The Mouli grater is a classic, old-school French kitchen tool. Its basic concept is a rotary grater that you turn with one hand whilst pressing the food to be grated (usually cheese) with the other using a hinged handle. The original model by Moulinex is no longer in production, although there are many new knock-off versions to be found in cookware shops. Or you could just pick up a lovely vintage model like the one above, either online or at your local flea market.
People who own a Mouli claim they are the best version of the rotary grater. Many still have their original model from the 1940's which speaks to its sturdiness. With modern inventions like the food processor and microplane, the Mouli lost its popularity, although I feel it still has its place in a well-stocked kitchen.
Every since my first kitchen, I've had a version of the Mouli grater on hand. My first was an orange plastic model; currently I have a white plastic version I recently picked up in my apartment building's free box. It works wonderfully for grating cheese, although I've been told that it also works well for grating nuts and fruits, and making baby food purees. Now that I've seen these vintage models, though, I may just turn the plastic model in.
Do you have a Mouli, or a version of a Mouli, and how do you use it?
• Vintage French Mouli graters, at Etsy
(Images: VirgosVintage and tuckedawaytreasures)
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My mother had one, and when she passed, all five daughters wanted it---I lost in the drawing :( But I found another vintage Mouli grater with both size grater wheels, in a second-hand store for 50 cents, so I'm pleased.
Obviously I grate cheese in it, but also pickles, hard boiled eggs. Carrots sometimes, and Nuts, instead of trying to chop or break them.
Reminds me of the Zyliss hard cheese grater.
My boyfriend has one of the newer knock offs - I find it easier to grate cheese (and things) quickly with a microplane, which is also easier to clean.
My mom has one that she inherited from a great-aunt and I covet shamelessly.
I have an original Mouli, inherited from my grandmother. yay.
I also have one inherited from my grandmother. It only has one wheel and has a wooden handle, may have been painted red at one time. I remember her using it often when I was young.
My mother always used a Mouli and I assumed every kitchen had one until I married and began to cook 40 plus years ago. At some point, I replaced my old metal Mouli (had no idea it was considered "collectible,") with a stainless one that only has two grating cylinders, instead of three, like the original. I grate cheese, boiled eggs, pickle - pretty anything that's grate-able - and consider it indispensable.