The Basics: Understanding Measuring Glass and Measuring Cup
Measuring instruments are an essential part of baking and cooking. They help to ensure that the ingredients are accurately measured in the right quantities. Two of the most commonly used measuring instruments are the measuring glass and measuring cup. While they both measure the same, there are slight differences between them.
Measuring Cup: A Better Way to Measure Dry Ingredients
A measuring cup is a container used for measuring dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices. They are available in different sizes and are usually made of plastic or metal. Measuring cups typically have a pouring spout to facilitate easy pouring of the measured ingredients. The measuring cups are labeled with standard measurements, including cups, ounces, and milliliters.
Most measuring cups have a flat bottom that allows the cup to sit on the counter without spilling. Measuring cups are designed to measure the exact amount of dry ingredients required for a specific recipe. They are a better choice for measuring dry ingredients compared to a measuring glass because the ingredients can be leveled off with a knife or spatula, resulting in more accurate measurements.
Measuring Glass: For Measuring Liquids Accurately
A measuring glass, also known as a liquid measuring cup, is used for measuring liquid ingredients like milk, water, and oil. These measuring instruments are typically made of glass or plastic and are calibrated in ounces, milliliters, and cups. They have a spout to help pour the liquid without spilling, allowing for precise measurements.
Unlike a measuring cup, measuring glass has a tapered shape. They are usually graduated from the bottom to the top, marked with a different measurement line at each level. To measure the liquid accurately, the measuring glass should be placed on a flat surface, and the liquid should be brought up to the desired measurement line eye level.
The Difference Between Measuring Glass and Measuring Cup
The primary difference between a measuring glass and a measuring cup is the ingredients they measure. A measuring cup is designed for dry ingredients, whereas the measuring glass is used for measuring liquids. Both are calibrated differently to accommodate different ingredients and measurements.
Their shape is another difference. Measuring cups usually have a flat bottom and straight sides while measuring glass has a tapered shape. They are usually graduated with different measurement markers marked on the side of the glass, making it easier to measure the liquid accurately.
When to Use a Measuring Glass vs. a Measuring Cup
In baking and cooking, it’s essential to use the right measuring instrument to achieve accurate measurements. As a rule of thumb, a Measuring cup is best suited for measuring dry ingredients, whereas a measuring glass is ideal for liquid ingredients. When measuring dry ingredients, it’s best to use a spoon to fill the measuring cup and then level off the top with a knife or spatula. When using a measuring glass, make sure to fill it to the appropriate measurement line and read the measurement at eye level for accuracy.
