5 Best Measuring Cups
The problem with finding the best measuring cups is that there are just too many out there. Should you get a plastic one or a glass one? Should you get separate cups for dry and liquid ingredients? How big should it be… can you eat in it if you want? Can you use it to meal prep for a week? And then some. It can be quite tedious to look at cup after cup after cup, weighing the pros and cons and trying to figure out what fits your needs.
I decided to do some research though, so you wouldn’t have to. And after some thorough work I narrowed it down to these top-rated measuring cups:
Comparison Of The Best Measuring Cups In 2021
PRODUCT |
CAPACITY |
BEST FOR |
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
|
1/4 – 1 cup | Best Overall |
|
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2 cups | Best Glass |
|
|
1 – 4 cups | Best Plastic |
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1/8 – 1 cup | Best for Storage |
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1.KitchenMade Stackable
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel
- Made in one piece
- Set of 6
- Includes ⅔ and ¾ cups
These one-piece measuring cups are chiefly for dry ingredients, but also have milliliter markings so you can measure your liquids too. In fact, they also have a pouring lip which will facilitate you while transferring liquids so you don’t spill anything during processes that call for a slow pour and make a mess.
These KitchenMade stainless steel measuring cups are more like small bowls, with smooth, curving sides, instead of straight sides that join sharply with the base, so it’ll be easier to get your ingredients out of them without wasting any. We all know how frustrating it is to get honey, syrup, peanut butter, etc. out of a measuring cup. So even if your sticky ingredient decides to give you trouble, you can use a spoon or a spatula to get every last bit out, thanks to the curving sides.
Markings: The markings are etched into the handles of these best stainless steel measuring cups, in cups and metrics, but are also present on the sides of the cups. Additionally, the half-mark is also there on every cup which can be handy if you’re the kind of person who uses one cup for everything, like this woman.
Design: The whole cup is made in one piece, so the handle will have a hard time snapping off. Generally, stainless steel cups are made in two pieces: the cup and the handle. The handle, in most cases, can’t be welded too obviously to the cup because that would cause the cup to look really ugly. Resultantly, the joints can be quite flimsy.
These KitchenMade stainless steel measuring cups, because they are one-piece measuring cups, are the exact opposite. The one-piece design makes sure that the handle doesn’t come off, and the material of the cup is sturdy enough that it doesn’t bend out of shape when you scoop out sugar or flour.
Base: As mentioned earlier, the KitchenMade stainless steel measuring cups have a bowl-like shape, but that doesn’t mean they have an unstable base. Some measuring cups have unstable bases that allow the cups to fall over, leading to wastage and a messy kitchen to boot. These KitchenMade cups have a flat base with a well-weighted handle so you can set out your measured ingredients on the counter sans fear because you are provided with the perfect balance, and your flour can’t take a romp down the kitchen table.
Risks: If you are not careful while scooping out ingredients, you might end up bending the handles of these one piece measuring cups. Even though the cups are very sturdily built, too much pressure will eventually bend them. Also, if you put the cup on a stovetop, be careful while handling the cup afterwards as the handle will certainty get hot.
Pieces: The set contains 6 pieces – that’s two more than the usual 4. Apart from the standard measures, KitchenMade stainless steel measuring cups provide seldom-seen ⅔ and ¾ measures as well. Most measuring cups for dry ingredients don’t have these measures, as they come in sets of four. These are some great fraction measuring cups on Amazon.
Granted, you can always use the ¼ cup thrice or the ⅓ cup twice but time is money, folks, and the next time you’re baking for the bake sale with these cups, you’ll thank me. Also, sometimes you just need to measure your ingredients and set them out on the counter before you get to the mixing part and you can’t do that if you only have four cups.
Storage: The one-piece stainless steel measuring cups are stackable, with each one nesting into its bigger size easily, which makes for comfortable storage. The handles have a hole in them, so when you nest the cups all the holes align and you can pass a ring through them if you think you might lose them separately, or if you’d just like them to be together.
They might seem a bit pricey, but the 100% Money-Back Lifetime Guarantee that KitchenMade offers is incentive enough to splurge just this once (wink).
And they are so shiny, they’ll make a spot of brightness wherever you put them in your kitchen.
