The measuring cup is one of the most important kitchen tools. It allows a cook to precisely measure ingredients for a successful outcome. There are two types of measuring cups: the difference between liquid measuring cups and dry measuring cups. A wide range of utensils can be found within these categories. Using a liquid measure for dry ingredients and vice versa can change the outcome of a dish, particularly in something like a cake or cookies, where ingredients are mixed in a precise chemical reaction to produce a predictable result.
Dry and Liquid Measurements
1. Measuring in Ounces: Liquid vs Dry
1 cup = 8 ounces, according to liquid measuring cups. However, 1 cup of liquid equals 8 fluid ounces. The rules for dry measurements are different. You can’t use the same conversion because dry ingredients vary so much in weight. A cup of chocolate chips, on the other hand, weighs just over 6 ounces.
2. Measuring in Cups: Liquid vs Dry
Dry measuring cups and liquid measuring cups are the two main types of measuring cups, and which one you use matters. Liquid measuring cups are used to measure liquids like water, cooking oil, and yogurt, while dry measuring cups are used to measure dry ingredients like flour, nuts, and berries.
Glass or plastic liquid measuring cups with a handle are common. They enable you to pour a liquid into a cup and level it with a measurement line without spilling. In contrast, dry measuring cups retain the precise quantity of an ingredient and should be leveled off with a flat edge.
Dry Measuring Cup
A dry measuring cup is designed to hold the dry ingredient completely. When measuring flour or sugar, splattering ingredients over the side isn’t a big deal. These cups are made to fill and level without being packed.
Liquid Measuring Cup
In contrast, a wet measuring cup is designed with the measurement below the top of the cup. While transferring the ingredient to your mixing bowl, you can fill the measuring cup with the correct measure without spilling. Wet measuring cups are usually sold as beakers or in cup increments.
Measuring Spoons
The only all-purpose measuring tool is a measuring spoon. Unless you have beakers with small measures, you measure both wet and dry with measuring spoons.
Type of Measuring Cups
1. Classic Cups for Dry Ingredients: The Plastic Measuring Cups
You name it: flour, sugar, beans, rice, and oats. When it comes to measuring dry ingredients, these classic cups can handle it all. You can conveniently dip them into bags or canisters to scoop up dry goods, and the set comes with a scraper to precisely level the measurement. This 7-piece set includes a wide range of measurements from 1/4 cup to 1.5 cups, including the uncommon 1.5 cups. They also snap together for convenient storage.
2. Sleeker-Looking Cups for Dry Ingredients: The Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
This stainless steel set will give your measuring cups a cleaner look and a heavier weight. They’ll give you some style points while measuring just as accurately as the plastic cups. The set includes four sizes ranging from 1/4 cup to 1 cup, as well as a magnetic feature that allows them to stack and stay in place without getting lost in the drawer.
3. Best All-Around for Liquid Ingredients: The Angled Measuring Cup
This liquid-taking measurements cup has an angular shape instead of the more traditional round shape so you can conveniently look directly down into the cup and see the measurement identifying marks without having to bend your neck. The lightweight plastic is suitable for a wide range of liquids, including oil, water, milk, buttermilk, vinegar, and so on. You’ll find yourself reaching for this cup frequently.
4. Ideal for Small Liquid Measurements: The Measuring Beaker Set
The smaller ones are not only cute, but they can also be used to measure liquids like vanilla extract, lemon juice, or booze in cocktails. It’s far preferable to having liquids splash around while carefully pouring into measuring spoons.
5. Ideal for Sticky Ingredients: The Adjustable Measuring Cup
Do you have to measure peanut butter, molasses, maple syrup, or honey on occasion? And you dread having to scoop out all that sticky stuff and then wash it? The Adjustable Measuring Cup comes into play. Simply fill to the desired level and turn the knob to direct the contents into your bowl. The plunger acts as a squeegee, extracting every last drop, resulting in more precise measurements and easier cleanup. One side measures dry, while the other measures wet, so you’re covered on all fronts.
6. Ideal for Microwave: The Silicone Measuring Cup
For melting butter or chocolate, silicone cups are ideal. if you want to warm up some chicken broth or milk The BPA-free silicone is heat resistant, and the honeycomb pattern protects your hands by dissipating heat quickly, allowing you to remove it from the microwave without burning your hands. It’s also squishy and flexible, making it simple to squeeze the spout and drizzle melted butter over popcorn or pancake batter into a pan with precision.
Avoiding Common Measuring Errors
The type of measuring cup you use can have an impact on the outcome of your recipe. Making incorrect measurements in baking can completely derail a recipe. It is better to know how to avoid common baking mistakes. When measuring flour, for example, a dry measuring cup allows you to portion out the exact amount needed. Fill a dry measuring cup halfway with flour, then level it by pushing a flat edge across the top of the cup to remove any excess. Using a liquid measuring cup may result in the flour being tapped or packed down, causing you to add more flour than the recipe calls for.
Similarly, fitting the exact amount of liquid into a dry measuring cup without spilling it over the sides is difficult. A liquid measuring cup, for example, allows you to pour a precise amount of chicken stock without spilling it all over your kitchen counter.
When measuring dry ingredients, a good rule of thumb is to use dry measuring cups or weigh them with a scale. Stick to a liquid measuring cup for liquids.