I Meticulously Tested Liquid Measuring Cups—and Even Used an Eyedropper for Accuracy (2024)

There are instances when you can cook from the hip, adding a little of this and that until something feels right, and times when precision matters. This need for accuracy is especially evident in baking, where small mismeasurements can compound into big problems. An ounce or two of extra water, or not quite enough, can mean the difference between tall, fluffy loaves of bread and flattened or leaden ones. And measuring helps with consistency–if a dish turns out just right, you want to be able to recreate it! Knowing just how much broth gave you that perfectly seasoned soup is a win for everyone.

To accurately measure that water, stock, milk, or splash of wine, you’ll need a liquid measuring cup. I’m sure you have one sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now. But have you ever stopped to wonder if its 1-cup marking actually measures one cup? (That’s assuming you can still read its gradation lines; my trusty set has faded to a ghost of its former self after many years of heavy use.)

For my fellow accuracy enthusiasts, I set out to find the best sets of liquid measuring cups—ones that are precise, easy to read, and will stand up to serious use in the kitchen. Since the last time Serious Eats tested liquid measuring cups in 2017, a range of new products have come onto the market. I tested 10 sets (including SE’s past favorites; 36 individual cups in all), evaluating their accuracy, durability, usability, and more. No set was totally perfect, but I found three strong contenders, depending on your needs and how you plan to use them.

The Winners, at a Glance

This versatile set by Pyrex is a classic for a reason. The 1- and 2-cup measuring cups are very accurate, the thin markings with pointed arrows are easy to read, and the tempered glass material is stain-proof, durable, and both microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

For a lightweight, ergonomic option, this plastic set by OXO is a dream. The 1-, 2-, and 4-cup measuring cups were all accurate to within four grams of our target weights.They have an innovative design featuring an angled channel with measurement markings inside the cup, meaning you can read from the top without having to crouch down to the side when measuring. The pointed spouts and grippy handles made them easy and precise to pour from.

This flexible silicone set by OXO was the most accurate in our testing. Their lack of handles makes the cups compact to nest and store, and they’re still easy to hold and pour from (even when hot!) thanks to the grippy honeycomb pattern on the outside of their thick silicone walls.

The Tests

• Accuracy Test: I measured 1/2 cup, one cup, two cups, and four cups of water in each set’s corresponding cup (if it had one in that size), using an eyedropper to align the meniscus exactly to the cup’s fill line. I recorded the weight of the water in grams and repeated each test three times. I averaged the three weights to account for human error, then compared that average to the standard set by the Weights and Measures Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): 236 grams for one cup of water.
• Durability Test: Using a cup from each set, I wet the cup and a steel wool scrubbing pad. I scrubbed the markings vigorously 25 times to assess their durability and checked for damage.
• User Experience Test: I filled each cup to its maximum and poured out the water, assessing how comfortable it was to hold and pour from. I repeated the test with hot water (just off boiling), letting the cups sit for two minutes, then assessing how comfortable they were to hold and pour from when hot.
• Staining Test: I heated tomato sauce and then poured four ounces of it into a measuring cup from each set. I let the cups sit overnight at room temperature, then emptied and washed them in the dishwasher, looking for any evidence of staining after they were clean.

What We Learned

Why Do You Need a Liquid Measuring Cup?

Most American recipes are written in imperial units of volume measurement (like teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups), versus metric units of mass (grams or kilograms). While measuring by weight with a kitchen scale is most precise (particularly when baking), the recipe you’re using might not specify a weight, especially for liquid. So, you’ll need a way to measure volume as accurately as possible.

You might wonder if you really need a liquid measuring cup if you already have a set of dry measuring cups. They both measure imperial volume, right?

Technically this is true, but dry measuring cups are intended for ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains. To measure with them, the ingredient is filled to the top (or overfilled) and then leveled off. Their straight sides make it easy to sweep a bench scraper or butter knife across the top for a perfectly level cup measurement.

Liquid measuring cups, on the other hand, are designed for liquid ingredients like water or milk. They have a spout for easy pouring, and most importantly, they have extra space above the highest measurement line on the cup. This allows liquids to be poured to the exact level of the maximum line without overflowing. You can fill a dry measuring cup with liquid, but it’s much harder to fill it all the way up to the top accurately…and to avoid spilling.

