The snag with measuring liquid in these has to do with science. Dry measuring cups are the individual sets you’ve likely used to scoop flour or measure sugar. Though they may seem interchangeable, dry and liquid measuring cups are different. Though, if you know you’ll use one size way more often than the others, it might be more annoying to unstack the set each time if the others aren’t as useful to you. Stackable sets are more compact and more accessible to keep together.

If you're short on drawer or counter space, consider a nesting set or a large cup that can be used to store other items. Both can break, crack, and chip over time, so look for borosilicate or tempered glass, and when shopping for plastic, material that feels thin and flimsy usually doesn’t last as long. Plastic and glass are the most common, and both are durable but have inherent drawbacks. Alayna Sowder, head baker and owner of The Goodie Box in Yakima, Washington, loves her OXO cups, saying, “In my experience, it’s worth the extra few bucks to buy the Oxo brand since it will hold up over time.” No one wants to buy equipment that will break after a few uses. When shopping for liquid measuring cups, you want to find the best quality material to ensure longevity. Depending on what types of recipes you cook, larger or smaller measurements are more useful. Many recipes call for cups when measuring liquid, but smaller volumes or more precise amounts are often listed in ounces or milliliters. Liquid measuring cups are usually labeled in cups, ounces, milliliters, or some combination. If you’re often doubling recipes or cooking for a big family, larger-sized cups are better, especially considering their versatility. Smaller cups with smaller measurements are best for bakers who tend to measure teaspoons or tablespoons. What measuring cup size you need depends on your usual cooking style.

They are also not usually as well equipped to handle higher temperatures, like those in the microwave. Plastic can withstand a tumble from the counter but can chip easily or have handles break off. Still, it usually has a higher heat capacity and can handle more dings without chipping. Glass has the potential to shatter when dropped. Each material has pros and cons, so which is a higher priority depending on your needs. Most liquid measuring cups are made of glass or plastic, so it’s easy to see what’s inside. The OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set is perfect for the cook looking to cover all their bases with a set this one can even handle small liquid measurements. A jack of all trades, the Pyrex Measuring 4-Cup is our favorite liquid measuring cup because it’s incredibly versatile and can easily fit into any home cook’s arsenal.

Measuring glass