Rotary Grater for fresh, hard cheese at the table. Choose the OXO if you want the cheese stored and ready, the Microplane for the finest result, the Cambom for shredding on a smooth counter, and the Zyliss 3-drum model for a wood counter.
A grater is one part of a good prep setup. See the best box grater for a general tool, and the full kit in Mexican cooking tools. And if you would rather someone else grated the cheese tonight, see the menu or call to order.