Choosing a garlic grater

It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without a huge number of accessories that simplify the cooking process. One of the traditional kitchen helpers is a garlic grater that makes chopping easier and saves time. However, the wide range of graters on offer can confuse even the most experienced chefs. To choose the most suitable device, you should understand its features and varieties.

All graters that are on sale are divided into two large groups:

• multifunctional;

• specialized.

The first are the familiar metal pyramids that could be found in any Soviet kitchen. Each face of such a pyramid represents one type of grater, and one of them must be suitable for chopping garlic.

Specialized or, as they are also called, professional graters are suitable for grinding a product in one specific form, for example, in the form of chips, strips or rings. The grater, which grinds the product into a puree-like gruel, is just for garlic.

And also kitchen shredders can be classified by their size. It can be either a full-size grater with a height of 15 to 30 cm, or a small kitchen helper on which you can grate only one clove of garlic. Such mini-graters are cheap and, according to customer reviews, are often more convenient than classic large ones.

And, of course, the main classification is according to the grinding method.

• Handheld devices, grinding in which occurs due to the application of their own forces to the product. Various crushers can also be attributed to them.

• Mechanical, in the grinding process, manual force is also used, but it is not applied to the product itself, but to the handle or lever that twists the knives.

In addition to the classic grinders, manufacturers also offer various accessories of unusual design. This can be a curved crusher or a plate grater that collects the finished product in a cavity or a separate container. Special graters with protective finger holders, which can be safely trusted even by a child. Or devices made of unusual materials, for example, ceramic plates without holes, which, due to their tiny cloves, allow you to grind garlic into a soft gruel.

Almost every cookware manufacturer offers a variety of vegetable shredders for sale. It is impossible to single out one best, each product has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, according to customer reviews, there are several proven manufacturers whose products received the highest ratings.

The dishes of this Chinese manufacturer are a frequent visitor to domestic kitchens. This is primarily due to the low cost: about 300 rubles. for one product. But, despite the affordable prices, the quality of Mallony graders will suit the majority.

The German concern, which produces many household goods, offers for sale both classic multifaceted graters and unusual modern shredders. Of course, the price of such a product will be from 1,000 to 1,500 rubles, but the high quality of the metal will allow you to use the grater for years without additional sharpening.

Another popular foreign manufacturer of kitchen utensils is the Belgian company BergHOFF. Specialized plastic mini-graters for garlic and ginger for 600-700 rubles. appreciated by our compatriots.

The Czech garlic grater costs a little more (about 1,200 rubles), but has more good reviews. Users note that a lightweight mini-chopper made of stainless steel and plastic is suitable not only for garlic, but also for removing the zest from any citrus fruits.

Another popular Chinese brand of budget tableware. Their graters with a protective holder for the product were appreciated by the parents of young chefs. And the price of such a mini-grinder is only about 250 rubles.

After the types of kitchen grapes have been studied and the price category has been determined, you can go to the store to buy. In order for the acquisition to serve faithfully for a long time, you should focus on the following.

Of course, plastic products are much cheaper, but they have their own disadvantages. For example, plastic absorbs strong odors such as garlic and is easy to break.

The more rows with teeth in the grater, the more often they are located and the higher they are, the fewer movements are required to chop a clove of garlic. However, the large number of teeth makes it difficult to clean the product after use. Also, the longer the length of the teeth increases the risk of injury to unprotected fingers.

One of the most controversial points is the need for a shredder container. To understand whether it is necessary in the kitchen, it is worth finding out the estimated frequency of using the grater.

The last, but not least, things to think about before buying is the size of the grater. Large multifunctional items are easier to use and wash, but require dedicated storage space.Mini shredders can handle fewer tasks, but will fit easily even on the busiest shelf.