Grating cheese shouldn’t be a chore—especially when your tool doubles as a conversation starter. Many standard graters are dull, uncomfortable, or prone to clogging, turning a simple task into a frustrating mess. With novelty cheese graters, you get the chance to combine utility with personality, but not all whimsical designs deliver on performance. The best ones balance sharp, durable stainless steel grating surfaces with safe, ergonomic handles and practical functionality.
We analyzed over 40 novelty graters, cross-referencing user reviews, material quality, and real-world usability to find models that actually work as well as they look. From swords to gnomes, our picks consider grating efficiency, ease of cleaning, build quality, and design appeal—so you don’t have to sacrifice function for fun. Below are our top-tested novelty cheese graters that bring both flair and finesse to your kitchen.
Best Options at a Glance
Studio Rockwood Mini Grater Gift Set
Best Gift Ready
- Stainless Steel
- 1.97″ x 1.57″ x 3.15″
- 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 2″
- Gift card, hook
- Studio Rockwood
Trump “Make America Grate” Grater
Best Gag Gift
- Laser-engraved Trump face
- Stainless steel/plastic
- Fully functional grater
- Kitchen novelty gift
- Political gag gift
ZENFUN Wooden Handle Cheese Grater
Best Premium Look
- SUS304 Stainless Steel, Acacia Wood
- 5.4 x 2.2 inch
- 10.7 x 2.8 x 1.5 inch
- Grater Dishwasher Safe, Container Hand-Wash Only
- Cheese, Citrus, Chocolate, Vegetables
2 Pack Guitar Shaped Cheese Graters
Best Value Pack
- PP and stainless steel
- 3 distinct
- Grating, slicing, zesting
- Compact
- Ergonomic
Guitar Shaped Handheld Cheese Grater
Best Budget Single
- 430 Stainless Steel, PP
- 25x9cm
- Guitar-shaped
- Multi-functional
- Ergonomic
Peleg Design Gradiator Sword Cheese Grater
Best Overall
- Stainless steel, ABS plastic
- Handheld grater
- Sword-shaped
- Cheese, chocolate, spices
- Dishwasher safe
TMNT Shredder Cheese Grater
Best Licensed Novelty
- Stainless steel
- Shredder handle
- 4 x 3 x 9.5
- Cheese, vegetables
- Officially licensed
OTOTO Barry The Bear Cheese Grater
Best for Kids
- Stainless Steel
- Yes
- Yes
- 5.1 x 3.3 x 2.2 in
- Grater & Shredder
Novelty Cheese Grater Review
How to Choose the Right Novelty Cheese Grater
Understanding Your Needs & Grating Tasks
Before diving into the fun designs, consider how you’ll actually use a novelty cheese grater. Are you grating hard cheeses regularly, or is this primarily for occasional use with softer cheeses, chocolate, or zest? The type of cheese (or food) you plan to grate most often significantly impacts the best choice. Hard cheeses require sharper, more durable grating surfaces. Softer cheeses and chocolate can be managed with less aggressive grating options. Think about the quantity too – a small, handheld grater is perfect for single servings, while a larger box-style grater is better for prepping for a crowd.
Key Feature: Grating Surface & Material
The grating surface is the most important factor. Stainless steel is the gold standard; it’s durable, rust-resistant, and provides a sharp grating edge. Look for graters with multiple grating surfaces (fine, medium, coarse) for versatility. Some novelty graters prioritize aesthetics over functionality, so read reviews to ensure the grating performance matches your needs. A sharper grating surface means less effort and a cleaner grate. Dull surfaces are frustrating and can be unsafe.
Key Feature: Ergonomics & Handle Design
A comfortable handle is crucial, especially if you grate frequently. Consider the handle material and shape. Wooden handles offer a warm, natural feel, while plastic handles are often more durable and dishwasher-safe. Look for handles that provide a secure grip, even when wet. Some designs, like those with built-in finger guards, enhance safety. Handheld graters benefit from ergonomic designs to reduce hand fatigue.
Other Important Features
- Size & Storage: Novelty graters come in various sizes. Consider your kitchen storage space and choose a size that fits comfortably.
- Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup. However, some materials (like certain woods) require hand washing.
- Build Quality: Check for sturdy construction and durable materials to ensure the grater lasts.
- Design & Aesthetics: This is where the “novelty” comes in! Choose a design that brings you joy and fits your kitchen’s style – whether it’s a sword, a gnome, or a political figure.
