A Cup by Any Other Name
Bakers & cooks across the globe use standard sources of measurements. Whether you cook using cups or milliliters, we all depend on our measuring tools to be precise, but when is a cup not a cup?
Dry vs Wet Measuring
Growing up, my mom always told me to only use wet measuring tools for liquid and dry measuring tools for dry goods, but is there really a difference? Why would a liquid measure be different than a dry one? Isn’t 1 cup always 1 cup? Not necessarily.
In A Pinch
I’m a certified Wilton Cake Instructor. I used to teach the cake decorating classes at our local Michael’s store. Each class I needed to bring my own supplies and tools every time I taught a class. I didn’t mind because this ensured that my tools were always clean and available……well, almost always.
One time, I had washed my measuring cups and forgot to repack them in my class bag. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice until I was already setting up at the store. Luckily for me Michael’s carried measuring cups in their cake decorating section. I quickly ran out and bought a set. The sleek design looked great and there weren’t any corners for food to get caught it, but it wasn’t until my icing turned out too thick that I looked at them closely and realized what had happened. These new measuring cups were slightly larger than my standard set. Since I was using my standard measuring spoons, the ratio of dry to wet was off and I needed to add more water to the recipe to correct it. This got me wondering, aren’t all measuring cups the same measurement?
Unpacking the Stash
I had forgotten completely about it until just last month when we moved. I was unpacking my kitchen tools and came across 4 different sets of measuring ups and 4 different sets of measuring spoons (I have a slight obsession with kitchen tools). This needed to be figured out quickly. My kids would protest if my Pumpkin Bread didn’t taste the same. I decided to put them to the test.
My Test Kitchen
I began by laying out the different measuring cup sets. I have a great cross section of sets; standard metal, plastic Tupperware both traditional and new design, and melamine Cake Boss sets.
Next, I needed to decide what to use for the test; flour is too soft and fluffy, and brown sugar while visually easy to see against the white cups, needs to be packed so it wouldn’t work well for this test since I couldn’t ensure I’d use the exact same pressure each time. I decided to use standard white sugar. The granules are large enough to see and it pours easily.
I began with my standard metal measuring cup set. I’ve had these the longest (they were my mom’s) and I use them the most. I measured the sugar in my 1 cup measuring cup and leveled it out with a knife. This is what I would consider a true 1 cup of sugar.
Traditional Tupperware
Next, I carefully poured the sugar into my 1 cup traditional Tupperware measuring cup. I assumed it would be the same size as my metal cups. I was totally wrong! The traditional Tupperware measuring cups were slightly smaller. There was actually 1 full teaspoon of sugar left over. After measuring the remnant sugar, I poured all the sugar back into my metal cup to ensure it was still the same before moving on.
New Tupperware
The next set I tested was the newer Tupperware set. I again poured the sugar from my metal measuring cup into the 1 cup new Tupperware measuring cup. I again assumed it would be the same size as my metal cup. Once again, I was wrong! Both Tupperware sets were identical in size though as they both had 1 full teaspoon of sugar left over. I again poured all the sugar back into my metal cup to reset my control measurement.
Cake Boss
Finally, I tested the Cake Boss set, repeating the exact same test as the previous two sets. This set I assumed would be larger than my metal set. This time I was correct. I had to add ½ Tablespoon of sugar to the Cake Boss set to level it out and make a full cup according to its measurement. I once again poured all the sugar back into my metal cup to reset it.
Great-Grandma’s Vintage Tin
There was one more dry measuring cup I wanted to test. I have a single, 1 cup tin measuring cup that was my great-grandmothers. My mom always used it as a scoop for the sugar container. She passed it to me and I have used it in the same manner. Would this older measuring cup be the same as my metal set? Assuming it would, I pulled it out of the sugar container and tested it out the same way I had the previous sets. I was completely shocked! The vintage tin measuring cup was much smaller than my standard metal cup. I measured the remnant sugar and found it was 1 full Tablespoon and 1 full Teaspoon smaller than my standard metal cup! Wow! I reset the control cup one more time.
Have measurements changed over time? I assume the volume size would actually depend on what the manufacture is using for their measurement. My husband reminded me that the inconsistency of measuring cups is exactly why professional chefs and bakers use weight instead of volume when they cook.
Liquid Measure
So, what about the liquid measure? Is there really a difference? With a little research I found that there is not a difference in the volume amount of 1 dry up vs 1 liquid up. The difference lies in the design. Liquid measuring cup are tapered since liquid ingredients can level themselves, and usually have a spout to allow for easy pouring. Other than that, there’s no difference in the outcome.
I looked in my cupboard and found a few different options for the liquid measure also; a standard, glass, Pyrex 1 cup, a plastic 2 cup Tupperware, a plastic 2 cup Pampered Chef Measure All, and a 2 cup Tupperware Quick Shake. Let’s see how these cups Measured Up!
First up, the glass, Pyrex measuring cup. I repeated the same test I had done with the dry measuring cups. My guess would be this one would be the equal to my standard metal measuring cup. I was correct. It measured exactly perfect with the 1 cup standard metal measuring cup.
Tupperware Measuring Cup
Next, I tested the plastic Tupperware measuring cup repeating the same steps as before including resetting my control cup. I again assumed this one would be the same as my standard metal measuring cup. I was incorrect. There was almost ½ Tablespoon of residual sugar left over.
Tupperware Quick Shake
The Tupperware Quick Shake was up next. Again, following the same steps and reset as before. This one I wasn’t sure of. I had used it in a pinch, but it always seemed to be a lot more than 1 cup. I was incorrect. The Quick Shake is smaller. It just visually appears to be larger, but once again, the two Tupperware products were consistent with each other. The Quick Shake was also almost ½ Tablespoon of sugar smaller than the standard metal cup.
Pampered Chef Measure All
Lastly, I tested the Pampered Chef Measure All with the same steps again. I thought it would be equal to the standard metal measuring cup because I have used it before when I needed one. Upon testing it, I found I was correct. The Pampered Chef Measure All measured the same as my standard metal measuring cup.
The Choice is Yours
It’s interesting to me that the variance seemed to be consistent by manufacturer. It would be reasonable to think if you purchase your dry, liquid, and possibly measuring spoons all from a single manufacturer, they would be consistent in their measurements throughout the line and you would end up with a good quality, consistent end product.
For me, I personally chose to stay with the standard metal measuring cups. I have more than one set and the measurement is consistent with my liquid measuring cup. The other cups I will use in the garden or for crafting scoops.
What about your measuring cups? Do you have more than one set? This little kitchen experiment is one that can easily be done by your now homeschooled, quarantine kiddos! Bust out those cups and give it a try!