Using a Cheese Shredder - Did I Do Something Wrong?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around experiences and opinions regarding the use of a new cheese shredder. Participants share their thoughts on its performance, ease of use, and design, particularly in relation to grating soft cheeses.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the shredder, noting that it produced long cheese strands and the handle detached during use.
  • Another participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that the handle needs to be securely clicked into place for proper use and shares a positive experience with Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Several users mention issues with the handle not staying on tightly and express a preference for traditional box graters.
  • One participant shares a positive experience, stating that their family enjoyed the shredded cheese and found it easier to use than a previous model.
  • Another participant notes concerns about the quality of the shredder, describing it as made of cheap plastic and expressing doubts about its durability.
  • Some participants discuss the technique of grating, suggesting that using a forward and backward motion may improve results.
  • One participant mentions using the shredder for various cheeses and expresses frustration with the long strands tangling together.
  • Another participant appreciates the option for different shred lengths and contrasts the new shredder's sturdiness with a previous model that had quality issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding the effectiveness and quality of the cheese shredder. Some express satisfaction with its performance, while others report issues and dissatisfaction.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with the shredder, including its use with different types of cheese and the challenges faced during operation. The discussion reflects a range of opinions and experiences rather than a unified perspective.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering the new cheese shredder or those interested in learning about others' experiences with its use may find this thread informative.

L
Loreen
Messages
106
Has anyone tried using theirs? I used mine tonight with soft cheese and don't like it as much as the cheese grater. It seemed like the shreds came out in long strings and went all over the place. And then, the handle flew off, slid across my counter and onto the floor. This would have been very embarrasing if it happened at a show. :o Was I doing something wrong?
 
Sounds to me like you didn't have the barrel firmly attached to the handle. I know I had to double-check that a couple of times.Yes, the shreds are a bit longer, but that is because the well is larger. I used mine on Monterey Jack, and it worked very well. I like the shred. It's kind of a happy medium between the two barrels of the current grater.
 
I really do not like it either. My handle does not stay on tight, and I am not thrilled w/ how it grates soft cheese.
Guessing my box grater is here to stay!
 
To keep the handle on, it has to "click". I used mine for cheddar and really liked it way better than the DCG~
 
I haven't gotten mine yet as I'm in Canada but saw it this weekend at our NC and I was quite disappointed in the quality. It's made of cheap plastic and I was wondering if it would last. Sounds like it's coming apart already for some of you. We saw Brain from the test kitchen use it and it seemed to work well but I then saw Jackie from the test kitchen and she seemed to have more problem manipulating it. I hope I'm wrong and it works well when it gets here.
 
I've used a bunch of different cheeses in it (sorry, I'm not well versed in cheese enough to know which are soft and which are hard) and I hate the way the strands come out long and get tangled up with each other. I wind up with a big knot of cheese strands.

I've got to be doing something wrong. I haven't watched the video yet, hoping that will help me.
 
IAmChefJ said:
I've got to be doing something wrong. I haven't watched the video yet, hoping that will help me.
Click to expand...

Which video would that be? I think I am missing something.
 
I love the new grater. I used it last night for spaghetti and both kids and DH really liked it. DH even commented how much easier it was to use than the DCG. I didn't even have to ask! Make sure you hear the handle click, that means both tabs are secure. As for the longer shreds, you can go forward and backward with this one. Try it forward for a bit and then backward and see if that will make the shreds the way you like them.
 
paigev71 said:
Which video would that be? I think I am missing something.
Click to expand...

The F/W dvd that will come in your first supply order. It has all the new products on it and how to use them as well as the new recipes being demonstrated.
 
Last edited:
it still works great for blue cheese for our wedge salads and egg yolks for deviled eggs
 
I L:love:VE IT!!

You do have to be sure that both tabs click to lock the handle but that's easy once you realize it. I l:love:ve that the soft cheeses do not clump in the barrel like the other one did. I will probably still use the microplane most of the time for hard cheeses because I so l:love:ve that tool too but I am so thankful that they fixed this one for the soft cheese!!
 
