Food Graters & Zesters

Ultimate Guide to Food Graters & Zesters in the UK: Top Brands, Where to Buy, and How to Choose

Why a Good Grater or Zester Changes Everything in Your Kitchen

Have you ever tried to get a fluffy mound of Parmesan or a delicate ribbon of lemon zest and ended up with a clumpy mess instead? A high-quality grater or zester can be the difference between home-cook mediocrity and restaurant-level finishing touches. These simple tools turn firm ingredients into texture and aroma, add dramatic visual appeal, and help flavors bloom. In short: a great grater works like a tiny magician in your kitchen.

Top Grater Types and What They’re Best For

Box Graters

Box graters are the Swiss-army knives of shredding — multi-sided and stable. You’ll typically get coarse, medium, fine, and slicer faces in one unit, which makes them ideal for grating hard cheeses, shredding vegetables, and slicing firm produce. They’re bulky but versatile, so if your counter space allows, they’re a sensible first buy.

Zesters and Microplanes

Zesters (often in Microplane form) deliver superfine zest and finely grated hard cheeses like Pecorino. If you want fragrant citrus oils without the bitter pith, or a light snowfall of finely textured cheese, a zester is the tool for the job. It’s also brilliant for nutmeg and ginger for an even, aromatic dusting.

Ribbon Graters and Julienne Tools

Ribbon graters create long, thin shreds that look elegant on salads and pasta, while julienne graters turn vegetables into matchstick strips in seconds — perfect for garnishes or quick stir-fries. These are specialty tools but they shine when you want presentation to match taste.

Parmesan Mills and Handheld Mini Graters

Parmesan mills grind fresh parmesan into a light, fluffy finish at the table, giving diners control over portion and texture. Mini handheld graters are tiny but mighty — great for grating garlic or zest at the flip of a wrist and easy to store in crowded drawers.

Brands You Can Trust in the UK

Microplane — The Zester Classic

Microplane is almost synonymous with zesters. Their Premium Classic Series and Professional ribbon options offer razor-sharp blades that stay sharp longer than most. Whether you pick a colorful Sky Blue model or a subtle Dusty Rose, these tools are engineered to give a fine, even grate with minimal effort. If zesting is a kitchen habit for you, a Microplane is a long-term investment.

Zwilling — Precision German Craftsmanship

Zwilling is known for blades and kitchen hardware with serious attention to detail. Their Z-cut Tower Grater and Zwilling Pro Zester around 6.7 inches long combine robust construction with ergonomic design. If you want a tool that feels balanced in the hand and won’t wobble under pressure, Zwilling is a go-to brand in the UK.

Victorinox — Swiss Practicality

Victorinox brings Swiss reliability to the table with compact, well-priced cheese graters that do the job consistently. The Swiss Classic Cheese Grater is a no-nonsense pick for daily use and tends to be a favourite among cooks who value practicality over flash.

Sabatier and Kai — Professional-Level Options

For cooks who crave a restaurant-style finish, Sabatier’s fine etched graters and Kai’s julienne models deliver professional results. These brands are designed for chefs who want a precision tool that can handle frequent and varied use without dulling quickly.

WMF, Fiskars, Rig-Tig, and Dorre — Great Mid-Range Choices

WMF and Fiskars offer durable, attractively designed graters that slot nicely between budget and pro models. Rig-Tig’s clever designs, like the Grate-it with container, are ideal for tidy kitchens, while Dorre provides straightforward stainless options that get the job done without fuss.

Where to Buy Graters & Zesters in the UK

Nordic Nest — Curated Scandinavian Style

Nordic Nest is a prime destination if you like Scandinavian design and reliable quality. They stock brands such as Victorinox, Rig-Tig, WMF, and Fiskars — many of which are featured in popular UK kitchen tool lists. If you’re after minimalist aesthetics and functional form, Nordic Nest’s curated selection makes the choice less overwhelming.

Department Stores and Specialist Retailers

Big department stores like John Lewis and lifestyle shops such as Lakeland often carry a broad range of graters, from entry-level box graters to premium Microplane zesters and Zwilling tools. These outlets let you handle tools before you buy, which helps judge weight, grip, and comfort — important when a tool will be used daily.