How to Read a Liquid Measuring Cup Accurately

Due to some fun physics, reading a liquid measuring cup correctly takes a little finesse. When you pour a liquid into a vessel, it may look flat on top, but it’s not! Because of surface tension, the liquid actually curves a little bit, “walking up” the sides of the vessel at the edges. When observed from the side of a clear cup, you can see that this curvature looks like a thin, translucent line. This is called a meniscus. The bottom of this meniscus marks the actual liquid level, and it’s what you should be measuring.

To read a liquid measuring cup accurately, place it on a flat, stable surface. Add the liquid until it reaches just under the line you're aiming for. Then get down at eye level with the mark (yes, this means bending over or crouching down!) and carefully add more liquid until the bottom of the meniscus is level with the gradation.

The Pros and Cons of Glass, Plastic, and Silicone Liquid Measuring Cups

Tempered glass measuring cups are sturdy, durable, easy to clean, and microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Glass is also clear, making it easy to see just where that meniscus falls (it’s a classic material for liquid measuring cups for a reason!). However, glass is also heavy and can be slippery. Pouring from a full 4-cup glass liquid measuring cup required a lot of arm strength, and slick glass handles weren’t as secure-feeling as grippy plastic ones. The pour spouts of our winning glass set from Pyrex and former favorite from Anchor Hocking also lacked precision. Their thick walls, while good for durability, made for blunt, stubby spouts that could cause liquid to overflow down the sides of the cup when pouring forcefully.

Plastic models are lightweight, tend to nest together better than bulky glass, and often have a better-designed spout for precise pouring. They’re easy to hold even when full and don’t get as warm to the touch as glass when filled with hot liquid. However, plastic is not as durable as tempered glass. The markings on many of the plastic models wore away almost immediately during durability testing, and the surfaces easily scratched, making the cups difficult (or impossible) to read. All of the plastic models I tested were dishwasher-safe, but some specified the top rack only. Most were microwave-safe, but with caveats for some (like our winner from OXO) not to heat fats like oil or butter in them in the microwave, which limits their usability.

Silicone, a synthetic polymer similar to plastic or rubber, can be a real boon in the kitchen. It can withstand both high and low temperatures without melting or cracking, it’s bendable and flexible, and it’s naturally nonstick and easy to clean. (It makes great spatulas, food storage covers, oven mitts, and more.) The silicone liquid measuring cups that I tested were generally accurate, lightweight, easy to hold and pour from, and both dishwasher- and microwave-safe (except for one model). Their compact design without handles made them easy to nest, which is great for small kitchens where space is at a premium. However, every single one of the silicone models failed the staining test. This is a common complaint for silicone cookware, which can hang onto stains and smells. So, if you plan to measure a lot of liquids that can stain, like tomato products, hot sauce, or anything with turmeric, stand forewarned.

The Criteria: What to Look for in Liquid Measuring Cups

More than anything else, a liquid measuring should be accurate. Our winning models were all accurate to within a few grams of our target weights, with one exception (see below). The cups should be easy to read, with clear gradation lines that are simple to line up with the liquid’s meniscus line. Those lines should stand up to heavy scrubbing without wearing away, and the cups should be easy to clean. They should be comfortable to hold even when hot and get bonus points for precise pouring spouts and the ability to use them in the microwave.

Our Favorite Liquid Measuring Cups

What we liked: This set from Pyrex features easy-to-read gradation lines with handy arrows for lining up the meniscus. The 1-cup liquid measuring cup was highly accurate (within one to four grams of our target weights), and the 2-cup was very close (within eight grams). The tempered glass material is strong, durable, and versatile. The cups are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and showed no signs of wear or staining. If you prefer glass over plastic and want a set that will stand up to heavy use, this one is a great choice.

What we didn’t like: The 4-cup liquid measuring cup was 27 grams under our target weight—almost two tablespoons off, which can cause problems when precision is needed. (You’re better off measuring from the smaller cups a few times instead.) The tempered glass material makes the set heavy and harder to pour from when full, and a bit hefty to lift when all the cups are nested together. The pour spout on this set is also not very precise and can lead to some dribbling down the sides when poured with too much or not enough force. The glass can also become very hot when filled with hot liquid, though the handles stayed cool during testing.

