Best Liquid Measuring Cup
A measuring cup is one of most basic pieces of equipment in a cook’s toolbox. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a busy kitchen without one. This essential item is used to accurately add the right amount of liquid or dry ingredients to a recipe.
Most kitchens should have at least one measuring cup for liquids such as water, cooking oil and yogurt. A good liquid measuring cup should have scale markings either in imperial or metric or both at different heights for liquid measures or separate cup denominations if you choose a scoop style to measure liquid. Measuring cups for liquid can be made from plastic, glass or stainless steel.
Below you will find a list of different kinds of liquid measuring cups you can buy online. Scroll down to find the one that best suits your cooking style.
1. Editor’s Choice: Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set
In the old days – okay, we mean sometime in the middle of the last century – there was only one type of liquid measuring cup in most home kitchens, and it was made of glass from a company named Pyrex. This was because this brand was known for producing superior quality glassware that could stand up to hot and cold.
Fast forward to today and glass is still a popular option and Pyrex is still producing quality liquid measuring cups, including this set that has three different sizes – one cup, two cup and four cup versions. And, as always, the tempered glass is safe for the dishwasher, freezer, microwave and a pre-heated oven. So, you can measure liquids, or butter or chocolate and heat or melt them directly in the microwave or oven.
The cups feature a curved spout for precise pouring, easy-grip handles and clear, easy-to-read measurements in red in cups, ounces and milliliters. The non-porous glass won’t absorb odors, flavors or stains and with three convenient sizes, you’re prepared for all of your baking and cooking projects.
Pros:
- Three different sizes, 1 cup, 2 cup and 4 cups
- Clear measurement markings
- Tempered glass is microwave, freezer and oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not safe on the stovetop
- Red markings can wear off
- Can break when dropped
- Not stackable
2. Runner Up: Drizom Measuring Cups Set
While glass is an obvious choice for some people, plastic liquid measuring cups are a preferred option for many home cooks who are concerned with the possibility of a cup dropping on a hard kitchen floor and shattering. As well, for anyone with issues with grip or strength, or for children learning to cook, plastic measuring cups are more lightweight and easier to handle, especially a larger size filled with liquid.
This liquid measuring cup set includes three sizes: one cup, two cups and four cups. All of the cups are made of food-grade ABS plastic that is BPA-free and suitable for hot and cold food, liquids, powder, flour, sugar and other dry food, should you decide to use it for something other than liquids.
Measurements, clearly marked in both U.S. and metric, are in a bright red. The measuring cups also have easy-to-grip handles that are specially designed so the cups can nest inside each other to be easily stacked for convenient, space-saving storage.
Other features include oval spouts for accurate pouring and when all the cooking is done, the cups can be safely cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Nesting design for space saving storage
- 1 cup, 2 cup and 4-cup versions
- Made with lightweight ABS, BPA-free plastic
- Top rack dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Thin plastic
- Not oven safe
3. Best Budget-Buy: Farberware Professional Plastic Measuring Cups
If you’re just starting out, it can get expensive to properly equip your new kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without the basics, including a good set of liquid measuring cups.
We love this cute set of five colorful measuring cups that also includes a coffee scoop, all for an affordable price that will give you a sizable amount of change back from a 10 dollar bill. The plastic cups have bold, easy-to-read measurements, with each of the cups holding a fraction of a cup. For example, the blue is one cup, orange is a ½ cup, purple is 1/3 of a cup, green is a ¼ cup and the red one is exactly two tablespoons, just what you need to measure out your coffee.
