Dry Cups, Glass Pitchers or Magnetic Spoons? Best Measuring Cups for Baking by Volume

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The best measuring cups are really two tools: nesting cups you fill and level for dry ingredients, and a glass cup with a spout for liquids. Using one in place of the other is a common source of error in recipes, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

We compared seven sets, all in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store: four stainless steel cup sets (two with spoons), a magnetic cup-and-spoon set, and two glass liquid sets from Pyrex and Anchor Hocking. For each, we quote what the listing says about markings (etched, engraved, metric or not), sizes, dishwasher and microwave use, and we flag empty fields.

If you bake bread or cakes often, a kitchen scale is the more accurate tool for flour and sugar, and NIST calls weighing a best practice. Cups still matter for the many recipes written in cups and spoons, and for liquids.

Our Top Measuring Cups Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Magnetic Measuring Cups: Best Overall Dry Measuring Cups

OXO’s Good Grips set covers the four dry measures most recipes call for: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup. Each cup is stainless steel with a soft, non-slip handle, and magnets in the handles let the cups snap together in a stack for the drawer.

In daily use, the magnets matter more than they sound. You pull off the one cup you need instead of opening a ring, scoop or spoon in flour or sugar, and sweep the top flat. OXO says the cups are “designed to make leveling ingredients easy for greater accuracy,” and the markings are described as “permanent, etched,” so the sizes shouldn’t rub off after years in the dishwasher.

The listing keeps the feature list short: stainless steel construction, etched markings, magnetic handles, non-slip grip and dishwasher-safe care. It doesn’t mention metric markings or a pour spout, and there are no in-between sizes such as 2/3 or 3/4 cup, so some recipes will need two scoops.

It suits cooks who already own measuring spoons and a liquid cup and want a simple, durable set of dry cups that stays together. Bakers who follow recipes with odd fractions may want a larger set alongside it, and anyone who measures in grams should note that metric units aren’t mentioned anywhere on the listing.

Why we like it

• Etched markings
• Magnets keep the set together
• Non-slip handles

Watch out for

Four sizes only and no spoons, so you may still need a second set for 2/3 cup, 3/4 cup and teaspoon measures.

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2. Pyrex Essentials 3-Pack Glass Measuring Cups: Best Glass Liquid Measuring Cup Set

Pyrex’s Essentials set is three tempered glass measuring cups in 1-cup, 2-cup and 4-cup sizes, the classic liquid measuring cups with a handle and a pouring spout. The listing gives their sizes as 6 inches across by 4.5 inches high for the 1 cup, 6.5 by 4.5 inches for the 2 cup and 8 by 6 inches for the 4 cup.

Day to day, you set one on the counter, pour in milk, water or oil to the line and read it at eye level. Pyrex says the measurements are “bold and large” and shown in both ounces and milliliters. The curved spout is meant for clean pouring, and the handles are described as easy-grip.

The listing says the tempered glass is dishwasher, freezer, microwave and preheated oven safe, so the same cup can melt butter, warm milk or hold a marinade. Pyrex also describes the glass as nonporous, BPA free and resistant to absorbing food odors, flavors or stains. The listing doesn’t say how the markings are applied, so treat their durability as unstated.

It suits households that want a full range of liquid cups in one box, including the 4-cup size that doubles as a mixing bowl for pancake batter or a quick sauce.

Why we like it

• Three sizes, up to 4 cups
• Ounces and milliliters
• Microwave safe as listed

Watch out for

Pyrex’s listing names preheated ovens, so avoid sudden temperature swings, and note the warranty field is empty.

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3. Anchor Hocking 4-Piece Glass Measuring Cups: Best Made-in-USA Glass Set

Anchor Hocking’s set includes four glass measures: a 5-ounce measuring glass plus 1-cup, 2-cup and 4-cup cups with the brand’s signature spout. The listing says imperial and metric units sit side by side on solid glass, so recipes in milliliters or ounces read from the same cup.

