The Right Measuring Tools
Using the right measuring tools for the job is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.
To measure wet and dry ingredients accurately, you'll need a set of dry measuring cups, liquid measuring cups, and at least one set of measuring spoons. We also highly recommend a digital scale, a kitchen timer, and kitchen ruler. Here’s a review of when to use these tools and why they’re so essential.
Dry Measuring Cups
These straight-sided cups typically have flat tops that make leveling dry ingredients easy. Dry ingredients like flour and sugar should always be measured in dry measuring cups; in a wet measuring cup, it is impossible to level the surface of the contents to obtain an exact measurement.
Liquid Measuring Cups
These cups are designed to make pouring easy and measuring liquids accurate and mess free.
Measuring Spoons
Simply eyeballing an amount won’t cut it—especially when you’re baking. These spoons are vital for measuring everything from granular ingredients like salt, pepper, and spices to lemon juice and water.
Kitchen Ruler
One often overlooked but useful tool is the kitchen ruler. We think it is indispensable, and we reach for it constantly—whether we are cutting up beef for a stew, prepping vegetables, or making pastry.
Digital Scale
When you’re baking, weighing your ingredients is the most accurate method possible. Once you buy a scale, however, you’ll find it useful in many other applications—from portioning out specific amounts of ground meat to figuring out how many apples or potatoes you need if you’ve bought a 5-pound bag. Given the choice between electronic and mechanical kitchen scales, we’ll take electronic any day for their easy readability and incredible precision.
Kitchen Timer
Precise timing is key for successful cooking.