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Pros
- Made in one piece
- Etched markings
- ⅔ and ¾ measures
- Best for dry ingredients
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy, handles won’t bend
- Stackable
Cons
- Not microwave safe
- Biggest measure: 1 cup
2. Pyrex 2-Cup
Highlighted Features
- Made of tempered glass
- Bright red markings
- Microwave-safe
- Handy 2-cup size
This is a glass cup ideal for measuring liquid ingredients. The handy 2-cup piece will take care of most of your basic needs, like cakes, biscuits, cereals, etc. You can even make a cake for one or two in it, in the microwave.
Markings: Cups and ounces are on one side while the metric equivalents are on the other. If you want glass measuring cups with etched markings, this one isn’t for you. But the markings are in a bright red color that will only be difficult to see if you’re making a red velvet. Maybe not even then.
Design: The design of this microwaveable measuring cup is like a tapered mug, with a handle projecting out from the side opposite to the pouring lip. The handle, like normal glass utensils, is a part of the mug and not joined separately. Overall, it makes for a sturdy cup.
Microwave safe: When it comes to glass, Pyrex has a reputation that precedes it as it’s known to withstand temperature changes extremely well. That means you can transfer it from cold to hot environments quickly. It can withstand a preheated oven, freezer, fridge, etc, without cracking or damaging in any way. Unlike stainless steel cups, this is microwave-safe, so you can melt your butter or boil your water directly in it. If you like to heat your cereal, this is a good choice for you as you can eat directly in the cup. The glass can get quite hot though, so be sure to handle it carefully.
Use and Care: It’s best to wash it by hand, or in the top rack of the dishwasher. It is advisable to skip the dishwasher entirely, though, because the markings aren’t etched in and while they may be nearly indelible, they might wear out over the years. If some food sticks to the cup while baking, don’t scour it too roughly. According to Pyrex Use and Care, cool the cup and then soak it for as long as necessary. If you must scour, don’t use steel wool or abrasive cleaners.
Risks: The biggest issue with this type of cookware is breakage; no one wants to buy something that’s liable to break, and glass is very liable. Pyrex is known to be durable, but it is still advisable to use with caution; don’t subject it to sudden temperature changes (like placing the hot cup onto a cool surface without a potholder), don’t strike hard objects against it and try not to drop it. The glass is very thick and durable, and not likely to break easily, but can still weaken if handled carelessly.
Pieces: This is a single measuring cup, but Pyrex also has measuring cups in a 3-piece set, and a huge 4-piece set that would benefit you if you meal-prep every Sunday or something like that. While all three options are appealing, the 2-cup piece seems best suited in most cases, as it is sufficient for most of your basic recipes. These are the best liquid measuring cups you can get your hands on.
Storage: The pyrex cup (or cups, if you decide to get a set) is easy to store as the 2-cup measure is not very big and can sit comfortably with other mugs in a cabinet or a drawer. The cups in the set are stackable, so storing multiple cups won’t be a problem. You can even store it in the fridge if you have something like a sauce that you need to keep cold.
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Pros
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Multiple sizes
- Can withstand temperature changes
- Ideal for liquids
Cons
- Can get too hot
- Can break
- Not ideal for solids
3. OXO Good Grips Angled Markings
Highlighted Features
- Set of 3 cups
- Angled measuring surface
- Anti-slip handles
- Dishwasher-safe
These cups are made of a sturdy plastic. Although this is a set containing all 3 pieces, it also comes in individual 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup models.
Angled Measuring Surface: These cups have the unique feature of an angled measuring surface. So while you’ll have to bend down to check accurate measurements for liquids in other measuring cups, this one will allow you to measure accurately from your comfortable, high vantage point. The angled surface runs along the inside of the cup so as you pour, you can keep an eye on the markers instead of having to pour, check, adjust, repour and check again. The angled markings are in addition to the regular markings running down the sides, in cups and metric equivalents. The conventional markings are also very helpful, as every quarter, third and fourth for every cup is mentioned.
Design: They have a unique oval shape, as opposed to the traditional round shape that many cups have. They have rounded sides, which allow for easy stirring so that no ingredient stays stuck into the sides. The cups have a sharply angled pouring lip which ensures that there will be no spillage while pouring.
