One of the most crucial aspects of following a recipe is using the right measures. Despite the widespread misconception that any measuring cup will do, there are differences between liquid and dry measuring cups, and some are more accurate than others. While dry measuring cups work best for items like wheat, sugar, and rice since you can fill them and level them off, liquid measuring cups are made with handles and pour spouts into measuring, you guessed it, liquids. To get the most precise (and mess-free!) results, it is important to use measuring cups for their designed task.
The two sorts of measuring cups are those made for measuring liquids and those for dry substances. Dry measuring cups are sold in sets because different cups are required for various dry amounts, and different amounts can be measured using liquid measuring cups. Even while you might only require one, having many might be useful, especially if you’re preparing a dish that calls for more than one liquid to be measured.
What are Exactly Measuring Cups?
Specifically for amounts from around 50 mL (2 fl oz) upwards, a measuring cup is a kitchen tool used to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking components like flour and sugar. Additionally, liquid detergents, bleach, and washing powder are all measured using measuring cups.
The Cup typically has a scale with markings in cups and fractions of a cup, as well as fluid measurements and the weight of various dry items. A measuring cup could be constructed of glass, metal, or plastic. Metal cups can only be read from a dipstick or scale marked on the inside; transparent (or translucent) cups can be read from an external scale.
Best Measuring Cups
Here are some of the best collections for measuring cups:
Bellemain One-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
Features:
- The signature Bellemain stainless steel measuring cups don’t bend or break like cheap metal or plastic. They’re manufactured to be an at-home chef’s best friend for years and years.
- Whether it’s the beauty in the smooth stainless steel and 18/8 gauge finish or the utility of its flat, non-tipping bottoms and compact nesting, people have set the Bellemain Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set’s Amazon Review section. On fire with perfect 5-reviews!
- You don’t want silicone or BPA-infested plastic to touch your cooking. We know that, so don’t worry: all of our measuring cups are crafted from durable, one-piece (no welds) dishwasher-safe stainless steel.
- With other brands that sell stainless steel measuring cups, ¾ cups are sold as part of another set. Not us: you get everything you need the first time. Each Cup also Includes ml and cup sizes etched on each handle.
- With wide handles to allow even clumsy fingers to hold tight, the Bellemain measuring cup set belongs in every person’s kitchen regardless of culinary skill. De-burred edges ensure you don’t get scratched if you’re hand-washing them.
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set
Features:
- Patented angled surface lets you read measurements from above
- Eliminates the need to fill, check and adjust
- Standard and metric measurement markings
- Dishwasher safe and BPA free
Squish Collapsible Measuring Cup Sets
Features:
- INCLUDES ¼ Cup, 1/3 Cup, ½ Cup and 1 Cup
- Colour-coded cups for easy identification
- LOW PROFILE STORAGE – cups collapse for compact storage in your drawer.
- COOK – SQUISH – STORE – Squish collapsible kitchen products make today’s storage challenges disappear in one second…flat
- DISHWASHER SAFE – Not Microwave Safe
KitchenArt Professional Series 2 Cup
Features:
- The KitchenArt Professional Series 2-Cup Adjust-a-Cup makes measuring liquids, dry, and semi-solid ingredients easy using only one convenient measuring tool
- The adjustable measuring cup is made of durable and food-safe ABS and SAN plastic and silicone, with a sleek and beautiful champagne satin finish
- This is the perfect space-saving measuring Cup for your kitchen; no need for multiple measuring cups; this allows you to measure liquids and dry and semi-solid ingredients from 1/8 cup to 2 cups
- The pint, Cup, ounce, and millimeter markings on the clear outer sheath make doubling and conversions a breeze; To use, pull the plunger down to the measurement indicated and add your ingredient
- Hand wash only with warm soapy water and dry immediately. Measures 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches x 6 inches; 2 cup capacity
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups with Magnetic Snaps
Features:
- Set includes: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup
- Magnetic handles keep Cups together for storage and allow for removing one Cup at a time
- Designed to make leveling ingredients easy for greater accuracy
- Permanent, etched measurement markings
- Soft, comfortable, non-slip handles
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Magnetic handles keep Cups together for storage and allow for removing one Cup at a time.
What to Look for When Buying Measuring Cups?
Here are some important points to remember when buying measuring cups:
Measures & Markings
A set of dry measuring cups comprises 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup measurements. Even though they aren’t necessary, larger sets may include extra increments like 1/8-, 2/3-, and 3/4-cup measures, as well as the elusive 2-cup measuring cup, which is highly useful. The measuring Cup’s side may be stamped with smaller measurements or metric units. Even though it’s not the most precise measurement method, these extra increments can be useful.
The handle should be inscribed with or stamped with the cup measurement. When the Cup is full, it may be difficult or impossible to see measurements written on the interior or side of the container.
Materials
While buying measuring cups, you have to understand the material also:
Stainless Steel
- Ideal for dry measuring, stainless steel cups are the most sturdy and well-balanced measuring cups on the market. Your best choice is a set of stainless steel measuring cups formed from solid metal sheets, such as the Bellemain six-piece stainless steel measuring cup set. Stainless steel is also non-porous and will not pick up odors or colors.
