Choose the grating disc for the texture you want, then check the processor’s dimensions and where its accessories will go. A dedicated Parmesan disc is worth considering if finely grated hard cheese is a frequent task; for occasional standard grating, an included grating plate may meet your needs without choosing a larger multi-task machine.
If you regularly grate hard cheese for pasta, salads or toppings, look for a compact processor with a confirmed fine-grating disc. A general-purpose grating plate need not produce the texture you want.
If you mainly want to avoid hand-grating everyday portions, an included standard grating plate may suffice. Check that the processor, its bowl and its disc all fit where you plan to keep them.
If cheese is only one part of your food preparation, compare the chopping, slicing or blending attachments you will actually use. Their storage and cleaning needs matter alongside bowl capacity.
Start with the cheese texture you need, then measure the space available for the machine and its accessories. Consider a larger bowl only if you will use it for other preparation tasks too.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fine hard-cheese grating | Check the exact supplied disc and the manufacturer’s stated texture and cheese compatibility. If the disc is separate, check it fits the processor model. | If I regularly need finely grated Parmesan or similar hard cheese, I want a disc specified for that result rather than assuming a standard plate will do it; around 46% of consumers put confirmed fine-grating suitability first. |
| Footprint and accessory storage | Compare width, depth and height with your shelf or worktop, and check whether discs store inside the bowl. | When cupboard space is tight, I need somewhere for the whole appliance and its loose tools; for around 36% of consumers, fitting and storing everything is the primary concern. |
| Capacity and other uses | Match bowl capacity to your usual portions and check which other attachments are included. | If I also chop, slice or blend regularly, I want the extra bowl space and tools to earn their storage space; around 18% of consumers prioritise those wider uses. |
Kenwood describes its standard grating plates as suitable for cheese, while Magimix specifies fine hard-cheese grating for its Mini Plus Parmesan disc. Those descriptions do not promise the same texture.
Check the disc supplied with the exact bundle and, for a separate disc, the processor model it fits.
A compatible specialist disc may need to be obtained separately.
Neither figure tells you how much worktop or cupboard space the processor and its attachments will occupy.
Measure your available width, depth and height, then check whether the tools can be stored in the bowl.
Which? reports that some food processors it tested struggled with basic tasks including cheese grating. A general grating claim is therefore a starting point, not a model-level performance result.
Check the specified disc and consult relevant independent testing of the exact model where available.
An old processor may still be usable, or its electrical components may be suitable for recycling.
Consider repair, donation or resale if it works. Otherwise, check local electrical-recycling arrangements or a retailer’s take-back option; Recycle Your Electricals provides guidance on those routes.
Its Mini Plus range offers a compact route to fine hard-cheese grating, provided the chosen bundle includes the appropriate disc or the separate disc fits the processor.
The FP120A offers standard grating in a smaller processor, while the FDP31.170GY combines grating with more food-preparation functions and in-bowl tool storage.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3201BGB is a 2.3 L option for households that want grating alongside other preparation tasks.
This compact Kenwood processor is a choice to consider for occasional cheese grating with an included standard plate. If fine Parmesan-style texture is your priority, confirm that the supplied disc gives the result you need.
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Consider the FP120A if you want a small processor for standard cheese grating rather than a confirmed fine Parmesan-style result.
Kenwood specifies a 4 mm grating plate, a 400 W motor and dimensions of 15 cm wide × 27.5 cm deep × 17.5 cm high. Check that the plate’s texture suits your recipes.
Not necessarily for occasional standard grating: Kenwood says its grating plates suit cheese. If you want a fine Parmesan-style result, check for a disc specified for that use. Magimix lists Parmesan, Romano, Pecorino and Gruyère for its Mini Plus Parmesan disc, which must fit the processor you choose.
Measure the available width, depth and height both where you will use the processor and where you will store it, allowing room to handle the lid and feed tube. Check where its discs will go too: Kenwood lists in-bowl tool storage for the FDP31.170GY, and Bosch lists bowl-based accessory storage for the MCM3201BGB.
Follow the assembly and pusher instructions for your exact processor rather than using the disc loose or bypassing its fittings. Magimix’s food-processor quick-start guide directs users to fit the midi bowl, disc support and selected disc before securing the lid.
Do not assume it does. Magimix lists a 30-year motor guarantee and a separate 3-year figure for the Mini Plus Premium; check which components and conditions each guarantee covers for the exact model before buying.
Consider repair, donation or resale if it is still usable; otherwise, look for an electrical-recycling route. Recycle Your Electricals advises checking local collection or drop-off arrangements and any retailer take-back option when replacing an appliance.