What are the best measuring cups for home bakers?

The OXO Good Grips stainless steel set is highly recommended for home bakers because of its magnetic nesting, comfortable grip, and long-lasting durability.

Should I use separate cups for dry and liquid ingredients?

Yes. Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled and leveled, while liquid measuring cups have spouts and graduated markings, making them easier and more accurate for liquids.

Which measuring cups are most accurate?

Glass measuring cups, such as the Anchor Hocking set, are consistently rated as the most accurate, especially for liquid measurements.

Are metal measuring cups better than plastic?

Metal measuring cups, especially stainless steel, are more durable, dishwasher safe, and retain accurate markings longer compared to plastic sets, which may fade or warp.

What’s special about space-saving or adjustable measuring cups?

Space-saving designs, like the OXO adjustable measuring cup, let you measure different amounts of wet or dry ingredients with one tool, reducing clutter.

Do printed measurement labels fade over time?

Yes. Printed labels can fade with washing, but stamped or engraved markings on metal cups stay visible for years.

Are measuring cups dishwasher safe?

Most glass and stainless steel measuring cups are dishwasher safe. Some plastic cups may warp, so always check manufacturer care instructions.

What features should I look for in the best measuring cup set?

Look for durable materials (stainless steel or tempered glass), clear permanent markings, comfortable handles, and easy storage options such as nesting or magnets.

Can plastic measuring cups still be accurate?

Yes, high-quality plastic cups like OXO’s sets are accurate and affordable. However, over years they may show scratches, fading, or warping.

Should I use a scale instead of measuring cups?

For precise baking, a digital kitchen scale is more accurate than measuring cups. Measuring cups, however, remain practical for everyday cooking.

Best Measuring Cups for Home Cooking – 2025 Guide

March 22, 2024

The Best Measuring Cups for your kitchen: Our Guide

Measuring ingredients accurately is essential for successful cooking and baking. Whether you’re mixing batters or measuring liquids, the right set of measuring cups makes a real difference.

In this 2025 guide, we’ve tested top-rated dry, liquid, metal, and space-saving measuring cups to help you find the best ones for precision, durability, and ease of use.

What are Measuring Cups?

Measuring cups are essential kitchen utensils used to measure and portion ingredients accurately for cooking and baking. They typically come in sets containing various cup sizes, such as 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup, allowing users to measure both dry and liquid ingredients with precision.

Measuring cups may be made from different materials, including stainless steel, plastic, glass, and silicone, each offering its own unique advantages and considerations.

What are the Different Types of Measuring Cups?

There are several types of measuring cups available, each designed for specific purposes and ingredients:

Dry Measuring Cups

Dry measuring cups are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel or plastic and feature flat rims for leveling off dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and spices. They are designed to be filled to the brim and leveled off with a straight edge for accurate measurements.

Liquid Measuring Cups

Liquid measuring cups are typically made from glass or clear plastic and feature spouts for pouring liquids with precision. They are designed to be filled to the desired measurement line, allowing users to accurately measure liquids such as water, milk, and oil without spills or mess.

Adjustable Measuring Cups

Adjustable measuring cups are innovative kitchen gadgets that allow users to measure both dry and liquid ingredients using a single tool. They feature a sliding or rotating mechanism that adjusts to the desired measurement, eliminating the need for multiple cups and reducing clutter in the kitchen.

Specialty Measuring Cups

Specialty measuring cups are designed for specific ingredients or tasks, such as measuring ingredients in small quantities or for specialized cooking and baking techniques. Examples include measuring spoons, espresso shot glasses, and mini measuring cups for measuring extracts and flavorings.

What to look for when buying measuring cups?

When choosing the best measuring cups for your kitchen, consider the following key features:

Material

Select measuring cups made from durable and food-safe materials such as stainless steel, plastic, glass, or silicone. Stainless steel cups are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, while plastic cups are lightweight and affordable. Glass cups are heat-resistant and allow for easy viewing of ingredients, while silicone cups are flexible and easy to clean.

