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Food & Wine / Kevin Liang
For many of us, measuring cups and spoons are everyday items in the kitchen. Whether we’re dipping a cup into a bubbling pot to reserve valuable pasta water or adding a tablespoon of honey to a salad dressing, having a set of reliable, easy-to-use measuring cups and spoons on hand is key. It's pretty much an essential kitchen tool for beginners on up.
A digital kitchen scale is the best way to ensure pinpoint accuracy with your wet and dry ingredient measurements, but it’s tough to beat the grab-and-go convenience of measuring cups and spoons. So, we took a deep dive — and chatted with a cooking and baking expert — to find the best of these handy utensils. Our top picks offer value and functionality and are more than welcome in our kitchens.
Best Overall
OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
Magnetic handles make storage a snap.
The spoons don’t nest into the cups.
As a general rule, we love the OXO Good Grips product line for its quality, functionality, and value — and these measuring cups and spoons are no exception. This 8-piece set includes the most common measurements you’ll need, and the magnetic handles help keep everything together without scattering haphazardly throughout your kitchen drawers.
OXO’s stainless steel construction means this set of measuring cups and spoons will be durable and easy to clean — you can even toss them in the dishwasher. And there are no worries about the measurements wearing off with use and cleaning since OXO has etched them right into the steel. Factor in the non-slip handles for a secure hold (they don’t call ‘em Good Grips for nothing!), and there’s not much not to love about this set.
- Includes: 4 measuring cups and 4 spoons
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Nine pieces cover all the bases — and then some — and comfort handles make them easy to grip.
The size of the rounded spoons could make it difficult to fit them into spice containers.
While a good set of measuring cups and spoons can last indefinitely, it’s understandable if you’d rather allocate your kitchen tools budget toward other, more exciting gear. This 9-piece set from KitchenAid will easily do the trick, and you don't have to worry about skimping on quality. Plus, it even includes the uncommon ½-tablespoon measurement.
This is a no-frills set, so you won’t find extras like color coding or magnets. But the handles are incredibly sturdy, and soft silicone tips make them extra easy to grip. These plastic measuring spoons and cups are also dishwasher safe, making them a great value-conscious buy. But it's worth noting that the spoons may not be the best for measuring out spices, as their round shape and size could make it difficult for them to fit into the openings of smaller spice containers.
- Includes: 4 measuring cups and 5 spoons
- Materials: Plastic
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Best Stainless Steel
All-Clad Measuring Cups and Spoons
This is a great-looking set with a timeless design from a trusted brand name.
They're pricey for measuring cups and spoons.
With 18/10 stainless steel construction and extra-long handles for easy reaching into jars, All-Clad’s measuring cups and spoons set offers functionality with a classic design that’s built to last. The polished stainless steel is resilient, and the entire set is dishwasher-safe.
All-Clad is a reputable, long-trusted brand, so you can be sure these measuring devices are accurate and will last for years to come. (And if you just want the measuring cups, you can find them here and save a few dollars.)
- Includes: 4 measuring cups and 4 spoons
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Best Nesting
Cook with Color Measuring Cup and Spoon Set
This set has lots of color choices and convenient storage.
Washing by hand is recommended.
Measuring cups and spoons that will nest into one another as a complete set — rather than two separate entities — create an ideal storage solution. This comprehensive set by Cook with Color includes 12 pieces that are each designed with the same shape, so they all fit snugly together and offer a cohesive look.
You can also choose from 15 different color combinations to suit your design preferences and match your kitchen. They’re also a great value at less than $20 — especially considering the set includes two very uncommon sizes: 2 tablespoons and ¾ cup. The only arguable downside to these measuring cups is that washing by hand is recommended to preserve the finish of the handles.
- Includes: 5 measuring cups and 7 spoons
- Materials: Plastic and stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe: Handwashing recommended
This set delivers sleek good looks without sacrificing quality or practicality.
The copper finish may be susceptible to wear and tear.
This is an especially great-looking set of measuring cups and spoons that doesn't sacrifice quality or functionality. The sleek lines and industrial design will fit well with any kitchen decor, and the attractive copper, gold, or black finishes will look great next to any mixing bowl — there’s no need to stick with boring silver. Plus, this 14-piece set also includes uncommon measurements like the elusive ⅛ and ¾ cups, and it even comes with a matching leveler.
These cups and spoons are dishwasher safe — but if you want to preserve that swanky finish from wear and tear, then it might be best to go with a quick rinse in the sink.
- Includes: 7 measuring cups, 6 spoons, and 1 leveler
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Best Ceramic
Crate & Barrel Ceramic Measuring Cups
Fun pops of color make this quality set stand out from the rest.
These cups are susceptible to breakage if they're not handled with care.
These ceramic measuring cups will add a fun pop of color to your everyday cooking and baking, with a cream-colored base accented by stripes of aqua, coral, mustard yellow, and navy. And although they don't come all together in one pack, you can easily get the matching spoons to round out the set. Each cup is marked with a helpful line at the top to make sure you don't over-measure, and they conveniently nest together for easy organization and storage.
And when you're done measuring out what you need, you can simply toss these cups in the dishwasher alongside your spatulas and get on with your day. But keep in mind that one drop could shatter these delicate tools, so handle with care.
- Includes: 4 measuring cups
- Materials: Glazed stoneware
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
The sleek gold finish will add a bit of glam to your kitchen setup.
It's recommended to hand-wash these only.
