While both Zyliss and Oxo make popular and reliable cheese graters, their design philosophies are quite different. Zyliss graters typically feature ultra-sharp, precise blades and a sleek, compact design for efficient performance, often at a slightly higher price. Oxo, on the other hand, prioritizes comfort and stability with ergonomic, non-slip handles and bases, making them exceptionally user-friendly and more budget-conscious.
This guide breaks down everything to help you decide which brand's cheese grater is the right fit for your kitchen.
Zyliss Cheese Graters
Zyliss, a Swiss brand, is known for creating efficient and high-performance kitchen gadgets with a clean, modern aesthetic. Their cheese graters are celebrated for having exceptionally sharp stainless steel blades that make quick work of hard cheeses, vegetables, and chocolate. The emphasis is on precision and a durable, long-lasting construction that appeals to serious home cooks.
- What it is: A range of handheld and rotary graters designed for sharpness, efficiency, and a sleek, modern look.
- Key features: Extremely sharp stainless steel blades, durable plastic bodies, corrosion-resistant coatings on some models, and compact designs for easy storage.
- Price: Typically range from $15 to $25.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and professional with a modern European design sensibility.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel for the blades and sturdy, lightweight plastic for the body and handles.
- Pros: Excellent blade sharpness for effortless and precise grating. Compact and lightweight, making them easy to handle and store. Sleek, modern aesthetic looks great in contemporary kitchens. Durable construction holds up to frequent use.
- Cons: Generally priced higher than Oxo. Sleeker designs may offer less stability than graters with wide, non-slip bases. The focus is more on performance than ergonomic comfort for those with grip issues.
A Zyliss grater is an excellent choice for cooks who prioritize blade performance and a stylish, space-saving design, and are willing to pay a small premium for quality.
Shop this brand: zyliss.com/collections/graters
Oxo Cheese Graters
Oxo has built its reputation on creating comfortable, intuitive, and user-friendly kitchen tools for everyone. Their cheese graters are a perfect example, focusing on ergonomic design with soft, non-slip handles and sturdy, stable bases. They offer reliable performance and excellent value, making them a fixture in kitchens everywhere.
- What it is: A popular line of box, handheld, and specialty graters designed for maximum comfort, stability, and ease of use.
- Key features: Generous non-slip grips, non-slip feet or bases for stability, durable stainless steel blades, and sturdy construction. Many box graters include detachable containers.
- Price: Generally fall between $10 and $20.
- Style: Utilitarian and functional, often with recognizable black rubber grips and bright, inviting color accents.
- Materials/Construction: Stainless steel grating surfaces paired with sturdy plastic bodies and soft, rubberized handles and bases.
- Pros: Excellent stability and safety thanks to non-slip features. Very comfortable to hold, making it ideal for those with limited hand strength. More affordable and budget-friendly. Widely available in major retail stores and online.
- Cons: The designs are often bulkier, taking up more storage space. While sharp, the blades are generally less precision-focused than Zyliss. The aesthetic is more functional than sleek.
Oxo is the grater of choice for anyone who values stability, comfort, and affordability in a practical, everyday kitchen tool.
Shop this brand: oxo.com/categories/graters-zester
Zyliss vs. Oxo Comparison
Design & Ergonomics
The biggest difference lies here. Oxo designs its graters around user comfort. The thick, soft, non-slip handles are easy to grip, reducing hand fatigue during repetitive tasks. Their box graters feature wide, non-slip bases that keep them firmly planted on your cutting board or counter, adding a layer of safety and control. This makes them fantastic for anyone, including seniors or those with arthritis.
Zyliss takes a more minimalist approach. Handles are ergonomic but sleeker and less cushioned. The focus is on a lightweight, maneuverable tool that feels nimble in the hand. While comfortable for most users, it doesn't offer the same level of cushioned support or planted stability as an Oxo grater. The choice comes down to whether you prefer a stable, workhorse-like feel (Oxo) or a nimble, performance-driven tool (Zyliss).
