Is it time to sharpen cheese grater? Or have you been using a cheese grater and noticed that your cheese doesn’t come out as finely shredded as it does in the commercials? We will show you how to sharpen your cheese grater to give you those perfectly shredded pieces of cheese every time. It’s really easy to do and only takes a few minutes! So keep reading for instructions on how to get your cheese grater razor-sharp.
What Exactly Is Cheese Grater?
A cheese grater is a kitchen utensil that is used to grate cheese. It consists of a handheld grater with sharp teeth that shred the cheese into small pieces. The cheese grater was invented in the 18th century and has been an essential kitchen tool ever since. Many different types of cheese graters are available today, including electric models that make grating cheese even easier.
Cheese Grater Uses
- Grate hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar over salads, pasta dishes, pizza, or soup for added flavor;
- Grate soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese into dips or spreads;
- Use shredded cheese as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes;
- Finely grate citrus zest over fish, salad, pasta, desserts, or cocktails for fresh flavor;
- Make homemade bread crumbs by coarsely grating stale bread;
- Shred carrots or zucchini for homemade coleslaw or vegetable fritters;
- Coarsely grate chocolate over desserts or hot beverages for a decadent treat;
- Blend fresh ginger root into dipping sauces or marinades; Grate frozen butter over pie crusts or biscuits for flakier results.
Types of Cheese Graters
You can use several types of cheese graters, and here are some of them.
➦Manual Cheese Graters
These are the most basic type of grater. They consist of a box with sharp teeth inside. To use a manual cheese grater, you simply rub the food item against the teeth to grate it.
Manual cheese graters are often the most affordable option and can be used for other tasks, such as zesting citrus fruits or grinding spices. However, they can be difficult to use if your hands are not strong enough to apply pressure to the food item. In addition, manual cheese graters can be difficult to clean because bits of food can get trapped in the sharp teeth.
➦Handheld Cheese Graters
Handheld cheese gratings are similar to manual cheese gratings in that they have a box with sharp teeth inside. However, handheld cheese gratings have a handle attached to the box, making them much easier to use.
Handheld cheese gratings are great for people with weakened or low hand strength because they take away the need to apply pressure to the food item. In addition, handheld cheese graters are typically dishwasher safe, which makes them much easier to clean than manual cheese graters. However, they can be more expensive than manual cheese graters.
➦Microplane Cheese Graters
Microplane cheese gratings are a recent invention and have quickly become a favorite among chefs and home cooks. These graters have very small holes that produce very fine shavings of food items.
Microplane cheese graters are great for people who want precision in their grating because they produce such fine shavings. In addition, Microplane cheese graters are typically dishwasher safe and easy to clean because there aren’t any nooks or crannies for bits of food to get trapped in. However, they can be more expensive than other types of cheese graters.
➦Box Grater
Box gratings are the most versatile type of grater because they have multiple sides with different-sized holes. This allows you to choose how coarse or fine you want your shavings to be.
Box gratings are excellent for people who want options in their grating because they can produce coarse and fine shavings depending on which side you use. In addition, box graters typically have removable shells that make them dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. However, box graters can be more difficult to store because they are larger than other cheese graters.
➦Mandoline Cheese Graters
Mandoline cheese gratings are a type of handheld grater that is ideal for use on hard cheeses such as Parmesan or cheddar. They typically have multiple blades of different sizes that can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of coarseness. Additionally, mandoline cheese gratings usually have a guard to protect your fingers from being cut while grating.
➦Spice Grater
Spice gratings are similar to mandoline cheese gratings, but they usually only have one blade specifically designed for grinding spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon. Some spice gratings also come with a storage compartment to store your freshly ground spices in the same device.
➦Rotary Cheese Graters
Rotary cheese gratings are an electric type of cheese grater perfect for those who want to grate large quantities of cheese at once. They typically have a cylindrical design and come with multiple drums of different sizes to get the perfect level of coarseness for your needs. Additionally, many rotary cheese gratings also come with a food pusher to help push the cheese through the grating process more easily.
These are just some of the different types of cheese graters available. Ultimately, your best type will depend on your needs and preferences.
Why Should You Sharpen Cheese Grate?