Ease of Use: The cups have a soft, non-slip handle which allows for easy usage. Even if your hands are wet, the soft grip will provide enough purchase that the cup will not slip out of place. There is also a comfortable resting place for the thumb on top of the handle, which gives you an even better grip. The cups nest comfortably within each other, so their stackability will help in easy storage. The handles might take up a little extra space but if you stack them properly that won’t be a problem.
Microwave safe: These OXO measuring cups are microwave safe and you can measure hot liquids as well, but it’s better to avoid heating liquids too high in the cup as the plastic might stain or develop a fine mesh of cracks that will not only make your cup look dull, but also make it weaker.
Dishwasher safe: They are also dishwasher safe, but the markings aren’t etched and will probably last longer if the dishwasher is avoided. So it is advisable to hand wash them, but if the angled edges give you too much trouble while cleaning up, you can toss them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Markings: These microwaveable measuring cups have easy-to-read markings in bright red, and an angled surface, so they are ideal for anyone that has some trouble measuring liquid ingredients. OXO also has a repair or refund policy, so you don’t have to worry about making this purchase.
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Pros
- Comes in 3 pieces
- Angled readings
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Soft, easy-to-grip handle
Cons
- Can’t withstand extreme temperatures
- Angled edges harder to clean
4. OXO Good Grips Magnetic Snaps
Highlighted Features
- Magnetic strips on handles
- Soft, comfortable grip
- Stable base
- Made in one piece
The defining feature of these stackable, one-piece measuring cups by OXO Good Grips is the magnetic strips that adorn each handle.
Magnetic Snaps: The magnetic strips of these one-piece stainless steel measuring cups allow for compact, easy storage and you’re not likely to lose them in a jumbled drawer. You’ll be able to keep your cups together and also be able to use one cup at a time, instead of having the rest of them hanging by the ring in the handles while you measure, as is the case in many measuring cups. You can remove all these fancy measuring cups and use them individually and, once you are done, you can stack them, stick them all together and store them in their nesting position. In this way, you can save space and not lose your cups…at the same time.
Handles: These one piece measuring cups have soft, non-slip handles that let you grip them easily, even if your hands are oily or wet. The markings aren’t etched into them, which is a shame because those last forever. Instead, they are stamped onto the handles, so they might fade with time and use. The cups are dishwasher safe, so then again, they might not.
Number of Pieces: The set comes in 4, regular pieces of 1 cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and ¼ cup. There isn’t a ¾ or a ⅔, and there aren’t any mid-markers either, so you’ll have to use some cups twice to get your measurements. They are made in one piece and have a sturdy, stainless steel build, so they won’t bend or break as you go about your business. They have flat bottoms, which won’t allow the cup to topple over if you set them on the counter.
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Pros
- Easy-grip handles
- Magnetic strips on handles
- Made in one piece
- Sturdy
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Stamped markings
- Only 4 measures
- No mid-markings
5. Norpro Grip-Ez
Highlighted Features
- Slip-proof grip
- Stainless steel
- Unique, oblong shape
- Double-sided pouring lip
These oblong measuring cups, as the name suggests, have a slip-proof grip, which allows you to scoop and measure without experiencing any spills or cramps, both of which can be a nightmare for anyone working in the kitchen.
Unique Handles: Working with something as small as the handles of measuring cups can get quite taxing on the hands as it can be a bit hard to grip something so small in perfect position so nothing spills, and to constantly scoop and measure, etc. Imagine spilling a cup of oil because your hand cramped! The Grip-Ez handles of these cups provide a slip-proof grip and don’t slide out of position in your hand, so you can focus on the recipe instead of the cups.
Markings: These unique measuring cups have etched markings on the handles, both in cups and metric equivalents, so you won’t lose them to age. There’s nothing so horrid as having to replace your measuring cups because the markings on the old ones faded away.
Pouring Lip: Even though they are primarily for solid ingredients, the cups also have a double-sided pouring lip which allows for easy use for liquids. If you indeed decide to measure your liquid ingredients with these, you won’t be spilling any because the edges aren’t blunt; the pouring lips will let you pour, especially for slow-pour processes, with ease.
Shape: The defining feature, apart from the easy-grip handles, is the shape. Measuring cups are usually circular, but these are a bit oblong, like an egg. This feature means you can scoop easily as the narrower front end will cleave through the solid ingredient with no problem, so it’ll be easy to dip into a jar of flour or sugar and bring out a scoop.
