Graters

Graters are essentially a flat or curved surface covered with rows of small cutting edges. They come in several shapes and sizes, each designed for cutting through different-textured food.

Box graters are sturdy and the four sides provide the greatest choice of cutting surfaces, ranging from very fine to coarse. They also have a useful slot for slicing cucumbers or Parmesan cheese. Although practical in many ways, the box shape makes it awkward to remove gratings left inside the grater.

There are various flat graters that cut food well. The best have razor-sharp little blades, rather than perforations, which whiz through food precisely and cleanly without leaving clogged debris. The main drawback is that you'll need more than one for various tasks.

A small cone-shaped grater is best for freshly grated nutmeg. The curved surface and fine perforations reduce the risk of grating your fingers.

A Japanese porcelain grater makes light work of pungent foods such as ginger and horseradish, reducing them to a soft smooth pulp without any fibres.

Hand-cranked rotary graters are good for foods that are difficult to hold. There's little risk of grating your fingers, because the food is covered by a curved plastic plate which presses against the cutting drum. These graters are easy for children to use and handy when using up that last scrap of Cheddar cheese.

When choosing a metal grater, make sure it's made of stainless steel, otherwise it's likely to rust.