What tool is best suited for grating cheddar cheese?

The box grater is particularly well-suited for grating cheddar cheese due to its various grating surfaces that allow for different textures, from coarse to fine. This versatility makes it easy to adjust the size of the cheese shreds based on the specific needs of the dish being prepared.

Moreover, the box design provides stability and safety while grating, as it can be placed directly on a surface and secured with the user's hands. The larger biting surface of a box grater can also handle larger blocks of cheese, allowing for efficient grating without the need for constant replenishing.

While other tools like the food processor and microplane can also grate cheese, they serve different purposes. A food processor is capable of grating cheese quickly but may not provide the same control over the texture as a box grater. On the other hand, a microplane is more suited for creating fine shavings or zesting rather than grating in the traditional sense. A mandoline slicer is primarily designed for slicing vegetables and fruits, making it less appropriate for grating cheese altogether.

In summary, the box grater stands out as the optimal tool for this task due to its functionality, safety, and versatility in achieving the desired cheese texture.