18 Best Measuring Cups For Accurate Ingredients In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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The most commonly known measuring bar tool is the jigger. But if you prepare ingredients for syrups or whip up a batch of cocktails like margaritas, you need the best measuring cups!
Using the wrong measuring cup can result in inaccurate component ratios, leading to a poor drinking experience. That's why selecting the right one for your needs is vital. Without further ado, here are the best measuring cups.
“Pyrex has been a trusted brand for glassware for years, and their measuring cups are one of their best offerings. We are impressed with this set’s thick, high-quality glass that won't crack easily and is compatible with hot and cold liquids.
We appreciate the clear and accurate markings of oz., ml, cups, and quarts that eliminate eyeballing of mixers and other liquids. Each cup also has a sturdy handle to support the weight of ingredients.”
Material: Tempered Glass | Manufactured: USA | Measurements: 1, 2, & 4 cups | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“These are the best measuring spoons/cups I’ve ever used! The measurements are easy to read and look like they are etched into the metal, so you don’t have to worry about it fading or rubbing off like others that print them on. The magnetic stacking feature is great! And the silicone on the handles makes them easy to grip with wet fingers.”
Material: Stainless Steel | Manufactured: China | Measurements: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“Our favorite part about this innovative bar tool is that it can measure liquids, dry, and semi-solid ingredients, like peanut butter or coconut cream for Piña Coladas.
With its adjustable design, you can easily customize your cup size, and there’s no more time-consuming scraping of thick ingredients. In addition, the transparent outer sheath makes the markings easy to read.”
Material: Plastic and Silicone | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ⅛ - 2 cups | Dishwasher Safe: No
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“For making larger batches of ingredients like syrups and infusions, I recommend Our Table large measuring cup. It has tablespoons, ounces, cups, and milliliters for liquids, and grams for dry ingredients like sugar,” says Suzan Eraslan, content director of The Zero Proof.
“Furthermore, I always recommend using glass when measuring for infusions and syrups, as the inert material won't alter the flavor of the ingredients and doesn't hold smells the way plastic can,” she adds.
Material: Glass | Measurements: ⅛ - 1 ½ cups | Dishwasher Safe: No
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“I loved these little measuring beakers. I have a bit of a tremor in one of my hands, so it makes it easier for me to measure. Someone had commented that they were difficult to clean. I simply use a pipe cleaner to make the task easier. They are colourful and a conversation piece.”
Material: Plastic and Silicone | Manufactured: China | Measurements: 1 tsp., 1 tbsp. & ⅛, ¼, ½, ⅔, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Top rack)
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“With a whopping six cups capacity, this measuring cup is ideal for scooping big batches of ice cubes and homebrewing. It's crafted from robust stainless steel and features a well-polished surface that is smooth to the touch.
We also like that it has clear markings for ml, oz., and cups, allowing you to use the measurement system you're comfortable with. The angled handle allows easy pouring and stays cool even when handling hot ingredients.”
Material: Stainless Steel | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ½ - 6 cups | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“This cup is very handy in the kitchen and bar because of its multiple pour spouts, making the operation neater. We love that the markings are embossed into the glass, meaning they will never wear off like those that are printed. The glass is also high-quality, easy to wash, and has a BPA-free lid.”
Material: Glass | Manufactured: USA | Measurements: 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“An angled measuring cup is especially useful when squeezing citrus because you can squeeze directly into the cup to avoid spillage or waste. OXO's 8-piece stainless steel set is my current favorite, thanks to their sturdiness and easy grips,” says Allie Albanese, founder of Parched Around the World.
“I prefer larger sets because they give me the most flexibility. For example, if I'm creating a new syrup, I like to have the option of using a ⅛ cup in the testing phase, so I limit waste. Then, I'll use larger cup sizes for making classic syrups I know I'm going to use up,” she further notes.
Material: Plastic | Manufactured: China | Measurements: 1, 2, & 4 cups | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“We recommend these silicone measuring cups if you don’t want to deal with breaking glass or plastic. While they don’t have pronounced spouts, you can still pour spill-free by pinching the body.
The measurements showcase readable prints of cups and ounces that can withstand multiple washes. We also appreciate the textured exterior that provides a strong grip even when wet.”
Material: Silicone | Manufactured: China | Measurements: 1, 2 & 4 cups | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“This measuring cup set is well-designed, sturdy, and easy to clean manually or through the dishwasher. They boast a cool aqua color, giving off a retro vibe that easily matches kitchen and bar settings. The measurements are also raised, so they won’t rub off over time.
We like how the ring closes and opens, so we can easily take the size we want off it and put them back together without hassle.”
Material: Plastic | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ¼, ⅓, ½, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“These measuring cups are known for their durability, coming from 18/8 gauge stainless steel, and their smooth, sleek finish. We like that they are rust-resistant and sit flat on surfaces, preventing spillage.
Additionally, the measurements are engraved clearly and don't require much space in your bar, thanks to the compact design. Since each cup is not welded together, you don't have to worry about them breaking apart or having rough edges.”
Material: Stainless Steel | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“We love that each measuring cup is a different color, making it easy to grab the right size. At a low price, these cups have a decent quality and have legible markings. They also nest inside each other to save space and can be hung compactly on their little loop.
Moreover, these can survive trips through the dishwasher without discoloration or warping. But if you want to use them longer, we suggest washing them by hand and using them carefully so the handles don’t break off.”
Material: Plastic | Manufactured: China | Measurements: 2 tbsp. & ¼, ⅓, ½, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“If you’re tired of clunky metal measuring cups, we recommend these silicone collapsible ones. You can effortlessly pop them out when you use them and squish them back down to fit in the drawer easily. They are durable and hassle-free to clean, making them an excellent bar tool.”
