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Best Measuring Cup Sets

Updated March 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Accmor 11-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons/Cups Set
Accmor
11-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons/Cups Set
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A complete set of metal measuring cups and spoons that comes at an appealing price and earns our baking expert's approval.

Pros

Set of metal cups and bowls with measurement embossed into the material. Made of stainless steel. Sized from 1/4 cup to 1 cup. Circular cup bowls are easy to fill.

Cons

The cup handles are somewhat short.

Best Bang for the Buck
KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups, Set of 4
KitchenAid
Classic Measuring Cups, Set of 4
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Colorful & Useful
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Made of sturdy, long-lasting plastic, our baking expert recommends these colorful and convenient measuring cups as a starter set.

Pros

Made of colorful, durable, BPA-free plastic. Rubber-tip handles for grip. Size and capacity are molded into the plastic in imperial and metric measurements. Comes with a thick plastic ring.

Cons

Handles are a bit short. Bowls may be tall for some containers.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set
Pyrex
Glass Measuring Cup Set
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

These liquid measuring cups are the gold standard in durability and strength.

Pros

Includes 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4 cup sizes. Oven-safe tempered glass is non-porous and non-reactive to handle the most aggressive or acidic ingredients. Metric and imperial measurements.

Cons

A bit heavy. Takes up space. Does not come with lids.

Morgenhaan 13-Piece Lifetime Measuring Cups & Spoons Set
Morgenhaan
13-Piece Lifetime Measuring Cups & Spoons Set
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A great measuring set of cups and spoons with welcome ease-of-use refinements.

Pros

Includes measuring spoons. Made of stainless steel. Seamless single-piece construction. Stamped measures will not rub off or fade. Cups feature graduated markings. Spoons are conveniently shaped to get into small spice jars.

Cons

A few reports of issues with finish and metal quality.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best measuring cup sets

Whether you’re baking a cake or whipping up a family dinner, most U.S. recipes measure ingredients in cups. Therefore, every kitchen needs a measuring cup set.

Since you may be using it daily, finding a high-quality set is worth it. To the untrained eye, all measuring cup sets may look the same. In fact, the quality and price range is wide. With so many options available, how do you find the right set for your kitchen?

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Filling your measuring cups on a flat surface will give you the most accurate results. If you’re holding a cup, it may be slightly tilted, which will throw off the measurement.

What comes in a measuring cup set?

Basic measuring cup sets contain four individual measuring cups: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup. Larger sets may also contain 1/16 cup, 1/8 cup, 2/3 cup, and 3/4 cup.

Many measuring cup sets include measuring spoons. The basic measuring spoons are 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon.

Some sets may contain more, including 1/16 teaspoon, 1/8 teaspoon, 3/4 teaspoon, and 1/2 tablespoon.

"The way you fill a measuring cup can make a big difference. If you scoop flour from the bag, it will be more tightly packed than if you pour it into the cup and will therefore have a larger volume. Some recipes specify whether you should pour or scoop."
STAFF
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What to look for when buying a measuring cup set

Storage

Most measuring cup sets have a nesting design — the smaller cups stack inside the larger ones.

Some silicone models fold down, which further saves space, but splits can develop over time in the creases.

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Did you know?
If your measuring cups come on a ring, measuring will be easier if you remove them. You can always replace the ring for storage if you’re worried about keeping them together.
STAFF
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Material

Usually, measuring cup sets are made from either plastic or stainless steel.

In general, stainless steel is preferable as it’s stronger and more durable than plastic. Stainless steel doesn’t become tainted with the scents and flavors of strong ingredients either.

Silicone measuring cups are another option, but they’re not the most durable choice.

You can find ceramic measuring cup sets, too. Though attractive, they aren’t the most practical option. They’re fragile and likely to break if dropped.

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Expert tip
Aluminum cups and spoons tend to bend when scooping out thick ingredients like peanut butter. Opt for stainless steel for the best durability.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Handles

Ideally, measuring cups should have sturdy handles, so they don’t bend when you scoop out ingredients.

Long handles make it easier to scoop an ingredient from the bottom of a bag, but they can be more likely to bend.

Find a measuring cup set with a happy medium between length and strength.

Measurement markings

Some measuring cups have additional measurement markings on the side, so you can use a bigger cup to measure smaller amounts of ingredients. For instance, a 1-cup measuring cup might have 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, and 3/4 cup measurements marked on it.

This is convenient, since it means you only need to use one cup to measure different volumes of different ingredients.

However, this method is likely to be less precise than using the appropriate measuring cups, so it’s best to avoid using one cup for recipes that must be exact.

"Look for cups where the measurements are embossed or engraved into the handles, rather than stamped on in ink. The stamps will rub off with regular use, and then it will be harder to tell your 1 cup from your 3/4 cup."
STAFF
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Design

Measuring cup sets are functional items and most have a standard design.

That said, you can find measuring cup sets with novelty or themed designs, like cups designed to look like cats or a stackable beehive.

Measuring cup sets with more intricate designs are usually made from ceramic.

Expert tip
Glass and ceramic measures are pretty, but they can shatter in the kitchen, making them dangerous around food and walking after breakage. Consider plastic or stainless steel if you have a very active kitchen.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

How much do measuring cup sets cost?

While measuring cup sets shouldn’t break the bank, it’s worth investing in a durable high-end set if you often cook from recipes.

Inexpensive

A basic measuring cup set costs $5 to $10.

These can be plastic or metal, but metal sets in this price range tend to be flimsy. Inexpensive sets usually contain four measuring cups and no measuring spoons.

"When measuring a sticky ingredient, such as syrup, grease your cup first so the ingredient will easily slide out."
STAFF
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Mid-range

A mid-range measuring cup set costs $10 to $20.

In this price range, sets come with both measuring cups and measuring spoons.

Expensive

A high-end measuring cup set costs $20 to $50.

At the top end of this price range are ceramic sets with novelty designs, which may be attractive but aren’t necessarily practical. At the low end of this price range are high-quality stainless steel sets that will stand up to years of daily use.

Tips for using a measuring cup set

  • Cups are standardized measurements, so you can’t use any old mug or cup from your cupboard. You need a proper set of measuring cups to get consistent results.

  • If you pour or scoop out too much of an ingredient, leaving you with a heaped measuring cup, level off the excess with the back of a knife.

  • When measuring flour, you usually don’t have to sift it unless the recipe explicitly calls for sifting before measuring. Modern flour doesn’t tend to be lumpy, so it only needs a quick stir before adding other dry ingredients.

  • When measuring brown sugar, pack it into the cup. This is the standard way to measure brown sugar.

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Some measuring cups have rubber grips on the handles. This is ideal for people who have issues gripping small objects — or those who are known for their butterfingers.

FAQ

Q. Do I need wet and dry measuring cups?

A. Standard measuring cups are designed for measuring dry ingredients. Liquids have different volume measurements, so there are measuring cups specifically for liquids. That said, unless you’re baking or making a recipe that has to be extremely precise, you can usually get away with using dry measuring cups to measure liquids.

Expert tip
A tablespoon is equal to three teaspoons, so if you see a recipe that calls for a half-tablespoon, measure one-and-a-half teaspoons to make it easy.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Q. Are measuring cups dishwasher-safe?

A. The majority of standard stainless steel and plastic measuring cups are dishwasher-safe, but this can vary, so check the manufacturer's specifications.

Q. What is 1 cup in fluid ounces or pints?

A. In case you need to do conversions from other volume measurements into cups, it’s useful to know that 1 cup equals 8 fluid ounces or half a pint.