What Is a Dry Measuring Cup?
Dry measuring cups have deep cups and long handles with measurements printed. As the title suggests, the purpose of a dry measuring cup is to measure dry ingredients. These include flour, cocoa powder, nuts, chocolate chips, and more.
A dry measuring cup contains the exact measurement as printed. It makes separating the desired quantity of ingredients from the bulk easy. Using it, you don’t have to wreck your brain estimating amounts, constantly refer to Google, or invest in expensive measuring scales. In most cases, dry measuring cups in the following quantities; 1-cup, ½-cup, ⅓-cup, and ¼-cup. However, you may also find ⅛-cup, ⅔-cup, 1½-cup,1¾-cup, and other measurements.
Why Is It Necessary to Measure Dry Ingredients Properly?
There’s a reason why we have thousands of amazing cooks but few bakers. It's because baking doesn’t work like cooking. You cannot just eyeball in a few ingredients and expect a scrumptious dish ready to devour. As mentioned, baking is a food science. It requires precise quantities to get the chemical reactions done correctly. Without proper measurements, you can never achieve your desired or consistent results.
For example, if a typical cookie recipe calls for ½-cup butter and you add a little more, the cookies will spread. Similarly, add a bit more flour to your cake batter and it will come out dense and chewy instead of light and fluffy. Hence, when baking, it's of utmost importance that you measure your ingredients accurately and follow the recipe. It’s best not to experiment with baking recipes until and unless you’re daring and wish to explore the impact of different ingredients on the results.
How to Choose the Right Dry Measuring Cup?
For bakers, dry measuring cups are an investment that will serve them loyally through the toughest of baking struggles. You certainly don’t want a dry measuring cup to crack into two while you transfer flour into the cake batter - yikes! That’s why you need to purchase dry measuring cups once and make sure they’re the perfect ones. Below, we have enlisted all the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect dry measuring cup for your baking inventory.
Type of measuring cup set
In the market, you will always find measuring cups in sets. The minimum quantity in each set would be four with 1-cup, ½-cup, ⅓-cup, and ¼-cup. If this is your requirement, go ahead and add them to the cart. However, there are also dry measuring sets that offer both cups and spoons. It is a versatile option to choose from and can further ease your measuring struggles. Since these sets typically include a minimum of eight items, you’ll have to pay slightly more than the standard sets.
Material
The material used in dry measuring cup manufacturing holds immense importance. It will determine how long the cups will last. There are two commonly used materials:
- Plastic: The plastic measuring cups are lightweight, cheap, and durable. But, make sure they are BPA-free. BPA, also called Bisphenol A, is an organic compound used in plastics. It has severe health effects, such as neurological and immunity damage. Also, it is detrimental to the environment.
- Metal: If you want something premium and sturdy, choose metal measuring cups. With a strong build, these measuring cups last ages. You may find them in stainless steel or copper. However, they might be heavier than their plastic counterparts.
Shape
Although the shape might seem like a personal preference, it is not. The shape of the measuring cups also determines the ease of use.
Typically, you will either find circular or oval measuring cups. The oval-shaped cups have a slight spout on the front that makes scooping out ingredients easy. It also improves the versatility of the cups, as you can even measure and pour out liquids without causing a mess.
Comparatively, circular measuring cups make leveling ingredients simple and precise. You can slide the spoon on the even rim without worrying about inaccuracy. However, you cannot use it for liquids.
Measurements
Since you’ll use these cups for measurements, it’s worth considering the prints on them. Are the measurements in a standard or metric system? Most measuring cups only mention standard, though you may also find ones with ounces, milliliters, or tablespoons. Having dry measuring cups with different units can make conversion easy. Also, consider whether the prints are readable and long-lasting for you.
Grip
Your grip on a dry measuring cup has a crucial effect on accuracy. The slightest shakes can result in the wrong quantities. And so, you must examine the grip design vigilantly. Ideally, you would want a dry measuring cup with a long and broad handle. It shouldn’t be thick or heavy which would make the grip uncomfortable. Plus, the handles should have a rubber coating, which strengthens the control.
Storage
It's easy to lose your measuring cups in the bulk of cutlery. Thus, it’s best to pick up dry measuring cups that come bound together using a removable loop. You can separate the required cups when baking and store the rest.
Apart from storage, also look for measuring dishwasher-safe cups. Such cups do not lose their prints or crack when washed with other cutlery. Hence, you can save the hassle of hand-washing separately.
The Best Dry Measuring Cup Brands
When purchasing baking equipment, it's better to choose a reliable and top-rated manufacturer. It ensures you get the best quality possible and a satisfactory buying experience. Here are the top-rated brands for dry measuring cups.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid is the leading kitchen supplies manufacturer. It is popular for its iconic stand mixer, though it has received massive appreciation for a diversity of other baking tools. However, you will find KitchenAid prices to be higher than competitors.
OXO
OXO specializes in ergonomic baking and cooking equipment. You can find measuring sets, pans, utensils, storage boxes, and much more.
Chef Craft
The Chef Craft company is an emerging leader in the industry that produces all kitchen tools and equipment. It strives to offer high-quality products at affordable prices.
