The 8 Best Measuring Cups, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

Each of our selected measuring cups was tested hours on end by our product tester for the most authentic results. We paid close attention to the design of the measuring cups, including the comfort of the handle and storage. The measuring cups were tested by measuring both wet and dry ingredients. Each was given a careful rating for design, performance, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

Other Options We Tested

• Rubbermaid Commercial Products 1-Cup Bouncer Measuring Cup: We previously recommended this sturdy polycarbonate measuring cup as a budget pick. It has U.S. and metric measurements and can withstand extreme temperatures. But, when we had the chance to test it, we found the lack of a spout led stock to drip down the sides, the measurement markings were fuzzy, and the overall design felt cheap and low-quality.

What to Look for in Measuring Cups

By Jenny Kellerhals

Measures & Markings

For dry measuring cups, a basic set includes a 1/4-, 1/3-, 1/2-, and 1-cup measure. Larger sets may include additional increments such as 1/8-, 2/3-, and 3/4-cup measures, and even the elusive 2-cup measuring cup, which is very helpful, even if they aren’t necessary. Smaller measurements or metric units may be stamped onto the side of the measuring cup. While not the most accurate way to measure, these additional increments can still come in handy.

The cup measurement should be engraved or stamped onto the handle. Measurements written on the inside or side of the cup can be difficult or impossible to read when the cup is full. Labels are likely to peel off after several washes, leaving you second-guessing yourself every time you go to measure an ingredient. Printed-on measurements may also rub off over time. 

Liquid measuring cups typically come in 1-cup, 2-cup, or 4-cup sizes but can also be found in smaller and larger increments, depending on what you need to measure. Most liquid measuring cups are either plastic or glass and typically have the measurements painted onto the side in both standard and metric units. Some plastic cups have the measurements stamped on and painted to remain useful when the paint eventually wears off. 

The exception to this is the OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Cup. Not only does it have the liquid measurements painted on the side of the cup, but it also features measurements inside the cup to be read from above. The advantage of reading the liquid measurements from above is huge: classic measuring cups are best read at eye-level sitting on a flat countertop, which means you have to bend over and struggle to read their measurements accurately. While inside measurements may also wear off with extended use, they seem to last much longer than classically painted measuring cups.

Materials

Stainless steel: Ideal for dry measuring, stainless steel cups are the most sturdy and well-balanced measuring cups on the market. Your best choice is a set of stainless steel measuring cups formed out of solid sheets of metal, such as the Bellemain six-piece stainless steel measuring cup set. Stainless steel is also non-porous and will not pick up odors or colors. 

A single-body cup and handle allow for smoother leveling and less debris build-up in the little crannies of the cup. Cups with handles that have been attached separately tend to break off after prolonged use. A measuring cup without a handle is more difficult to scoop with and can even leave holes in the side of the cup if the welding detaches from the side. 

Plastic: Both dry and liquid measuring cups come in plastic options. Plastic cups meant for dry measurements are typically lighter-weight than stainless steel cups, and they are usually a little less expensive. Unfortunately, they may not be as stable when being filled with lightweight ingredients and may topple over more easily. 

When using plastic measuring cups for liquids, avoid using heated oils or color-saturated ingredients that may stain your measuring cup or leave it permanently scented and dyed. Plastic cups may crack if exposed to heat and cold for a prolonged time or if it's dropped.

Silicone: Silicone is typically used in collapsible cups or in conjunction with plastic measuring cups as a comfortable slip-resistant handle or non-slip base. Silicone can be used in all of the same applications as plastic, but it also has the drawback of holding on to aggressive odors and colors. When using a silicone measuring cup, make sure not to apply any pressure to the cup itself to avoid pinching it and throwing off the measurement (for example, don’t hold the cup between your thumb and forefinger while scooping or leveling; use the handle instead).

Glass: Glass is most often used for liquid measuring cups and is a traditional favorite. Pyrex has been making the gold standard of liquid measuring cups for generations. Look for an easy-to-read, screen-printed measurement on the side of the glass and an L-shaped handle (instead of a C-shaped handle that’s attached to the cup at both ends) to make stacking multiple cups easy. Glass measuring cups are usually heavier than plastic cups, but they are non-porous and resistant to odors and stains. Most glass measuring cups are tempered or fortified but can still crack or shatter if dropped. 

Storage

Most measuring cups, both dry and liquid, are designed to nest into the next-largest measuring cup in the set. When nested, the cups only take up as much space in your cabinets or drawers as the largest cup in the set. If space is limited, a collapsible set of measuring cups like the Squish four-piece set comes in handy—reducing how much space is taken up in full drawers. Many dry measuring cups come with holes in the handle to hang, whether on a ring or individually on a hook. Hanging your cups makes them easier to grab quickly when you’re ready to bake, as well as quick to find (as opposed to you having to rifle through a packed kitchen drawer) and easy to air-dry if they were washed by hand. 

Price

One of the smaller hand tools in the kitchen, measuring cups are typically very affordable. $10 or less will buy you a perfectly functional set of dry measuring cups or an economical liquid measuring cup. $20 will get you a high-quality set of either style of cup. Since this equipment is relatively inexpensive and used so frequently, it’s worth it to spend a little extra on the dependable stainless steel dry measuring cups and the Pyrex or OXO liquid measuring cups if you can. 

