9 Best Measuring Cups to Fit Any Budget posted by Taylor Munsell Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We’ve all had moments when we didn’t have the right kitchen measuring tools. We approximated and guessed our way through a recipe. And the result was a meal didn’t taste quite right, and it did not look like that appetizing picture in the recipe. All those moments happened because we ignored one important truth: cooking is about precision. From cooking time to the volume of each ingredient, you need precise measurements to cook the perfect meals every time. Today, we will look at the best measuring cups for your dry and wet ingredients so that you can master every recipe. Sure, you can be a bit off when measuring ingredients for some dishes. But you’ll need to be precise with many recipes especially when baking. Read on to find out more about measuring cups that are sturdy, accurate, and embossed with easy-to-read calibrations. Table of ContentsAbout Measuring CupsWhat you should look for when buying measuring cupsTypeConstructionMaterialStorageBudget-Friendly Measuring CupsMid-Range Measuring CupsSplurge-Worthy Measuring CupsMeasuring Cup FAQ About Measuring Cups What you should look for when buying measuring cups You don’t need to end up with cups with broken handles and worn-out measurement markings. Consider these factors when buying measuring cups: Type Due to the differences in the volumes of dry and wet foods, there are two major types of measuring cups. There are cups for liquids and those for dry ingredients. Dry measuring cups usually come in sets and have calibrations up to the top of each cup. Liquid measuring cups are one unit and come in capacities ranging from 1-cup to 8-cup. It’s always a great idea to invest in both types. Construction Look out for firmly attached handles that won’t easily break off. For durability, you can splurge on measuring cups that feature one-piece construction. Also, you need measuring cups with well-etched durable gradations. I love cups with multiple measurements (cups, milliliters, ounces, etc.). Material Stainless steel cups are sturdy, don’t absorb odors, and are great for measuring dry foods. When it comes to metallic cups, look for cups that have anti-rust and anti-stain construction. Glass measuring cups work well with liquids. They are easy to read. Plus, you can put them into the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. Plastic measuring cups work for both wet and dry ingredients. Though they are dishwasher-safe, most plastic cups are not heat resistant and may absorb odors. Storage If you have a smaller kitchen, you’ll need to consider storage space. Go for stackable or collapsible measuring cups that easily fit into drawers. Budget-Friendly Measuring Cups 1. U-Taste Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – 10 Piece by [amazon link=”B01L26QE14″ link_icon=”none” title=”U-Taste” /] [amazon fields=”B01L26QE14″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”U-Taste Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – 10 Piece”] If you need affordable but durable measuring cups and spoons, look no further than this gorgeous stainless steel set. # I love the construction on this set. Each cup has a thick body, smooth edges, and thick handles to prevent bending. Plus, the padded handles are easy to grip. Because the colors on each cup’s handle match the cup’s size, you can quickly grab the right cup straight from your drawer. I loved the engraved measurements that clearly indicate “ml” and “cup” sizes. Plus, you can use this rust-resistant set to measure both liquid and dry ingredients. Better still, it’s dishwasher safe and the cups and spoons nest together for easy storage. 2. OXO Adjustable Measuring Beaker by Sur La Table Ever wanted to find an easier mess-free way of measuring sticky ingredients? Then an adjustable measuring beaker might be what you need. This OXO beaker is great for thick liquids or semi-solid foods such as peanut butter, honey, cooking oils, and shortening. It has a rotating body with a turning knob and a silicone disk that acts as a squeegee to help push and dispense every drop of sticky liquid. 3. OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Angled Measuring Cup by [amazon link=”B00005RKOE” link_icon=”none” title=”OXO” /] [amazon fields=”B00005RKOE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Angled Measuring Cup”] With traditional measuring cups, you need to check accuracy at eye level. This leads to a cumbersome routine of checking, adjusting, and rechecking your ingredient measurements until they’re just right. If you need an efficient method of measuring your ingredients, you should get an angled measuring cup. This top-rated lightweight OXO measuring cup removes the need to check and recheck your measurements. Save time by reading ingredient measurements from above. It’s dishwasher safe, BPA free, and has both standard and metric measurements. Moreover, it has a non-slip handle which is useful when you’re working with wet hands. Mid-Range Measuring Cups 4. Acacia Wood and Gold Measuring Cups by Crate & Barrel Those who like some glamor in their kitchen will appreciate this attractive set of stackable measuring cups. Gold-finished stainless steel cups with acacia wood handles will add elegance to your cooking process. Plus, this stunning set will make a fantastic gift. These cups are not just pretty, they are easy to handle, stable, and very functional. On the downside, these measuring cups are not dishwasher safe and you should not use them with acidic products. 