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There are dry measuring cups (the kind you use for sugar, flour, and grains) and liquid measuring cups (for things like water, buttermilk, and oil). By now, both have probably earned their place in your kitchen, making for savory and sweet success. (If you’re looking for new dry or liquid measuring cups, here are some great ones.)
What we really want to talk about, however, are adjustable measuring cups. Since this is the third type of measuring cup, you should make room in your kitchen.
To be honest, I put adjustable measuring cups in the “probably unnecessary” category. When I started at America’s Test Kitchen, I noticed that test chefs used adjustable measuring cups when developing recipes. So I bought one. And now I use it all the time.
An adjustable measuring cup can be rotated and adjusted to different volume markings. To dispense the ingredient, simply turn the cup over and press the cup’s plunger. While adjustable measuring cups work for both dry and wet ingredients, I mainly use them for things that are sticky or sticky and therefore more difficult to scrape out of a regular measuring cup – I’m talking about molasses, honey, maple syrup, tahini, peanut butter, Corn syrup, mayonnaise and sour cream.
Which one should you get The best adjustable measuring cup is the KitchenArt Pro 2-Cup Adjust-A-Cup. It can measure any amount from 1/8 of a cup up to 2 cups. Its plunger slides smoothly, squeezing almost every ingredient out (if there’s anything left in the chamber, I use a small spatula to easily get it out). The cup has a wide base that keeps it stable and upright when filled, and its markings won’t fade even after many, many trips through the dishwasher. Occasionally the piston needs lubrication to ensure that it is still working smoothly. (Just dab on a little neutral oil like vegetables, grapeseed oil, or canola.) However, this is a minor problem compared to the usefulness of the measuring cup.
I think this size is the most versatile version, but the 1-cup version is also helpful for measuring smaller amounts like tablespoons.
Do you have an adjustable measuring cup that you like? Tell us about it in the comments!