A good grater is a useful tool to have around for all kinds of cooking tasks, from shredding potatoes for hash browns or carrots for coleslaw to grating Parmesan or fresh ginger. ... The edges of a grater wear down with use, just as the blade of a knife does. But unlike many knives, a grater can't be easily sharpened.

Is a box grater necessary?

What's the first thing you reach for when you've got a block of cheese to shred? A grater, of course! Box graters are essential kitchen tools that can do a whole lot more than just shred cheese; they can turn all kinds of food into ribbons, strands, or tiny particles.

Why do you need a grater?

A grater, also known as a shredder, is a kitchen utensil used to grate foods into fine pieces. The modern grater was invented by François Boullier in the 1540s, originally to grate cheese.