The Best Ounce Measuring Cup: A Buyer's Guide
With the plethora of ounce measuring cups available today, it can be difficult to find one, or a set, that perfectly fits your requirements and your kitchen. That’s why we’ve created this buying guide.
What To Consider When Shopping For the Best Ounce Measuring Cups
We want to help you find the best-ounce measuring cup that will match what you need. Read on to learn all about ounce measuring cups and the features you should consider before purchasing one.
What is an Ounce Cup?
Ounces is a measurement unit of both weight and volume. Generally, people use ounces for measuring weight and fluid ounces for measuring volume (liquids). Although they may sound the same, they are not interchangeable.
When measuring an ounce, bakers should use dry measuring cups. And, for fluid ounces, using an ounce measuring cup is appropriate.
An ounce cup refers to the jug-like measuring cup with readings printed in ounces. It is deep and cylindrical with a spout. You can use it to measure and pour liquids.
How Do You Measure Ounces?
Measuring ounces is a pretty simple process. First, you must have a high-quality measuring cup ready to use. It should have readings printed in ounces. Then, put the measuring cup on a flat, stable, and even surface.
Do not hold it in your hands nor put it on a mat. An ideal surface would be the kitchen countertop or the dining table. Now, pour the ingredients you wish to measure into the cup. Wait for the movement to settle down in the cup since it’s a liquid.
Squat down to the measuring cup level. Make sure your eyes are in alignment with the ingredients. Take the readings of the lower bottom of the meniscus and note them down.
Qualities To Keep In Mind When Buying an Ounce Measuring Cup
Finding an ounce measuring cup is no walk in the park. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of products available on the market. And the claims of being the best only make the process further confusing.
If you’re a passionate baker, we recommend you understand what makes a good measuring cup before setting out to purchase. There are particular factors worth considering, which are stated below. Design
An ergonomically designed ounce measuring cup can make usage quite convenient and simple. Here are the design features that make the cup ergonomic.
Weight
A lightweight measuring cup puts less strain on the hands. It prevents fatigue and muscle pain during intensive baking sessions.
Spout
The spout is the little raised corner on the rim that directs the liquid outside. It should have an angled and wider design for easy pouring. There’s nothing worse than spilling your carefully measured liquid.
Handle
Most measuring cups come with straight handles. However, it’s best to opt for slightly curved or grooved handles that provide a non-slip grip. Also, choose a broader and thicker handle for improved control.
Size
Ounce measuring cups are available in multiple sizes. These include eight ounces, 12 ounces, 20 ounces, 32 ounces, and more. You need to consider your requirements for selecting the perfect one. Note that the price of measuring cups increases with size and capacity.
However, an intelligent and cost-effective approach is to purchase measuring cup sets. These sets come in different sizes and relatively lower price tags.
Material
Ideally, you would want an ounce measuring cup that is thick and sturdy. But, to ensure it, you need to evaluate the materials used in the composition. Typically, manufacturers use two materials in measuring cups, including glass and plastic.
- Glass:Glass measuring cups have good resistance against heat, pressure, and chemicals. However, they have limits and may shatter upon mishandling. Besides, these cups appear quite attractive. You can also see through them clearly as glass doesn’t develop scratches easily. Plus, glass is an eco-friendly option.
- Plastic: High-quality plastic measuring cups will stay in one piece practically forever. These cups are durable, though they may or may not tolerate heat. Something to note is that plastic develops scratches and isn’t eco-friendly at all.
Readings
The measuring cups always come with different scales. In an ounce measuring cup, you will find readings in four different units apart from ounces. These include milliliters, liters, cups, and pints. Some cups may feature all four readings, while some may feature only two or three.
You need to select the cup depending on the measurements you use frequently. Also, the readings should be permanent and easy to read.
Storage
When purchasing measuring cup sets, it’s important to consider the ease of storage. Look for measuring cups that nest into each other. You certainly won’t want to lose the cups amongst the bulks of baking tools.
Apart from this, look for additional features that can make storage simple. For example, some measuring cups may come with lids so that you can cover the contents of the cup and store it safely.
Maintenance
Measuring cups are in constant use, especially by home bakers with online businesses. And so, they should be dishwasher-friendly for quick maintenance. It would save you loads of time and energy spent on manual handwashing.
Brands
The brand of the measuring cup not only determines the product quality. But, it also affects the buyer experience. Here are some of the leading brands for ounce measuring cups.
- Pyrex: Established in 1915, Pyrex is one of the oldest manufacturers in the industry. You can expect all their products to be premium in all aspects.
- OXO: As anaward-winning kitchen equipment manufacturer based in America, OXO specializes in baking and cooking utensils. However, you may also find cleaning and organization equipment.
- Progressive International Prepworks: The parent company ofseveral reputable kitchen brands, PIP manufacturers ounce measuring cups from brands likeprep works, Prokeeper+, snaplock, and prep solutions.
Tips for Buying Ounce Measuring Cups
Usually, choosing a reliable manufacturer can resolve a lot of buyer-related issues. However, there are a few more tips to ensure a safe and secure purchase.
Do not fall for the images
The product images can be misleading at times. You should not assume the size and features of the measuring cup based on images. Instead, go through the description and manufacturer-provided details thoroughly.
Always check the reviews
The manufacturer is in the market to sell. And so, you should never purchase the company’s claims only. Read the customer feedback to find the pros and cons. Also, check the ratings received by the product.
Look for warranties and guarantees
It doesn’t matter whether the product costs a dollar or thousands of dollars. You should always opt for measuring cups with some warranty and guarantee. A reliable company stands by its product and claims will always provide a warranty.
