Perks of a Cheese Grater With Handle
Professional Extra Coarse Wide Cheese Grater | Dalstrong
There’s nothing better than a kitchen tool that is equipped to handle every culinary challenge thrown your way. Cheese graters are great, but cheese graters with handles can completely change the game! They offer grip, stability, and most of all, a faster way for you to get done shredding, zesting, or slicing. So, folks, let’s learn all about cheese graters with handles!
1. What Are Cheese Graters For?
Professional Coarse Wide Cheese Grater | Dalstrong
Cheese graters are versatile kitchen tools designed to transform solid blocks of cheese into smaller, easily usable forms. These graters serve an essential purpose in food preparation, offering convenience and efficiency. A cheese grater is not limited to just grating cheese; it can be a multifunctional kitchen gadget, aiding in the preparation of various dishes.
Types of Graters on the Market
When looking for the perfect cheese grater, consider options like the rotary cheese grater, which often comes with features like a handle for easy use. This type of grater is equipped with stainless steel blades that efficiently shred different types of cheeses, providing various shred sizes to suit different culinary needs. The stainless steel box grater is another popular choice, known for its durability and versatility in grating not only cheese but also vegetables.
Functions of Cheese Graters
Cooking enthusiasts appreciate the ease of use that a grater with a handle provides. The handle offers a comfortable grip, making the grating process more convenient and less strenuous. Additionally, a grater with a handle can be an excellent kitchen tool for grating vegetables, allowing you to add finely grated vegetables to your recipes with minimal effort.
Read about The cooking spray hack to keep cheese graters from getting sticky, here.
2. How To Use A Cheese Grater With Handle
Professional Fine Wide Cheese Grater | Dalstrong
Using a cheese grater with a handle can significantly enhance your kitchen experience, providing both ease of use and efficiency in the grating process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use a cheese grater with a handle:
- Prepare the Cheese: Before you start grating, ensure that the cheese is firm and cold. This makes it easier to achieve clean and consistent grating results. If the cheese is too soft, consider placing it in the freezer for a short time to firm it up.
- Secure the Grater: Place the grater on a stable surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. Some graters come with a suction base for added stability. Ensure that the grater is firmly secured before starting the grating process.
- Hold the Handle Firmly: Grip the handle of the grater securely with one hand while holding the cheese with the other. The handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to apply consistent pressure during the grating process.
- Move the Cheese Along the Blades: With a smooth and controlled motion, move the cheese along the blades of the grater. The handle allows for a more effortless grating experience, reducing strain on your hand and wrist.
- Rotate the Cheese: To achieve an even texture and prevent uneven wear on the grater blades, periodically rotate the cheese as you grate. This ensures that all parts of the cheese block are used effectively.
- Watch Your Fingers: Be mindful of your fingers while grating. Use a food holder or the grater's safety features to protect your hands from getting too close to the blades.
- Collect the Grated Cheese: As you grate, the cheese will accumulate on the surface or in a collection container, depending on the design of the grater. Use this grated cheese as needed for your recipes.
3. How To Clean A Cheese Grater
Professional Ribbon Wide Cheese Grater | Dalstrong
Cleaning a cheese grater is a crucial step in maintaining its efficiency and hygiene. The process can be made more straightforward if you have chosen a grater designed for easy cleaning, preferably one that can be cleaned by hand. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to clean a cheese grater effectively:
- Immediate Cleaning: To prevent cheese residue from hardening on the grater, it's best to clean it immediately after use. This ensures a more straightforward cleaning process and helps maintain the grater's sharpness.
- Use Warm Soapy Water: If your cheese grater is labelled as "clean by hand," use warm soapy water as the primary cleaning agent. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap.
- Soak the Grater: Submerge the grater in the soapy water, allowing it to soak for a few minutes. This helps to loosen any stubborn cheese particles stuck to the blades.
- Use a Brush or Sponge: Gently scrub the grater's surfaces with a soft brush or sponge. Pay attention to the areas between the blades, where cheese particles may accumulate. A brush with soft bristles is ideal for ensuring a thorough cleaning without damaging the blades.
- Mindful Cleaning: Exercise caution while cleaning to avoid any accidental cuts from the sharp blades. Hold the grater by the handle, keeping your fingers away from the blade edges.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the grater thoroughly under running water to remove soap and any remaining cheese particles. Ensure that all detergent is washed away to prevent any unwanted flavours in future use.
- Air Dry or Towel Dry: Allow the grater to air dry or use a clean towel to dry it thoroughly. Make sure there is no moisture left on the grater, as this can lead to rusting, especially if the grater is made of steel.
- Optional Oil Application: For graters with metal components, consider applying a thin layer of cooking oil after drying to protect against rust. Simply rub a small amount of oil onto the metal surfaces using a paper towel.
- Dishwasher Safe Gratert: If your cheese grater is labelled as dishwasher safe, you can place it in the dishwasher for cleaning. However, be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions, as some graters may recommend hand washing for longevity.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically check the grater for any signs of wear or damage. Replace the grater if you notice dull blades or other issues that may affect its performance.
