Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are relatively simple tools, but they are necessary to ensure that your recipes are accurate and consistent. There are two main types of measuring cup – those made for solids and those made for liquids. Liquid measurers are typically made of glass or clear plastic, while stainless steel measuring cups are intended for measuring solids.
Common Questions About Measuring Cups
Why do I need a whole set of measurement cups?
Regardless of the setting, having the right tool for the job saves time and mistakes. Both commercial and residential kitchens can make good use of a set of measuring instruments. Delicate recipes require precise measurements – baking especially can be ruined by a bit too much or too little of any one ingredient – so to achieve the proper results, every chef needs to have control over the quantities used. Dry measuring equipment is designed to measure dry ingredients accurately, while liquid measuring equipment has features that make it uniquely suited to measure liquids. Using the two styles interchangeably can lead to inaccurate measurements, as can using cups of the wrong size. Inaccurate measuring equipment isn't useful at all, so ensure you use the right pieces for your purposes.
What's the difference between dry and wet measuring?
Wet measuring is almost always done with clear cups – whether plastic or glass – with the largest measuring line set beneath the lip of the cup. This enables operators to fill the desired quantity without having liquid right up to the rim, which would make it very difficult to move the cup without spilling. Because operators will be measuring below the lip, the cup itself must be transparent so the operator can see exactly how much liquid has been poured.
On the other hand, dry measuring cups are made to be filled all the way to the rim of the cup. Then you can run a flat object over the top of the cup to push off any excess product, leaving you with the exact measured amount. Stainless steel measuring cups are typically used for dry measuring and are great for commonly needed measurements, such as a specific amount of flour.
Dry and wet measurement pieces are not interchangeable, as liquids bulge and overflow at the very top of a cup, while dry ingredients must be levelled by the even surface of a cup. So, chefs need a set of each to ensure both wet and dry ingredients can be measured accurately.
Which materials are available?
Glass, plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel measuring cups all have unique benefits. Glass is tough and transparent – making it ideal for wet measurement – and it is usually dishwasher safe. Plastic can be transparent and is less expensive than glass, but it may neither be as durable nor dishwasher safe. Aluminum and stainless steel are frequently used for dry measurement cups, with aluminum being the cheaper option and stainless steel being sturdier.
Are these cups dishwasher safe?
You'll need to check the specification page for each product you're considering in order to see if it's dishwasher safe. Dishwasher-safe cups save you time that would otherwise be spent handwashing these units, enabling you to slot these pieces into your existing warewashing procedures. If you plan to use the cups in a commercial setting, see if the piece is listed as safe for high heat dishwashers too.