We Scooped and Leveled (and Scooped and Leveled…) to Find the Best Measuring Cups

Unless you’re an extremely seasoned baker and can eyeball a cup of flour (who are you?), you likely use measuring cups. The most spartan kitchens typically have them, even if they're warped from the dishwasher and the numbers are long gone. 

We’re also guessing you’ve probably not given much thought to your measuring cup set. That’s okay! It’s why you’re here now! However, the wrong set could mean the difference between a perfect batch of brownies and one that’s too dry.

We last tested measuring cups in 2017. This time around, we set out to compare our previous winner against a slew of old and new options. We left out any sets that included measuring spoons, as we have a separate review for those. After some deliberation, we decided to stick to stainless steel cups, which last longer and are more durable than other materials, and we skipped any with gimmicky designs (looking at you, ceramic hedgehogs). Once we narrowed down the testing pool to 12 candidates from reputable brands with decent customer reviews, we got to work scooping, weighing, and measuring to determine which were worth it.

The Tests

• Design Test: We first looked over each set. We gave points to those that were balanced and didn’t tip over when set on a level countertop. We looked at how well they nested and noted if the markings were stamped or printed on.
• Sticky Ingredients Test: To see how easy it was to use the cups to measure sticky ingredients, we filled the two smallest cups from each set with honey and used a small spatula to scoop it out of the cup and into a small bowl.
• Flour Test: We scooped a cup of flour and determined how easy it was. We also noted if the handle was level with the cup.
• Durability Test: To determine how durable the handles were, we packed brown sugar into a 9 x 9-inch baking pan and left it out overnight until it got hard. The following day, we scooped and packed the sugar into each cup, noting if the handles bent under the pressure.
• Accuracy Test: Finally, we had to test the accuracy of each set. Using the numbers agreed upon by the NIST and FDA, we filled the 1/3 cup with water, using an eyedropper to make sure we stopped just when the convex meniscus lined up with the rim, and weighed it to see how close it came to 80 milliliters. We repeated the test three times for each and averaged the results.

What We Learned

Not All Stainless Steel Was Sturdy

All stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and staining, making it an ideal material for kitchen use where exposure to moisture is common. Even though every set we tested was made of stainless steel, there were clear differences between them. That’s due to the gauge, or thickness, of the steel. Thinner gauge steel is more lightweight and won't stand up to as much pressure (like when scooping out hardened brown sugar); this was especially true of the handles. The thicker gauge steel sets, like the one from OXO, didn’t bend no matter how much pressure we applied.

Longer Handles Were More Comfortable

While shorter handles may seem easier to store, longer ones are easier to use. Smaller handles (think less than two inches, like that of the Hudson Essentials set) forced us to use a pincer grasp. This was particularly unpleasant when scooping out harder ingredients, like the dried-out brown sugar. 

Accuracy Above All

It’s no secret that cup measures (and volumetric measuring as a whole) are not the most accurate. If a recipe requires specificity, you’ll need to invest in a kitchen scale that allows you to be accurate down to the gram. That said, there are plenty of recipes out there that will turn out just fine using cup measures—as long as said measuring cup isn’t inaccurate. 

To find out which were the most spot-on, we used an eyedropper to fill the 1/3 cup from each set with water up to the convex meniscus. After doing this three times, we averaged the results and compared them to the NIST and FDA agreed upon, standardized measurement for that amount (80 milliliters).

The best measuring cups were incredibly accurate, with the Sur La Table measuring 80 milliliters every time and the OXO 79 milliliters. 

Printed Vs. Stamped Measurements

Anyone who has an ancient set of plastic measuring cups knows that, eventually, printed numbers wear off with time. While we didn’t notice any of this type of wear during the course of our testing, it could be a good thing to keep in mind when shopping for a new set. Numbers stamped into stainless steel will never fade. The OXO set is printed, but senior commerce editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm has owned hers for about six years and is just beginning to notice some slight fading. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in Measuring Cups

There are thousands of options for measuring cup sets out there. When choosing one, look for a solid material, to start. We prefer stainless steel over plastic or silicone because the durable metal stands up well to scooping heavy ingredients. Beyond that, your set should be accurate, especially since volumetric measuring is already prone to inaccuracies.

The cups should have flat bases for stability and ease of use. Additionally, consider if the set has a compact design for storage, such as stackable cups that nest well together or a ring to keep them together. Lastly, for precision, ensure that the cups have a standard, consistent shape—ideally with straight sides and flat bottoms—to ensure accurate leveling of ingredients. Comfortable handles and dishwasher-safe care instructions are important, too.