In use, the three larger cups are meant to work as more than measures. Anchor Hocking says they are “designed for melting, mixing, and reheating,” and that you can whisk, beat and pour in the same container. The listing describes the set as fridge, freezer and dishwasher safe, chip-resistant and nonporous.

There is one important exception. The 5-ounce measuring glass is described as “non-tempered and NOT for microwave or freezer use,” and the brand tells buyers to “refer to the UPC label for usage instructions to avoid breakage.” The listing also calls the glass lead free and BPA free, and it states the cups are made in the USA by a company that began in Ohio in 1905.

It suits cooks who measure in both systems, want a tiny glass for small liquid amounts, and are happy to read the label before putting any piece in the microwave. Ohio shoppers may also like that the brand traces its roots to the state.

Why we like it

• Small 5-oz glass included
• Metric and imperial units
• Made in USA, per listing

Watch out for

Keep the 5-oz glass out of the microwave and freezer, and check the label on the larger cups before microwaving, since the listing says “reheating” but doesn’t spell out microwave safety.

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4. Spring Chef Magnetic 15-Piece Measuring Set: Best Magnetic Measuring Spoons and Cups

Spring Chef’s 15-piece set pairs seven stainless steel cups with seven double-ended spoons and a leveler, and every piece has magnets so the cups stack and the spoons nest without a ring. The cups run from 1/8 cup to 1 cup, including 2/3 and 3/4 cup, and the spoons from 1/8 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, including 3/4 teaspoon and 1/2 tablespoon.

The spoons are the reason to look at this set. Each one is dual sided: Spring Chef says the oval end is narrow enough for most spice jars and the round end suits liquids, and the spoons lie flat on the counter without spilling. The cups have a pour spout for liquids, and the included leveler is meant to help you scrape off excess dry ingredients the first time.

Spring Chef describes single-metal, heavy-duty stainless steel construction that won’t rust or bend, and markings in U.S. and metric units that are easy to read and “won’t fade or rub off.” It calls the magnetic design patent pending. All pieces are listed as dishwasher safe.

It suits bakers who follow recipes with odd fractions, anyone tired of fumbling with a ring to free one spoon, and kitchens that want one complete set in place of several partial ones.

Why we like it

• Seven cups including 2/3 and 3/4
• Dual-sided magnetic spoons
• Leveler included

Watch out for

It’s sold by Spring Chef’s own store, and the specs leave size, model and warranty blank, so contact the brand for any warranty questions.

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5. Martha Stewart Richburn 4-Piece Measuring Cups: Best Budget Stainless Cups

Martha Stewart’s Richburn set is four stainless steel dry measuring cups in the standard sizes: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup. The cups nest inside each other and hang on an easy-open ring, which the listing says saves space and keeps drawers tidy.

Day to day, it works like any basic set. You open the ring when you want one cup on its own, or leave them together and measure from the bunch. The listing calls the handle comfortable, with a safe grip for control, and describes the set as lightweight but sturdy. It is listed as dishwasher safe.

The feature list is modest. The brand mentions stainless steel construction, a “lustrous shine” and “precision accuracy for consistent baking and cooking results,” but it doesn’t say whether the size markings are etched, engraved or printed, and there’s no mention of metric units. The manufacturer field names Gibson Overseas, Inc.

It suits new cooks, college apartments and anyone who wants a second set of dry cups so baking day doesn’t stall while one set is in the dishwasher. If you need 1/8, 2/3 or 3/4 cup, or measuring spoons, you’ll have to buy those separately, because this box holds only the four standard dry cups.

Why we like it

• Very light
• Ring keeps cups together
• Dishwasher safe

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t describe how the markings are applied, so check them after a few dishwasher runs.

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6. TILUCK 10-Piece Nesting Measuring Cups and Spoons: Best Cups and Spoons Set With Silicone Handles

TILUCK’s set combines five nesting measuring cups and five measuring spoons in one box. The cups are 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup, and the spoons cover 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 and 1 tablespoon. That covers most everyday recipes, though anything calling for 2/3 or 3/4 cup will take two scoops, and there’s no 1/8 teaspoon for pinches of salt or spice.

