A good set of measuring cups might not be the sexiest tool in your kitchen drawer, but they’re easily one of the most essential. Whether you’re baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies or scaling down a sauce recipe, accuracy is everything, and eyeballing a cup of flour often just won’t cut it. “Precision isn’t just about numbers; it’s about attention to detail and respect for the process,” says Michelle Velez, executive sous chef at the Thompson Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, who has over 20 years of experience working with pastry. “In baking, it’s crucial—you’re dealing with chemistry, and small changes can completely alter the outcome.”
That doesn’t mean you need to be rigid when you’re cooking—just thoughtful. And that’s where measuring cups can help. “Even in savory cooking, understanding balance—salt, acid, fat, heat—is key, and that often does come down to measured intention, if not exact measurements,” Velez says.
Our Top Picks
- Best stainless-steel measuring cups (dry): Sur La Table Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, $55
- Best plastic measuring cups (dry): Nordicware Bundt Measuring Cups, $11
- Best glass measuring cup (liquid): Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, $17
- Best silicone measuring cup (liquid): Sur La Table Silicone Measuring Cups, $28
With so many options out there—plastic, metal, collapsible, magnetic—picking a set of measuring cups can feel a bit like throwing a dart at the wall blindfolded. So I did the testing for you. Ahead you’ll find our top picks for liquid and dry ingredients, plus everything you need to know to choose the right set for your kitchen and cooking style.
Best dry measuring cups
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Durable
- Long, ergonomic handles make scooping easy
- Easy-to-read measurements
- Set of 6 (¼-1 cup)
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Bulky—takes up some space in the drawer
- Pricey
Specs
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, and 1 cup
What we love: For serious bakers and home chefs who want cups that will withstand years of work, get these cups. They’re built like tiny kitchen tanks. Each cup is made from a single piece of heavy-gauge stainless steel, so there are no annoying seams for flour or sugar to get stuck in. They feel sturdy and substantial in your hand and make scooping a breeze, thanks to the long, easy-to-grab handles.
The six-piece set includes all the sizes we think are practical in a dry cup measure (¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, and 1 cup), all neatly nesting together on a ring that’s easy to open for individual use or cleaning, but strong enough to hold them in place. They’re also easy to read; while other engraved markings fade or are blurry, these are clear, so you won’t have to squint while you’re scooping. Most importantly, the pour is clean—I didn’t have any rogue oats or sugar spills during use. They could be considered luxe by measuring cup standards, but worth the splurge.
What we’d leave: They’re pretty bulky. While they nest together to save space, they’re on the heavier side and require some maneuvering, especially if your drawers are full of other gadgets. They’re also expensive ($55 at the time of writing), although they are made from premium stainless steel and we don’t think you’ll need to replace them, maybe ever.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy-to-open, oversized ring
- Pretty fluted design
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not as durable as metal cups
Specs
Materials: BPA-free plastic
Capacity: ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, and 1 cup
What we love: Finally, a set of cheap plastic measuring cups that doesn’t feel cheap. Compared to other plastic sets I tested, these feel surprisingly well-made, like they won’t melt in the dishwasher on the first run, which I'm happy to report, they didn’t. Made from BPA- and melamine-free high-heat plastic, this set is lightweight but durable. The Bundt-style exterior and textured handle make it easier to grip when your hands are slick from cooking ingredients, too.
Nordicware’s set also comes with six measuring cups, which means you get those slightly less frequent but still useful sizes of ¾ and ⅔. They nest cleanly and, since they’re plastic, you won’t mind beating them up a bit in crowded drawers. For $11 at the time of writing, they’re shockingly impressive and delightfully pretty.
What we’d leave: These are plastic measuring cups, so while they’re sturdy, they won’t have the same heft or longevity as the stainless steel cups above. If you’re after a more pro-grade, long-lasting set, you might want to level up to metal. But for casual bakers and cooks? These get the job done and won’t hurt your wallet.
Best liquid measuring cups
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Durable
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Easy-to-read measurements
- Affordable
- Ergonomic handle
Cons:
- Borosilicate glass can still break or shatter if dropped
Specs
Materials: Borosilicate glass
Capacity: 2 cups
What we love: There’s a reason Pyrex glass measuring cups have achieved near-iconic status in home kitchens—they’re timeless, functional, and basically indestructible (within reason). Chefs love it, too: “For liquid measuring, I rely on the Pyrex glass measuring cups,” says Chef Velez. “They're heatproof, microwave-safe, and the measurements are easy to read from multiple angles.”
This 2-cup version is a workhorse that’s been in my kitchen for years: the borosilicate glass can go from microwave to dishwasher without blinking, and the bold red markings (cups, ounces, and milliliters) are easy to read from above and the sides. What sets the Pyrex Prepware apart is how well it balances form and function. The wide mouth allows for easy pouring (even with thick batters), and the spout is precise enough that you’re not cleaning up drips every time you use it. It’s also heavy enough to feel secure on the counter, but not so bulky that it’s annoying to wash or store.