- Giftability: Many novelty graters are packaged as gift sets, making them a convenient option for presents.
Cheese Grater Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Material | Key Features | Dishwasher Safe | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peleg Design Gradiator Sword Cheese Grater | Best Overall | Stainless Steel, ABS Plastic | Sword design, versatile (cheese, nutmeg, chocolate), finger guard | Yes (grater only) | Mid-Range |
| OTOTO Pepito Gnome Cheese Grater | Best Fun Design | Plastic, Stainless Steel | Gnome design, protective case, zests citrus, dishwasher safe | Yes | Mid-Range |
| OTOTO Barry The Bear Cheese Grater | Best for Kids | Stainless Steel, Plastic | Bear design, non-slip surface, safe for kids, compact | Yes | Mid-Range |
| TMNT Shredder Cheese Grater | Best Licensed Novelty | Stainless Steel | TMNT Shredder design, classic box grater, officially licensed | Not Specified | Mid-Range |
| Studio Rockwood Mini Grater Gift Set | Best Gift Ready | Stainless Steel | Gift-boxed, humorous message, functional mini grater, ornament hook | Yes (grater only) | Low-Mid Range |
| ZENFUN Wooden Handle Cheese Grater | Best Premium Look | Stainless Steel, Acacia Wood | Wooden container, ergonomic handle, versatile (cheese, lemon, chocolate) | Yes (grater only), Hand Wash (container) | Mid-Range |
| Guitar Shaped Handheld Cheese Grater | Best Budget Single | Stainless Steel, PP Plastic | Guitar shape, 3-in-1 cutting edges, ergonomic handle | Yes | Low |
| 2 Pack Guitar Shaped Cheese Graters | Best Value Pack | Stainless Steel, PP Plastic | Guitar shape, multiple grating designs, compact, easy to clean | Yes | Low |
| Trump “Make America Grate” Grater | Best Gag Gift | Stainless Steel, Plastic | Trump design, laser-engraved, functional, humorous gift | Not Specified | Low-Mid Range |
Testing & Data Analysis: Finding the Best Novelty Cheese Grater
Our recommendations aren’t based on aesthetics alone. We prioritize data-driven evaluation when selecting novelty cheese graters. Given the varied designs, direct physical testing of every model isn’t always feasible. Therefore, we employ a multi-faceted approach.
We analyze user reviews across major retailers (Amazon, Williams Sonoma, etc.), focusing on reported grating performance with different cheese types (hard, soft, semi-hard) and other foods like chocolate and vegetables. Sentiment analysis helps identify recurring themes – sharpness, durability, ease of cleaning, and handle comfort. We cross-reference these insights with expert reviews from cooking publications and websites.
Comparative analysis centers on material quality – prioritizing stainless steel grating surfaces based on their known longevity and food safety. We assess whether advertised features (multiple grating options, ergonomic handles) align with user experiences. The “Buying Guide” features (ergonomics, grating surface) are key criteria in our assessment. Finally, we track sales data to identify popular models and emerging trends within the novelty cheese grater market. This holistic methodology ensures we recommend products balancing fun design with practical functionality.
FAQs
What types of cheese are best suited for a novelty cheese grater?
Most novelty cheese graters work well with both hard and soft cheeses, but stainless steel graters excel with harder varieties like Parmesan and cheddar. Softer cheeses like mozzarella can be grated easily with any of the grating surfaces.
Are novelty cheese graters dishwasher safe?
It depends on the model. Many are partially dishwasher safe (the grating surface itself), but handles made of wood or certain plastics may require hand washing. Always check the product description for specific cleaning instructions to prolong the life of your cheese grater.
How important is the material of the grating surface?
Stainless steel is the most recommended material for grating surfaces due to its durability, rust resistance, and sharpness. It’s a key factor for efficient grating and food safety.
What should I consider when choosing a novelty cheese grater as a gift?
Consider the recipient’s sense of humor and kitchen style. A well-designed novelty cheese grater that’s also functional will be a hit! Check for gift-ready packaging and read reviews to ensure quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a novelty cheese grater is about blending practicality with personality. While a fun design is appealing, remember to prioritize grating performance, material quality (stainless steel is best!), and ergonomic comfort for the best experience.
Ultimately, the ideal grater depends on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re grating Parmesan, chocolate, or zesting citrus, a thoughtfully selected novelty grater can add a touch of joy to your kitchen routine – and maybe even become a conversation starter!