The handles are the distinguishing detail. TILUCK says the cups and spoons are food-grade 18/8 stainless steel with handles in food-grade silicone that is non-slip and comfortable to hold. Each cup and spoon has its size “engraved clearly,” and the brand says the set is suitable for both dry and wet ingredients.

In daily use, the set stacks for storage and goes in the dishwasher. TILUCK describes the steel as “100% rust-resistant” and offers what it calls 100% satisfaction, asking buyers to contact the company if they aren’t happy. The listing doesn’t mention metric markings, a leveler or a ring.

It suits first apartments, gift baskets and anyone replacing a cracked plastic set, especially cooks who prefer a softer grip over bare steel handles. Because the listing gives no warranty term, keep your order details in case a piece arrives damaged and you need to reach the seller.

Why we like it

• Cups and spoons together
• Engraved sizes
• Silicone grip

Watch out for

Model and warranty fields are empty, and the set skips 2/3 and 3/4 cup, so odd-fraction recipes take two scoops.

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7. Simply Gourmet 12-Piece Measuring Cups and Spoons: Best US and Metric Engraved Set

Simply Gourmet’s set is 12 stainless steel measuring cups and spoons that stack together, with long-handled spoons and a flat-bottomed cup design. The title describes the steel as 18/08, and the listing says the set is safe for both dry and liquid ingredients.

Markings are the headline. Simply Gourmet says each cup and spoon is “engraved with both US standard and metric equivalents,” so a British or European recipe in milliliters can be measured with the same tools as an American one. The flat base is meant to keep cups steady on the counter while you fill them, and the long spoon handles are designed to reach into spice jars and containers.

For care, the set is listed as dishwasher safe, and the brand says the steel resists rust, bending and breaking. One gap: the listing says the set includes “12 sizes” but never itemizes them, so if you need a specific fraction such as 2/3 cup or 1/8 teaspoon, check the product images before you buy.

It suits cooks who regularly switch between metric and US recipes and want both units cut into the metal rather than printed. It also makes a tidy gift for a new baker, which is how the brand pitches it.

Why we like it

• Engraved dual units
• Flat, steady cup bases
• Long spoon handles

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t itemize the 12 sizes, so confirm the fractions you need from the photos.

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How We Chose the Best Measuring Cups

We limited picks to sets that were in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store, then compared what each listing states:

• Dry vs. liquid: nesting cups you level off versus glass cups with a spout and lines.
• Markings: whether the listing says etched or engraved, and whether metric units are included.
• Sizes: standard four-cup sets versus sets with 1/8, 2/3 and 3/4 cup, and whether spoons are included.
• Care: dishwasher, microwave and freezer use exactly as listed, including exceptions.
• Brand variety: one set per brand, and no more than one Pyrex or OXO pick.
• Seller, rank and fields: Amazon sales rank, plus any empty warranty, model or size fields.

Measuring Cups Buying Guide

Dry vs. Liquid: Why You Need Both

NIST’s Metric Kitchen culinary measurement tips say that using a dry measuring cup in place of a fluid measuring cup is a common way of introducing measurement errors. Dry cups are meant to be filled and leveled; the same page advises you to “strike off excess dry ingredients.” For liquids, NIST says to set the fluid measuring cup on a level surface and read the meniscus at eye level. Our steel picks (OXO, Martha Stewart, TILUCK, Simply Gourmet, Spring Chef) are dry cups; Pyrex and Anchor Hocking are liquid cups.

Best Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

Stainless steel cups resist cracking and go in the dishwasher on every pick here. The detail that varies is the markings. OXO lists “permanent, etched” marks, TILUCK and Simply Gourmet say “engraved,” and Spring Chef says its U.S. and metric markings “won’t fade or rub off.” Martha Stewart’s listing doesn’t say how its marks are applied. If you want odd sizes, only the Spring Chef set itemizes 2/3 and 3/4 cup.

