Which is better for grating hard cheese?

Both use etched stainless steel and handle hard cheese well. The Mercer's larger surface finishes a block faster; the OXO's container keeps the shreds together and lets you measure them.

Which one is better for zesting citrus?

The OXO. Its zester side lifts off so you can hold it over a bowl or board, which is easier than tilting a whole box. The Mercer's fine side works but is fixed to the box.

The Mercer's all-steel body and welded base are built for commercial kitchens and should take more abuse. The OXO is durable for home use, but its plastic lid and container are the parts most likely to wear.

Is the OXO worth stepping up to over the Mercer?

If you want to catch, measure and store what you grate, yes. If you mainly grate large amounts straight onto a board and want the simplest, sturdiest tool, the Mercer is the better fit.

Can both go in the dishwasher?

Yes, but the OXO is top-rack only, and its container and lid should be placed where they won't trap water. The Mercer has no such restriction.

Which is easier to store?

The OXO is taller and narrower, and its container nests inside the grater. The Mercer is shorter but wider, so check your drawer or cabinet space for both.

Mercer Box Grater vs OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater

Buy the OXO if you grate at home and want a catch-and-store container plus a zester you can lift off and use over a bowl. Buy the Mercer if you want the largest grating surface and a welded base that holds up to heavy, repeated use. The OXO is the more versatile home tool and has a long record of owner satisfaction; the Mercer is the sturdier, simpler build with a bigger cutting area.

Choose the Mercer Grates Box Grater if you want a big 18.7 sq in grating surface and a welded, rubber-handled box built for steady daily prep.
Choose the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater if you want a removable zester and a measuring container that catches and stores what you grate.

Prices

Mercer Box Grater: $15.54 at Standard Restaurant Supply (last seen Nov 2)
OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater: $17.50 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the Mercer Box Grater is $1.96 cheaper than the OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 10)

	Mercer Box Grater	OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater
Grating surface size	18.7 sq in across the sides	12.4 sq in across the sides
Cutting patterns	Fine, coarse, extra coarse and a slicer	Medium, coarse, slicer and a removable zester
Catch and measure	No container; grates onto the counter or a board	Container catches and measures, with a sealing lid
Zester	Fixed fine side on the box	Removable zester usable over bowls or boards
Base and grip	Welded base, rubberized handle	Non-slip foot, soft non-slip handle
Materials	18/8 stainless steel body, thermoplastic rubber handle	Stainless steel surfaces with TPE, ABS and SAN plastics
Dishwasher	Dishwasher-safe	Dishwasher-safe, top rack only
Footprint	9 in tall, wider body	12 in tall, narrower body

Spec	Mercer Box Grater	OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater
Model Number	M35420	11231700
Tooth Type	Etched	Etched
Materials	18-8 stainless steel, thermoplastic rubber	Stainless steel; TPE, ABS, and SAN plastics
Handle Length	4 in	4 in
Dishwasher-Safe	Yes	Yes, top rack only
Construction Style	Box	Box
Grating Surface Dimensions	5.75 x 3.25 in (18.7 sq in)	4.5 x 2.75 in (12.4 sq in)
Power Source	Manual	—
Blade Material	Stainless steel	—
Blade Type	Acid-etched	—
Blade Count	4	—
Food Types	Spices, Cheese	—

Spec	Mercer Box Grater	OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater
Intended Use	Commercial	—
Subtype	Grater	—
Typical Users	UNISEX, ADULT	—
Design Type	Grater	—
Color	Black	—
Design Form	Box Grater	—
Design Capacity	9-inch overall length	—
Handle Material	Rubberized	—
Body Material	Stainless steel	—
Length	12.07 cm

Mercer Box Grater vs OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater

Prices

Mercer Box Grater vs OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater

Prices

OXO Good Grips Etched Box Grater

What separates them

Price history

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