4. Recommended Dalstrong Cheese Grater With Handle
Here’s everything you need to know about Dalstrong’s cheese graters with handles!
1. Professional Fine Wide Cheese Grater Dalstrong
This professional, fine-wide cheese grater is your best kitchen tool for flavour-packed meals. It pairs well with hard cheeses like parmesan and whole spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfect for ginger roots and garlic bulbs to add a little zest and spice to your dishes.
PROS:
- The handle is textured G10 with anti-slip properties for a safe and secure grating experience.
- This grater is made of 304 stainless steel for maximum durability.
- Grate with ease thanks to the ergonomic and comfortable to hold curved feet on the handle.
- This kitchen tool's slim profile is ideal for those looking for storage-friendly kitchen essentials.
CONS:
- If you prefer boxed graters with a storage container, the handheld design of this grater might not work for you.
- You may prefer a different shred style.
2. Professional Ribbon Wide Cheese Grater Dalstrong
This ribbon-wide cheese grater is made of 304 stainless steel and is the stuff of every chef's dreams. Because of its handheld design, this grater is ergonomic, safe, quick, and portable. This grater is ideal for soft and medium cheeses such as gouda and cheddar. If you're serving a charcuterie board, this grater will help you make the most of it by shredding nuts, chocolates, and chunky coconut pieces.
PROS:
- If you need to shred and slice yams, cabbage, and zucchini for a quick dinner, this grater is ideal.
- The grates are secure and work in both directions, eliminating the need to twist and turn while grating food.
- The textured G10 handle is anti-slip, and the curved feet provide stability.
CONS:
- You could be looking for paring knives or vegetable peelers instead of graters.
- Some folks prefer box graters instead of handheld ones if they’re working on large batches of food.
3. Professional Coarse Wide Cheese Grater Dalstrong
This coarse-width grater is ideal for grating, slicing, zesting, and shaving. This is all you need for cheddar or parmesan cheese, or shredded vegetables for a stir-fried dinner. Crafted of 304 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, acid resistance, and other cooking elements.
PROS:
- It comes with a black blade guard and a protective sheath to keep you safe while grating.
- The curved feet on the handle are ergonomic and comfortable, reducing wrist and hand fatigue.
- It is intended to keep dust and germs at bay.
- Designed to fit comfortably on magnetic knife bars.
- Elegant to hold and visually arresting, especially when hung on magnetic strip bars.
CONS:
- Some people prefer to use swivel peelers and Y peelers instead of cheese graters.
- If you don't like shredding or zesting, you might not be making the most of this grater.
4. Professional Extra Coarse Wide Cheese Grater Dalstrong
With the best of the best, grate, zest, slice, and shave. This extra-coarse wide cheese is ideal for assembling a charcuterie board with your favourite hard and soft cheeses, as well as chocolate bars, nuts, and fruits. Because of the protective sheath that comes with it, you can slide this grater into your kitchen drawers without fear of injuring yourself when you take it out.
PROS:
- Designed with an easy-to-clean function in mind. This grater is portable and slim, making it easy to pack and transport.
- This grater's 304 stainless steel frame and blade provide all the durability you could want.
- With this incredible kitchen tool, you can say goodbye to germs, dust, and other debris.
- G10 handle with texture for an ergonomic grip
CONS:
- You could be looking for a zester for citrus fruits, and Professional Zester Narrow Grater might be a better fit.
- If you’re looking to achieve finer textures on ginger, garlic, and other hard kitchen spices, I suggest the Professional Fine Wide Cheese Grater Dalstrong.
5. Professional Zester Narrow Grater Dalstrong
Citrus peels improve everything. Use this zester-grater combination to add depth to your favourite flavours. This grater is ideal for coffee, desserts, and hard spices such as cinnamon. Aromatic vegetables such as ginger, shallots, and garlic are ideal for adding flavour to food.
PROS:
- Made of 304 stainless steel for maximum toughness.
- The handle's curved feet design provides comfort in the palm of your hand.
- In a home with children or pets, the blade guard that comes with this zester/grater is all you need.
- The ideal finishing touch for magnetic knife holders.
CONS:
- This zester may be too narrow for people who want to zest large amounts of food.
- You might prefer to collaborate with others.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of a cheese grater?
Cheese graters function to efficiently transform solid blocks of cheese, with features like a handle and stainless steel blades enhancing convenience and versatility in food preparation.
What is a handheld cheese grater called?
A handheld cheese grater is commonly referred to as a "cheese grater with handle," providing users with a comfortable grip for efficient grating.
How do you use a rotary cheese grater?
To use a rotary cheese grater, secure it on a stable surface, hold the handle for a comfortable grip, and rotate the cheese against sharp stainless steel blades for finely grated results.
What are the different types of cheese graters?
Different types of cheese graters include the stainless steel box grater, handheld rotary cheese grater with a handle, rasp graters for zesting citrus, and easy-to-clean box graters with multiple shred sizes to suit culinary needs.
