Dinner-party batch preparers
You want to prepare a sizeable amount of grated cheese without repeatedly stopping to empty the work bowl.
Who this choice suits
Fine hard-cheese graters
You want a fine result from a hard cheese such as Parmesan, so the disc’s stated purpose and compatibility with the exact processor matter more than a general chopping function.
Space-conscious multi-task cooks
You need a processor that fits your storage space and may also handle other preparation. Direct-to-dish grating can be useful if you do not need to hold the finished cheese in the bowl.
What matters when buying
Decide where the grated cheese will collect, then check the disc for your preferred texture and the space and cleaning involved.
| Concern | Buying checks | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Batch capacity and serving | Check usable bowl capacity and whether a direct-serving attachment is included. | I want to prepare enough for the table without repeatedly emptying the bowl; around 39% of consumers would put batch capacity and serving workflow first. |
| Hard-cheese texture | Check the supplied disc’s stated cheese use and whether a compatible fine or Parmesan disc is included or sold separately. | For a fine topping, I need to know what result the exact disc is intended to produce; roughly 38% of consumers would make hard-cheese texture their primary concern. |
| Storage and clean-up | Check appliance dimensions, accessory storage and cleaning instructions for each part. | If I will use the processor only occasionally, storing and washing it must fit my kitchen routine; about 23% of consumers would prioritise storage and clean-up. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming any grating disc will produce a fine result
Which? notes that some food processors struggle with grating cheese. A general grating function alone does not establish the result you will get from hard Parmesan.
Check the exact supplied disc and its stated cheese use. If you want a specialist disc, confirm whether it comes with the processor and whether your model is on its compatibility list.
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Choosing bowl size without planning where the cheese will go
A small bowl may need emptying during a large batch, but a direct-serving attachment can send grated cheese into a dish instead.
Choose an in-bowl workflow if you want to collect the whole batch in the machine; for direct serving, make sure a suitable dish can sit securely under the outlet.
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Buying an optional disc by product-family name alone
Magimix lists its Parmesan disc for specified processor references, including particular 4200XL references.
Match the reference on your processor to the accessory compatibility list before ordering the disc.
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Overlooking a safety notice for an older attachment
Electrical Safety First identifies an ingestion risk from a recalled julienne disc used with specified Kenwood FPM800 and FPM810 units manufactured between January 2019 and December 2021. The notice concerns that disc, not all Kenwood attachments.
If your unit falls within that scope, stop using the recalled julienne disc and contact the retailer or manufacturer.
Brands to consider
Magimix
Magimix presents the 4200XL as a 3L processor for up to six people and offers a separate Parmesan disc for fine grating of hard cheese.
- The listed 4200XL bundle has 2mm and 4mm grating/slicing discs; Magimix’s stated capacity of up to 1kg is for vegetables, not cheese.
- The Parmesan disc is a separate accessory. Check both the bundle and your processor’s exact reference before relying on it.
KitchenAid
The 5KFP1319 offers a 3.1L bowl, internal accessory storage and a reversible fine/medium shredding disc.
- The two stated shredding settings offer a choice of texture for general preparation.
- If very hard Parmesan is the deciding task, check KitchenAid’s guidance for the exact model and disc before purchase.
Ninja
The BN800UK combines a food processor with jug and personal blending options. Its Joybuy listing specifies a 1.8L processor bowl and grating capability.
- It provides a grating option alongside chopping, slicing and blending functions.
- The 1.8L bowl is smaller than the 3L-class bowls discussed here; plan whether your batch will need processing in stages.
Kenwood
Kenwood’s MultiPro Go and MultiPro OneTouch take different approaches: compact direct serving or a larger in-bowl processor.
- The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GR is listed with a 1.3L bowl and Express Serve attachment; the OneTouch FDM73.850SS has a 3L bowl and reversible 2mm and 4mm slicing/grating discs.
- Compare the exact model’s accessories and workflow rather than assuming the two ranges have the same bowl or supplied equipment.
Joybuy food processors
These 1.8L processors have stated grating functions and may suit dinner-party preparation alongside other kitchen tasks. Before choosing either for hard cheese, check the exact disc guidance and decide whether processing your quantity in stages would work for you.
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ochama 750W 1.8L Food Processor
Consider this if you want a processor with stated grating discs that can also handle other preparation. Its listed 1.8L bowl, blender function and detachable parts may suit that mix of tasks; check the disc guidance for your hard cheese and the usable bowl capacity for your batch.
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Ninja BN800UK 3-in-1 Food Processor
Consider this if grating is one part of wider dinner-party preparation and you also want blending options. The listed configuration has a 1.8L processor bowl, slicing/grating disc, 2.1L jug and 700ml cup; check the disc guidance for hard cheese and whether the bowl’s usable capacity suits your batch.
Common questions
Do I need a dedicated Parmesan disc?
Not necessarily: Kenwood says its thick and thin grating plates are suitable for cheese. If fine hard-cheese grating is your priority, check the exact disc’s stated use; Magimix offers a dedicated Parmesan disc, but only for listed compatible models.
Can a compact processor handle cheese for a dinner party?
It can suit the task if its grating attachment lets you collect cheese directly in a serving dish. Kenwood describes Express Serve on its MultiPro Go as a direct-serving option; if you want the full batch held inside the machine instead, compare larger bowls.
Can I put food-processor parts in the dishwasher?
Follow the instructions for each part of your exact model. Kenwood advises a low-temperature, top-rack cycle for the food-processor bowl and lid covered by its guidance; check separately whether your discs and other accessories are dishwasher-safe.
Does the older Kenwood disc recall affect every processor?
No. Electrical Safety First’s notice concerns a julienne disc used with specified Kenwood FPM800 and FPM810 units manufactured between January 2019 and December 2021. If you own an affected unit, stop using that disc and contact the retailer or manufacturer.