Material: Silicone | Measurements: ¼, ⅓, ½, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“At a glance, no one would think this jar is a set of measuring cups. While it looks unconventional, it’s pretty functional. These cups are made from premium stoneware with short and sweet texts.
We love its homey vibe, making it a fantastic display when not in use. While they are not as practical as plastic or steel cups in a commercial bar setting, they still make a great gift to home bartenders.”
Material: Stoneware | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ¼, ⅓, ½, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: No
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“We are impressed with these cups’ appearance because they are stylish and beautiful in person. They are made from thick stamped stainless steel with darkened copper plating, making them sturdy as well.
We also love that the handles are long enough but not flimsy. With their appearance, these measuring cups will effortlessly match the aesthetics of modern bars and kitchens.”
Material: Stainless Steel | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ⅛, ¼, ⅓, ½, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: No
“We adore how All-Clad modeled their measuring cups after their famous saucepans, as evidenced by the riveted handles. They are made from 18/10 stainless steel, making them sturdier than most steel cups.
The measuring cups also boast a mirror-polished finish resistant to tarnishing and are laser-etched with unit markings, ensuring the labels won't fade with constant use.”
Material: Stainless Steel | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, and 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“We were surprised at how pretty and practical these measuring cups are. They boast a gorgeous rose gold color, paired with heat-resistant wooden handles that make them look more sophisticated. Furthermore, they feel sturdy and balanced. The measurements are accurate, too.”
Material: Stainless Steel | Measurements: ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, & 1 cup | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“Some cocktail recipes are so complex that they need different measurements of each ingredient. Whether dealing with dry or liquid components, this measuring cup and spoon set will satisfy your needs.
Each item is made from durable BPA-free, food-safe plastic and is designed to stack into each other for easy storage. We also appreciate that the set includes a bonus funnel and measuring spoon.”
Material: Plastic | Manufactured: China | Measurements: ½ & 1 tbsp.; ¼, ⅓, ½, 1 cup; and 1 liter | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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Any good bartender will say that a good set of measuring cups is one of the most important tools of the trade. After all, cocktails are about precise proportions and the perfect balance of flavors.
The Pyrex Clear Measuring Cups and OXO Measuring Cups with Magnetic Snaps are our top picks for liquids and dry ingredients, respectively. The former is undoubtedly robust and accurate, while the latter recognizes the importance of easy storage and effective design.
So, which of these measuring cups will make a great addition to your bar? Leave your comments below!
When buying a set of measuring cups, it's important to consider several factors to make a more informed decision.
Material is often an indicator of durability and convenience. Measuring cups can be made from several materials, including stainless steel, plastic, glass, and silicone.
Orlando Galleguillos, bar manager at the Michelin Star restaurant Elcielo, says, “When it comes to durability, you need something that can withstand being put in a sink with jiggers, muddlers, and zesters. Look for one that won't tarnish over time due to the amount of acidity at the bar, won’t chip easily, and needs to handle the occasional smack with a twirling bar spoon.”
Stainless steel is a popular option for its robustness and easy-to-clean surface and is ideally used for dry ingredients, such as white and brown sugar. On the other hand, glass measuring cups are commonly used for liquids and do not affect the ingredients' taste.
Plastic measuring cups are budget-friendly, but they can absorb flavors and odors from strong ingredients. Finally, silicone measuring cups are flexible and heat-resistant, making them good for hot liquids. Ultimately, the best material for measuring cups depends on your intended purpose.
The type of measuring cup makes a big difference in terms of accuracy. Most liquid measuring cups have several markings for different measurement units and have a pouring spout to help prevent spills.
In contrast, dry measuring cups are usually made of metal or plastic and don't have a pouring spout. Instead, they have flat tops so you can level off the ingredients with a knife, and each cup in a set is intended for a single measurement only.
Standard liquid measuring cups look like glass pitchers, while common dry measuring cups look like small saucepans. However, some cups can be inventive and come in unique shapes, like beakers or mugs with pointed spouts. Some also boast bright colors that are great for adding vibrancy to your bar tools set.
Variations in ingredient measurements can have a big impact on the taste of a cocktail. So, it is important to use marked cups with precise measurements. The best measuring cups will usually have markings for imperial and metric systems.
Measuring cups can vary widely in price, so it's important to balance quality and cost. Avoid spending a lot on a measuring cup that won't last, but don't skimp on quality. You can read reviews and compare prices to help you find the balance.
“In a restaurant and bar, the measuring markers of cups eventually erode from the dishwasher. When selecting a measuring cup, it is imperative to ensure the container is dishwasher-safe,” says Judy Elahi, beverage director at Gravitas, a Michelin Star restaurant.
For efficiency, look for dishwasher-safe products that can be easily washed by hand if necessary. Additionally, choose a space-saving design that can be stacked or stored in a drawer when not in use.
A four-cup set may be sufficient for simpler drinks, but if you want to be able to make more complex cocktails, you'll need at least six cups. This way, you'll have enough measuring cups for all the ingredients and won't have to eyeball them.
Most people believe that dry and liquid measuring cups are interchangeable, but this is not the case since the two are calibrated differently.
A dry measuring cup is scooped and leveled to the top, while a liquid measuring cup is meant to be filled to the mark on the side that indicates the desired amount.
This means that if you were to try to use a dry measuring cup for liquids, you would end up with too much or too little. Similarly, if you use a liquid measuring cup for dry ingredients, you would also have inaccurate measurements.
It's important to level off ingredients to scrape away the excess and yield a precise measurement. The best way to level off an ingredient is to use a knife or spatula and run it across the cup’s rim, leaving an even top.
We believe our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, giving us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
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