Measuring cups look interchangeable, but they come in two types for a reason. Dry measuring cups are filled to the brim and leveled. Liquid measuring cups have a spout and a line below the rim so you can read the level without spilling. Using the wrong type makes recipes less accurate, especially in baking.
The six sets below cover both types. Details come from the product listings, and we have not used these sets ourselves. Check the sizes and markings on the product page.
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Dry vs Liquid
| Type | Look | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry measuring cups | Nested set, flat rim | Flour, sugar, rice, oats |
| Liquid measuring cups | Spout, handle, markings below the rim, often glass | Water, milk, oil, stock |
| Measuring spoons | Teaspoon and tablespoon set | Spices, baking powder, extracts |
Our Six Picks
| Set | Type | Notes from the listing |
|---|---|---|
| OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Stainless Cups | Dry | Magnetic snaps for nesting, measurement markings |
| OXO Good Grips Stainless Cups and Spoons 8-Piece | Dry and spoons | Magnetic handles, non-slip grip, etched markings |
| Cuisinart Stainless Set of 4 | Dry | Model CTG-00-SMC |
| Cuisipro Stainless Cup and Spoon Set | Dry and spoons | Coordinated stainless set |
| Pyrex Essentials 3-Pack | Liquid | 1, 2 and 4 cup glass; preheated oven, dishwasher, freezer and microwave |
| Anchor Hocking Glass 4-Piece | Liquid | 5 ounce, 1 cup, 2 cup and 4 cup glass |
The 6 Best Measuring Sets
1. OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Stainless Cups
Stainless steel dry measuring cups with magnetic snaps that keep them nested for storage, with measurement markings, per the listing.
Suits: everyday baking. Strengths: magnetic nesting and a durable build. Weaknesses: the set has no spoons. Skip it if you want cups and spoons in one purchase.
View OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips Cups and Spoons 8-Piece
A set of stainless measuring cups and spoons with magnetic handles for nesting, a non-slip grip and etched markings.
Suits: a first kitchen or a gift. Strengths: cups and spoons together, with etched markings that do not wear off. Weaknesses: magnets can attract other metal. Skip it if you only need cups.
View OXO Good Grips Stainless Cups and Spoons 8-Piece on Amazon
3. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, Set of 4
A set of four stainless dry measuring cups, model CTG-00-SMC.
Suits: a simple budget set. Strengths: a plain, durable design. Weaknesses: check handle and marking details on the product page. Skip it if you want magnetic nesting.
View Cuisinart Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set of 4 on Amazon
4. Cuisipro Measuring Cup and Spoon Set
A coordinated stainless steel measuring cup and spoon set.
Suits: cooks who want a coordinated metal set. Strengths: cups and spoons in one purchase. Weaknesses: the listing gives few details, so check the product page. Skip it if you need a specific number of pieces.
View Cuisipro Measuring Cup and Spoon Set on Amazon
5. Pyrex Essentials 3-Pack Glass Measuring Cups
Glass liquid measuring cups of 1, 2 and 4 cups, listed for use in a preheated oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer.
Suits: liquids, melting butter and microwave use. Strengths: three sizes and glass for easy reading. Weaknesses: glass can break if dropped. Skip it if you want an unbreakable set.
View Pyrex Essentials 3-Pack Glass Measuring Cups on Amazon
6. Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cups, 4-Piece
A four-piece set of glass liquid measuring cups: 5 ounce, 1 cup, 2 cup and 4 cup.
Suits: small and large liquid measures. Strengths: a 5-ounce cup for small amounts. Weaknesses: glass is breakable. Skip it if you want metal.
View Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cups 4-Piece on Amazon
How to Measure Accurately
- Flour: spoon it into the cup and level with a knife, without packing.
- Liquids: set the cup on a flat surface and read it at eye level.
- Sticky foods: lightly grease or use a measure with a wide mouth.
- Baking: a kitchen scale is more accurate than cups, if the recipe gives weights.
Which Set for Which Cook
- Baking basics: an OXO dry set plus a glass liquid set.
- One purchase: OXO 8-piece cups and spoons.
- Liquids and microwave: Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glass.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a liquid cup for flour.
- Packing flour into the cup.
- Reading a glass cup from above instead of at eye level.
- Putting a hot glass cup on a cold wet surface.
Measuring Cup FAQ
Can I use one cup for both dry and liquid?
You can, but accuracy suffers. Use dry cups for dry goods and a spouted cup for liquids.
Are stainless measuring cups better than plastic?
They are sturdier and their markings do not wear off easily, especially if etched.
Do I need measuring spoons?
Yes, for small amounts. Choose a set that nests or snaps together.
The Short Version
For dry ingredients, an OXO stainless set. For liquids, a Pyrex or Anchor Hocking glass set. If you want one purchase, the OXO Good Grips 8-piece cups and spoons.
