Buying guide for Best measuring spoons
For baking and cooking, a set of measuring spoons is indispensable for those times when you must measure a precise amount of something for a recipe. A reliable set of measuring spoons removes the guesswork and potential inaccuracy from cooking—in turn, this helps you see (and taste) more positive results in your cooking endeavors.
In the U.S., tablespoon and teaspoon increments are the most common units of measure when dealing with smaller ingredient amounts. Most measuring spoon sets include at least four pieces: a tablespoon, teaspoon, half-teaspoon, and quarter-teaspoon. And while these measurements are designed to be standard, you can find sets of measuring spoons with more than four pieces. You can also find sets with spoons of different shapes, colors, and materials.
A set of measuring spoons is a popular gift item on wedding registries. It’s an item that, in many home kitchens, gets daily use. For those just learning to cook, measuring spoons often provide an introduction to how ingredients are accurately measured in the kitchen.
What to consider when choosing measuring spoons
Size
As mentioned, a typical set of measuring spoons includes four pieces: a tablespoon, teaspoon, half-teaspoon, and quarter-teaspoon. Often, these are the only measures needed for everyday cooking and baking.
But some recipes call for further measurements. As such, you can also find larger sets of measuring spoons (often six or eight spoons). A set like this may include an eighth-teaspoon and a half-tablespoon.
Some sets even have spoons that measure what is referred to in recipes as a “dash” or a “pinch.”
Double-ended spoons are also available, and they appeal to home cooks with tight kitchen areas who want to conserve space. Additionally, there are measuring spoons with sliding handles that adjust the bowl size. With this kind of spoon, you can use the same tool to measure ingredients of differing quantities.
Expert tip
If you need half of a tablespoon, try lightly dragging the bowl edge of the measuring spoon in your ingredient and filling it by half (from the edge to the center), then leveling it. Easy peasy.
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Materials
Stainless steel: A common measuring spoon material, stainless steel is durable with little chance of rusting or wearing down over time. Stainless steel is also less porous than some other materials (like plastic), which means it does not hold on to odors and tastes. What’s more, stainless steel measuring spoons are often dishwasher safe.
Plastic: Measuring spoons made of plastic are easy to find. While they may not be the most durable choice, they are likely to be relatively affordable.
Silicone: Another easy-to-access and low-cost material is silicone. Silicone measuring spoons are sturdy yet flexible, making it easy to scoop up and fully empty ingredients.
Other choices: Other materials you might want to consider, particularly if you want something unique or stylish elements to match an aesthetic, include the following:
- Copper
- Wood
- Ceramic
- Glass
Note that some measuring spoon materials come with special requirements for cleaning. For example, they may be “hand wash only” or require a certain type of cleaner. If this sounds inconvenient, we advise you to choose a set that is dishwasher safe.
Storage
Since measuring spoons are used often in the kitchen, consider their accessibility and your storage preferences.
Rings: Many measuring spoon sets come attached to a ring which keeps them together and makes them easy to find. When measuring multiple ingredients of various quantities, it’s helpful to have the set grouped together in this way. One drawback to a storage ring is that you may find yourself washing the entire set after cooking, even if you just used one spoon. Further, these spoons have a tendency to get tangled up in the drawer.
Expandable: If drawer space is limited, consider a set of silicone measuring spoons that collapse and expand as needed.
Nesting: This is another option for people with limited space. Nesting measuring spoons are designed to nestle into each other when not being used. They may “nest” based on shape or courtesy of a feature such as magnets that keep them securely stacked.
Wall mount or counter display: If you want to display your measuring spoons as part of your kitchen decor, consider a wall-mounted measuring spoon set or a countertop display set for both aesthetics and easy access.
Expert tip
An eighth of a teaspoon is really just a generous pinch. You don’t need a measuring spoon for it, but it’s nice to have if you have the drawer space.
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A closer look at measuring spoon design
Handle
What type of measuring spoon handle do you prefer? You might appreciate a set with rubber grips that make the spoons comfortable to use and secure to hold. You might prefer spoons with flat handles because it’s easier to level the ingredients, or you might prefer spoons with longer handles so it’s easier to delve into containers and bags. Spoons with longer handles can also be used for stirring ingredients.