Accuracy

Look for measuring cups with clear and easy-to-read measurement markings that are accurate and precise. Ensure that the markings are engraved or stamped into the cups to prevent fading or wearing off over time.

Nesting Design

Choose measuring cups that nest together for compact storage and organization. Look for sets that stack neatly inside each other to save space in kitchen drawers or cabinets.

Ergonomic Design

Opt for measuring cups with ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable and secure grip during use. Look for features such as non-slip handles or thumb rests for added control and stability.

Dishwasher-Safe

Select measuring cups that are dishwasher-safe for easy and convenient cleaning. Ensure that the cups are designed to withstand high temperatures and repeated dishwasher cycles without warping or degrading.

Versatility

Consider the versatility of the measuring cups and their ability to measure both dry and liquid ingredients accurately. Look for sets that include a wide range of cup sizes to accommodate various recipes and cooking needs.

Our Top Picks for the Best Measuring Cups

After thorough research and analysis, we’ve compiled a list of the top measuring cups currently available on the market:

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups are a popular choice among home cooks and professional chefs for their durability, accuracy, and ergonomic design.

Made from high-quality stainless steel, these cups feature easy-to-read measurement markings engraved into the metal for long-lasting visibility. The cups nest together for compact storage and come with non-slip handles for a comfortable grip.

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Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups

The Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups are a classic choice for measuring liquids with precision. Made from durable borosilicate glass, these cups are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

They feature easy-to-read measurement markings in both imperial and metric units and come with spouts for mess-free pouring. Available in various sizes, these measuring cups are a versatile and essential addition to any kitchen.

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Prepworks by Progressive Ultimate Measuring Cup Set

The Prepworks by Progressive Ultimate Measuring Cup Set is a comprehensive collection of measuring cups designed for both dry and liquid ingredients.

This set includes nine cups in various sizes, ranging from 1/4 cup to 2 cups, allowing users to measure ingredients with precision for any recipe. The cups feature easy-to-read measurement markings and a unique snap-together design for compact storage. Made from durable plastic, these cups are dishwasher-safe and built to last.

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KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

The KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set is a versatile and practical option for measuring both dry and liquid ingredients. This set includes four measuring cups (1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup) and five measuring spoons (1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tbsp, and 1 tbsp), providing users with everything they need for accurate ingredient measurements.

The cups and spoons feature easy-to-read measurement markings and come with soft-grip handles for added comfort and control.

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Are metal or plastic measuring cups better?

The choice between metal and plastic measuring cups ultimately depends on personal preference, specific needs, and cooking habits. Both materials have their advantages and considerations:

Metal Measuring Cups

Durability: Metal measuring cups, typically made of stainless steel, are generally more durable and long-lasting than plastic counterparts. They are resistant to warping, cracking, and breaking, making them suitable for heavy-duty use in busy kitchens.
Accuracy: Metal measuring cups often maintain their shape and measurements over time, ensuring consistent and accurate results when cooking or baking.
Heat Resistance: Metal measuring cups are heat-resistant and can be used for measuring both hot and cold ingredients without any risk of melting or warping.
Ease of Cleaning: Stainless steel measuring cups are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand, as they do not absorb odors or flavors.

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Plastic Measuring Cups

Affordability: Plastic measuring cups are generally more affordable than metal options, making them a budget-friendly choice for home cooks.
Lightweight: Plastic measuring cups are lightweight and easy to handle, making them convenient for everyday use, especially when measuring ingredients in large quantities.
Transparency: Some plastic measuring cups are transparent, allowing you to see the ingredients as you measure them. This can be particularly helpful when working with liquids or ingredients that need to be measured precisely.
Non-reactive: Plastic measuring cups are non-reactive and will not impart any metallic taste or odor to your ingredients, making them suitable for measuring acidic or sensitive ingredients.

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Considerations

Environmental Impact: Plastic measuring cups contribute to plastic waste, whereas metal measuring cups are more environmentally friendly and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Aesthetic Preference: Some people may prefer the sleek look of metal measuring cups, while others may appreciate the colorful or transparent design of plastic measuring cups.

