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For general measuring of ingredients, you’ll need a set of dry measuring cups, at least one liquid measuring cup, and a set of measuring spoons. Dry measuring cups and liquid measuring cups actually hold slightly different amounts. Not all such products are created equal! Good measuring cups and spoons should last for decades. Here is some advice to help you choose the right measuring products so you won’t waste your money.
You may also be wondering if you need a scale. In general, you probably will not need a kitchen scale unless you do a lot of baking and encounter recipes that list ingredient amounts by weight instead of volume.
Dry Measuring Cups for the Kitchen
Recommended Product: 7-pc MIU France Measuring Cups Set
Uses: Dry measuring cups are used to measure the amount, in volume, of any non-liquid ingredients, including flour, sugar, chopped vegetables, dried legumes, and anything else that is not a liquid.
For dry measuring cups, look for cups made with heavy-duty stainless steel, including the handles. Most measuring cups on the market are made with thick gauge steel and very flimsy handles. Some are even made with wire handles, like the ones shown above.
One of the biggest problems with these is that the handles easily bend and can break off after a short time. Thicker gauge handles can be attached more securely to thicker steel, and a quality set can last for decades. Also avoid measuring cups with overly short handles.
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Unless you absolutely need to save money and need measuring cups now, don’t bother with plastic. Plastic measuring cups can be more sturdy than thin-gauge cheap metal cups. But, you are much better off buying heavy-duty stainless steel measuring cups.
Sets of measuring cups come with cups measuring 1/8 1/4, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup. The 7-piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set, pictured above, is made with heavy-duty stainless steel and features broad, long handles for easy gripping.
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Liquid Measuring Cups
Recommended Product: Pyrex 1-Cup Liquid Measuring Cup
Uses: Liquid measuring cups are used to measure all liquid and semi-liquid ingredients. This includes not only water, milk, and other watery fluids, but also ingredients like sour cream.
Liquid measuring cups usually come in glass or clear plastic with clearly marked marks showing graduations of 1/4, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4 cups, etc. There are also marks showing the same levels in liquid ounces.
A basic cup holds 8 ounces, or one cup. These are also available in 2-cup, 4-cup, and 6-cup sizes. In terms of sheer quality, you really can’t beat the tried and true Pyrex 1-Cup Liquid Measuring cup, which comes with bold red markings.
There are many innovations in liquid measuring cups, including plastic tubes with plungers to help you measure and dispense thicker ingredients like sour cream.
Another useful innovation is markings that are situated in such a way as to be easy to read on the inside of the cup. This allows you to gauge the level of liquid in the cup without holding the cup up to your eyes or bending over to look. The Oxo Good Grips Angled Measuring Cup, shown below, is an example.
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Measuring Spoons
Recommended Product: Spring Chef Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Metal Measuring Spoons
Uses: Measuring spoons are used to measure both dry and liquid ingredients that are used in small amounts such as dried herbs or spices, flavoring extracts (like vanilla), or any other ingredient used in small amounts.
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Measuring spoon sets come with 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 teaspoon sizes as well as 1/2 and 1 tablespoon sizes. As with dry measuring cups, look for heavy-duty stainless steel spoons, including the handles.
It is best also to buy measuring spoons where the spoons and handle are all of one piece, just like your flatware. Some very cheap sets have the handles attached to the spoons, which can and will come off with time.
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One problem with standard measuring spoons is that the larger sizes will not fit into standard spice jars. For this reason, I like these Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons. Instead of a round shape, the spoons have a more rectangular shape so that even the tablespoon size will fit into most spice jars.