Labels
Most consumers choose a set of measuring spoons with clearly marked labels. This information is usually found on the handle or in the bowl of the spoon. Note that some markings are more prone to fading or rubbing off over time. A measuring spoon with the measurement etched into it is more likely to render a good long-term performance.
Color-coded choices are available for a noticeable visual reminder of which measurement goes with which spoon. Color-coded measuring spoons can be helpful when teaching young children how to cook.
Spoon shape
Measuring spoons are available in a few different shapes, including round spoons, rectangular spoons, and oval spoons. Those with a more narrow shape are suitable for scooping ingredients out of smaller containers (like a spice jar). Rounded spoons tend to be more suitable for liquids.
Spoons with flat undersides are helpful for those times when you want to make sure your ingredients are level. A flat bottom also helps prevent unwanted spills.
Style
You’ll find many colors, materials, and even themes available when shopping for a set of measuring spoons. As a frequently used kitchen item, it can be fun to pick a set of measuring spoons that follows your personal style.
If you’re looking for a unique twist on the typical measuring spoon, choose a themed or novelty set… or a set that matches the measuring cups you already own.
Expert tip
One tablespoon is equal to three teaspoons, so when you need half a tablespoon, remember it’s equal to 1.5 teaspoons.
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How much do measuring spoons cost?
Inexpensive
A basic set of measuring spoons can be found for under $10. These sets are likely to be made with cheaper and less durable materials (plastic, aluminum), but they will certainly get the job done without going over budget.
Midrange
A midrange set of kitchen measuring spoons may cost between $10 and $15. These options may be double-ended or have engraved markings that are less likely to fade. They may be made of sturdier materials, such as stainless steel or hard plastic.
Expensive
If you have a big kitchen budget and want to splurge, you could certainly find a set of measuring spoons for $15 to $30. These will be made with higher-quality materials (think copper, wood, and such) and are often built to last.
In some cases, a hot dishwasher may distort the shape of a measuring spoon, in turn affecting accuracy. Buying a dishwasher safe set, such as stainless steel, will save on clean-up time without changing the spoon’s mold.
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Tips
- Know your terminology. Many spoons showcase the measurement abbreviation instead of the full word. To avoid confusion, familiarize yourself with these abbreviations. (For example, a capital “T” is used to denote “tablespoon,” while a lower-case “t” is used to denote “teaspoon.”) Further, some recipes use terms such as “heaping” or “scant” when describing how full to fill the spoon.
- Prevent sticky spoons. When measuring ingredients such as honey or syrup, the stickiness may cause some of the ingredients to stick to the bowl of the spoon. To prevent this, give the spoon a little squirt of cooking spray first.
- Be aware of conversions. While the U.S. primarily uses the imperial system, recipes often must be converted to the metric system. Some spoons have both imperial and metric measurements on them. It can be helpful to keep a notecard in your kitchen with this information for quick reference.
Expert tip
I have two sets of measuring spoons: One I keep all together on the ring, and the other set is all separated in a well in my drawer organizer. This lets me pull commonly used spoons here and there without having the clutter and mess of other used spoons on the ring dripping on my counter etc.
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FAQ
Q. Should I be using different types of spoons for dry or liquid ingredients?
A. In general, measuring spoons are suitable for both wet and dry ingredients. However, certain shapes may make it easier to scoop and level dry ingredients or to keep liquid from spilling off the spoon.
Expert tip
The teaspoon and half-teaspoon measures are usually right next to each other on a ring. If you need 1 ½ teaspoons of a dry ingredient like salt, you can fan the two spoons out next to each other and scoop both at the same time.
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Q. What is the best way to properly measure liquid ingredients?
A. Make sure the liquid is full to the top of the spoon. For the sake of accuracy, bring it to eye level to double-check the amount. Spoons with flat bottoms can be handy for this process.
Q. Do all measuring spoons provide the same amount of accuracy?
A. The shape or material of the spoon may slightly affect accuracy. However, this seems to be a relatively minimal difference. Keeping a scale in your kitchen may be useful in times of uncertainty.