Materials & Grating Performance
Both brands use durable stainless steel for their grating surfaces. However, Zyliss is often lauded for the exceptional sharpness of its blades. The acid-etched blades on many of their models provide a very fine, precise cut with minimal effort, especially noticeable with hard cheeses like Parmesan. They deliver consistent, fluffy shreds without tearing the cheese.
Oxo’s blades are reliably sharp and durable for everyday kitchen tasks. They perform very well on a wide range of foods, from cheddar cheese to zucchini. While they get the job done efficiently, they may not have the same razor-edge precision as Zyliss, which can be a key factor for culinary enthusiasts. For most daily cooking, the performance of an Oxo is more than sufficient.
Price & Value
Oxo generally offers a better price point, with most of their popular graters available for $10 to $20. This makes them a fantastic value, providing excellent durability, comfort, and usability at an accessible price. You get a reliable, long-lasting tool without a significant investment.
Zyliss graters are positioned slightly higher, typically from $15 to $25. This price difference reflects the brand's emphasis on blade sharpness and sleek Swiss design. For those who frequently grate hard cheeses or value a high-performance blade, the extra cost is justifiable for the improved efficiency and feel.
Size & Storage
Due to its focus on minimalism, Zyliss graters tend to be more compact and lightweight. Their handheld and rotary models are particularly easy to slip into a crowded kitchen drawer, making them a great option for those with limited storage space. Oxo's focus on stability and generous grips means their products are often bulkier. An Oxo box grater or its container attachment can take up significantly more room in a cabinet or drawer.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both graters are excellent kitchen tools, but they truly excel for different types of users and priorities.
Choose a Zyliss grater if:
- Blade sharpness and grating precision are your top priorities.
- You want a sleek, modern gadget that looks great in your kitchen.
- You have limited drawer space and need a compact tool.
- You often grate hard cheeses and appreciate an effortless, clean cut.
Choose an Oxo grater if:
- You prefer a comfortable, cushioned grip that reduces hand strain.
- Stability is crucial, and you want a grater that won't slip during use.
- You are looking for the best overall value and a budget-friendly option.
- You appreciate user-friendly features like included catch-containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Zyliss and Oxo graters?
The main difference is their design focus. Zyliss focuses on blade sharpness and sleek, compact design for high performance. Oxo focuses on ergonomics, stability, and user comfort with non-slip handles and bases, making their graters exceptionally easy and safe to use.
Which cheese grater is sharper?
Zyliss graters are widely considered to have sharper, more precise blades. Many of their models use an acid-etching process that creates a razor-sharp edge ideal for hard cheeses and fine zesting.
Are Zyliss and Oxo graters dishwasher safe?
Yes, most models from both brands are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, to preserve the sharpness of the blades for as long as possible, hand washing is often recommended.
Which brand is better for someone with arthritis?
Oxo is the clear winner for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength. Their soft, thick, non-slip handles are designed specifically to be easier and more comfortable to grip, reducing strain on joints.
Is the price difference between Zyliss and Oxo worth it?
It depends on your needs. If you are a casual cook who wants a reliable, safe, and comfortable grater, the Oxo offers incredible value. If you are a food enthusiast who prizes blade performance and a modern aesthetic, the small extra cost for a Zyliss is often worth it.
Which grater is easier to clean?
Both are quite easy to clean. Some find the simpler designs of Zyliss handheld graters slightly quicker to rinse. Oxo box graters with multiple sides can be a bit more complex, but they are designed without hard-to-reach crevices.
Do they come with containers to catch the cheese?
Some models from both brands offer this feature. Oxo is well-known for their box graters that come with a detachable container that seals for easy storage, which many users find very convenient.
How long do the blades stay sharp?
With proper care (avoiding harsh detergents and metal utensils when cleaning), the stainless steel blades from both brands should remain sharp for many years of regular home use. Hand washing will always prolong the life of any sharp blade.
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