Best Glass Measuring Cup and Best Liquid Measuring Cup

A glass liquid cup lets you see the level from the side and pour from a spout. Pyrex lists its set as dishwasher, freezer, microwave and preheated oven safe, with ounces and milliliters. Anchor Hocking lists fridge, freezer and dishwasher use and says the larger cups are for “melting, mixing, and reheating,” but its 5-ounce glass is non-tempered and not for the microwave or freezer. Read the label on any glass piece before heating it.

Best Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

Buying cups and spoons together saves a second purchase. Spring Chef includes seven cups and seven spoons, TILUCK five of each, and Simply Gourmet 12 pieces without itemizing sizes. OXO, Martha Stewart and the glass sets don’t include spoons.

Best Magnetic Measuring Spoons

Magnets replace the ring that holds most sets together, so you can pull off one piece and leave the rest stacked. OXO puts magnets in its cup handles only. Spring Chef is the only pick here with magnetic spoons, and its dual-sided spoons have an oval end for spice jars and a round end for liquids.

Metric Markings and When to Weigh Instead

Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, Spring Chef and Simply Gourmet list metric units. The same NIST page calls measuring ingredients by mass with a kitchen scale “a best practice to improve recipe accuracy,” and suggests converting a traditional American recipe by measuring an ingredient with a cup, then weighing it in grams. If you bake bread or pastry often, pair your cups with one of the picks in our best kitchen scale guide, and see our best stand mixer guide for the mixing side of baking day.

Kitchen Safety and Your Home

Measuring tools are low risk, but glass is not. Don’t pour boiling liquids into a cold glass cup or move a hot cup straight to a wet counter, follow each label on microwave and freezer use, and sweep up any broken glass fully before going barefoot. If you’re slicing vegetables for the same recipe, our best mandoline slicer guide covers hand guards and cut-resistant gloves. For bigger kitchen accidents, such as a cooking fire, whether and how your policy responds is a question to ask your agent; our Ohio homeowners insurance guide explains the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best measuring cups and spoons set for most kitchens?

The Spring Chef Magnetic 15-Piece set is the most complete pick here, with seven cups including 2/3 and 3/4 cup, seven dual-sided spoons and a leveler, plus U.S. and metric markings. TILUCK’s 10-piece set is a simpler cups-and-spoons option.

Can I use dry measuring cups for liquids?

NIST says using a dry cup instead of a fluid measuring cup is a common way to introduce measurement errors. Use a glass liquid cup such as the Pyrex or Anchor Hocking sets for water, milk and oil, read on a level surface at eye level.

Are glass measuring cups microwave safe?

It depends on the piece. Pyrex lists its 1, 2 and 4-cup set as microwave safe. Anchor Hocking says its 5-ounce glass is non-tempered and not for the microwave or freezer, and tells buyers to check the UPC label for each piece.

What is the best stainless steel measuring cup set?

OXO’s Good Grips 4-Piece set is our top dry-cup pick, with permanent etched markings and magnetic handles. If you also want spoons and metric units, look at Spring Chef or Simply Gourmet, which list U.S. and metric markings.

Is a kitchen scale more accurate than measuring cups?

NIST calls measuring ingredients by mass with a kitchen scale a best practice to improve recipe accuracy. Cups remain useful for recipes written in volume and for liquids, so many bakers keep both.

The Bottom Line

For most cooks, the best measuring cups are a pair of tools: the OXO Good Grips magnetic cups for dry ingredients and the Pyrex Essentials 3-pack for liquids. The Spring Chef magnetic set is the most complete choice if you want every fraction and spoon in one stack, Anchor Hocking brings American-made glass with metric units, and Simply Gourmet engraves both systems into steel. Martha Stewart and TILUCK are simple starter sets. For flour-heavy baking, add a scale.

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