What is the difference between UK and US measuring cups?

The main difference between UK and US measuring cups lies in the units of measurement they use. While both types of measuring cups are used for measuring dry and liquid ingredients in cooking and baking, they utilize different volume measurements:

UK Measuring Cups

In the UK, measuring cups typically follow the metric system, which means they measure ingredients in milliliters (ml) and liters (L) for liquids, and grams (g) and kilograms (kg) for dry ingredients.
Common measurements in UK measuring cups include 250 ml, 125 ml, 60 ml, and 15 ml for liquids, and 250 g, 125 g, 60 g, and 15 g for dry ingredients.
UK measuring cups may also feature metric and imperial measurements on the same cup, allowing users to measure ingredients in both systems.

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US Measuring Cups

In the United States, measuring cups typically use the US customary system, which includes fluid ounces (fl oz), cups, tablespoons (tbsp), and teaspoons (tsp) for both dry and liquid ingredients.
Common measurements in US measuring cups include 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, and 1/8 cup (also known as 2 tablespoons) for dry ingredients, and 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, and 1/8 cup (also known as 2 tablespoons) for liquids.
US measuring cups may also include fluid ounce measurements for liquids, such as 8 fl oz (1 cup), 4 fl oz (1/2 cup), 2 fl oz (1/4 cup), and so on.

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It’s important to note that while UK and US measuring cups have different units of measurement, the actual volume they represent may be similar. However, when following recipes from different regions, it’s essential to use the appropriate measuring cups to ensure accuracy in ingredient quantities.

Additionally, some recipes may specify measurements by weight (grams or ounces) rather than volume, in which case a kitchen scale would be necessary for precise measurements.

Do people use measuring cups in the UK or is it only in America?

While measuring cups are more commonly associated with American cooking and baking, they are also used to some extent in the UK, particularly in recipes that originate from or are adapted from American sources. However, the usage of measuring cups in the UK is not as widespread or standardized as it is in the United States.

In the UK, traditional kitchen measurements are often done by weight using kitchen scales or by volume using measuring jugs or cups with metric markings (milliliters and liters). British recipes typically provide ingredient quantities in metric units such as grams (g) for dry ingredients and milliliters (ml) or liters (L) for liquids.

That said, with the globalization of culinary influences and the availability of international recipes online and in cookbooks, some UK home cooks may choose to use measuring cups, especially when following American recipes or recipes that provide measurements in cups.

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When a recipe says one cup how much is that UK?

In the UK, a cup measurement is not a standard unit of measurement like it is in the United States. Instead, the UK typically uses the metric system for cooking and baking, where ingredients are measured in milliliters (ml) or grams (g).

However, if you encounter a recipe that specifies “1 cup” of an ingredient and you’re in the UK, you can convert that measurement to milliliters (ml) using a rough approximation:

1 US cup ≈ 236.59 milliliters (ml)

So, when a recipe calls for 1 cup of an ingredient in the United States, you can approximate it to about 236.59 milliliters in the UK. Keep in mind that this is an approximate conversion, and for precise measurements, it’s best to use a kitchen scale or measuring jug calibrated in milliliters.

What is the difference between a measuring cup and a measuring jug?

A measuring cup and a measuring jug are both kitchen tools used for measuring liquids and sometimes dry ingredients, but they have some key differences:

Measuring Cup

Design: A measuring cup typically has a handle and a spout for easy pouring. It often resembles a small pitcher or jug.
Capacity: Measuring cups usually come in standard sizes such as 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup. Some may also have additional markings for smaller increments or metric measurements.
Use: Measuring cups are primarily used for measuring both dry and liquid ingredients in specific quantities, particularly in recipes that call for volume measurements. They are commonly used in baking and cooking.
Material: Measuring cups can be made of various materials, including plastic, glass, or metal. Plastic measuring cups are lightweight and inexpensive, while glass or metal ones are more durable and often preferred for long-term use.

