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Most star bakers and Europeans use kitchen scales to ensure that they get the perfect amount of each ingredient into their recipes, but us mere mortals in the US typically stick to recipes based on dry and wet cup measurements. However imprecise cup measurements may be, you can still find great wet and dry measuring cups that will get you closer to accurate measurements for recipes.
There are all different kinds of dry measuring cups out there, and some are more durable than others. Cheap plastic sets and flimsy metal ones never last very long — either the handle snaps off or it bends under the least amount of pressure. We recommend you invest in a good sturdy pair of stainless steel measuring cups for dry ingredients that will last you a lifetime. Thicker plastic ones are also acceptable, but they won't last quite as long.
Although longer handles may look classy on measuring cups, sets with shorter handles have better balance when they're standing empty or stacked together in your cupboard. A good grippy handle with smooth edges is best for comfort, and you need a set with clear, etched measurement markings that won't fade over time or peel off like some printed labels do.
If you're working with European recipes, you'll probably want a set of measuring cups that have milliliter markings. Should you run into a recipe that measures in grams and you don't have a kitchen scale, Doves Farm has a great conversion chart for different types of ingredients.
When it comes to wet ingredients, you'll want a sturdy set of glass measuring cups. Plastic measuring cups for wet ingredients always seem to get stained, and the plastic can absorb and transmit unwanted flavors to your ingredients. Glass is simply the best way to go. You should also check for metric measurements, comfortable handles, clear marking, and a good spout for pouring the wet ingredients.
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The best measuring cups overall
Why you'll love it: The KitchenMade Stainless Steel Measuring Cups are sturdy enough to last you a lifetime, and you'll get accurate measurements for dry ingredients in recipes.
Although you may gasp at the idea of paying $22.97 for a set of measuring cups when you can find some for less than $10, KitchenMade's Stainless Steel Measuring Cups are worth every penny.
While cheaper metal measuring cups have flimsy handles that bend or cut into your hands, KitchenMade's set is comfortable to hold and it'll last you a lifetime — the company even has a lifetime 100 percent money back guarantee to prove it.
The cups are made out of one piece of stainless steel, so the handles won't snap off. The steel is reasonably thick, too, so you don't have to worry about the handle bending under pressure. There's a hole in the handle of each cup in case you want to loop them together or hang them in your kitchen.
Measurements are etched into the short handles in both milliliters and cups, so you won't get confused with metric measurements. The measurements are also listed on the side of the cup, and the 1/4 cup measurement has a handy half-measure line for when you need 1/8 cup in a recipe.
Although you should really get measuring cups for wet ingredients, too, if you want to use KitchenMade's set for wet ingredients, you can, thanks to the small pouring lip and flat bottom.
Buyers on Amazon can't get enough of these measuring cups. One reviewer even said they'd finally found the "perfect set of measuring cups."The Sweethome and its panel of expert bakers agree that KitchenMade's measuring cups are the best ones you can buy for measuring dry ingredients while baking or cooking. The site noted how accurate the cups measurements were and appreciated the durability of the stainless steel design.
Pros: Sturdy stainless steel design, short handles, etched measurements in both cups and milliliters, lifetime 100 percent money back guarantee
Cons: Pricey
The best measuring cups for wet ingredients
Why you'll love it: The Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set for wet ingredients can't be beat with its sturdy design, clear markings, and great price.
When it comes to measuring wet ingredients, there's only one brand that comes to mind: Pyrex. The company has been making glass measuring cups for wet ingredients for 90 years, and it's still the top brand among bakers and chefs. The Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set is ideal for any recipe with its 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup capacities.
Although these measuring cups are made of glass, they are very sturdy and shouldn't break easily. The nonporous glass doesn't absorb odors or flavors the way plastic inevitably does, and these cups won't warp or melt in the presence of hot ingredients.
Pyrex guarantees that you can pop its measuring cups in the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, or dishwasher without any problems, too, so you can get a lot of use out of this set. The company also offers a two-year warranty in case of any defects or problems, and you can feel good knowing you bought something that's American made.
More importantly, though, Pyrex's measuring cups offer accurate measurements, clear markings in cups, ounces, quarts, and milliliters. The spout pours well without dripping and the handle is comfortable to hold, too.
The set is the number one best-seller on Amazon, and user reviews are mostly positive. The Sweethome says that Pyrex makes the best measuring cups for liquid ingredients, and couldn't find many comparable alternatives that even came close to challenging the Pyrex cups.
Although you can buy the measuring cups individually, at the time of writing, the set was a much better deal at a mere $10.79.
Pros: Glass design is strong, no odor absorption, clear metric and imperial measurements, two-year warranty, easy to clean, good spout for pouring liquid ingredients.
Cons: None
The best magnetic measuring cups
If you don't want to pay more than $15 for a set of measuring cups the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups with Magnetic Snaps are your best bet. They're not the cheapest ones you can buy, but they're far better than the lower priced options.
These are sturdy stainless steel measuring cups with excellent grippy handles and clearly etched measurement markings. You don't have to worry about bent or broken handles because the steel is relatively thick. The handles also have magnets inside, so they stick together when you stack them. The magnets aren't terribly strong, but they have enough force to hold the cups in place in your cupboard.
The set comes with 1/4-cup, 1/3-cup, 1/2-cup, and 1-cup measurements, and in tests by Cooks Illustrated, OXO's set had the most accurate measurements. The Smart Consumer was also favorably impressed with the OXO measuring cups, and reviews on Amazon are positive.
The only complaint we have with the set is the lack of metric measurements, but most people won't need to measure in milliliters, anyway. There's also a matching set of teaspoons you can buy with magnets in the handles if you want your baking gear to match.
Pros: Sturdy stainless steel, magnetic stacking cups, clear etched markings, grippy handles, decent price
Cons: No metric measurements
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