What makes this set of liquid measuring cups even more of a good value is that they can also be used for dry ingredients, so you don’t have to purchase a separate set. Super convenient for small spaces, the measuring cups nest into each other for compact storage in a drawer and are held together with a ring so they won’t get lost. The ring also detaches so you use the size you need and wash it without disturbing or dirtying the others.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Cups nest into each other for compact storage
- Detachable ring holds them together
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- No metric measurements
- No pour spout, need a steady hand to pour liquids
4. Best Unique Design: OXO Good Grips 2 Cup Adjustable Measuring Cup
Many traditional liquid measuring cups look like well, cups, all with a handle and usually with a spout. This ingeniously and uniquely designed adjustable measuring cup from Oxo is a great solution utensil for measuring liquids such as water and oil,, but also for stickier liquids such as syrup, powdery substances such as sugar and flour and even gloppy solids peanut butter, butter and lard.
This two-cup capacity measuring cup is a tall cylinder with an internal plunger and clearly marked measurements on the side. Simply bring the plunger down to the desired measurement and fill the space with the ingredient of your choice. For sticky stuff, you turn the knob and the rotating action pushes the food out as a silicone disk scrapes the sides to get every drop. For other liquid or dry ingredients, you use the cup as any other — measure and pour.
Super convenient, this liquid measuring cup does it all, so you don’t need to own an arsenal of measuring utensils while you are cooking or baking. It’s also made from BPA-free plastic and is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Also suitable for sticky foods like honey and peanut butter
- Clearly marked measurements
- Suitable for wet and dry ingredients
Cons:
- No handle
- No pour spout
5. Best for a Bar: OULOVECO Mini Glass Measuring Cup with handle 2 oz
Baking or cooking in the kitchen is not the only place you’ll find a liquid measuring cup; bartenders and baristas know the importance of accuracy in measuring liquid ingredients in a right-sized container.
This cute little 2.3-ounce (70 ml) liquid measuring cup is perfect for accurately assessing the amount of liquid needed in any beverage for a cocktail or a deep, dark espresso. Compact and lightweight, the sturdy cup has 6mm-thick walls, making it durable and stronger than regular glassware.
It is made from lead-free and BPA-free borosilicate glass and can be used in a number of ways. With a maximum heat tolerance range of up to 356 degrees Fahrenheit, you can put it in the oven and also directly on a fire up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can withstand cold temperatures to -4 Fahrenheit without cracking.
Equipped with a handle and two spouts, pouring is clean, with you directing the direction and speed of the flow. Suitable for also measuring dry ingredients, this multi-purpose mini liquid measuring cup is easy to use, has clear scale markings on the side and is microwave, oven and dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Made from borosilicate glass
- Clear measurement markings
- Two pour spouts
Cons:
- Small size not suitable for some uses
- Glass may crack or shatter if dropped on a hard tile or concrete floor
6. Best Stainless Steel Set: Laxinis World 13-Piece Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set
Plastic and glass liquid measuring cups are popular with chefs for various reasons, but many people are trying to reduce the amount of plastic they use while other people don’t like the fragility of some glass products and the possibility of it shattering or cracking. That’s where stainless steel comes in as a great alternative to plastic or glass.
This 13-piece, stainless steel set includes enough liquid measuring utensils to get you through any cooking project, as well as measuring spoons, perfect for measuring out that exact teaspoon of vanilla for your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Made from high quality 18/8 stainless steel with a polished, shiny finish, you get seven flat-bottom cups with the measurements (U.S. and metric) engraved into the stainless steel – no more worries about markings washing off or fading. You get a one-cup size, ¾ cup, 2/3 cup, ½ cup, 1/3 cup, ¼ cup and an 1/8 of a cup. You also get six measuring spoons that are held together by a detachable ring.
These liquid measuring cups and spoons can also be used to measure powders and solids, have easy-to-hold handles, will not rust, break or bend with normal use.
Pros:
- Made from 18/8 stainless steel
- Measurement markings engraved into cups
- Comes with measuring spoons
- Stackable
Cons:
- Sharp edges
7. Best Starter Set: EWAGOA Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle
If you know someone who is just starting out and want to gift them with an indispensable kitchen essential that will make them smile with joy, then consider this super affordable set of nesting liquid measuring cups and spoons.