Measuring Jug

Design: A measuring jug is typically a larger container with a handle and a spout, designed specifically for measuring liquids. It resembles a pitcher or jug but is usually taller and more cylindrical in shape.
Capacity: Measuring jugs come in various capacities, ranging from small ones for measuring a few ounces or milliliters to larger ones that can hold several liters or quarts.
Use: Measuring jugs are primarily used for measuring liquids, such as water, milk, oil, or stock. They are commonly used in both cooking and baking, as well as for mixing and pouring liquids in food preparation.
Material: Measuring jugs are commonly made of heat-resistant materials such as tempered glass or plastic. Glass jugs are durable and resistant to staining or absorbing odors, while plastic jugs are lightweight and less likely to break if dropped.

Do chefs use measuring cups?

Professional chefs typically rely less on measuring cups and more on their culinary instincts, experience, and knowledge of ingredient ratios. While measuring cups can be useful tools, especially for beginners or when following specific recipes, experienced chefs often prefer to measure ingredients by weight using kitchen scales or by volume using graduated measuring vessels like measuring jugs or beakers.

Measuring by weight offers greater accuracy and precision, especially when dealing with dry ingredients like flour, sugar, or spices, as it ensures consistent results and helps maintain the desired texture and flavor in dishes. Additionally, measuring by weight allows chefs to scale recipes more easily and efficiently to meet the needs of their restaurant or catering operations.

In professional kitchens, chefs are trained to develop a keen sense of taste, texture, and visual presentation, allowing them to adjust ingredient quantities and seasoning levels based on personal preference and the specific requirements of each dish. This intuitive approach to cooking, combined with years of experience and culinary expertise, often renders the use of measuring cups unnecessary for many professional chefs.

However, measuring cups may still be used in certain culinary applications or for specific recipes that require precise volume measurements, particularly in baking or pastry-making where exact ratios of ingredients are crucial for achieving consistent results.

Overall, while measuring cups may have their place in certain kitchen environments, professional chefs generally rely on their culinary skills, judgment, and experience to create delicious and visually appealing dishes without the need for precise measurements.

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Measuring Cups – Quick fire FAQ

Which measuring cups are best for home bakers?
OXO Good Grips stainless set offers accuracy, magnetic nesting, and long-lasting durability.
Are glass measuring cups more accurate than plastic?
Yes—glass sets like Anchor Hocking score top marks for accuracy and durability
Why choose metal measuring cups?
Metal cups with stamped markings, like Simply Gourmet, resist fading and last decades
What’s unique about space-saving measuring cups?
Options like the OXO adjustable measuring cup combine dry and liquid measuring in one compact tool
Do printed measurement labels fade over time?
They can. Stamped or engraved metal markings remain legible through years of use.
What’s the difference between dry and liquid cups?
Dry cups should be leveled full; liquid cups have pouring spouts and graduated markings for accuracy.
Are measuring cups dishwasher safe?
Most stainless steel and glass cups are dishwasher-friendly. Always check manufacturer care instructions.
What should I look for in a durable measuring cup set?
Look for materials like stainless steel or tempered glass, accurate markings, and sturdy handles.
Can plastic cups still be accurate?
Yes—high-quality plastic cups, like OXO sets, are accurate and affordable. But watch for fading and warping.
Should I use a scale instead of cups?
For baking precision, a kitchen scale is best. Measuring cups are still ideal for everyday cooking tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best measuring cups for your kitchen is essential for achieving accurate ingredient measurements and consistent cooking and baking results. Whether you prefer stainless steel, glass, plastic, or silicone measuring cups, selecting high-quality and durable options with clear measurement markings and ergonomic designs will enhance your culinary endeavors and streamline your cooking and baking processes.

By considering factors such as material, accuracy, nesting design, ergonomic design, dishwasher-safety, and versatility, you can choose the perfect set of measuring cups to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups, Prepworks by Progressive Ultimate Measuring Cup Set, KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, or another top-rated option investing in quality measuring cups will elevate your kitchen experience and help you achieve culinary perfection with ease.