To measure liquids: Set the measuring cup level on the counter and bend down to read the measurement at the bottom of the curved arc at the liquid’s surface. This is known as the meniscus line. Note that small amounts of both dry and liquid ingredients are measured with small measuring spoons.
Full Answer
What is the function of the liquid measuring cup?
What Is a Dry Measuring Cup?
- Function. A professional or home baker will scoop or spoon dry solid ingredients into a dry measuring cup filling it completely to the top of the rim.
- Ingredients. The baker incorporates several types of solid ingredients into his recipes. ...
- Sizes. ...
- Types. ...
- Prevention/Solution. ...
What are the best measuring cups?
- Best Overall: KitchenMade Measuring Cups
- Best Value: Winco Measuring Cups
- Best Glass (for liquid measure): Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set
- Best Unbreakable (for liquid measure): Winco 5-Piece Measuring Cup Set
- Best With Grip: Norco Grip-Ez Measuring Cup Set
- Best Multitasking Space Saver: KitchenArt Pro 2 Cup Adjust-A-Cup
Do I need both liquid and dry measuring cups?
Technically, yes. They both measure the same amount of volume. 1 cup in a dry measuring cup is the same as 1 cup in a liquid measuring cup. It’s still probably not wise to interchange them. Still in doubt?
How do you measure in a liquid measuring cup?
Method 3 of 3: Using Tablespoons and Teaspoons
- Work out how many tablespoons you will need. An easy way to do this is to remember that one cup equates to 16 tablespoons.
- Use a tablespoon to measure out the liquid you need. Measure your liquid over a vessel to prevent a mess.
- Use a teaspoon to refine the volume. ...
- Commit the amount of fluid in the vessel to memory. ...
What is liquid measuring cup?
Liquid measuring cups are usually glass or plastic with a handle. They allow you to pour a liquid into the cup and bring it even with a measurement line without spilling.Jul 16, 2018
What should a good liquid measuring cup have?
The Criteria: What We Look for in a Great Set of Liquid Measuring Cups. Liquid measuring cups should be accurate, durable, and have good pour spouts and some level of heat resistance.
Is 1 liquid cup same as dry cup?
Technically, yes. They both measure the same amount of volume. There is no liquid to dry measuring cup conversion. 1 cup in a dry measuring cup is the same as 1 cup in a liquid measuring cup.Jan 11, 2019
Are liquid measuring cups microwavable?
3-Piece Measuring Cups Set, BPA-free Plastic Measuring Cup with Spout and Handle Grip, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Include 1 Cup, 2 Cup and 4 Cup with Ml and Oz Measurement, 250ml, 500ml, 1000ml.
Which measuring cups are the most accurate?
The most accurate set tested, the Norpro Grip-Ez Stainless Steel Measuring Cups have shovel-shaped bowls that dig into packed brown sugar and flour easily. The five-piece set includes a 1/8-cup measure, and the cups have welded-on handles covered in a comfortable nonslip rubber grip.
How do you measure liquid and dry ingredients?
0:141:48How to Measure Dry Ingredients Like a Pro | Food Network - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo measure dry ingredients remember fill and level there are two ways for flour spoon dill to theMoreTo measure dry ingredients remember fill and level there are two ways for flour spoon dill to the top and level off for sugar scoop. And level works just fine. Same goes with measuring spoons scoop.
How can I measure liquid without a measuring cup?
Use a kitchen scale. A scale will be useful if you're cooking or baking without measuring cups. By knowing the weight equivalents or using a volume-to-weight conversion chart, you can weigh your ingredients. One fluid ounce of water by volume is equivalent to one ounce of weight.Mar 1, 2022
Are liquid and solid cups the same?
While liquid and dry measuring cups do hold the same volume, the difference is that each is specially designed to do a better job of measuring its respective ingredients.Nov 15, 2017
How to read a measuring cup?
To read a measuring cup accurately, place it on a flat, stable surface, like a table or countertop. Add the liquid until it reaches just under the gradation line you're aiming for. Then get down at eye level with the mark, and you'll notice the liquid isn't straight—it sort of walks up the walls on the edges.
How accurate are Anchor Hocking measuring cups?
These Anchor Hocking glass measuring cups were the most accurate set we tested and include 1-, 2-, and 4-cup measures. Only the smallest cup was off by more than a milliliter at full volume, which is very accurate for kitchen use. The cups have durable, easy-to-read markings; a classic shape that nests well; and spouts that are easy to pour from.
How long does it take for tomato sauce to sit in a measuring cup?
We heated oily and acidic tomato sauce to a simmer, then ladled it into each measuring cup and let the cups sit for 12 hours.
How hot does a microwave cup get?
Fortunately, all of the handles were cool enough to grab out of the microwave, though the flexible silicone tended to get the warmest, up to around 115°F (46°C).
Do glass cups stain?
The glass cups didn't stain at all, and neither did the plastic ones. But the flexible silicone ones, which we had found to be relatively accurate, did: A hazy pink tint was left on the walls of the cup, making it harder to read the gradations.
Can you break a glass measuring cup?
The risk of shattering a glass measuring cup is a concern; if you drop one on the floor, it will likely break. But short of that, the glass is quite durable, and accidentally chipping it against a pot or pan is improbable.
Can you use a cup measurer for pourover coffee?
While there are inherent redundancies, we consider 1-, 2-, and 4-cup measuring cups essential. Yes, you can fill a 1-cup measurer four times, but that compromises accuracy, and it's less efficient. Dragging out a 4-cup measure first thing in the morning for eight ounces of pourover-coffee water doesn't make a lot of sense, either.