Warranties

Measuring cups and spoons typically do not come with a warranty. If you’re concerned about any manufacturing flaws, it’s best to find out the return policy of the store you’re planning on buying your measuring cups from before purchasing.

Types of Measuring Cups

Dry Measuring Cups

Dry measuring cups are designed to be used exclusively with dry or solid ingredients that can be dipped into a bag of flour, for example, filled to the top, and leveled off with ease for the most accurate volumetric measurement. Trying to measure a dry ingredient in a liquid measuring cup will likely provide you with a less accurate measurement because the measurement line is a little more ambiguous, and filling the cup to the appropriate level is often difficult.

Dry measuring cups are typically stainless steel, plastic, silicone, or aluminum. Stainless steel cups are the most reliable and resilient, but plastic and silicone cups can also be dependable. Aluminum cups should be avoided because they tend to bend or dent, making your measuring inaccurate.

Liquid Measuring Cups

Liquid measuring cups are designed specifically for liquid ingredients, making it easy to measure them into a stable cup. The liquid measuring cup allows enough space to carry the ingredient to the pot or bowl it’s ultimately going to without spilling (which it almost certainly would do if measured into a dry measuring cup). You’re also provided with a clear view of your ingredients, which is useful if you’re mixing several ingredients in your measuring cup in advance. 

Liquid measuring cups are typically glass or plastic. Both glass and plastic cups are usually microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Glass measuring cups tend to have a longer lifespan than plastic cups. 

Spoons

Measuring spoons are almost a category of their own, but for the sake of measuring, all of the above rules apply. A basic set includes 1/4-, 1/2-, 1- teaspoon, and 1-tablespoon measures. Larger sets might include 1/8, 1/3, and 1 1/2 teaspoon (also called 1/2 tablespoon) increments as well. Measuring spoons can be used for either liquid or dry measuring. 

Spoons typically come in stainless steel or plastic, although stainless steel will last longer than plastic. Ideally, the measurements should be engraved into the spoon's handle for easy reading. A set attached to a ring is great for keeping the spoons together—so your 1 teaspoon measure doesn’t disappear into the ether of your junk drawer. As with measuring cups, avoid aluminum spoons that bend easily and make your measurements inaccurate. 

Scoops

Measuring scoops are like a cross between a dry measuring cup and a very large measuring spoon. Reminiscent of the scoops found in the bulk grains or candy sections at the grocery store, these scoops are portioned like measuring cups, with an oval or pointed shape, to make scooping dry ingredients in large quantities easier. 

FAQs

By Karen Resta

Are liquid and dry measuring cups the same? 

No, each type is designed specifically for its intended use. Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the brim and leveled off, while liquid measuring cups are designed to be read at the liquid's meniscus. The surface tension of liquid would overfill or spill out in a dry cup, while a dry ingredient can't be leveled correctly in a liquid cup. Both would lead to inaccurate ingredient measurements and possibly ruined recipes.

How do you store measuring cups? 

There are different ways to store measuring cups, depending on the type of cup and the amount of space available. Some sets are made to stack together and can be stored on a shelf or in a drawer. Drawer dividers and organizers can keep them easy to reach. If the measuring cups are metal it may be possible to hang them on a magnetic knife bar. Some measuring cups may have a hole near the end of the handle so they can be hung on individual wall hooks or pegs. Glass measuring cups, particularly those with handles, will have to be stored on a safe shelf where they can be easily reached yet not subject to being knocked around. 

What are the standard sizes for dry measuring cups? 

The standard size of most dry measuring cups is 0.25 cup, 0.33 cup, 0.5 cup and 1 cup. Nonstandard sizes would be 0.125 cup, 0.66 cup, and 0.75 cup.

Are plastic measuring cups microwave safe? 

Most of the plastic measuring cups on the market today are microwave safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications.

Are glass measuring cups microwave safe? 

Glass measuring cups can generally be presumed to be microwave safe, but it’s important to not place a cup from the refrigerator directly into the microwave or to heat for long periods of time in the microwave. In either case, the glass will be stressed and subject to breakage.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie specializes in testing kitchen tools for The Spruce Eats. Her interest in cooking and baking was encouraged by her parents from a young age and led her to pursue cooking and recipe development. She is a food writer, maintains a personal blog, and published the "Make Ahead Bread" cookbook.

Jenny Kellerhals is a professional pastry chef and food writer currently living in Queens, New York City. With over a decade of experience in professional pastry kitchens and bakeries, Jenny has a wide range of experience with professional and home tools. Only the best equipment makes the cut in her tiny apartment, often overflowing with baked goods.

Each set of measuring cups in this roundup was tested by Sharon Lehman, a home cook and registered dietitian. Since testing, our top pick and the Oxo Good Grips Beaker Set earned permanent spots in her kitchen. Sharon has been writing and testing products for The Spruce Eats since 2019.

Karen Resta is a writer specializing in food culture and history, cooking, pastries, and restaurants. A former pastry chef, she travels to Budapest, Kyiv, and Paris during their Fashion Weeks as a photographer and writer.