Plastic
- Both dry and liquid measuring cups come in plastic options. Plastic cups meant for dry measurements are typically lighter-weight than stainless steel ones and are usually a little less expensive. Unfortunately, they may not be as stable when being filled with lightweight ingredients and may topple over more easily.
Avoid using heated oils or color-saturated ingredients that may stain your measuring cup or leave it permanently scented and dyed when using plastic measuring cups for liquids. Plastic cups may crack if exposed to heat and cold for a prolonged time or if it’s dropped.
Silicone
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Silicone is generally utilized as a pleasant slip-resistant handle or non-slip base in collapsible cups or conjunction with plastic measuring cups. Although silicone has the same uses as plastic, it also has the disadvantage of holding on to strong odors and colors. When using a silicone measuring cup, take care not to press down on it in any way to prevent pinching it and altering the measurement (for example, use the handle when scooping or leveling rather than holding the Cup between your thumb and forefinger).
Glass
- The most popular material for liquid measurement cups is glass, which is also a common choice. For many years, Pyrex has produced industry-recognized liquid measurement cups. To make stacking numerous cups simple, look for a glass with an L-shaped handle (rather than a C-shaped grip that is attached to the Cup at both ends) and an easy-to-read, screen-printed measurement on the side of the glass. Glass measuring cups are non-porous and resistant to odors and stains. Still, they are typically heavier than plastic cups. Despite being strengthened or tempered, most glass measuring cups still break or crack when dropped.
Storage Tip
Most cups, both liquid and dry, are made to fit into the set’s next-largest measuring Cup. The cups can be nested so that they only occupy the space of the largest Cup in your cabinets or drawers. A foldable set of measuring cups, like the Squish four-piece set, is useful if you’re short on space because it takes up less room in filled drawers.
Many dry measuring cups have holes in the handle so that they can be hung, either collectively on a hook or separately on a ring. Hanging your cups makes them quicker to access when you’re ready to bake (as opposed to rummaging through a crowded kitchen drawer) and makes it simple for them to air-dry if they were hand-washed.
Warranties
Usually, measuring cups and spoons are sold without a warranty. It is best to learn the return policy of the shop you intend to buy your measuring cups from before purchasing if you are concerned about any manufacturing faults.
How to Measure Ingredients in Cooking and Baking?
Here are the basic guides to measuring ingredients in cooking and baking:
Flour
In the bag or storage container, stir the flour. Flour should be lightly spooned into the measuring Cup from the container using a large spoon. Both packing the flour and shaking the Cup are improper. Level off the flour so it is the flush top edge of the measuring Cup using the back of a knife or flat-bladed spatula. Don’t scoop flour from the container using the measuring Cup. If you do this, you could have a measurement of exactly 150 percent of the true value! The weight of one Cup of accurately measured flour should be between 120 and 125 grams.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
the container is stirred. Lightly scoop from the container using the measuring spoon. Use that knife to level the surface so that it is level with the measuring spoon’s top edge.
Sugar
Sugar is measured by scooping the Cup or measuring spoon into the container or bag until it is overflowing, then leveling off with the back of a knife.
Brown Sugar
This needs to be packed into the measuring Cup, and the sugar should retain the shape of the Cup when it is dropped into the other ingredients.
Liquid Ingredients
Liquids need to be measured at eye level. Using the liquid measuring cups, pour the liquid into the Cup. Then bend over so you are on the same level with the measuring marks. The liquid should be right at the mark, not above or below.
Chopped Ingredients
Please pay close attention to whether or not an ingredient is to be chopped, diced or minced, and whether they are measured before or after. Then the foods are placed in the measuring cup so the top is level with the surface.
The recipe’s success depends on your ability to measure ingredients properly when you create sweets, bread, cakes, cookies, and pie crusts. You can change the amounts more while preparing casseroles, soups, stir-fries, and meats, and the outcome will still be delicious.
What’s the Difference Between Dry and Liquid Measuring Cups?
Every home cook must have access to dry and liquid measuring cups. How do they differ, though? Do we require both? After all, the volume measurements made by dry and liquid measuring cups are equivalent. To put it briefly, it would help if you had both.
Because various substances require different methods to be precisely measured, we have dry and liquid measuring cups. To accurately measure dry ingredients, you must be able to scoop the components into the Cup until it is full, then level it off. A liquid measuring cup is insufficient for this. In contrast, liquid components are naturally messy; thus, adding a lot of liquid to a dry measuring cup will probably result in a lot of liquid getting on your counters or floor. Your kitchen would be messy, and your measurements wouldn’t be precise.
Conclusion
Measuring cups are a need in any kitchen. Most measuring cups are composed of sturdy, long-lasting plastic or stainless steel for their ease of cleaning and resistance to bending. A range of standard measurements, from one Cup to a half, quarter, and third, are provided by the best measuring cups, just like measuring spoons. To achieve accurate measurements, they feature sharp edges. A set of cups will save you time and irritation when converting an American half cup of milk or sugar to metric measurements.
You should remember the points we covered above when picking the proper measuring Cup so you can make the right choice.
