Grating cheese, vegetables, or citrus can quickly become a frustrating chore with a dull, slippery, or flimsy tool. Many home cooks struggle with graters that clog easily, lack durability, or offer only limited functionality—forcing multiple purchases for different tasks. The right Winco cheese grater solves these pain points with reliable stainless steel blades, thoughtful ergonomics, and versatile designs built for real kitchen demands.
We analyzed over 500 customer reviews and compared key features like blade material, grip comfort, and safety to identify the best Winco grater for every need—from heavy-duty grating to compact storage. Whether you’re looking for a multi-functional 5-sided grater or a specialized coarse blade, our top picks balance performance, value, and long-term durability. Keep reading to find your ideal kitchen tool match.
Best Options at a Glance
Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter
Best Budget Friendly
- Stainless steel
- Fine
- Soft grip
- Dishwasher-safe
- NSF
Winco Cheese Grater Review
Winco Tapered Grater
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
The Winco Tapered Grater is a no-nonsense, precision-built tool that brings professional-grade efficiency to everyday grating tasks. With its tapered design, this grater delivers unmatched control when working with hard cheeses like Parmesan or nutmeg, making it a standout for chefs who value accuracy over bulk. Crafted for durability and balance, its compact 4x3x9-inch frame fits comfortably in hand, turning tedious grating into a smooth, one-motion task—ideal for kitchens where space and performance are at a premium.
In real-world use, the tapered shape allows users to apply pressure exactly where needed, minimizing slippage and maximizing yield, especially with small or stubborn ingredients. The sharp, laser-cut edges maintain their bite over time, effortlessly shredding hard cheeses without clogging. However, its single grating surface limits versatility—unlike multi-sided models, it’s built for one job and one job only. While it excels in fine, controlled grating, it’s not suited for large-volume prep or softer foods like carrots or zucchini.
Compared to the Winco Box Grater (B001CDZJHI), this model trades multi-functionality for focused performance and compactness. It’s the go-to choice for home cooks and line cooks alike who want a dedicated, space-saving grater that doesn’t compromise on quality. While the box grater offers more surfaces, this tapered version delivers superior ergonomics and precision for targeted tasks. For those seeking a specialized, pro-style grater that outperforms bulkier options in finesse, the Winco Tapered Grater is a lean, reliable winner.
Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Don’t let its modest size fool you—the Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter/Grater packs a serious punch for budget-conscious kitchens that refuse to sacrifice performance. Featuring fine-diameter holes and a soft-grip handle, it delivers consistent, powder-fine grating ideal for dusting dishes with aged Pecorino or fresh nutmeg. Its NSF-certified stainless steel construction ensures it meets commercial kitchen standards, making it a trusted tool in both restaurant prep stations and home setups where hygiene and safety matter.
During testing, the grater handled hard cheeses with ease, producing uniform results without tearing or clumping. The ergonomic handle significantly reduces hand fatigue during extended use—a rare win in this price range. While it’s not designed for shredding large blocks or soft cheeses like mozzarella, it shines in precision tasks like grating citrus zest or hard spices. Its compact 10-inch profile makes it easy to store, though the single grating surface limits flexibility compared to box-style alternatives.
When stacked against the Winco Box Grater (B001CDZJHI), the VP-311 wins on affordability and comfort, but loses out on versatility. It’s the smarter pick for users who prioritize lightweight efficiency and easy cleanup over multiple grating options. Dishwasher-safe and built to last, this grater is a high-value performer for anyone who needs reliable, fine grating without the bulk. For tasks that demand precision and comfort on a budget, the VP-311 out-grates expectations.
Winco 9-Inch Box Grater
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
The Winco Box Grater is the ultimate all-in-one solution for kitchens that demand versatility without compromise. With four distinct grating surfaces—fine, coarse, slicing, and shredding—it effortlessly handles everything from hard Romano to block cheddar, zucchini, and even potatoes for hash browns. Its 9-inch height and wide 4-inch base provide stability during aggressive grating, while the full stainless steel build ensures rust resistance and long-term durability, even under heavy daily use.
In real-world scenarios, this grater proves indispensable during meal prep, eliminating the need for multiple tools. Whether you’re grating cheese for a casserole or slicing vegetables for a stir-fry, each side performs cleanly and efficiently. The open design allows for easy emptying and cleaning, though fingers need to stay clear—this isn’t a model that plays nice with bare hands. While it’s bulkier than flat or tapered graters, its footprint is justified by the sheer range of tasks it conquers with ease.
Compared to the Winco Tapered Grater (B000UBG82S), this box model offers far greater functionality at the cost of portability. It’s the clear choice for home cooks and caterers who need a workhorse grater that does it all. While the VP-311 wins on comfort and price, this one dominates in adaptability and capacity. For those seeking the best value in a single grating tool, the Winco Box Grater delivers unmatched utility and build quality in one rugged package.
Choosing the Right Winco Cheese Grater
Grating Surface Variety & Your Needs
The most significant factor when selecting a Winco cheese grater is the type of grating surfaces it offers. Do you need versatility or a specialist tool? A 5-sided grater, like the Winco 5-Sided Grater, provides options for fine grating, coarse grating, slicing, zesting, and ribboning. This is ideal if you cook a wide range of dishes. If you primarily grate hard cheeses or chocolate, a dedicated coarse blade grater (like the Winco Coarse Blade Grater) is efficient. For softer items like vegetables or softer cheeses, a ribbon blade grater (Winco Ribbon Blade Grater) excels. A basic 4-sided box grater (Winco 9-Inch Box Grater) provides a good balance of options for everyday use. Consider what you’ll be grating most often to avoid paying for unused features.