A lot of people take their cheese graters for granted. They think they’re set for life as long as they have one. But the truth is that cheese graters, like any other tool, must be maintained to function properly. Here are some reasons why you might need to sharpen cheese grater:
- The Blades are Not Cutting as Easily as They Once Did
If it’s taking you longer to grate the same amount of cheese as it used to, it’s probably time to sharpen your cheese grater. Dull blades require more pressure to work effectively, which can be frustrating (not to mention tiring!) when you’re trying to hurry through your cooking prep.
- The Blades are Leaving behind Unwanted Pieces
If you notice that your cheese grater is leaving behind larger pieces of food than usual, it’s a sign that the blades are no longer as sharp as they once were. This can be annoying when creating a fine-grated product, like Parmesan cheese, for a Caesar salad.
- The Cheese Grater is Showing Signs of Wear and Tear
Over time, constant use will cause any kitchen tool to show signs of wear and tear – and this includes cheese gratings. If you notice that the blades on your cheese grater are starting to bend or warp, it’s a good indication that they’re no longer as effective as they once were, and sharpening is necessary.
Sharpening a cheese grater is relatively easy and inexpensive, so it’s important to make sure you do it when necessary to keep your cheese grater functioning properly. Now that we’ve gone over why it’s necessary let’s move on to how to do it!
How To Sharpen Cheese Grater?
Sharpening your cheese grater is relatively simple and only requires a few basic tools – so let’s get started.
1. Gather the Supplies You’ll Need
The supplies you’ll need to sharpen your cheese grater are a file, a piece of sandpaper P120&P180, and some oil (optional); you can also use ceramic mugs. Make sure that you have all of these items on hand before beginning.
2. Use the grit P120 first
Start by using the grit P120 sandpaper to remove any rust or burrs from the blades. Rub the sandpaper in a circular motion across each blade and get into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Use the grit P180 next
Once you’re finished, move on to the grit P180 sandpaper and repeat the same process. This will help to remove any remaining particles and ensure that the blades are as clean and sharp as possible.
4. Use a file
After you’ve finished with the sandpaper:
- Use a metal file to sharpen each blade even further.
- Start by holding the cheese grater in one hand and the file in the other.
- Move the file up-and-down motion across each blade until the grater is sharpened to your desired level of sharpness.
5. Add oil (optional)
Once you’re finished with the steps above, add a light coat of oil to the blades (optional). This will help to protect them from rust and keep them in tip-top condition for longer.
6. Using a Ceramic Mug
Surprisingly, ceramic mugs are used to sharpen cheese graters. All you need to do is place the ceramic mug upside-down on a flat surface and drag the grater over it. This will help smooth out any rough edges and ensure that your cheese is evenly shredded.
And there you have it – 6 steps to sharpening your cheese grater! This process doesn’t take very long, so it’s a great way to keep your kitchen tools in perfect condition and make cooking prep a breeze.
How to Tell if the Cheese Grater Is Sharpened Correctly
There is a big difference between a sharp cheese grater and a correctly sharpened cheese grater.
Use the following steps to determine if your cheese grater is correctly sharpened:
- Inspect the Blades
The first thing you should do is inspect the blades of your cheese grater. Are they all even? Are they bent or chipped in any way? If so, your cheese grater is not correctly sharpened and should be fixed as soon as possible. Even blades are crucial for a correctly sharpened cheese grater because otherwise, the cheese will not be evenly shredded.
- Feel the Edge of the Blades
Once you have inspected the blades for any damage, you should feel the blades’ edges with your finger. The blade should be very smooth with no jagged edges. If you feel any roughness or jaggedness, your cheese grater is not correctly sharpened.
- Grate Some Cheese!
Now comes the fun part – actually grating some cheese! Grab a block of cheddar cheese and start shredding away. If the cheese is being evenly shredded with no resistance, then congratulations – your cheese grater is correctly sharpened! If the cheese isn’t shredding evenly or if you have to put a lot of pressure on the grater, then it needs to be fixed.
By following these simple tests, you can quickly tell whether your cheese grater is correctly sharpened.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Sharpening Cheese Grater?
At first glance, it may seem like a good idea to sharpen your cheese grater. After all, a sharper grater will mean less effort on your part when grating cheese. However, you should be aware of a few risks associated with sharpening your cheese grater before you take the plunge.