This cute set of liquid measuring cups are finished in a frosted, Nordic blue and are made from BPA-free PP plastic. Food-grade stainless steel handles offer an attractive contrast for a minimalist look that will add a pop of color to any decor. The plastic cups will not rust, and they are safe to use for liquid and dry ingredients. Clearly marked measurements in cups and ml cover all the sizes you need: one cup, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, and a 1/2 cup.
The set also comes with four measuring spoons – ½ tsp., 1 tsp., ½ tbsp. 1 tbsp. – that are held together by a detachable thin metal ring. As a bonus, there is also a matching silicone funnel that is heat resistant up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit and cold temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You’ll find no sharp edges on any of the pieces in this set, which makes it safe for kids who like to help out in the kitchen.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Made with BPA-free plastic and stainless steel
- Safe for liquid and dry ingredients
- Includes measuring spoons and a silicone funnel
Cons:
- Markings can be difficult to read
- Stainless steel is thin
8. Also Consider: Control Kitchen Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
Sometimes you need a liquid measuring cup with a spout and handle that pours the ingredients into a bowl and sometimes you need scoop cups to measure a more stable liquidy substance like syrup or honey, or solids such as chocolate chips, packed brown sugar or beans. Why buy everything separately when compromise when you can get everything you need in this 11-piece set?
The lightweight plastic liquid measuring cup has a 2 1/2-cup/20-ounce capacity with clear, easy-to-read red markings in U.S and metric measurements, a solid handle and spout for accurate and drip-free pouring. This is great for either liquid or dry ingredients. There are also five 18/8 stainless steel, scoop-style measuring cups and five 18/8 stainless steel measuring spoons, all with cute, color-coded silicone inserts on the handles.
The measurement markings on the scoop cups and spoons are engraved into the stainless steel, so there is no worry about them fading or washing off. These are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for the plastic measuring cup.
Pros:
- Comes with liquid measuring cup and scoop cups
- Stainless steel
- Spoons come with detachable ring
Cons:
- May include more pieces than some people require
What to look for when choosing liquid measuring cups:
A measuring cup is one of the most basic tools you will need in your kitchen, especially if you like to bake and cook. This is because for most recipes to be successful – especially certain baked goods like bread and pastries – accurate and exact measurements are essential. Many a novice baker has experienced the hard results of using too much flour when making bread, the cloying sweetness of too much sugar, or the watery mess of too much liquid in the batter. So, even if you just had one, one-cup liquid measuring cup in your kitchen cupboard with accurate measurement markings, it would be enough to get you through most recipes.
The thing is, variety is the spice of life not just in the foods and flavorings we use in our meal prep and baking, but also in the utensils we use. When it comes to measuring cups, not only can you find them in 2.3 ounces, one-cup, two-cup, four-cup and larger versions, but there are models with a handle and without, with one spout, two spouts or no spout at all. Measurement markings can be in bright red, hard-to-see grey or white, or etched into the surface. Finally, they can be made from plastic, glass, stainless steel or a combination of material.
But it doesn’t end there. There are also scoop-style measuring cups (as opposed to the pour-style described above) that conveniently nest into each other, with each having a capacity that equals a full cup or a fraction of a cup. These usually have a handle but no spout and while they are fine for measuring liquids, it can be a bit shaky to use since you must fill the liquid to the top of the scoop, whereas with the pour-style, there is usually extra space between the fill-line and the top.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Many chefs like the glass liquid measuring cups that have a handle and spout. These are sturdy, and if made from borosilicate glass, can withstand oven temperatures. Glass also does not stain or retain odors, is BPA-free and recyclable. On the downside, glass can be heavy and may break if dropped.
Plastic is lightweight but not a first choice for many people who are trying to reduce the amount of plastic they use. Still, good quality plastic is BPA-free and often stackable for convenient storage.
Whichever style you choose, make sure it matches your cooking style and needs, with clear markings that are accurate and easy to read.