Online Marketplaces — Convenience and Range

Amazon UK and specialist kitchen sites offer the largest range and competitive prices. Online shopping lets you compare models like the Microplane Premium Classic Series and Microplane’s Professional Ribbon Grater in seconds. Just read recent customer reviews to spot any durability or shipping issues.

Buying Guide: What to Look For

Blade Quality and Material

Stainless steel is the default choice for graters due to durability and rust resistance. Look for models with high-quality steel and well-etched blades — these stay sharp longer. If you’re allergic to nickel, double-check the steel grade to avoid reactions. A good blade makes all the difference in effort and outcome.

Handle Comfort and Grip

If you’re grating a lot, a comfortable, slip-resistant handle is worth its weight in gold. Some brands add soft-grip coatings or ergonomic shapes that fit the human hand naturally. That reduces wrist strain and makes the whole process feel smooth, like spreading butter across toast.

Safety Features and Covers

Graters with protective covers, non-slip bases, or containers to capture grated food are easier and safer to use. Ribbon graters with covers help prevent accidental cuts when stored. For households with kids, a grater with a guard is a must-have.

Ease of Cleaning

Graters with recessed blades can trap food, so models designed for easy rinsing or that come with cleaning brushes will save time. While many graters claim to be dishwasher-safe, hand-washing usually preserves blade sharpness and finish longer.

Care and Maintenance — Keep That Edge

Think of a grater like a tiny lawn mower blade — it needs cleaning and occasional TLC. Rinse immediately after use to stop cheese or citrus oils from drying into the teeth. Use a soft brush to clean the blades safely. If your grater dulls over time, a light pass with a sharpening tool designed for graters or a professional sharpening service can revive its performance. Store graters with covers or in a safe drawer to protect the edges and your fingers.

Practical Tips for Everyday Use

Want the best results out of your new grater? Chill hard cheeses slightly before grating to prevent clumping, and grate using long, confident strokes. For citrus, only remove the coloured outer peel — the white pith is bitter. When using a box grater, place it on a damp cloth or non-slip mat to prevent sliding. Little tricks like these make grating faster, safer, and less messy.

Price Ranges and What to Expect

Expect to pay a little more for premium brands like Microplane and Zwilling, but remember that a well-made grater lasts for years. Budget box graters can cost just a few pounds and do the basics, while high-end units or multi-functional graters may approach a mid-tier price. Think of it as choosing between a reliable bicycle and a road bike: both will get you there, but the ride and effort differ.

Recipes and Uses: Beyond Cheese and Citrus

Graters and zesters aren’t just for Parmesan and lemon. Use a fine grater for fresh nutmeg over eggnog, or for ginger into marinades. Ribbon graters turn carrots into elegant ribbons for salads and slaws, and a julienne grater can turn courgette into delicate strands for low-carb “pasta.” Even chocolate benefits from a quick microplane dusting over desserts for both aroma and presentation.

Which Grater Should You Buy First?

If you’re building a kitchen from scratch, start with a versatile box grater and a Microplane zester. That combo covers most needs: shredding, fine grating, zesting, and slicing. If space is tight, opt for a compact Microplane and a hand-held box grater or a grater-with-container design like those from Rig-Tig to keep counters clutter-free.

Eco and Design Considerations

Looking for sustainable options? Choose stainless steel over plastic where possible, and favor brands that use minimal packaging. Scandinavian brands often prioritize recyclable materials and timeless design, meaning your tool won’t feel dated after a season or two. A well-built grater is a small piece of sustainable living — use it, reuse it, and pass it on.

Final Checklist Before You Buy

Before clicking “add to basket,” ask yourself: Do I want multi-functionality or a specialist tool? Will I grate frequently or only occasionally? Is ease of cleaning a priority? Answering these will guide you to a model that fits your cooking habits. Also, touch and feel the handle if you can — comfort matters when you’re grating for a while.

Conclusion

Choosing the right grater or zester in the UK is less about flash and more about fit: the right blade, the right handle, and the right design for your cooking habits. Whether you buy a Microplane for finesse, a Zwilling for balance, or pick up a practical option from Nordic Nest, Victorinox, or WMF, the right tool will elevate your dishes with minimal fuss. With a little care and the right storage, these humble tools will reward you with years of better texture, brighter flavours, and prettier plates.