The smell of cookies baking in the oven always put a smile on our faces. After spending the afternoon in the kitchen, you realize that the baked goods turned out nothing like the picture in the cookbook. The ingredients that you had mixed might not be appropriately measured!
One vital part when baking or cooking is accurately measuring the ingredients. While you can probably eyeball your way through most recipes, measuring is still the best choice for achieving professional, repeatable results in the kitchen.
In the baking world, accuracy in measuring is crucial for success. Even as you gain skill, you’ll still need accurate measurement instruments. In cases where a more considerable quantity is being worked with, such as when working with flour, cocoa powder, sugar, etc., measuring cups will come in handy. However, measuring spoons could be even more crucial, as they allow for more precise measures of the smaller quantities.
You’ll need measuring spoons to add ingredients like baking powder and salt. Some of these ingredients go a long way, but too much of them may spoil a dish completely, as any amateur baker can tell you. Therefore, it is crucial to own a good set of measuring spoons.
Types of Measuring Spoon Materials
You should only use a measuring spoon that is appropriate for handling food if you plan on using it frequently with your ingredients. Assuming you get your cooking utensils from a reputable retailer, you can feel certain that the materials used in your measuring spoons are safe for human consumption. To be sure, check with the supplier if you have any doubts. Some typical components of such spoons are listed below.
Plastic Measuring Spoons
When shopping for plastic measuring spoons, look for those that are guaranteed to be BPA-free. Even though raw ingredient measuring spoons seldom come into touch with heat, it’s still important to use caution whenever working with food. It’s vital to be sure since measuring scoops can occasionally scoop cooked items like tahini, melted chocolate, etc. Plastic measuring spoons benefit from being dishwasher safe and coming in a rainbow of colors. Any plastic set should be safe to put in the dishwasher without fear of damaging the plastic or causing dents or scratches.
Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
The best measuring spoons are made of stainless steel. They can be used for everything from scooping peanut butter to slowly adding oil. They have a polished appearance, are long-lasting, and resist soiling and stains. They would look great hanging in your kitchen if you purchased a high-quality set with a lovely gloss. Be aware, though, that this type of material might result in a somewhat more costly set. A stainless steel spoon, for example, may bend if you try to use it to scoop up something as solid as brown sugar.
Wooden Measuring Spoons
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Due to potential issues with cracking and staining, wooden measuring spoons are not particularly popular. Unfortunately, they probably won’t hold up as well as alternative choices. The fact remains, nevertheless, that some people could like these synthetic substitutes to the natural ones. These spoons may survive for years if made from bamboo instead of more common wood. These materials are not recommended because they are still challenging to clean after use.
Ceramic Measuring Spoons
You may also get ceramic measuring spoons, which are both attractive and secure. Spoons made of ceramic require special care. Your spoon can break if you drop it on the floor. Perhaps this feature is best reserved for showpieces rather than actual use in measuring spoons.
Copper Measuring Spoons
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You may have come across some stunning copper measuring spoon sets. However, they are only imitations with copper plating. The copper coating is mostly for aesthetic purposes; most of these sets are really constructed of stainless steel. Extra care may be required with the copper-colored ones, but these will have the same benefits and drawbacks as stainless steel spoons. It’s possible that running them through the dishwasher might destroy their appearance with scratches.
Measuring Spoons Have Different Designs
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Spoons used for measuring are typically circular and connected together by a ring. In order to prevent them from becoming lost, you may wish to keep the spoons in different containers. After they have dried completely, you may keep your measuring spoons snuggled within one another.
Some measuring spoons have curved handles or are designed to rest on both sides, which makes them sturdier when used on counters. There is also the possibility of purchasing a trowel-shaped variant.
Spoons with two measuring surfaces are called “double-sided” or “2-in-1” spoons. Each end of the handle includes a spoon designed for measuring either liquids or dry materials. It’s common for the measurements on both sides of a 2-in-1 spoon to be identical. For the sake of efficiency, we utilize double-sided measuring spoons.
Size and Capacity of Measuring Spoons
The capacity of most spoons is also indicated on the handle, making them ideal for measuring small quantities. Because of this, we can more accurately gauge the amount we remove. However, there is no accepted norm for the sizes or quantities shown. Probably all you’d have to do is look around until you discover a set that employs the most specific numbers you need.
One-eighth, quarter, half, and one teaspoon, as well as one tablespoon, are the most common sizes of measuring spoons. In certain collections, the smallest size may be omitted altogether or renamed “just a pinch.” Two tablespoons, two teaspoons, half a tablespoon, or even 1.5 tablespoons might potentially be listed.
In passing, finding a set that includes a spoon with a 1/3-teaspoon measurement is not simple. Frustratingly, this missing quantity is required for a few different recipes. If you’re in this situation and don’t have a proper measuring spoon on hand, just use a heaping quarter of a teaspoon.
Things to Consider When Buying a Measuring Spoon Set
Check to see whether the spoons can go through the dishwasher without damage. You’ll be using the spoons for dry and liquid materials, so they should be dishwasher-safe and simple to clean. It’s fairly uncommon for plastic measuring spoons to melt or distort in hot water, leading to erroneous results.
Another key issue to remember is getting a set of small measuring spoons if you have containers with small openings. This is a significant cause of aggravation since you cannot delve into small-mouthed containers with big-sized spoons.
Find a set of measuring spoons that can be compactly stored. Some things just don’t belong, taking up unnecessary space in the kitchen. Buy measuring spoons that come with a ring that binds them all together and makes them hangable. A ring to keep the spoons together is also a good feature.
Also, look for spoons with their measurements engraved on them. When you need precisely calculated materials, you don’t want to work with printed measurements that will disappear after a few washes.
Last but not least, it’s essential to stock up on measuring spoons that correspond to the standard you’re used to using. You’ll never finish your baking or cooking on time if you spend most of your time converting ounces to cups, etc.
Once you learn the many types and purposes of measuring spoons, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all the time in the kitchen. Before making a purchase, carefully consider your specific demands and preferences; different measuring spoons have their own advantages and disadvantages. Although it may appear simple to purchase a set of measuring spoons, you should evaluate the quality of the material and the other considerations mentioned above before making a purchase. The decision to purchase measuring spoons should not be made lightly.