Number of Pieces: The set contains five oblong measuring cups, with a not-often-seen 1/8th cup measure. All five cups are looped together through a ring, so you would either lose none or all of them (which is kinda hard). They are stackable, so they nest comfortably within each other and aren’t difficult to store. The cups have more of a traditional built, so they aren’t in one piece. As such, the handles might snap off with rough usage. For example, if you were to plunge a cup into a jar of sugar absent-mindedly and try to get a scoop out roughly, you might end up with just the handle in your hand. Also, they aren’t dishwasher safe and Norpro recommends hand-washing. So you should make this purchase only if you’re careful with your utensils and treat them with love and care.
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Pros
- Grip-Ez handles
- Scoop shape
- Etched markings
- Double-sided pouring lip
- Stackable
- ⅛ cup measure included
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not one-piece
Things To Look For Before Buying!
Most people think that they can use a single set of measuring cups for all their needs i.e. for measuring the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients. True, you can. But that doesn’t mean you should. Cups for dry ingredients aren’t as accurate for liquids, for example. Whatever your decision, you should keep a few things in mind when you set out to get the best set of measuring cups.
The best measuring cups should:
- have easy-to-read markings
- have a comfortable handle
- have a pouring lip for liquids
- be easy to store
- be sturdy
Buying Guide
Why Are Measuring Cups A Tool For Every Kitchen?
Having a good set of measuring cups is one of the best things that can happen to your kitchen. Sure, one can eye-ball ingredients and stuff but your recipes will undeniably come out a little bit different each time. Sour cream a few ounces too much or too little can definitely change the taste, and leave you wondering just what seems off. You don’t want that. Nobody wants that. For that reason, everyone who cooks should have the best measuring cups that they adore and trust.
Measuring Cups Or The Weighing Scale?
You might have asked yourself this question: should I weigh the ingredients on a scale or measure them in a cup? True, the weighing scale is best to weigh dry ingredients because let’s face it, you can’t ever be certain about the amount of food fitting in a cup, and it’s a volume measurement anyway. But not everyone has a weighing scale, and maybe you do but it is showing a zero error and you aren’t a whiz at math to figure out the difference. In that case, finding a good set of dry measuring cups as close to accuracy as possible is your goal.
How To Use A Measuring Cup?
Measuring cups are pretty easy and straightforward to use. They have clearly marked measurements, and all you need to do is measure out your ingredients exactly according to the markings. When measuring out liquids, be sure that while you hold your cup over your mixing bowl and pour in the oil or the milk, don’t fill the cup so much that it spills, as that will affect your recipe. You should also try to get a set of the best liquid measuring cups if you cook or bake often.
For dry ingredients, your material should be at a level to the cup’s edge or the measurement marker; no more, no less. If you need to measure out a cup of flour, level off the one-cup measure, don’t take a huge scoop out that has a mountain sticking out over the top. That’s way more than your recipe demands and you’ll probably end up with a cake that’s too dense.
Plastic, Steel Or Glass – Which Makes The Best Measuring Cup?
Plastic measuring cups weigh less and are sometimes the most affordable option, but plastic grows dull over use. You won’t fancy your measuring cup once it loses its shine and acquires all these stains and scratches. Still, it’s one of the easiest to store and use, as the handles don’t snap off or bend while scooping like many steel pieces and the best part is that they don’t break if they accidentally slip out of your oily fingers, like those of glass. If you are to choose a plastic piece, go for one that is microwave-safe safe and if it has etched markings, great!
Steel measuring cups are great, especially for dry ingredients. They are a bit heavier than their plastic counterparts and their handles are known to snap off, sometimes with the least bit of pressure, if they aren’t made in a single piece (which they usually aren’t), and they aren’t microwave-safe, duh. But the best stainless steel measuring cups are usually dishwasher safe and generally have etched markings, which allows for prolonged use without them ever wearing off. For dry ingredients, these should be your go-to option.
Glass measuring cups are the best for liquid ingredients, as you need a clear, precise reading of your liquids. They are microwave and dishwasher-safe and are usually made with non-porous glass that won’t let odors seep into your liquids (as sometimes happens with plastic cups). Glass measuring cups with etched markings are usually hard to find, but the markings are so durable in most cases that you are likely to break the cup before they fades. And the glass is usually so thick that it won’t break unless you throw it at a wall or something. Win-win!
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