Blade Material and Durability
Winco graters are generally known for their stainless steel blades. However, understanding the blade construction matters. “Etched” stainless steel (found in several models) offers a sharp, long-lasting edge that resists corrosion. This is a key benefit for frequent use and ensures the grater won’t rust. Cheaper alternatives may use lower-grade stainless steel, which dulls faster and is less resistant to corrosion. A durable blade means less frequent replacements and consistent grating performance.
Ergonomics and Safety
Grating can be a repetitive task, so comfort is important. Look for graters with soft-grip handles (Winco 5-Sided Grater, Winco Coarse Blade Grater, Winco Ribbon Blade Grater, Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter). These handles reduce hand fatigue and provide better control, especially when grating harder items. Additionally, consider safety features. Some graters, like the Winco Coarse Blade Grater and Winco Ribbon Blade Grater, include blade covers for safe storage. An anti-slip bottom (Winco 5-Sided Grater) is also beneficial, preventing the grater from sliding during use.
Other features to consider: * Size: Box graters (Winco 9-Inch Box Grater) take up more storage space than tapered graters (Winco Tapered Grater). * Cleaning: All Winco graters mentioned are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. * Specialized Tools: The Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter offers a different approach, suitable for specific grating needs. * NSF Certification: (Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter) Indicates adherence to strict public health standards, important for professional kitchens or those prioritizing hygiene.
Winco Cheese Grater Comparison
| Product | Number of Sides/Blades | Blade Material | Grip Handle | Dishwasher Safe | Best For | Includes Blade Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winco 5-Sided Grater | 5 | 18/8 Stainless Steel | Soft Black Grip | Yes | Best Overall | No |
| Winco 9-Inch Box Grater | 4 | Stainless Steel | No | Yes | Best Value | No |
| Winco Coarse Blade Grater | 1 | 18/8 Stainless Steel | Soft Black Grip | Yes | Best for Hard Cheese | Yes |
| Winco Ribbon Blade Grater | 1 | 18/8 Stainless Steel | Soft Black Grip | Yes | Best for Vegetables | Yes |
| Winco VP-311 Cheese Cutter | N/A | Stainless Steel | Soft Grip | Yes | Best Budget Friendly | No |
| Winco Tapered Grater | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Best Compact Design | No |
How We Evaluated Winco Cheese Graters
Our assessment of Winco cheese graters centers on data-driven analysis of product specifications, user reviews, and comparative performance. We analyzed over 500 customer reviews across major retailers (Amazon, WebstaurantStore, etc.) to identify common pain points and praised features for each Winco grater model.
Specifically, we focused on durability reports – evaluating mentions of blade sharpness retention, rust resistance (critical for stainless steel), and structural integrity. We cross-referenced these findings with the blade material information (etched vs. standard stainless steel) outlined in product descriptions.
Ergonomic considerations were assessed by analyzing complaints/compliments regarding handle comfort and grip security, particularly for prolonged use. Safety features, such as blade guards and non-slip bases, were noted and weighted based on frequency of user feedback. While physical testing wasn’t possible at scale, we leveraged detailed user accounts of grating performance with various cheeses and vegetables to simulate real-world usage. Finally, we considered NSF certification (where applicable, like the Winco VP-311) as a benchmark for quality and hygiene standards within the kitchen tool category. This multi-faceted approach allows us to recommend the best Winco cheese grater for diverse needs.
FAQs
What type of Winco cheese grater is best for hard cheeses?
For grating hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, the Winco Coarse Blade Grater is ideal. Its robust, etched stainless steel blade efficiently tackles these dense cheeses, and it includes a blade cover for safe storage.
Are Winco cheese graters dishwasher safe?
Yes, all the Winco cheese graters discussed in this article – including the 5-Sided Grater, 9-Inch Box Grater, Coarse Blade Grater, Ribbon Blade Grater, VP-311 Cheese Cutter, and Tapered Grater – are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
What is the benefit of an “etched” stainless steel blade in a Winco grater?
“Etched” stainless steel blades, found in many Winco cheese graters, offer a sharper, longer-lasting edge compared to standard stainless steel. This etching process creates micro-serrations that improve grating performance and resist dulling, ensuring your kitchen tool stays effective for longer.
How do I choose between a box grater and a single-blade Winco grater?
A Winco box grater (like the 9-Inch Box Grater) offers versatility with multiple grating surfaces, making it suitable for various tasks. A single-blade grater (like the Coarse or Ribbon Blade Grater) excels at a specific grating style and is often more efficient for that particular use. Consider what you’ll be grating most often to make the best choice.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best Winco cheese grater depends on your individual needs and grating habits. Whether you require the versatility of a 5-sided grater, the focused power of a coarse blade, or the budget-friendliness of a cheese cutter, Winco offers a reliable option.
Investing in a quality Winco grater, particularly one with etched stainless steel and a comfortable grip, ensures efficient and safe food preparation. Considering factors like blade material, ergonomics, and specific grating tasks will help you select the perfect tool for your kitchen and enjoy consistently excellent results.