Today's guest post is written by Victoria Stotts.
Good measuring cups have three things in common. They allow for accurate dry or liquid measurements, are made of durable, long-lasting, high-quality materials and include markings for various units of measure like ounces, milliliters and cups. Trendy, angled designs, colorful, stackable and enjoyable measuring cups of all sorts should always include these important features so that they effectively measure up. A recipe can only be as good as the culinary tools used to prepare it. Utilizing good measuring cups allows cooks to confidently compile ingredients into delectable cuisine.
Dry and liquid measurements, what's the difference
The primary similarity of dry and liquid measurements is that they can each be measured in terms of volume. The difference is that liquid measuring cups typically have a fill-line below the edge of the measuring cup so that the wet ingredients are not spilled when being measured. Moreover, liquid measuring cups are generally larger and can be measured in say, up to eight-cup increments at once. Alternatively, dry measuring cups are intended to be filled completely, to the top, and then leveled off, effectively removing excessive ingredient.
Knowing how to use measuring cups that are intended specifically for dry or liquid measurements will make sure that, ounce-wise, ingredients are measured as accurately as possible. Other nice features of liquid measuring cups include a pour-spout and markings that are visible both inside and out. Good dry measuring cups are generally straight and easy to use in "scoop" fashion to get bulk ingredients like flour and sugar.
Glass, plastic or stainless steel
When it comes to high-quality materials that good measuring cups are made from, the International Organization for Standardization, ISO, certifies the quality of products for global food safety purposes. Companies like Measurex provide excellent products that are as safe as they are outstanding. Glass measuring cups are iconic for liquid measurements and are durable, transparent and have large ingredient capacity. Stainless steel measuring cups also have many benefits like non-porous surface, easy to clean and are comparably, if not more so, long-lasting than glass measuring cups. Presently, FDA-approved plastic measuring cups and scoops are the most popular for their great design, affordability and customization.
Tips for choosing a good measuring cup
Being thoughtful in selecting a single, or a set of good measuring cups comes down to knowing how it will primarily be used and considering how often size will be meaningful. Both a 1 tabelspoon scoop and a 4 oz scoop, such as, can make a difference in how much time it takes to measure ingredients when a cook routinely uses the same measurement day after day. Products like protein powder, formulas and various supplemental-ingredients can quickly be measured and added to cuisine when the right measuring cup is readily available. Moreover, having both a 4 oz scoop and a 1 tablespoon scoop handy means never having to guess at measuring out a 5 ounce bottle of infant formula, haphazardly again.
To select the perfect measuring cups:
- Consider how and what is cooked most often
- Think about style
- Contemplate handy details and "extras"
If, for instance, baking is a favorite past-time, selecting more than one set of good measuring cups may prove worthwhile. Having good measuring cups that correctly measure baking ingredients allows tricky chemistry to successfully result in delectable breads, cakes and treats.
Style
Good measuring cups never have to lack style. Color is one feature, right off the bat, that not only looks great and can compliment the kitchen, but it also delivers a benefit of being able to recognize sizes quickly. From innovative storage to beautifully designed measuring cups, products featured on the market today are both truly attractive and useful.
Extras
Some brands of good-quality measuring cups boast extra features like angled design, spill-proof ease for portability and even collapsible versions that become completely flat when not in use. Good measuring cups are all about unexpected, practical details including their ability to be heated and chilled, used often and even withstand the occasional drop or bump on the sink or kitchen counter. Whether measuring cups are used very often or more intermittently, the longer they last, the better. No one likes to replace items that are meant to be long-lasting.
Looking for a set of good measuring cups can be accomplished fairly painlessly. It can even be a rather enjoyable adventure once consumers embrace that shopping for cups involves keeping in mind the differences between dry and wet ingredients, and how they are correctly measured, in addition to recognizing the importance of healthy, high-quality materials and then really visualizing using the chosen measuring cups. Once good measuring cups are purchased, they will provide many years of reliable, purposeful, kitchen service.
Victoria Stotts, 37 | Sandpoint, Idaho
I enjoy educating readers on various topics close to my heart and providing articles that are unbiased and that include the maximum amount of helpful information for the reader. Writing press releases, product reviews and articles on both cooking and aesthetic design are a distinct pleasure. After traveling the world in my youth, I now live and write professionally from Sandpoint, Idaho. In my business career I have enjoyed many dynamic positions with various companies including those in: manufacturing, medical, and technology. It is my passion to communicate with others and to provide useful information through my writing talent.