Ok, now someone is going to have to list for me the hard cheeses vs. the soft cheeses. Maybe I just don't use any hard cheese. LOL

Thanks for the back and forth tip, that makes sense!
 
Hard cheeses are those like Parmesan. Soft cheeses give when you press into them (softer to the touch) - like Monterey Jack.
 
I just got mine, but haven't used it yet.
 
I love the new grater. It does have smaller shreds of cheese but again I absolultly love mine.
 
LOVE IT! My DH new toy.
 
I just used it tonight when making the Chipotle Chicken Cornbread cups, and I love how easily it shredded the cheddar. I didn't like that it came out in a long twisted strand. The cheese just stuck together in a clump. I will have to try grating forwards and then in reverse and see of that helps any.
 
I heard that back and forth works great. Forward backward quickly. I just took mine out of the box, tonight.
 
I really like mine :)
I agree, the handle has to click.
 
I haven't ordered mine yet, but see the new one at our cluster meeting.

I agree the quality doesn't seem as good as the old one and many of us are afraid of the handles breaking off where you have to click it.
 
I actaully tried mine the other day to shread baby carrots! It was OK. And i also did cheder in it last night. I feel like you got to hold it down too hard for it to work...scared of breaking it...it does seem to be made of cheap plastic. And i dind't feel like i got alot out of what i grated. I'm planning on using it at a show on Sunday so i hope it works ok. And not having a dhish washer it was a little of a pain to clean by hand.
 
I was really glad to see this topic on here cause i came on this morning to start something similar. My sister ordered the DCG last night at a show and i don't know if I should tell her to wait for the new one or not. But after reading this i still don't know which to recommend. I guess, she'll order the current one and if she doesn't like it she can return it and order the new rotary grater when it comes out.
 
I seemed to get quite a bit out of the cheese I grated....I put a tiny block in there and it just kept coming and coming...lol. My friends were like...holy crap all that cheese from that tiny block??
 
  • Thread starter
  • #24
Thanks everyone for your comments & suggestions. I'm going to try using it again with different cheeses and see how it goes. Maybe this is one of the products that needs a little practice to get the results we want. Uggh!
 
I love my new grater! I've found that when the strands get too long, I just go in reverse and that "cuts" them. I like that I have the option for long or short strands.

I have not noticed that the plastic is lower quality...I had to replace my DCG 3 times because the handle cracked each time...the new one actually feels sturdier to me.

As far as the new vs. the old, I've been selling the DCG but letting them know it's being retired and restyled...I explain the differences (medium shred, larger barrel, Grate Container no longer available, etc.) and then let them decide. Some decide the want the old one, some want to wait for the new one. It's all good!

Thanks for starting this thread!
 
Thanks for the tip about going backwards to cut the strings!
 
I just got mine last night, after we ate spagetti with parmesan from the old grater. I hope to use it this weekend, I will keep the forward and reverse tip in mind when I do it. Thanks!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cheese shredder not shredding cheese properly?

If your cheese shredder is not shredding properly, it could be due to using cheese that is too soft or moist. For best results, use block cheese that is firm and cold. Additionally, ensure that the shredder is clean and free from any residue that might hinder its performance.

Is it normal for cheese to get stuck in the shredder?

Yes, it is common for cheese to get stuck in the shredder, especially if the cheese is soft or if you are using a finer grater. To minimize this, try using a firmer cheese and periodically cleaning out the shreds as you go. You can also lightly oil the grater to help the cheese slide off more easily.

What should I do if my cheese shredder is difficult to turn?

If your cheese shredder is difficult to turn, it may be due to the cheese being too soft or the shredder being clogged. Make sure to use cold, firm cheese and clean the shredder regularly. If the problem persists, check for any obstructions or damage to the shredder mechanism.

Can I use my cheese shredder for other foods?

Yes, many cheese shredders can also be used for other foods such as vegetables, carrots, or even chocolate. However, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure that the shredder is suitable for those items and to avoid any damage.

How do I clean my cheese shredder properly?

To clean your cheese shredder, rinse it immediately after use to prevent cheese from hardening on the blades. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to gently scrub the grater. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing to prevent rust or damage.

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