Buying measuring cups seems like an easy task. You’ve got a new kitchen and need tools. You go to the housewares department at Target or Walmart, grab the least expensive set, and throw it into your cart. Maybe you’re like me and were given a set. I use the Harvest Gold Tupperware ones Mom gave me years ago when I moved into my first apartment. Yes, Harvest Gold. I use them almost daily. Whatever the reason is, you now need measuring cups. Yes, buying measuring cups is easy. Here’s everything you need know about buying the best measuring cups.

When buying measuring cups there are a few important things to know and features to look for. Every kitchen needs both dry and liquid measuring cups in varied measurement amounts.   Measuring cup material and construction vary and have different advantages. Glass is best for liquid measurements. Plastic or Metal work best for Dry measurements. Then, there are convenience features to decide on. Finally, prices range from $5-20$. Let’s take a look at all of these things so you can buy the measuring cups that are right for you.

Buying Measuring Cups for Dry and Liquid Ingredients

Simply put, dry and liquid ingredients measure differently. Measuring cups are each designed for more accurately measuring the appropriate type of ingredient.

Dry Ingredients

Dry measuring cups measure ingredients like flours, sugars, vegetables, and more. They usually come in a set. Each cup in the set measures a specific amount of ingredient.  Sets are sold with specific measurements like ¼ cup, ½ cup, ¾ cup, 1 cup, etc.

If you were measuring liquids in this type of measuring cup it would be difficult to transfer the filled measuring cup. You may spill some liquid, losing some of the needed measurement. Also, liquid has surface tension, which means more of the ingredient could end up in the recipe then what was called for if you have a super steady hand.

Wet Ingredients

Liquid Measuring cups measure liquids like water, milk, oil, vinegar, and honey.  They are usually sold as one unit cup and measure up to a total capacity. The amounts are indicated by markings on the measuring cup itself. For instance, a one cup liquid measuring cup is marked for amounts that include ¼ cup, ½ cup, ¾ cup, and 1 cup. You will often find markings in ounces as well as metric measurements on liquid measuring cups.

For accurate measuring, the measuring cup is placed on a flat surface. The liquid ingredient is added to the proper measurement line on the cup. The cup is designed to hold slightly more then its total measurement capacity and usually has a spout. The design allows you to safely transfer the ingredient to the recipe without spilling it and makes it easy to pour from.

If you were using  a liquid measuring cup for dry ingredients you would not be able to use the scoop and sweep method(see below). The recipe could  have too much or little of the needed ingredient.

The Most Common Materials Measuring Cups are Made of

Measuring cups come in a few materials so let’s look at each.

Plastic – Both liquid and dry measuring cups are available in plastic. The ones made for liquid are usually transparent for seeing the ingredient being measured.

Advantages of Plastic – They are lightweight. They are molded in one piece and are often dishwasher safe.

Disadvantages of Plastic – They can stain and absorb odors over time. They are not heat resistant. You must check for sturdy handles. Some are flimsy and can break.

Metal – Dry measuring cups are available in metal.

Advantages of Metal – Metal cups are sturdy. They resist odors and scratching.

Disadvantages of Metal – Hand washing them keeps them in the best condition so while they are dishwasher safe, it is not recommended. If handles are riveted they may break or rust off.

Glass – Liquid measuring cups are usually made of glass.

Advantages of Glass – They are heat resistant and dishwasher safe. They do not absorb odors or stain.

Disadvantages – While they are heavy-weight glass they still have the potential to break. After continued dishwasher use, the measurement lines can fade.

Measuring Cup Sizes

Dry measuring cups usually come in sets of 4-6 cups. One of the reasons I really like my Tupperware measuring cups for dry ingredients is because of the size options in the set. I have 6 sizes in my set that includes ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, and 1 cup.

Liquid measuring cups are sold in different size capacities like 1, 2, 4 and 8 cup sizes. They are sold alone and sometimes in sets.

Measuring Cup Design and Construction

While shopping for measuring cups, you decide on measuring cups that are pretty or the same as a celebrity chef uses.  Buying measuring cups that you like in regards to the design or influence is great, but keep these tips in mind.

When buying dry measuring cups look for cups that are a one-piece construction with a sturdy handle. Metal cups may have riveted handles. Those rivets may rust and cause the handle to break. Plastic cups with thin handles can wear or break off. This has happened to me before (not with my Tupperware ones). My broken handled cups ended up becoming dog and bird food scoops.

For liquid measuring cups, again, look for sturdy cups with a handle that will hold up and not break. They should be clear for easy and accurate measuring.  In my opinion, the more measurements (cups, ounces, and in-between amounts) the better.

Measuring Cups Convenience Features

A few other features measuring cups may or may not have are entirely up to preference.

• Some measuring cups stack inside one another for easy storage.
• There are dry measuring cups that are collapsible if your kitchen is small.
• Some Liquid Measuring Cups are angled with a ring inside the cup showing the measurements. This allows you to look down into the cup as opposed to looking at it eye-level.
• Larger Liquid Measuring Cups may have a lid. This is great for mixing something like marinade or pancake batter in.
• There are even measuring cups that have a plunger type adjustment for pushing out sticky ingredients like honey.

What Measuring Cups Should You Buy?

I know what you’re thinking. “That’s way too much information to know about measuring cups.” Maybe, but they are important kitchen tools. You want measuring cups that are accurate and hold up well.  Let’s review the key features one more time for buying measuring cups.

Dry measuring cups come in sets of 4 to 6 cups in different measurements. I think the 6 cup sets are more useful. They should be made of plastic or steel and stackable for easy storage. Liquid Measuring cups sizes start at one cup. I find, however,  a good 2 cup measuring cup with easy to read measurement amounts is sufficient for most kitchens. They should be clear and preferably made of glass. Price ranges for measuring cups are anywhere from $5-20$.

Recommendations

Here are my recommendations for liquid and dry measuring cups.

Dry Measuring Cups Options

This Kitchenmade six piece stainless steel. They nest together and have a 100% lifetime guarantee.

This Oxo Good Grips six piece plastic set. The handles snap together and it comes with a scraper for leveling ingredients.

Liquid Measuring Cups

This  Pyrex 2-Cup measuring cup.

If you prefer a set. This set of 4 Pyrex measuring cups with 1, 2, 4, and 8 cup size capacities.

*Scoop and Sweep Method – This is when you scoop or spoon a dry ingredient such as flour into a measuring cup allowing the ingredient to overfill the measuring cup. You then sweep across the top of the measuring cup with the back of a butter knife or other flat kitchen tool to level off the ingredient. This ensures a proper measurement of the dry ingredient.