Product test
Who needs an onion chopper anyway? I do!
by Katja Fischer
Decisive improvements with compromises: the new grater from Zyliss
21.2.2025
Translation: machine translated
The Zyliss drum grater has been around since 1961. Now it has been released in a new version with many useful improvements. Unfortunately, it is no longer "Swiss Made".
More than 60 years after its market launch, Zyliss has improved the drum grater in key areas and named it Gourmet. A better angle and a higher output edge make work easier. What has remained is the practical suction cup on the base, which allows the grater to stand securely.
The Gourmet has grown slightly, but is slimmer than its predecessor. It seems to me that the funnel is also slightly larger, but it now has a protruding rail on the previously smooth edge that guides the plunger.
The rubbing force
The principle has not changed. I insert one of the three drums supplied and screw on the plastic crank. The food goes into the top of the funnel, and a few turns later the potato is sliced for the gratin or grated into pieces for the rösti.
This is quick and easy, and I save time compared to the classic square grater, especially for larger quantities. A small advantage for scatterbrains like me: the finger berries stay on thanks to the pestle.
Now the changes come into play, which in the car industry would probably be called "model maintenance". A slightly steeper angle ensures that the chopped food flies out of the grater better. Thanks to the higher output edge, larger bowls can also be placed under the grater. Disadvantage: if I place a plate instead of a bowl, some of the food flies over the plate, which was less of a problem with the previous model.
This rubs me the wrong way
Compared to the last model, Zyliss supplies one drum less. In the basic configuration I find one fine, one coarse and the cutting drum. While the Bircher drum was still part of the standard package in the previous model, it is now available as an option. As are the julienne and purée drums.
What also made me suspicious is the imprint "Cleverly Swiss" where it used to say "Swiss Made". Zyliss actually had to relocate production from Switzerland to China for cost reasons, according to an enquiry. That leaves me with mixed feelings.
The answer to the question of which came first, mixed salads or the Zyliss drum grater, I unfortunately couldn't answer either. One thing is certain: as long as the drum grater is around, so long will the mixed salad be around.
In a nutshell
Drum roll for a small upgrade
There is a reason why the Zyliss drum grater is one of the classic kitchen appliances. It is and remains good, even in the latest version. It's certainly not indispensable, but being able to grate carrots or cucumber salad or rösti potatoes in just a few seconds is a worthwhile time-saver. It's a shame that Zyliss is now producing in China. That gives it one star.
Pro
- everything is quickly grated
- Larger bowls also fit underneath
- works even better than its predecessor
- lower RRP than the previous version
Contra
- Only three drums included in the scope of delivery
- manufactured in China instead of Switzerland
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
Cooking
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