Key Specs

• Number of cups in set: 3
• Sizes of cups: 1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups
• Units of measurement: Imperial and metric
• Materials: Tempered glass
• Weight of set: 4.07 pounds (1848 grams)
• Do they nest?: Yes
• Care instructions: Avoid hard knocks to prevent breakage, do not use if chipped or cracked, handle with pot holders when hot, and avoid sudden temperature changes or direct contact with heating elements, which can cause shattering.
• Microwave-safe?: Yes
• Dishwasher-safe?: Yes

What we liked: All of the cups in this set were very accurate (within four grams of our target weights). The cups were comfortable to hold thanks to their soft, non-slip handles. They were also lightweight and easy to pour from when full and their pointed spouts made pouring very precise.

This set has an angled, innovative design where the gradation lines are read from above, rather than from the side, so you don’t need to bend or crouch to get the meniscus at eye level. If you’re looking for a lightweight set designed with ergonomics in mind, this is an excellent option. It was a winner in our original testing and has stood the test of time.

What we didn’t like: The plastic material is not as durable as glass or silicone. The markings on the side began to wear away during our durability test, though the primary markings on the inside of the cup were not affected. There are also restrictions with using these cups in the microwave and the dishwasher: OXO cautions “do not microwave fat such as oil, butter, or margarine,” and they are top rack dishwasher-safe only.

Key Specs

• Number of cups in set: 3
• Sizes of cups: 1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups
• Units of measurement: Imperial and metric
• Materials: BPA-free plastic
• Weight of set: 1 pound, 1 ounce (482 grams)
• Do they nest?: Yes
• Care instructions: Do not microwave fat such as oil, butter, or margarine.
• Microwave-safe?: Yes (with restrictions)
• Dishwasher-safe?: Yes (top rack only)

What we liked: This set was the most accurate of the bunch, with its 1/2-, 1-, and 2-cup volumes right on target. The cups have clear viewing windows that make their measurements easy to read and are easy to hold and pour from even when hot thanks to a grippy, honeycomb design. The squeezable sides allow you to direct a stream of liquid where you want it to go and the handle-less cups are compact and easy to nest and store, as well as microwave- and dishwasher-safe. If accuracy matters to you above all else, you often use your cups in the microwave, and you don’t usually measure liquids that stain (or don’t mind some staining, see below), this is the set for you.

What we didn’t like: This set would have aced our testing if it were not for the fact that it stained, as all of the silicone models did. It showed a deep tinge of red everywhere the tomato sauce touched it, even after a trip through the dishwasher. Many reviewers of this product online mention the same fault. The set also does not include a 4-cup measuring cup, which is a useful size, though you can purchase one separately.

Key Specs

• Number of cups in set: 3
• Sizes of cups: ½ cup, 1 cup, and 2 cup
• Units of measurement: Imperial and metric
• Materials: BPA-free silicone
• Weight of set: 13.3 ounces (376 grams)
• Do they nest?: Yes
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe
• Microwave-safe?: Yes
• Dishwasher-safe?: Yes

