Box Grater CTG-00-BG

Cuisinart

Cuisinart's Box Grater CTG-00-BG features four stainless steel grating surfaces for versatile food preparation. With a sturdy black plastic handle secured by solid rivets, this multi-purpose kitchen tool offers reliable performance for slicing, grating, and shredding. The robust construction maintains sharpness over years of regular use, making it a practical addition to any home kitchen.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:4.5"L x 3.5"W x 10"H
Lifespan:5+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:China

Research Summary

The Cuisinart Box Grater CTG-00-BG delivers 5-7 years of reliable performance but falls short of true BIFL status due to a critical design flaw. The removable silicone base traps moisture and food particles, eventually causing rust and failure. While sturdy construction, sharp grating surfaces, and Cuisinart's lifetime warranty are notable strengths, the inevitable corrosion issue undermines its long-term viability. Best for casual home cooks willing to accept eventual replacement rather than those seeking a forever kitchen tool. A good value for medium-term use but disappointing for a premium brand product.

  • Sharp, well-built grater with a fatal flaw: the silicone base traps moisture, causing hidden rust that becomes evident only after years of use
  • No repair options or replacement parts available when the inevitable corrosion develops under the base
  • Impressive lifetime warranty with reasonable claim process, though the $4 handling fee is a minor detraction
  • Good 5-7 year value proposition, but falls short of the decades-long performance expected from quality kitchen tools
  • Users consistently praise the sharpness and sturdy handle, but the cleaning nightmare created by the base design is a dealbreaker for BIFL purists

Repairability Notes

5.5

The Cuisinart Box Grater offers mixed repairability prospects with concerning design flaws despite its durability claims.

  • Disassembly Issues: The silicone base is removable but becomes a food trap and moisture collection point, leading to hidden rust underneath that's only discovered after failure.
  • Rust Vulnerability: Multiple users report rust developing after 5+ years of use, particularly under the silicone ring and on the bottom rod, suggesting lower-quality metals in critical areas.
  • No Replacement Parts: Despite the lifetime warranty, there's no evidence of available replacement parts for the silicone base or handle if they fail.

Bottom line: This grater is sturdy for daily use but has a fatal design flaw where moisture and food get trapped, causing eventual rust and failure. The warranty might cover replacement, but proper repair seems unlikely.

Durability Notes

7.0

A well-built box grater with impressive initial quality, but with a significant design flaw that compromises long-term durability. The sturdy construction and sharp grating surfaces hold up well for most users, but the removable silicone base creates serious issues with trapped food, cleaning challenges, and eventual rusting.

  • Durability strength: Many users report 5+ years of retained sharpness and stable performance. The securely riveted handle is a particular high point compared to cheaper models where handles break.
  • Fatal flaw: Multiple reports of rust developing under the silicone base after several years, with one user being forced to discard their 5-year-old grater when the base fell off revealing significant corrosion.
  • Construction concerns: Some users note poor metal finishing with rough, potentially dangerous edges. The hidden space under the silicone base traps food particles and moisture, creating hygiene issues and accelerating corrosion.

Bottom line: Could've been great, but the silicone base design is its Achilles' heel. Expect 5-7 years of solid performance before potential rust issues develop, not the lifetime tool the brand reputation suggests.

Warranty Notes

8.5

Cuisinart offers a lifetime warranty on their Box Grater CTG-00-BG, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use for as long as the original purchaser owns it.

  • Coverage: Lifetime warranty to original purchaser, specifically excluding damage from accidents, misuse, or cosmetic issues that don't affect functionality.
  • Claim Process: Contact Cuisinart's Consumer Service Center (1-800-726-0190) with a $4.00 handling fee, though California residents have additional options.
  • Verification: While reviews don't specifically mention warranty claims, the documented lifetime warranty terms from Cuisinart are comprehensive and standard across their kitchen tools.

Bottom line: This is a genuine lifetime limited warranty from an established brand with clear terms and a straightforward claim process, though requiring proof of purchase and a small handling fee slightly diminishes its perfect score.

Social Analysis

7.0

Cuisinart graters spark divided opinions — loved for durability but criticized for design flaws. Many users report 5-10 years of sharp performance, while others worry about the problematic base design.

  • Durability praise: Users say it appears more durable and better quality than wedding gift graters and stays sharp after years of use
  • Cleaning nightmare: The rubber base catches and holds small pieces of food creating areas for bacteria — a major hygiene concern
  • Rust issues: One user found nasty rusty metal underneath after 5 years when the plastic membrane fell off

Bottom line: Well-regarded for performance but the food-trapping base and potential rust issues prevent it from being a true BIFL favorite.

BIFL Total Score:
7.0Good
Box Grater CTG-00-BG
Amazon
$18.99

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
7.0
Durability Score
7.0
Repairability Score
5.5
Social Score
7.0
Warranty Score
8.5

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Retains sharpness for 5+ years

Securely riveted handle, won't break

Lifetime warranty with clear terms

Sturdy construction, consistent performance

Areas for Improvement

Silicone base traps food and moisture

Rust develops under base after years

Difficult to clean thoroughly

No replacement parts available

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

Box Grater CTG-00-BG - Main view

Main product view

1 of 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: After each use / As NeededRegular cleaning and maintenance after use ensures longevity and optimal performance of the grater.

Step 1

Clean

Clean the grater with hot water and a sponge after each use. If stuck-on food is present, soak it briefly before cleaning. Although the grater is dishwasher safe, hand-washing is recommended for best results.

Recommended Products

  • Mild Dish Soap$3-5
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

No specific conditioning is required for this product. However, drying thoroughly after washing will help prevent rust. If the grater starts to show signs of rust, rub it gently with a lemon cut in half and then wipe clean.

Recommended Products

  • Lemon$0.50-1
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store the grater in a dry location to prevent moisture buildup and rust. If storing for an extended period, ensure it is completely dry and consider wrapping it to protect the grating surface.

Compare with Similar Products

Loading comparison...

Similar Products

Loading similar products...

Grab our Buy-It-For-Life Newsletter

Sign up for the BIFL Bi-Monthly

✓ New product picks
✓ Long-term gear reports
✓ Repair tips & sustainability news

Help Us Improve

This site is for you. Help us make it better. We're constantly refining the way we score and present BIFL products. If something's missing, broken, or off — we want to hear from you.