How to choose ... measuring cups
When it comes to accurately measuring ingredients, scales (preferably electronic) are better than measuring cups. But here's a guide for cooks who refuse to make the transition to weighing ingredients.
What are they? Measuring cups are used to measure ingredients by volume rather than weight. There are cups specifically for liquid and dry ingredients.
What are the advantages? American and many older cookbooks deal in cups and spoons rather than weights. Measuring spoons are also useful for amounts that are too light to be weighed (one teaspoon of yeast or dried herbs, for instance). If possible, buy spoons that are narrow enough to fit into smaller containers, such as a spice jar.
And the disadvantages? Accuracy. For example, a cup of flour can weigh between 120 grams and 150 grams depending on how it's measured, which can can make a difference when baking.
What to look for? Measuring cups for dry ingredients should be metal with smooth edges so the ingredients can be easily levelled off with a knife. It saves room in the cabinet if the cups can be stacked. Liquid measuring cups should have gradations marked in metric and imperial units, be made from clear plastic or shatterproof glass and have a spout for pouring.