Top-Rated Food Processors for Grating Cheese

Cheese grating can be a time-consuming task if you rely solely on a manual grater. Whether you're preparing a homemade pizza, pasta, or any dish that calls for grated cheese, having the right food processor can simplify this task and save you valuable time. Food processors designed for grating cheese are equipped with powerful motors and specialized grating discs that make quick work of even the hardest cheeses.

In this guide, we will explore the essential features you should look for when choosing a food processor for grating cheese and recommend some of the best models currently available. By the end of this guide, you will be well-equipped to select the perfect food processor for your kitchen needs.

Key Features to Look for in a Food Processor for Grating Cheese

1. Powerful Motor (500-1000 watts)

Grating cheese, especially hard cheeses like parmesan, requires significant power. A motor in the 500 to 1000-watt range will be sufficient to handle various types of cheese, from soft mozzarella to hard aged cheddar. A higher-powered motor will ensure that the food processor doesn't struggle when dealing with tough cheeses, making it faster and more efficient.

2. High-Quality Grating Discs

The grating discs are the key components when it comes to grating cheese. Look for a food processor that comes with stainless steel grating discs . These discs are durable, resistant to rust, and provide consistent grating. You'll typically find coarse and fine grating options, which allow you to choose the texture that best suits your needs.

3. Multiple Speed Settings

Having multiple speed settings ensures versatility when grating cheese. Some cheeses may require slower speeds for better control and finer grating, while others may benefit from faster speeds to achieve a coarser result. A food processor with a pulse function can also help with precise grating, preventing overprocessing and allowing you to control the texture.

4. Wide Feed Chute

A wide feed chute makes it easier to fit larger blocks of cheese into the food processor without needing to pre-cut them into smaller chunks. This feature saves you time and minimizes the risk of hand injury, especially when working with harder cheeses.

5. Large Capacity

The capacity of the food processor is another important factor to consider. If you plan on grating large quantities of cheese, you should choose a food processor with a larger bowl capacity . Models with 10 to 12 cups are ideal for bigger batches, while smaller models (around 7 cups) are sufficient for everyday use in smaller households.

6. Dishwasher-Safe Parts

Cleaning a food processor after grating cheese can be a hassle, especially when dealing with sticky cheese remnants. Opt for a food processor with dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleaning. Removable parts like the bowl, lid, and grating discs should be able to go straight into the dishwasher without hassle.

7. Noise Level

Food processors can be noisy, but some models are designed with quieter motors, which is particularly important if you frequently use your food processor early in the morning or late at night. Look for food processors that are known for their quiet operation, so you can work without disturbing others.

Top-Rated Food Processors for Grating Cheese

1. Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Grating Cheese:

The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY is a heavy-duty food processor that excels in a variety of tasks, including grating cheese. With its large capacity and powerful motor, it's perfect for both home cooks and professionals who need to grate cheese in bulk.

Key Features:

• 720-Watt Motor: Provides enough power to easily grate hard cheeses like parmesan and gouda.
• 14-Cup Capacity: Ideal for making large quantities of grated cheese.
• Stainless Steel Disc Blades: Includes both coarse and fine grating discs for versatility.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: For quick and easy cleanup.
• Heavy-Duty Construction: Built to last and withstand regular use.

Pros:

• Large Capacity: Perfect for families or larger meals.
• Durable Design: High-quality construction ensures longevity.
• Versatile: Works well for a range of tasks beyond grating cheese, such as slicing, chopping, and pureeing.

Cons:

• Large Size: May be too bulky for smaller kitchens.
• Relatively Noisy: Slightly louder than some smaller models.

Ideal For:

• Users who regularly need to process large amounts of cheese or other ingredients and are looking for a robust, durable machine.

2. Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Grating Cheese:

The Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef is known for its exceptional performance, especially when it comes to grating hard cheeses. It features multiple attachments, including an industrial-grade grating disc that handles all types of cheese with ease.

Key Features:

• 1200-Watt Motor: One of the most powerful motors in its category, ensuring efficient grating of even the toughest cheeses.
• 16-Cup Capacity: Large enough for big batches of cheese or multiple meals.
• Variable Slicing Disc and Grating Discs: Comes with both coarse and fine grating options, allowing for different textures.
• Extra-Wide Feed Chute: Eliminates the need to pre-cut blocks of cheese.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: For easy cleanup.

Pros:

• Super-Powerful Motor: Can handle any cheese with ease.
• Versatile Attachments: Comes with several attachments for other tasks like slicing, chopping, and kneading dough.
• Wide Feed Chute: Allows for easy insertion of large pieces of cheese.

Cons:

• Expensive : It's on the pricier side compared to other food processors.
• Heavy: Due to its size and motor, it may be difficult to store and move around.

Ideal For:

• Serious home cooks or small business owners who need a high-performance food processor for heavy-duty tasks.

3. KitchenAid KFP0711ER 7-Cup Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Grating Cheese:

The KitchenAid KFP0711ER is a compact, reliable food processor that is excellent for grating cheese on a smaller scale. While it may not have the enormous capacity of other models, it delivers superb results for everyday cheese grating tasks.

Key Features:

• 700-Watt Motor: Powerful enough for grating soft to medium cheeses.
• 7-Cup Capacity: Suitable for smaller batches of grated cheese.
• 2-in-1 Feed Tube: Accommodates different ingredient sizes for faster processing.
• Stainless Steel Discs: Includes both fine and coarse grating options.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Easy to clean after use.

Pros:

• Compact Design: Ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space.
• Affordable: More budget-friendly than many other high-performance models.
• Efficient and Quiet : Operates quietly compared to larger food processors.

Cons:

• Smaller Capacity: May not be suitable for large cheese grating jobs.
• Not as Powerful: May struggle with very hard cheeses like aged parmesan.

Ideal For:

• Individuals or small families who need an efficient food processor for light to moderate cheese grating.

4. Hamilton Beach 70730 Bowl Scraper Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Grating Cheese:

The Hamilton Beach 70730 is a budget-friendly option that offers good performance for its price. It comes with a unique bowl scraper attachment, which can make grating cheese easier and faster by preventing buildup on the sides of the bowl.

Key Features:

• 450-Watt Motor: Suitable for grating most cheeses, but may struggle with very hard varieties.
• 10-Cup Capacity: A good mid-size option for daily use.
• Bowl Scraper Attachment: Helps prevent cheese from sticking to the sides, reducing the need for manual scraping.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: For easy cleaning.

Pros:

• Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly options for grating cheese.
• Bowl Scraper: Saves time and ensures an even grate.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to store and use.

Cons:

• Lower Motor Power: Less powerful than other models, which may affect its efficiency with hard cheeses.
• Smaller Capacity: Not ideal for large batch processing.

Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious individuals who need a reliable food processor for occasional cheese grating.

Conclusion

The right food processor for grating cheese can significantly streamline your kitchen prep. Whether you need to grate a small amount of mozzarella for a pizza or process a large batch of parmesan for a party, there's a food processor that fits your needs. For those who prioritize power and versatility, the Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef and Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY are excellent choices. If you're looking for something more compact or budget-friendly, consider the KitchenAid KFP0711ER or the Hamilton Beach 70730.

With the right food processor, cheese grating will become an effortless task that saves you time and makes your meals even more delicious. Choose the model that best suits your kitchen needs and enjoy the ease and convenience of grating cheese with ease.