When you are in the kitchen and want to make a perfect dish, you need measuring tools. A measuring cup is one of the best measuring tools you must have in the kitchen. They are primarily used for measuring liquid volume. Also, they are used for measuring solid ingredients such as sugar and flour. Apart from the use of measuring cups in the kitchen, you can use them in the laundry room for measuring bleach, liquid detergents, and washing powder.

Measuring cups are made of metal, glass, and plastic. In metal, they can be made of either stainless steel or copper. Both types have pros and cons. Stainless steel and copper-made measuring cups can work better on different ingredients. Also, they are perfect for different cooking methods and temperatures.

What Is A Measuring Cup?

Measuring cups were introduced in 1896 as a concept by Fannie Farmer in her book The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book. A measuring cup is a kitchen utensil used to measure the weight and volume of the solid and liquid ingredients of a recipe, respectively. The cup consists of a scale for fluid measurement and the weight for dry ingredients. They are usually made of metal, glass, or plastic.

Capacity and Scale

The capacity of the measuring cup varies from 250ml to 1,000ml. Commercial measuring cups, on the other hand, come in larger sizes. The markings on the scale can be on different heights such as the substance to be measured is added to the desired level. Some measuring cups are used to measure capacities such as 1/4 cups, 1/3 cups, 1/2 cups, and 1 cup.

The units on the measuring cups can be milliliters or fractions of the liter. Usually, the fractions are 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, and 3/4. Often, fluid ounces and pits are used in a measuring cup to measure the ingredients accurately. There are two types of measuring cups:

• Dry measuring cups 
• Liquid measuring cups

Measuring Cup Equivalency

Measuring Cups for Dry Ingredient Measuring

Dry ingredients like granulated sugar are not compressible, whereas volume measurements are consistent. Flour, on the other hand, is more variable. For example, if you sift a 1 cup of all-purpose flour, it will weigh around 100 grams. 1 cup of all-purpose flour, on the other hand, when removed from the container weighs around 140 grams.

Large measurement uncertainty can be found using a measuring cup to measure the loose foods. For example, measuring the loose foods that can be compressed to varying degrees such as grated cheese or chopped vegetables shows greater uncertainties. When it comes to cooking disciplines, such as baking you need to have accurate measuring of the ingredients in the recipe. Therefore, it is advised to measure the ingredients by weight.

Measuring Cups for Liquid Ingredient Measuring

Unlike dry measuring cups, liquid measuring cups are not meant to be filled to the top and the excess is to be removed or scraped off. Liquid measuring cups are filled to the desired level of the scale. The material used to make liquid measuring cups makes them microwaveable. Also, you can easily judge the meniscus.

Stainless Steel Vs. Copper Measuring Cups

Measuring cups and spoons are used most of the time by professional cooks because they don’t want to rely on their instincts. Accurate measuring while cooking makes a perfect dish. For this purpose, you need a measuring cup that comes in three different materials: glass, plastic, and metal. The best option for measuring cup material is copper and stainless steel.

Both the materials make a practical and beautiful measuring cup. To your surprise, copper measuring cups are primarily made of stainless steel. A copper measuring cup consists of a copper cladding finishing that gives a gorgeous look. However, you have to consider the various factors before choosing any of the two.

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

• 18/10 Stainless Steel Ratio

Stainless steel is made by adding nickel and chromium to the steel which makes it highly anticorrosive. The high quality of stainless steel depends on the ratio of 18/10 (Chromium and Nickel). You can get good results from the other types of stainless steel but not as good as 18/10 stamped stainless steel. This type of material can be found in one of the essential kitchen utensils because of its attractiveness and durability.

• Purity

18/10 stainless steel is popular as an interior cooking surface. It does not react with alkaline or acidic foods. Also, it does not scratch or pit easily. Such quality of stainless steel promises purity at certain levels. Everything that is cooked or mixed in the stainless-steel measuring cups does not get discoloration or metallic flavors. Stainless steel measuring cups are oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe.

• Shiny and Nice

Stainless steel measuring cups would be a great addition to the kitchen essential utensils. High-quality stainless steel is shiny and nice. It is not necessary to keep them in a drawer. They can be hung on the hooks for a practical storage solution. As long as you keep them shiny and nice, they look attractive in the kitchen by hanging on the wall hooks.

• Does Not Fade

Usually, stainless steel measuring cups come with engraving on the handles. The engraving stays on the measuring cups for a long time. They do not fade with regular use or time. However, the copper cups wear off easily making it difficult to read the measurements.

Copper Measuring Cups

• Best Conductor Of Heat

Copper is the best conductor of heat among all the materials used to make cookware. It heats evenly and quickly and cools down as soon as removed from the heat. Hence, you get complete control over the heat application. Using a copper measuring cup for heating the ingredients can be of great use because of its high responsiveness.

• Adds More To Cookware Collection

Copper measuring cups are superior to other types of measuring cups. If you don’t like the measuring cups that fade or rust quickly, then they are a perfect fit. Copper measuring cups add a warm touch to the kitchen. Apart from being a handy kitchen tool, copper measuring tools can be used as decorative pieces.

If you have copper spoons, pans, and pots, then adding copper measuring cups to the collection will make your kitchen stylish. They help to complete the look of the kitchen.

• Less Reaction With Ingredients

Copper measuring cups get less reaction from the ingredients. They are helpful when using acidic ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and other ingredients that cause a reaction with the metal of the measuring cups. Non-reactive copper measuring cups can be used as a risk-free measuring tool in the kitchen.

• Insulated Handles

Some practical features add to the pros of the copper measuring cups such as easy ways to store the measuring cups and insulated handles. You can have silicone handles with a set of copper measuring cups that provide you with a comfortable experience.

• They Are Pricey

Copper measuring spoons or cups might be pricey but they are stronger than other materials such as glass or plastic. Having copper measuring cups can be a great investment as they pay off after a few years. Also, they might intrigue you to start baking and cooking in the first place.

• Wears Off Easily

You should be aware of the disadvantages of copper measuring cups. If it is just a thin coating or finish, then you must be aware of the wear and tear. Most copper measuring cups are not dishwasher safe and one mishap can remove the enamel from them. They are hand washable but make sure that you use mild and non-abrasive detergents and sponges to wash them.

Measuring Cups – Stainless Steel Vs. Copper Material

Measuring cups were introduced as a concept by Fannie Farmer in her book. Later on, they became essential kitchen utensils. Measuring cups are used by professional cooks as they want to make a perfect recipe. It is a rule of cooking, especially baking, that you add accurate amounts of ingredients by using the measuring cups.

Measuring cups come in different metals such as metal, plastic, or glass. Stainless steel and copper are the best materials for measuring cups and spoons. Both the materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel measuring cups are shiny and nice, whereas copper measuring cups add a classic look to your cookware collection. Stainless steel measuring cups do not wear off easily but copper measuring cups wear off easily which makes it difficult for you to read the measurements. Considering the pros and cons of both materials, you can choose the desired one to add to your cookware collection.