When you’re in the kitchen, it’s usually important to measure all kinds of ingredients for various recipes. We look up these recipes for a reason; the instructions and the amounts that go into them create the best taste possible so that you don’t waste your time or effort.
Even seasoned cooks and chefs need to make use of measuring cups and spoons most of the time. It’s only logical that regular folks would also need to do the same. Of course, choosing the perfect set of measuring tools is a challenge in itself. There are so many kinds out there–angled, straight, plastic, copper-plated, stainless steel, and even glass cups are available now. Among the materials that are best for measuring, however, stainless steel and copper cups seem to be two of the most popular choices.
When we check out such measuring cups online, they both seem to be beautiful and practical materials for regular measuring out ingredients. In fact, most ‘copper’ measuring cups are mostly made of stainless steel. A copper finish for copper plating gives them that gorgeous look, but there are still factors to consider before we make a final decision. Let’s have a look at both these types in detail and see which one is better for our individual needs:
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
There are several types of stainless steel measuring cup sets out there, so you can pick and choose according to your needs and preferences. The variety is quite a bit more than copper options, while you’d also find it easier to locate stainless steel cups in brick-and-mortar stores. This might be a factor in favor of the steel options, especially if you want a new set right away.
Stainless steel itself is a highly durable material and doesn’t react much with most ingredients as well. This makes it a relatively safe option for measuring all you need. You can even use these to measure hot ingredients, such as brewed black coffee, melted chocolate, fresh tahini, etc.
If you pick a high-quality stainless steel set, it will probably be nice and shiny. As long as you keep it that way, this set could be a valuable addition to your kitchen decor as well. There might even be no need to stow them away in a drawer; hang them up for an eye-catching and convenient storage solution. However, this only works as long as the cups are maintained and if you like a silver decoration piece in the kitchen. Silver gives off a somewhat cold tone, so make sure that’s what you want in that particular room.
With stainless steel or any other metal, the measurements of each cup and spoon are usually engraved into their handles. These etchings are there for good; they won’t fade or wash away with time and regular use. While this factor does make stainless steel measuring cups better than plastic ones, copper measuring cups usually have the same etching. However, the plating or finish for the copper cups might wear away quite easily, making the measurements harder to read.
Of course, there are also several downsides to using stainless steel measuring cups in your kitchen. First off, they’re a bit challenging to maintain. If you want to keep them shiny, proper care and even an occasional polish are in your near future. You’d also have to wash such cups by hand most of the time, though there are some dishwasher-safe options.
It also seems as if stainless spoon measuring cups are quite versatile. In addition to having dishwasher-safe models, we can also find some with silicone handles. These add a pop of color to our tools and might even encourage children to try cooking or baking. If you’re looking for measuring cups or spoons for children who are learning to cook, this might be one of the best options.
Copper Measuring Cups
Measuring cups made of copper are also superior to those made of other materials. They’re especially good for those who don’t want corrosion or rust in their kitchen tools.
If you’re on the lookout for measuring cups that will also add a touch of warmth to your kitchen, copper ones are a great choice. They act as a piece of decor along with being a practical kitchen tool, so you get double the value for your money.
With copper or copper plating, you also get less reaction from ingredients. This is important, as we might sometimes have to use ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and other substances that cause a reaction with certain substances. When we have non-reactive copper measuring cups on hand, it’s fairly easy and risk-free to measure a large range of items.
Copper is also a very stylish choice when it comes to any kitchen tool. If you already have copper pots, pans, or spoons, getting copper measuring cups will help to complete the look of your kitchen.
If you look at the copper options available now, they might seem a bit pricey. This might not be so bad, though, as copper is a very durable material. Those cups will be a quality investment that might even pay for itself after a few years. Plus, those pretty cups might even motivate you to start baking or cooking in the first place.
If you’re active on Instagram or any other social media platform, copper measuring cups will look awesome in pictures! Try taking a snap of your ingredients in a high-quality, shiny copper set and see how many likes you get.
When you do choose copper measuring cups, though, make sure they come with certain convenient features such as insulated handles, easy storage, etc. Getting a copper measuring cup set with silicone handles might give a more comfortable experience, but the silicone will more easily wear away with time. Taking these considerations into account will help you decide whether to go for a copper option or not. A heavy-duty copper set will also solve most of your problems, but they could be out of one’s budget.
You’d also have to watch out for the downside of getting copper measuring cups, though. If the copper is just a thin finish or plating, you’d have to take extra care to avoid wear and tear. Most of these cups are for washing by hand only; a single accident cycle in the dishwasher could scratch the polish and make the cups dull. Plus, you’d have to make sure the sponges and detergents used for washing these cups are gentle and non-abrasive. A passionate cook and baker might even enjoy taking care of these tools, but you might want to avoid them if you’re already too busy and stressed out in the kitchen.
Conclusion
If you want perfect meals or baked goods every time you’re in the kitchen, investing in a quality set of measuring cups and spoons is a must. Having these will ensure that you can follow recipes online or by the book. Plus, you can also create your own recipes more easily when using measuring cups becomes a habit.
At the end of the day, however, both stainless steel and copper measuring cups are great choices for your cooking and baking. Both have a beautiful appearance and will last a long time if you maintain them properly. After the discussion above, it seems like choosing between the two types of measuring cups is just a matter of preference.