OTOTO is known for its whimsical kitchen gadgets, and Barry the Bear Cheese Grater continues that tradition. Shaped like a brown bear holding a wheel of cheese, this grater is designed to look playful while serving a functional purpose. It is made from stainless steel and BPA-free materials, and it is dishwasher safe, which adds convenience for cleanup.
In real-world use, Barry works best for grating softer cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda. The stainless steel grating surface is sharp enough to produce fine shreds without too much effort. The bear shape includes a handle in the form of the bear’s head, which provides a comfortable grip for most hand sizes. The wheel of cheese at the bottom acts as a stable base, but it is not non-slip, so you may need to hold the grater steady on a cutting board or countertop.
One limitation is the grating surface itself. It is relatively small compared to standard box graters or flat graters. This means you cannot grate large blocks of cheese quickly. For occasional use, such as topping a pasta dish or a salad, it works fine. But if you frequently grate large amounts of cheese for recipes like lasagna or mac and cheese, you may find the process tedious. The bear design also has crevices where food particles can get stuck, requiring thorough cleaning even though it is dishwasher safe. Some users have reported that the bear’s ears and nose are not as easy to clean by hand.
Compared to a standard box grater or a microplane-style grater, Barry is less efficient for bulk grating. Box graters offer multiple grating surfaces (coarse, fine, slicing) and a larger area, making them better for high-volume tasks. Microplane graters are excellent for fine zesting or grating hard cheeses like Parmesan. Barry sits somewhere in between—it is a single-surface grater with a medium-fine texture, suitable for softer cheeses but not ideal for hard cheeses or vegetables like carrots or potatoes. It also does not include a container to catch grated cheese, so you need to grate directly onto a plate or bowl.
Who is this product for? It is suitable for someone who values kitchen aesthetics and wants a conversation piece. It works well for light, occasional grating tasks, and it makes a fun gift for bear enthusiasts or fans of quirky kitchen tools. It is also a good option for small kitchens with limited storage, as it takes up less space than a box grater.
Who is it not for? If you cook frequently and need a workhorse grater for large quantities, this is not the best choice. It also may not satisfy users who need versatility, such as grating hard cheeses, chocolate, or vegetables. The small surface area and single grating option limit its utility for serious home cooks.
In summary, Barry the Bear Cheese Grater is a charming gadget that performs adequately for light-duty grating. It is not a replacement for a standard grater in terms of efficiency or versatility, but it adds a touch of personality to the kitchen. If you are looking for a functional tool that also serves as decor, it is worth considering. Just be aware that its cute design comes with practical trade-offs in cleaning and grating capacity.