5. Stainless Steel Measuring Cups by Sur La Table These simple, sturdy, and sleek stainless steel measuring cups are a great addition to any cook’s kitchenware. We love the accuracy of these heavyweight cups. Leveling flour is easy because the cups and handles are at the same level. Plus, their handles are long and don’t bend even when scooping heavier ingredients such as brown sugar. 6. Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Batter Bowl by [amazon link=”B0000VLMVU” link_icon=”none” title=”Anchor Hocking” /] [amazon fields=”B0000VLMVU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Anchor Hocking 2 Quart Ovenproof Glass Batter Bowl”] This reliable batter bowl with clear etched measurements is a kitchen essential. Its large size allows you to whisk and mix your ingredients without making a mess. It has a wide mouth with a spout for easy pouring and is safe for the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. This versatile bowl can also be used for marinades, storing soups, blending liquids, making iced tea, and much more. Splurge-Worthy Measuring Cups 7. Stainless Steel Measuring Cups by Le Creuset If you want to splurge on measuring cups that are accurate, long-lasting, and gorgeous, then consider investing in these Le Creuset cups. These thick heavy cups with engraved measurements bring the trusted quality of Le Creuset to your kitchen. Since they’re made from one piece of stainless steel metal, you don’t have to worry about the handles falling off. Plus, you can use these wide shallow cups to melt butter on the stovetop. Additionally, they have a highly polished beautiful finish. 8. All-Clad Stainless-Steel Odd-Size Cups & Spoons Set by [amazon link=”B0001ACKWU” link_icon=”none” title=”All Clad” /] [amazon fields=”B0001ACKWU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set, 5-Piece, Silver”] Don’t be flustered when you come across recipes with odd-sized measurements. With this set of measuring cups, you won’t have to approximate the 1/3 or 2/3 capacity mark. They are made of heavy-duty stainless steel and have riveted handles for a firm grip. With their long handles, you can easily reach to scoop ingredients from jars and containers. 9. Hammered Copper & Gold Measuring Cups by Magnolia Add elegance and beauty to your kitchen with these classy hammered copper and gold measuring cups. This beautiful hand-crafted set features copper-finished cups with gold-finished handles. It includes 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup items. Small curved handles are easy to maneuver in a bag of sugar or flour. And etched measurements are easy to read. These sturdy cups are stackable for easy storage, but they’ll look great hanging in your kitchen as décor. The set’s copper finish will blend with most kitchens. This gorgeous and functional set will make a great gift for a loved one or your favorite chef. Measuring Cup FAQ Is there a difference between dry and liquid measuring cups? Yes, there’s a difference between liquid and dry measuring cups. While the cups may hold the same amount in volume, they have been engineered to precisely measure their respective constituents. While you may get away with interchanging these cups when cooking, do not switch the cups if you are baking. The tiniest differences in baking ingredient measurements will affect your final product.Dry measuring cups are usually filled to the brim and the excess is swiped off. Liquid measuring cups have calibration lines below the rim to measure the meniscus of the liquid. If you use a dry ingredient measuring cup for liquids, you’ll have to fill the liquid to the brim. And you’ll most likely spill the liquid as you add it to your recipe.Furthermore, you’ll scarcely find a dry food measuring cup that is larger than 1 cup. Liquid measuring containers can measure up to 8 cups. A digital scale will accurately measure both dry and wet ingredients. Does the shape of the measuring cup matter? If the measuring cup is accurately calibrated, then the shape shouldn’t really matter. With that said, choose dry ingredient measuring cups that make it easy to scoop ingredients out of containers and bags. And opt for liquid measuring cups that have a spout for easy pouring. Are all measuring cups accurate? According to this article, which talks about a test done at America’s Test Kitchen, not all measuring cups are accurate. Their testers theorize that this is due to quality control errors since most measuring cups are calibrated by a machine at a factory. Alternate materials and fancy additions can also affect accuracy. The good news is that most cups from top manufacturers like OXO are accurate. Summing Up… With a great set of measuring cups, you can determine accurate quantities of ingredients such as a quarter cup of sugar or half a cup of milk. A reliable measurement tool should have easy-to-read calibrations that won’t fade off. And if you’re a regular baker, you cannot afford to work with inaccurate measurements. In this list of the best measuring cups, I included cups for every budget so that everyone can find a cup that suits their current needs. Select your favorite and you’ll soon be measuring and scooping perfect portions of ingredients for scrumptious meals.