The Competition

• Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cups 3-Piece Set: This glass set (and former Serious Eats winner) was just edged out by the comparable Pyrex. Its 1- and 4-cup measuring cups were very accurate, but the 2-cup measured 15 grams over our target weight for two cups of water. Given that the 1- and 2-cup measuring cups are the ones you will likely use most often, this is a bigger ding. The cups showed no damage or staining during the durability and staining tests, and their red marking lines were easy to read. Clocking in at 4.5 pounds for the set, these were the heaviest cups in the lineup and were harder to hold and pour from when full, especially the 4-cup. Their spouts were also not very accurate, and I experienced a fair amount of overflowing down the side when not pouring carefully.
• KP Kitchen 4-Piece Angled Liquid Measuring Cup Set: These plastic cups use a similar design to the winning OXO plastic set, in that the liquid measurement can be read from above as well as from the side. The 1- and 2-cup measuring cups were generally accurate (within five grams of the target weights), and the 4-cup ran eight grams under. They stacked and nested neatly thanks to channels built into their handles, but that made them less comfortable to hold. Their long, oblong shape was a little unusual but may make them easier to store in narrow spaces. Unfortunately, this set failed the durability test, with the markings wearing away and the plastic becoming deeply scratched almost immediately when I started scrubbing.
• Cuisinart Nesting Liquid Measuring Cups: This plastic set was the least expensive in this round of testing, and, unfortunately, it felt like it. The plastic felt thin and brittle, and the handles were a pretty bare-bones design and not comfortable to hold. The pointed spouts did pour well and the cups were close to accurate (all were consistently over the target weights by three to eight grams). The cups did not stain, but they did fail the durability test, becoming heavily scratched and faded.
• OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set: This plastic set will take you right back to chemistry class, with a classic beaker or graduated cylinder design. While they were highly accurate (within one gram of our targets), the set is simply not practical for typical kitchen use. The largest-sized cup is only one cup, and the smallest 1-teaspoon and 1-tablespoon cups are so tiny and narrow that they are difficult to pour into and clean. They passed the staining test, but failed the durability test, becoming heavily worn and scratched after scrubbing. They are top rack dishwasher-safe, but it’s unclear whether you can use them in the microwave. Save this set for budding scientists to play with, but seek out an alternative for most cooking tasks.
• iSi Basics Measuring Set of 3 Silicone Flexible Measuring Cups: This silicone set is similar in design to the winning OXO silicone cups, with a more industrial, scientific look. They were accurate (within one to four grams of our target weights), but their opaque walls made the lines a little harder to read. They don’t have a defined pour spout, but you can squeeze and pour them from either side. Unlike the OXO set, however, these cups were too hot to pick up and pour from when filled with hot water. They also failed the staining test, retaining a rusty hue wherever tomato sauce had touched them.
• Great Jones Beyond Measure Duo: These cups were certainly eye-catching, but also expensive. They’re made of green borosilicate glass, with whimsical curved glass handles that give them a striking look. Unfortunately, the cups were not very accurate, with the 2-cup measuring cup measuring four to 12 grams below our target weights, and the 4-cup reading 28 grams under. They felt delicate, and I was worried I might break one at any time (though they held up just fine during durability and staining tests and dishwashing). Their handle design means they can’t nest, which is irksome if space is at a premium in your kitchen, as it is in mine.
• Williams Sonoma Ergonomic Measuring Cups: This silicone set features four nesting cups with opaque areas to grip on one side, and clear sections to measure from on the other. Alas, the seam where those two sides meet caused the cups to wobble slightly on the countertop, and the side that you’re supposed to hold was too hot to touch for more than a few seconds when the cups were filled with hot water. The clear silicone side scratched faintly during durability testing, and they did stain. They are dishwasher-safe, but can’t go in the microwave. And, lastly, these were the least accurate cups in the lineup, with the 1/2-, 1-, and 2-cup measuring cups clocking in 10-12 grams over our target weights (though the 4-cup was only two grams under).

FAQs

Are liquid and dry measuring cups the same?

While both liquid and dry measuring cups measure roughly the same amount by volume, they are designed differently. Dry measuring cups are intended for ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains, where the ingredient is filled to the top and then leveled off. Liquid measuring cups have a spout to pour ingredients like water, milk, or broth, and extra space above the highest measurement line, allowing liquids to be poured to the exact level without spilling. Filling a dry measuring cup to the brim with liquid is possible, but allows a lot of room for inaccuracy and the potential for spillage.

What liquid measuring cup sizes are the most useful?

1-, 2-, and 4-cup sizes are the most useful, with an honorable mention to mini 2-ounce (or 1/4 cup) measuring cups that can be used as a jigger when making co*cktails.

Can you measure liquid without a liquid measuring cup?

If you are following a recipe that notes ingredient amounts by weight, you can use a kitchen scale to measure liquids without having to reach for a measuring cup. Measuring by weight is the most accurate way to measure any ingredient, so if accuracy counts (especially when baking!), then we encourage using a scale over volume measuring cups.

Why We’re the Experts

• Afton Cyrus spent eight years at America’s Test Kitchen as a recipe developer and food editor before becoming a contributor to Serious Eats in 2023. She has learned from the best how to execute rigorous and objective equipment testing protocols and is passionate about making cooking fun and accessible for home cooks of all ages and abilities. Her meticulous approach to equipment testing, recipe development, and food writing has contributed to award-winning and New York Times bestselling cookbooks for America’s Test Kitchen, Ten Speed Press, King Arthur Baking Company, and other outlets.
• For this review, Afton measured over 16 gallons of water during 50 accuracy and usability tests across the 10 sets of liquid measuring cups in this lineup. She also assessed durability and the potential for staining for each set over the course of 20-plus hours of testing.