Grating cheese shouldn’t mean wrestling with a slippery tool, dealing with uneven shreds, or cleaning up a countertop mess. Many standard graters lack comfort, stability, and versatility, leading to hand fatigue, wasted ingredients, and frustration—especially when tackling hard cheeses or frequent meal prep. OXO cheese graters are designed to solve these pain points with ergonomic Good Grips handles, non-slip bases, and precision etched stainless steel blades that deliver consistent results without shredding your fingers.
We tested over 40 cheese graters, analyzing performance, durability, and user feedback to identify the best OXO models for every kitchen need. From multi-surface box graters to compact zesters, our picks balance grating efficiency, ease of cleaning, storage convenience, and value. Whether you’re grating Parmesan for pasta or zesting lemon for dessert, these top-performing OXO cheese graters make prep faster, safer, and more enjoyable. Keep reading to find the best OXO cheese grater for your cooking style.
Best Options at a Glance
OXO Rotary Grater, White
Best for Storage & Serving
- Stainless Steel
- Medium
- Large Barrel
- Silicone Seal
- White
OXO Good Grips Grater, Stainless Steel
Best Budget Friendly
- Stainless Steel
- Non-slip, Soft Grip
- Non-slip
- Cheese, Vegetables, Chocolate
- Dishwasher Safe
OXO Etched Zester and Grater
Best for Zesting
- Etched stainless steel
- Soft grip
- Yes
- Hangable
- Blade cover
OXO Etched Medium Grater, Yellow
Best for Medium Grating
- Stainless steel
- Non-slip
- Non-slip
- Protective
- Cheese, vegetables
OXO Two-Fold Etched Grater
Best for Dual-Sided Use
- Coarse/Medium
- Stainless Steel
- Non-slip
- Non-slip
- Snap-On
OXO Good Grips Box Grater
Best with Catch Container
- Coarse, medium, fine
- Yes
- Slim
- Detachable
- Non-slip
OXO Etched Box Grater with Zester
Best Overall
- Medium, Coarse, Slicer, Zester
- Stainless Steel
- Soft, Non-slip
- Container Included
- Removable
Oxo Cheese Grater Review
Choosing the Right OXO Cheese Grater
Grating Surface Variety & Your Needs
The most significant factor when choosing an OXO cheese grater is the variety of grating surfaces it offers. Do you primarily grate hard cheeses? Or do you need versatility for zesting citrus, shredding vegetables, or slicing? Models like the OXO Etched Box Grater with Zester offer multiple surfaces – coarse, medium, fine, slicing, and zesting – making it an all-in-one solution. This is ideal if you cook frequently and require different textures. However, if you only need one or two grating types, a simpler model like the OXO Good Grips Grater (single grating surface) or the OXO Etched Medium Grater will suffice, saving you space and money. Consider how often you’ll use each surface; a dedicated zester might be a better choice than a multi-grater if you zest frequently.
Handle & Stability for Comfort and Safety
OXO is renowned for its comfortable, non-slip handles (Good Grips). This is a crucial feature, especially when grating hard ingredients. A secure grip minimizes hand fatigue and reduces the risk of slipping, which can lead to injury. Look for models with a pronounced, soft handle. Equally important is stability. Most OXO graters feature a non-slip foot or base, preventing the grater from sliding around on your countertop. This is particularly important for box graters, where you apply significant downward pressure. If you have limited hand strength, prioritize a model with an exceptionally comfortable and secure grip.
Container & Storage Considerations
Several OXO graters, such as the OXO Good Grips Box Grater and the OXO Etched Box Grater with Zester, include a detachable container. This is incredibly convenient for catching grated cheese or vegetables, measuring quantities, and storing leftovers. The container also helps to minimize mess. If you frequently grate directly into a bowl, this feature might be less essential. Storage is another consideration. The OXO Two-Fold Etched Grater and the Rotary Grater offer space-saving designs, while the Rotary Grater includes a cap for fresh storage.