Risk #1: You Could injure Yourself
One of the biggest risks of sharpening your cheese grater is that you could injure yourself. You could easily cut yourself on the sharp grater if you’re not careful. And, if you’re using a power drill to sharpen the grater, there’s also a risk of electrocution. So, if you decide to sharpen your cheese grater, take all necessary safety precautions.
Risk #2: You Could Damage the Grater
Another risk of sharpening your cheese grater is that you could damage the grater itself. If you’re not careful, you could strip away some of the non-stick coatings or dull the blades. So, if you decide to sharpen your cheese grater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Always remember to be safe and follow all necessary precautions when sharpening your cheese grater.
The Benefits of Having a Sharpened Cheese Grater
Apart from the risks mentioned above, having a sharpened cheese grater can also be very beneficial. Here are some of the biggest benefits associated with having a sharpened cheese grater:
1. Avoid Injuries
A sharp cheese grater will help you avoid cuts and scrapes. When you use a dull cheese grater, you have to apply more pressure to get it to work. This can cause the grater to slip and cut you. On the other hand, a sharp grater requires less pressure and is less likely to slip.
2. Easier to Use
A sharp cheese grater is also easier to use than a dull one. When you use a dull grater, you have to work harder to get it to work. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of making a meal. A sharp grater will make it easier to shred your ingredients and save you time in the kitchen.
3. Get More Consistent Results
A sharp cheese grater will also give you more consistent results. When you use a dull grater, the food can slide around on the blades and cause uneven results. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to shred vegetables for a salad or soup. A sharp grater will help you get evenly shredded pieces that are all the same size.
Caring Tips for Cheese Grater to Prevent Dullness
1. Avoid using it on hard cheese.
Hard cheeses are more difficult to grate and can cause the blades of your cheese grater to dull faster. If you must grate hard cheese, do so sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. Opt for softer cheeses whenever possible.
2. Hand wash your cheese grater after each use.
Dishwashers can be tough on cheese graters, causing the blades to be dull over time. To keep your cheese grater in tip-top shape, hand wash it with warm, soapy water after each use and dry it thoroughly before storing.
3. Remember to clean the inside of the grater!
It’s easy to overlook the fact that food can get trapped inside the holes of your cheese grater, leading to bacteria growth and an unpleasant smell. To clean the inside of your cheese grater, run it under hot water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or toothpick until all food particles have been removed.
4. Store your cheese grater upside down.
Storing your cheese grater upside down will help prevent the blades from dulling prematurely. If you don’t have enough counter space to store your cheese grater upside down, invest in a blade guard or cover to protect the blades when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What metal are cheese graters made of?
Cheese graters are traditionally made of stainless steel, although some newer models may be made of plastic or other materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for kitchen appliances.
Are rotary cheese graters worth it?
Rotary cheese graters are a great option if you’re looking for a cheese grater that is easy to use and clean. They generally come with multiple blades, so you can choose the type of grate you want, and they can be used on various cheeses. However, they can be more expensive than other types of cheese graters.
What type of grater is best for parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is best shredded with a Microplane grater. Microplane gratings are fine, giving you the perfect consistency for your parmesan topping or dish.
What Metal Are Cheese Graters Made Of?
Most cheese graters are made from stainless steel. This is because stainless steel is durable and won’t rust or stain. Additionally, stainless steel is easy to clean, which is important because you’ll want to ensure your cheese grater is clean before using it on food.
Do You Have to Wash a Cheese Grater?
Yes, you should wash your cheese grater after each use. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your cheese grater looking new. To wash your cheese grater, put it in the sink and rinse it with hot water and dish soap. Then, dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Does a Cheese Grater Make a Good Knife Sharpener?
Yes, a cheese grater can be used as a knife sharpener! The grating action hones the blade of your knife, making it sharper. Just be careful when sharpening knives with a cheese grater—you don’t want to end up with any cuts!
How Do You Use a Flat Cheese Grater?
Flat cheese gratings are great for hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. To use a flat cheese grater, simply hold the cheese in one hand and the grater in the other hand. Rub the cheese against the grate in a back-and-forth motion until you have the desired amount of shredded cheese.
Final Words
Now that you have all the details you need in terms of how to sharpen the cheese grater and take care of it, you should be able to keep it in top shape. So, grab your cheese grater, and start shredding away! Remember to clean it thoroughly after each use and store it properly to maximize lifespan. Happy grating!