Measuring Up!
Yes, you can eyeball a lot, but when it comes to baking, you’re best off sticking with accurate measurements, unless of course you’re a connoisseur of soggy, wilty, teeth-breaking, or sawdusty textures.
The cups I tested were each purchased for a specific reason, whether it was budget friendly, a dupe, a novel concept, and of course the expensive stuff to see if it’s worth it (spoiler, it’s not).
I tested for ease of storage, cleaning, stability, ease of leveling, and method of printing measurements.
Testing, Testing
Balance:
I lined each cup on my counter to see it they balanced straight or tilted.
Space Efficient:
I nested the ones that nested and placed them in my drawer to see how much space it took up and how neat it looked.
Level Scoop:
I scooped out 1/4 cup of flour using each set to see if it leveled easily.
Sticky Stuff:
I sprayed the 1/4 cup with cooking spray and poured in some honey to see how easily sticky ingredients are removed.
Cleaning:
I washed the dirty cups and noted how easy it was to clean each one, and how long it took.
TILUCK Stainless Steel Cups and Spoons Set
Price: $14.39
Balance: All cups stay balanced.
Leveling: Easy, neat leveling.
Storage: Nests neatly.
Honey: Came out easily.
Cleaning: Chick-chock clean.
Measurements: The one-cup measure has 1/2 and 3/4 cup measurements on the outside, which is mostly useless. Comes with measuring spoons.
Stars: 5 stars
William Sonoma Measuring Cups and Spoons
Price: $35
Balance: All cups stay balanced.
Leveling: Easy, neat leveling.
Storage: Nests okay, tilts a little.
Honey: Came out easily.
Cleaning: Chick-chock clean.
Stars: For that price, it better be perfect, and it’s not.
Kitchen Art Pro Adjust-a-Cup
Price: $13.83
Balance: n/a
Leveling: Can’t scoop, otherwise levels fine.
Storage: Laid on its side, it fits in the drawer, but it takes up more space than nesting cups.
Honey: Came out easily, but some got stuck in crevice.
Cleaning: Easy breezy, but had to double-check crevices.
Measurements: Printed, not engraved measure — will it hold up over time?
Stars: 2 Concept sounds smart, execution is dumb.
Kitchen Aid Measuring Cups, Set of 4
Price: $5.39
Balance: Only 1 cup balanced, all the others tilted and weighted to the handle.
Leveling: Easy, neat leveling.
Storage: Nests, not the neatest.
Honey: Came out beautifully.
Cleaning: Chick-chock clean.
Stars: 4 – Best budget option.
Purple Chef Nesting Stackable Measuring Cups
Price: $6
Balance: All balanced.
Leveling: Odd notch, easy to level but is the measurement accurate?
Storage: Nests beautifully.
Honey: Some honey got stuck in the notch.
Cleaning: Chick-chock clean.
Stars: 3
IFFMYJB Silicone Collapsible Cups
Price: $9.89
Balance: All but 1/4 cup balanced.
Leveling: Excess flour on the rim when leveling.
Storage: Flat, but altogether takes up as much space in drawer. Consider using for travel.
Honey: Came out nicely but honey got stuck in frame.
Cleaning: Easy breezy, but had to double-check crevices.
Measurements: Measurement on bottom. Can’t see if something is inside. Comes with measuring spoons.
Stars: 2 – Concept is better than execution.
