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Best Measuring Cups and Spoon
While some of the old school chef might just eyeball ingredients, those who are following the recipes, might not have the same experience. Getting a good measuring spoon and cups is the key to helping you get accurate measurement. However, a lot of these spoons have issues. It ranges from it bending or just the measurement rubbing off. Getting a good and reliable measuring spoon can be a little daunting. To help you out, we listed some of the Best Measuring Cups and Spoon on the market.
What to Look For?
A measuring spoon should be a very simple thing, but the sad truth is a lot of manufacturers manage to get it wrong. One of the main issues is that they are simply not durable. When you go to scoop it, they either snap or bend. If you are lucky, you might be able to bend it back. However, that usually weakens its and makes it more likely it will bend again. The best way to avoid this is to get a thick stainless steel measuring spoon.
Another issue is the measurement lettering. I would avoid spoons or cups that is not engraved. Often time manufacturer will just put stickers or paint on it. It will eventually rub off and you will be left wondering what the measurement are.
Getting Accurate Measurement
To truly get accurate measurement, the best way to do so is via weight. This ensures that the volume is not occupied by air. However, the problem is that not all recipe include weight. You are stuck with the regular scoop method. Not only that, measuring everything is slow and cumbersome.
When buying a measuring cup or spoon, its best to get a measuring spoon where you can sweep it. What that means is that after you scoop, can you get a knife and make it flat. This ensures the best way of getting accurate results. Whether the spoon is accurate is another story as well. A lot of these manufacturer measurement is simply just off.
If you are measuring liquid, you have to account for the curve. This curve is known as a meniscus, it is the attraction of water to other substance. If you look at a glass measuring cup, you will see two level, one on the outer rim and the other on the center. The center is what you want to measure it at.
Best Material for Measuring Cups and Spoons
There are quite a few different type of measuring cups and spoons on the market. It is my opinion that you should get a combination of material. For larger volume measurement, glass will be the best option. You can see through it and you can measure it at the meniscus. While you can use clear plastic, they tend to flex and bend under large volume.
For measurement under 1 cup, a stainless steel measuring cup and spoon is ideal. They are durable and you can toss it around. I recommend using these for dried good like spice and flour.
If you enjoy juices or just making sauces. You might want to consider a silicone measuring cup. They make things easy to pour and you can cook in them. It is a great all rounder measuring cup.
Best Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoon
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoon are best at low volume. Ideally, they should be used for spice and flour. The model you find below, can fit most spice jars and give accurate measurement.
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set is one of the best measuring spoon on the market. The slender spoon lets it fit into the tightest fitting jars. It is also accurate unlike many other manufacturer. The top of the spoons are flat making it easy to sweep with a knife or finger. Best of all, the measurement are engraved onto the spoon. You do not have to worry about it wearing off overtime. This set comes with a total of 5 spoons at the following sizes, 1/8, ¼, ½, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp/0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 ml.
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set
For measuring flours and small amount of liquid, Cuisipro does it again. It has the same great design and features as the spoons, just be aware that it cost quite a bit more. However, they are a great investment and should last you a lifetime. If you want, they also sell these as a Set.
Best Glass Measuring Cup
For measuring large volume of liquid, glass is the best option. You can accurately gauge the level of liquid by just looking at the sides. While some models lets you look inward, they can often time be misleading.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set
Pyrex is one of the oldest manufacturer of measuring tools. Favored by Scientist, they are one of the defacto brand when measuring chemical. Luckily for us, they have a division dedicated for measuring food. In this category, I recommend that you at least get the 8 cup models. They are perfect for when you are making stocks and stews. It also has a easy to pour lip. The sides will have measurement in both cups and liter for your convenience. If its good enough for a science lab, its good enough for your home kitchen.
Best Plastic Measuring Cup and Spoon
Plastic measuring utensils has its place. They are great if you have kids around and you need something that can withstand the abuse. While they might not be as easy to clean as the other two, they are light and easy to use. Some models are even clear so you can see right through it.
OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Angled Measuring Cup
Oxo is one or the largest manufacturer of kitchen good. Their measuring cups has easy to read numbers on the side to give you accurate measurement. The handles are lined with silicone so that it wont become slippery if your hand is greasy. The great thing about these model is their durability. If you drop it, it is unlikely to shatter or dent like glass or metal model.
KitchenAid Classic Measuring Spoons
Kitchenaid hit a home run with their plastic measuring spoon. The handles is comfortable and grippy with a silicone end. Unlike the other models, the size of the lettering is raised for easy identification. It is unlikely for it to rub off and great if you can feel the lettering. My only complaint is that the lettering could have been a different color. It can be a little difficult to read in the wrong lighting.
Best Silicone Measuring Cups
Silicone measuring cups is a option that not a lot people consider. However, they are fantastic for measuring liquids for juice, sauces and soups. The flexible nature of the material makes it one of the easiest to pour.
iSi Basics Silicone Flexible Measuring Cups
Isi is a manufacturer known for their whipped cream dispenser. However, their silcione measuring cup is one of the best on the market. The sides have easy to read measurement. The lips are slightly concave for easy pouring. Best of all, these silicone measuring cups are microwavable. You can cook in them!
Thoughts
There is a lot more to measuring cups and spoons. With the wide range of options out there, making sense of it all can be confusing. I personally thing that everyone should at least have a stainless steel measuring cup and spoon for smaller items. Glass are great if you intend on making soups and stocks. For things like juices and sauce, a silicone measuring cup is a essential. If you can get a mixture of all of them, that would be the best option.
Want to up your cooking game? Check out our article on the Best Salt for Cooking.