If you're looking to upgrade your old measuring cups and spoons with a new stylish set, then these gold ones from Styled Settings might be just what you need. With a sleek gold finish and an open-handle design on the measuring cups, these will add a bit of glam to your kitchen and will probably outshine the rest of your baking setup. They're made of stainless steel, so they're food-safe, durable, and you can be sure they'll last you a while.
But if you want to preserve that pretty gold finish, you'll have to make sure to hand wash this set after every use. Unfortunately, the dishwasher is simply out of the question.
- Includes: 4 measuring cups and 4 spoons
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe: Handwashing recommended
Best Bamboo
Bamboozle Measuring Cups and Spoons
This set is fully biodegradable and available in four color schemes.
They are susceptible to warping if used in the microwave.
For the eco-conscious, these bamboo measuring cups and spoons are an excellent alternative to plastic. The 8-piece set is available in different colors, and they nest together for easy storage. Each cup — and even the spoons — have a pouring spout for easy, mess-free transference of ingredients.
Bamboo isn’t quite as foolproof as stainless steel — you probably shouldn’t use these cups in the microwave. That said, bamboo fiber is a hardy material, and this set should last a long time to come.
- Includes: 4 measuring cups and 4 spoons
- Materials: Bamboo fiber
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Our Favorite
The OXO Good Grips set tops our list for its value, functionality, and classic good looks. If you’re not feeling stainless steel but don’t want to go with plastic measuring cups and spoons, the Bamboozle set is a great choice.
Factors to Consider
Material
Since measuring cups and spoons can last indefinitely, the material choice really comes down to personal preference. Overall, dishwasher-safe stainless steel will be the most durable and resistant to stains and odor absorption. However, plastic, glass, and ceramic can also be good options to consider.
Storage
Nearly all measuring cups will nest together for purposes of storage and access, but the measuring spoons won’t always fit within the cups. If this is important to you, be sure to look for a set that fully nests. Otherwise, the magnetic handles featured on the OXO cups and spoons will be useful for keeping everything together.
Weight
You want measuring tools that are heavy-duty enough to go the distance, but not so heavy that they are unwieldy to use. Be sure metal handles aren’t so flimsy that they can bend when scooping dense ingredients like brown sugar. Plastic is lighter weight, but may not be as durable as some other materials. Measuring cups and spoons made of glass or ceramic will be much heavier on their own, and that weight will only increase with added ingredients. So, that may be something to consider if you have strength or mobility concerns.
Measurement Markings
Markings for measurements should be clear and easy to read, especially for measuring spoons where the difference between a half teaspoon and half tablespoon is significant. It is preferable for these markings to be impressed or imprinted on the cups and spoons instead of painted on since painted markings can wear off in time with regular use and multiple cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best material for measuring cups and spoons?
The best material for measuring cups and spoons ultimately comes down to their intended use and your own personal preference. Glass or clear plastic is best for measuring liquids so you can accurately read how much you've measured.
As mentioned before, stainless steel measuring cups tend to be the most durable over time, while other materials like plastic can be more susceptible to wear and tear. But as long as you can use the tools comfortably, there’s no need to overthink this one.
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Which ingredient is measured incorrectly most often?
Lisa Lotts of Garlic and Zest says that flour is the most commonly mis-measured ingredient.
“It really depends on how you fill the measuring cup,” she says. “By dipping the measuring cup into a flour container, you’ll actually pack and compress the flour and can end up with 2-3 tablespoons more than what the cup specifies.”
Lotts advises that the best way to measure flour is by weight rather than volume, but if you don’t have a scale, she has advice on how to do it as accurately as possible:
“Aerate the flour with a spoon, then gently scoop heaping spoonfuls of flour into the measuring cup. Don’t shake or pat the cup — use the flat side of a knife to scrape off the excess by brushing it over the top of the measuring cup.” -
Is there a difference between dry and wet measuring cups?
“Wet measuring cups are usually made of glass or plastic and have graduated measures along the side,” Lotts explains. “The idea is to measure the liquid in the container by looking at the contents from eye level. Looking at a glass measuring cup from above won’t give you an accurate measurement, and you’ll likely over-fill the liquid.”
Lotts notes that surface tension is the reason why a dry measuring cup isn’t ideal for measuring liquids — the liquids can stretch beyond the confines of the cup and lead to inaccuracies.
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Are measuring cups and spoons dishwasher safe?
While most measuring cups and spoons are dishwasher safe, check with the manufacturer to be sure. When in doubt, a quick hand wash will ensure that your measuring utensils remain in pristine condition.
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How should you organize and store measuring cups and spoons?
“There is no rule for how to store measuring cups; it really comes down to space,” says Anthony Contrino, Emmy-awarded culinary producer, food stylist, and host of Saucy on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock. “Create a dedicated space for them so that you can easily keep track of them. Personally, I store them in my baking supplies drawer, nestled by size. Spoons can be stored in a drawer in a small drawer organizer. Alternatively, you can hang both the cups and spoons on hooks or a peg wall. If your measuring cups and spoons are metal, you can even hang them on a magnetic knife strip, so they’re always within arm’s reach! If your measuring cups or spoons come on a key ring, separate them, so they’re easier to use and clean.”
Our Expertise
This article was written by Summer Rylander, a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. She made her selections based on in-depth research, hands-on testing, and conversation with experts. Stacey Ballis, a freelance writer, recipe developer, and product reviewer, also contributed to this piece.