Do You Need A Flexible Measuring Cup In Your Kitchen?

It's likely you have a measuring cup in your kitchen, in fact, your kitchen drawers are probably packed with several different kinds. There are the standard nesting cups, made of plastic or metal, measuring spoons, either on a jangling ring or separate, and the heatproof glass measuring cups in many sizes that are used for liquids. You might think you have all the measuring cups you will ever need. But you may be wrong.

Recent advances in kitchen equipment and bakeware have included silicone baking pans, which are flexible and let you remove cakes and other baked goods easily. Silicone is not only flexible, but it also protects your hands from the heat of the baked product, another bonus. You can also find silicone mixing bowls, ice cube trays, and even rolling pins, according to Iowa State Extension.

And here's something new — flexible silicone measuring cups. Why on earth would you want a flexible measuring cup? What advantages does this type of kitchen utensil have over standard equipment? There are a few reasons why you need this tool in your kitchen.

There are several brands of flexible measuring cups on the market, including OXO and Norpro. But what makes them so special?

First of all, these cups have an advantage when measuring liquids. You can squeeze them when you pour, making a tiny spout that means you will no longer spill the liquid down your arm or miss the bowl completely. They are also heat resistant up to 490 degrees Fahrenheit and they don't get hot when you heat liquids in the microwave oven, which means you won't burn your hand. The cups are easy to hold and have a nice grip according to Food & Wine, providing stability. You can use them to measure wet or dry ingredients. The cups come in all sizes, ranging from two ounces to four cups. They won't break no matter how many times you drop them. And they are dishwasher safe so cleanup is a breeze.

You can see exactly how they work with this video from Sur la Table.

There are quite a few options to choose from when looking for flexible silicone measuring cups. Look for good ratings from the place where you buy them. The best cups have clear markings on the sides so you can measure accurately. And many of these sets nest, which is a plus when it comes to storage. 

And while we are talking about measuring cups, it may be time to brush up on how to measure. Different ingredients are measured in different ways. For instance, did you know that you should spoon flour into a measuring cup and level off the top for best results? Or that brown sugar should be packed into a cup for an accurate measurement? Liquids should be measured by bending down to the mark you are aiming for so it is at eye level.

Now with these new flexible measuring cups and this information, you are about to become a baking powerhouse. Get into the kitchen with these fabulous recipes!