Our Favorite Measuring Cups

The Best Measuring Cups

Sur La Table Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, Set of 8

$60 $48 at Amazon $60 $48 at Sur La Table

What we liked: This set was the only one to ace every one of our tests. The cups were balanced, with even the smallest cups sitting flat without tipping over. It comes with eight pieces, including some trickier sizes like two-thirds and two cups. The stainless steel is a thick gauge that won’t bend, and the set is dishwasher-safe as well. The cups nest for easy storage.

Each cup is crafted from a single piece of steel so there’s no worry about a faulty welding job causing a handle to break off. The brushed steel doesn’t show smudges or fingerprints and is easy to clean and dry. The rim of the cups is sharp, instead of rounded, so it cuts through both hardened sugar and soft flour with ease. Interestingly, the Sur La Table measuring spoons were also our winners during that product test. 

What we didn’t like: We couldn’t find anything not to like about this set but the price. It’s costly compared to some other sets out there, but it’s worth the investment (especially if you are a frequent baker). If you want to save some money, Sur La Table also offers the same set with just four pieces for about $15 less.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Set includes: 1/4--, 1/3-, 1/2-, 2/3-, 3/4-, 1-, 1 1/2-, 2-cup measuring cups
• Weight: 2 lbs, 7.6 ounces
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

The Best Budget-Friendly Measuring Cups

OXO Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

$23 at Amazon $23 at Macy's $23 at Oxo

What we liked: This cup set uses magnets to snap the handles together, which is far easier than keeping track of a ring clasp or beaded chain. The handle has a silicone pad for comfort, which made handling easier during many of our tests. We found the volume accurate to the national standard and the open design of the cups was easy to scoop sticky ingredients out of. Like the winning set, the cups are made of a solid piece of metal without rivets, which could come apart with time. This is a solid, simple set that should serve the average cook or baker well for years to come.

What we didn't like: This set only includes four cups, so those interested in some of those extra measurements (like 1/8 cup) will have to improvise or use a precision scale.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel
• Set includes: 1/4-, 1/3-, 1/2-, 1-cup measuring cups
• Weight: 11 ounces
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

The Competition

• Norpro Grip-Ez Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: We liked the elongated shape of the cups, but this was the only set that wasn’t dishwasher safe. While it was a longtime Serious Eats favorite, upon revaluation, we just can’t get behind a set you can’t clean in the dishwasher.
• Laxinis Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: This set failed to impress. It was cheap in both pricetag and quality, with an uncomfortable handle.
• Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Simply Gourmet Measuring Cups: These two sets are identical and likely the same manufacturer selling under different names. We found both to have short, sharp handles that were hard to grasp. As of September 2024, it appears the Hudson Essentials have been discontinued.
• Smithcraft Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set: This set had a flimsy handle and an unbalanced design.
• Cuisinart Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set: This set’s flimsy handle bent under a slight pressure.
• Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: This set did poorly in all of our tests but the accuracy assessment.
• King Arthur Flour Measuring Cups: We found these cups to be a bit inaccurate and the smaller ones were prone to tipping over.
• All-Clad Measuring Cup Set: The smaller cups were narrow and tough to get a spatula into. This set was also pricey. 
• Le Creuset Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: The wide, flat cups were an interesting design, but were harder to scoop with.

FAQs

What are liquid measuring cups? 

While both liquid and dry measuring cups measure roughly the same amount by volume, they are designed differently. Dry measuring cups are intended for ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains, where the ingredient is filled to the top and then leveled off. Liquid measuring cups are typically made of glass or plastic, with a pouring spout and measurement markings on the side, and are designed for liquid ingredients like water, milk, or broth.

Can I use a dry measuring cup for liquid? 

While it is technically possible to use a dry measuring cup for liquids, it is not recommended for precise measurements. Dry measuring cups are designed to measure dry ingredients like flour and sugar, where the ingredient is leveled off at the top of the cup. Liquid measuring cups, on the other hand, have a spout and extra space above the highest measurement line, allowing liquids to be poured to the exact level without spilling. Using a dry measuring cup for liquids can lead to inaccuracies.

Are stainless steel or plastic measuring cups better?

In general, stainless steel cups are much more durable than plastic and the handles are much less likely to bend under pressure, without being prohibitively expensive. We opted not to even test plastic cups because we feel so strongly that stainless steel versions are the way to go.

What measuring cups do professional bakers use?

Real talk: They probably don't. Baking requires a high degree of precision, and most pro bakers prefer to measure by volume, with a great kitchen scale or bread scale.

Why We’re the Experts

• Taylor Murray has worked in food and food media for over 10 years, including in award-winning restaurants. She has written extensively for Serious Eats. 
• We tested 12 stainless steel measuring cup sets, evaluating their accuracy, durability, usability, and more. 
• We first tested measuring cups in 2017. For this review, we re-tested our old winner (from Norpro), but since it's not dishwasher-safe, we couldn't recommend it.