Measuring Tools

Measuring Cups & Measuring Spoons

"Spend the extra bucks and purchase stainless steel rather than buying plastic or those cheap tin ones that bend in your kitchen drawer."

In the past, a measuring cup or spoon would have likely been whatever the home cook used to drink their coffee or stir their tea. It wasn’t until the Fannie Farmer cookbook was published in 1896 that measuring cups and spoons were standardized to avoid confusion and/or recipe disaster.

Dry Versus Liquid Measures

 

Dry Measuring Tools:

Made of plastic, aluminum or stainless steel

Measurement is made by leveling dry ingredients off

Most common larger dry measurement sizes : ¼ cup - 1/3 cup - ½ cup - 2/3 cup - ¾ cup - 1 cup

Most common smaller dry measurement sizes: ¼ teaspoon - ½ teaspoon - 1 teaspoon - 1 Tablespoon (3 teaspoons)

Liquid Measures:

Made of clear plastic or glass

Spout for pouring

Measurements are generally in ¼ cup increments up the side of a large measuring cup

Measurement is made by pouring liquid to the desired level

Most common sizes are 2 cup and 4 cup

Many show ounces/ml as well as cup measurements

Can I use a dry measure for liquid ingredients or vice versa?

When measuring small amounts of liquids, as for extracts, you can use a teaspoon dry measure. Otherwise, these measures are not interchangeable. You cannot level dry ingredients in a liquid measure without risking compacting the ingredients (for example, flour).

You will get a much more exact measurement using a dry measure and sweeping off the excess ingredient. It is difficult to measure liquid ingredients in a dry measure, as well. Not only can it get messy, having to fill a measuring cup right to the top, but you can also get false readings.

Because of the surface tension of liquids, it is possible to overfill a dry measure and get an inaccurate reading.

Measuring Cup Recommendations

You should own at least one set of dry cup measures, one set of spoon measures and 1 microwavable liquid measure. Look for:

Sturdy construction

Handles either riveted or integrated, not spot welded on

A sturdy ring to hold spoons together

Enameled measurements on liquid measures so the measurements won’t wear off over time

Long, narrow measuring spoons to fit into small spice jars

Choose stainless steel measures over aluminum or plastic. They are much sturdier, and a good set will last you a lifetime

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Great Cooking Video On
How To Use Measuring Tools Effectively
Click Here

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Here are a few of my favorite choices:

All-Clad 4-pc. Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons See if they measure up! These stainless steel spoons are held together by a stainless steel ring, so none ends up missing. It also keeps each spoon easily accessible. The set includes 1/4-, 1/2-, 1-teaspoon, and 1-tablespoon measures. Dishwasher-safe.

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6-c. Flameware Liquid Measuring Cup This generously sized measuring cup is designed for liquids as well as dry ingredients. Because it is oven and microwave safe, you can also use it to melt butter, warm milk or boil water. You'll find it amazingly lightweight, and the elongated handle makes it easy to hold. 6-cup capacity.

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Amco 4-pc. Measuring Cups Go into any professional test kitchen and you'll find an array of measuring cups just like these: strong, durable, dishwasher-safe, constructed of 18/8 stainless steel, with clear size markings that make the job of controlling amounts practically foolproof. Avoid flimsy dime-store plastic measuring cups and opt for a basic set that gives you the necessary 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup measures. Another word of advice: parents of young children may need to buy an extra set for the playroom--kids think they make a terrific set of miniature cooking pots.

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