What we’d leave: While it’s built to withstand temperature swings, this is still glass—and that means it can chip or shatter if dropped. The red measurement markings also have a tendency to fade over time, especially with frequent dishwasher use. Still, for the price and performance, it’s a staple that earns its shelf space.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to pour—silicone design makes it easy to get every last drop out
- Clear measurements
- Set of 3
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not suitable for dry ingredients
Specs
Materials: ½ cup, 1 cup, 2 cups
Capacity: BPA-free silicone
What we love: If you want something lighter than glass and entirely unbreakable, these silicone measuring cups are so satisfying to use. Made from heat-resistant, BPA-free silicone, wildly versatile and safe for the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. You can melt butter in one, stash extra sauce in another, and toss them in the sink without worrying about warping or cracking. The spouts are sharp and precise, and the squishy-soft sides give you more control when pouring than rigid plastic or glass, allowing you to get every last drop out of them.
With three sizes, they nest neatly inside one another for easy storage and, since they’re squishy, can be squeezed into tighter spaces where solid cups can’t go (a win for small kitchen dwellers). For less than $30, they’re as functional as they are fun to use.
What we don’t love: I noticed that they were a bit slippery when my hands were wet or slick with oil. Also, they’re not suitable for dry ingredients. The silicone is extra grippy, and foods like flour or sugar will stick to the sides. Stick to liquids only.
How we tested these measuring cups
I tested both dry and liquid measuring cups in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and silicone. For dry sets, I measured ingredients like flour, sugar, and oats to assess volume accuracy compared to a known weight, ease of scooping, and how comfortably they fit into containers. For liquid cups, I looked at pour control, visibility of measurement markings, and overall stability when filled. I also considered how well each set nested (space is everything in a kitchen!), how easy they were to clean (both by hand and in the dishwasher), and whether they showed any wear or staining after repeated use.
What to consider when shopping for measuring cups
What are the differences between dry and liquid measuring cups
Dry measuring cups are meant to be filled and leveled off, while liquid cups allow you to pour and read measurements from the side. Keep this in mind on your quest for your cups.
That said, most professional chefs I spoke with recommended measuring dry ingredients with a digital scale if possible. “When it comes to dry ingredients, weighing isn’t just preferred—it’s essential,” explains Jamon Harper, Executive Pastry Chef of ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki. “Volume measurements for dry goods like flour, sugar, or cocoa powder can vary significantly depending on how they’re scooped or packed. A gram is always a gram; a cup is not always a cup.”
Depending on how serious you are about your cooking and baking, you might also want to invest in a quality kitchen scale—you can find our recommendations here. But if the idea of weighing your flour every time you make pancakes stresses you out, a set of measuring cups will be A-OK.
Material
No cup is perfect; all materials have their pros and cons. Stainless steel is strong and dishwasher-safe, but it’s not microwaveable. Plastic is lighter and often more budget-friendly, though some may warp over time. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and go with a more durable option—even if it’s more expensive. “When tools are dependable, you save time and reduce mistakes—something every kitchen needs,” says Chef Velez.
Feel
If you don’t enjoy using it while you cook, you’re not going to use it, so feel is important. The sets above have a satisfying weight, easy-to-grip handles, and balanced proportions that won’t tip over when you’re scooping flour or pouring batter. They’re easy to clean (pop ‘em in the dishwasher) and, most importantly, easy to stow away.
The measuring cup questions you should be asking
Can I put measuring cups in the dishwasher?
Most plastic, glass, and stainless steel sets are dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer's instructions. Over time, plastic may warp or crack, and painted-on measurements can fade—opt for molded or etched markings if possible. And put them in the top rack of your dishwasher to avoid melting.
What size measuring cups do I need?
A basic dry measuring set should include ¼, ⅓, ½, and 1 cup sizes. Liquid cups often come in 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup options. If you bake frequently, you may appreciate odd sizes (like ⅔ or ¾ cup) or mini measures for small amounts.
Other dry measuring cups we tested
These sleek, polished cups from Le Creuset feel as premium as they look. They have everything you want in a premium measuring cup: strong, bend-proof metal, flat bottoms, wide handles, and easy-to-read etchings. They nest smoothly and look neat stashed away or hanging from a hook. That said, the set only includes four sizes (¼, ⅓, ½, and 1 cup), and at $45, that’s pretty pricey.
This glossy, gold set is lightweight, easy to clean, and looks chic. They scoop great, too—not too heavy, not too light, just right for measuring and leveling off. Just keep in mind: they’re more style-forward than pro-grade, and the gold coating may wear down over time, especially with frequent dishwasher use. But for $15, they’re a stylish pick for trendy home cooks.
Other liquid measuring cups we tested
This classic glass measuring cup from Anchor Hocking is a workhorse in the kitchen. It holds up to 32 ounces (or 4 cups), with bold, easy-to-read markings on both sides and a wide, stable base. Made of thick tempered glass, it’s microwave-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe, making it great for melting, heating, and mixing. The only downside? It’s a bit bulky to store and, of course, breakable if dropped.
This beautiful measuring cup looks great, but feels way more fragile than the Pyrex and Anchor Hocking options. It is technically borosilicate, but it feels daintier and lighter than traditional options, which, honestly, made me a little scared when cleaning it and storing it away. Still, it’s stunning and does get the job done—the measurements are clearly outlined on the side in ounces, cups, and milliliters, and the spout ensures clean, splatter-free pours. I just wish it felt sturdier.