Why You Need a Liquid Measuring Cup
If you’ve been measuring liquid in your dry measuring cups, no judgment — but it’s definitely worth the small investment in a liquid cup (or cups).
What Makes the Best Liquid Measuring Cups
A good measuring cup makes kitchen tasks so much easier. A few things to look for when evaluating:
How We Tested
We purchased nine popular, well-reviewed measuring cups (and sets). We weighed them and took their size and shape into account, relative to volume, to consider each one’s footprint. We noted what materials each one was made of. Then we poured in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 cup of water, weighing each one to test for accuracy.
Why should you avoid dry measuring cups when measuring liquids?
Avoid dry measuring cups when measuring liquids because they will not be as accurate and could make a difference in the outcome of a recipe, which is especially important for baked goods. A liquid measuring cup will almost always have measurements in cups as well as fluid ounces.
Is a fluid ounce the same as an ounce?
Remember that the fluid ounces are not necessarily the same as ounces; fluid ounces are a measurement of volume while ounces are a measure of weight. Depending on what type of recipe you are making, a liquid ingredient called for may be listed in a measurement you are not familiar with.
When I'm Baking Can I Use Dry and Liquid Measuring Cups Interchangeably?
We wish it wasn’t so, but the truth of the matter is that when you bake, you have to be very particular about the tools you use to measure ingredients.
Can I Use a Dry Measuring Cup for Liquid When Baking?
The answer is no, and here’s why. Liquid needs to be measured by the bottom of its meniscus (the curve that forms on the top of liquid). But the meniscus can’t be properly measured in a dry measure, since you must fill the dry measure right to the top with the liquid. The bottom of the meniscus is thus concealed.
Can I Use a Liquid Measuring Cup for Dry Ingredients when Baking?
Again, no. Flour, for instance, needs to be spooned and leveled (or fluffed scooped, and leveled which some of us prefer). “Leveled” is the operative word, but you can’t “level” in a liquid measuring cup, as the markings stop short of the top of the cup.
Should I Use a Dry or Liquid Measuring Cup for Sticky Liquids?
A liquid measuring cup is preferable when measuring sticky ingredients like corn syrup, maple syrup or honey. And pro tip: grease the inside of the cup before adding your sticky ingredient to ensure the ingredient releases easily.
Should I Use a Dry or Liquid Measuring Cup for Small Amounts of Dry and Liquid Ingredients?
Neither! Use measuring spoons. Fun fact: it is only when measuring small amounts of ingredients that the measuring tool is the same for both dry and wet ingredients.
Is There a Tool that Will Measure Both Dry and Wet Ingredients Accurately?
Yes! A scale! Measuring by weight is not only the most accurate for measuring ingredients when baking, but also it measures both wet and dry! We’re not suggesting you get rid of your dry and wet measuring cups, but you will definitely use them a whole lot less once a scale is in the house. Amazing, we know.
Our Favorites, at A Glance
The Criteria: What We Look For in A Great Set of Liquid Measuring Cups
- Liquid measuring cups should be accurate, durable, and have good pour spouts and some level of heat resistance. We like sets that include 1-, 2-, and 4-cup sizes, which can tackle just about any kitchen task. In choosing which sets to test, we considered best-selling items from major retailers like Amazon, and cross-referenced reviews from other reputable brands, like America's Test Kitc…
The Testing
- Test 1: Accuracy
Before we get into how we tested for accuracy, the most important criterion, a quick reminder on the proper way to read a liquid measuring cup—which is, of course, an essential part of figuring out its accuracy—is in order. The curvature formed by a substance in a measuring cup is called … - Test 2: Durability
The risk of shattering a glass measuring cup is a concern; if you drop one on the floor, it will likely break. But short of that, the glass is quite durable, and accidentally chipping it against a pot or pan is improbable. Because the durability of the glass itself isn't worth testing (it is breakable, after a…
How We Chose The Best Liquid Measuring Cups
- After running the measuring cups through all the above tests, and eliminating any that performed poorly, we narrowed down our picks to the following two sets.
The Competition
- Pyrex Prepware Measuring Cups: We really liked the 1-cup measuring cup, but found the 2- and 4-cup sizes to be more inaccurate.
- OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Squeeze and Pour Silicone Measuring Cup Set: These measuring cups were accurate enough, but stained and their exterior got very hot after a stint in the microwave.
- Pyrex Prepware Measuring Cups: We really liked the 1-cup measuring cup, but found the 2- and 4-cup sizes to be more inaccurate.
- OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Squeeze and Pour Silicone Measuring Cup Set: These measuring cups were accurate enough, but stained and their exterior got very hot after a stint in the microwave.
- Chef'n Adjustable Measuring Beakers: These measuring cups were consistently inaccurate and we cannot recommend them.
- IKEA Beaker Glass Measuring Cup with Spout: This measuring cup was inaccurate as well.
FAQs
- Are liquid and dry measuring cups the same?
No, liquid and dry measuring cups are not the same. Liquid measuring cups are for measuring, well, things that are liquid: Water, broth, oil—you get the gist. Dry measuring cups are for measuring dry ingredients like flour and sugar. If you use just one type of measuring cup for all … - How do you measure liquid without a liquid measuring cup?
If you have a kitchen scale and are following a recipe that notes ingredient amounts by weight (like our chocolate chip cookie recipe), you can use a kitchen scale to measure liquids without having to reach for a measuring cup. We like thisscale from OXO.