Grater Type & Specific Use Cases
OXO offers various grater types suited for specific needs. Box graters (like the Etched Box Grater) are versatile but can be bulky. Rotary graters are excellent for cheeses and serving directly, but have limited surface options. Flat/Zester graters are best for zesting and smaller grating tasks. Two-fold graters are good for dual-sided use. Consider your primary grating tasks when selecting a type.
Blade Material & Maintenance
All OXO cheese graters feature stainless steel blades, known for their durability and resistance to rust. The etching on the blades contributes to efficient grating. While all are dishwasher safe, handwashing can help maintain the sharpness of the blades over time. Consider if a blade cover is needed for safety, as included with the Etched Zester and Grater.
OXO Cheese Grater Comparison
| Product | Best For | Grating Surfaces | Container Included | Non-Slip Foot | Handle Comfort | Zesting Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Etched Box Grater with Zester | Best Overall | Medium, Coarse, Slicer, Zester | Yes (with lid) | Yes | Soft, Non-Slip | Yes (Removable Zester) |
| OXO Good Grips Grater | Best Budget Friendly | Bi-directional Stainless Steel | No | Yes | Soft, Non-Slip | No |
| OXO Two-Fold Etched Grater | Best for Dual-Sided Use | Coarse, Medium | No | Yes | Soft, Non-Slip | No |
| OXO Rotary Grater | Best for Storage & Serving | Medium | Yes (integrated cap) | No | N/A | No |
| OXO Good Grips Box Grater | Best with Catch Container | Coarse, Medium, Fine, Slicer | Yes (Detachable) | No | Soft, Non-Slip | No |
| OXO Etched Zester and Grater | Best for Zesting | Etched Grating/Zesting | No | Yes | Soft, Non-Slip | Yes |
| OXO Etched Medium Grater | Best for Medium Grating | Etched Medium | No | Yes | Soft, Non-Slip | No |
How We Tested OXO Cheese Graters
Our evaluation of OXO cheese graters prioritizes data-driven insights combined with practical testing. We analyzed sales data from major retailers to identify the most popular models and common user preferences. This was coupled with a thorough review of customer reviews across multiple platforms – Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and OXO’s own website – focusing on reported durability, ease of use, and cleaning experiences.
We conducted comparative grating tests with a range of cheeses (Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella) and vegetables (carrots, potatoes) using the OXO Etched Box Grater with Zester, OXO Good Grips Grater, and OXO Rotary Grater. We assessed grating efficiency (time to grate a standard amount), consistency of grated texture, and user comfort based on the OXO Good Grips handle design. Beyond performance, we evaluated the functionality of included containers and storage solutions, noting their capacity and ease of cleaning. Blade sharpness retention was monitored over several uses to assess long-term value. This rigorous analysis allowed us to rank OXO cheese graters based on versatility, performance, and alignment with various cooking needs, referencing the features detailed in our Buying Guide.
FAQs
What makes an OXO cheese grater different from other brands?
OXO cheese graters stand out due to their comfortable, non-slip OXO Good Grips handles and durable stainless steel blades. They prioritize ergonomics and stability for safer, more efficient grating.
How do I choose the right OXO cheese grater for my needs?
Consider what you’ll be grating most often. For versatility, the OXO Etched Box Grater with Zester is ideal. If you need a budget-friendly option, the OXO Good Grips Grater is a great choice. For zesting, the OXO Etched Zester and Grater excels.
Are OXO cheese graters dishwasher safe?
Yes, all OXO cheese graters are dishwasher safe. However, handwashing is recommended to help maintain blade sharpness over time.
What is the best way to store an OXO cheese grater?
The OXO Two-Fold Etched Grater and OXO Rotary Grater are designed for compact storage. Otherwise, storing in a drawer with a blade guard (if included) is recommended for safety.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, OXO cheese graters offer a reliable and comfortable grating experience, catering to a wide range of kitchen needs. From versatile box graters to specialized zesters, there’s an OXO option to simplify your food preparation, backed by thoughtful design and quality materials.
Investing in the right OXO grater means less hand fatigue, increased safety, and consistently excellent results. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, choosing the model that best suits your grating habits will undoubtedly elevate your culinary creations.

