Measuring Tools

And Mixing Bowls
Important For Consistent Quality

Measuring Tools and Mixing Bowls are "unsung heros" in the kitchen.

Ever taste food with too much salt or soda or cayenne pepper? That makes the point.

Measuring carefully and mixing properly involves three things: reading carefully, knowing measuring and mixing techniques and having the proper tools to perform.

This information is provided to help ensure that your ingredients are measured properly and mixed as required.

Basic Measuring Tools

Actually there are a number of kinds of kitchen measuring utensils, but the basic or most common ones used are listed below with brief descriptions.

Measuring Spoons

You need at least four: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. Most "sets" have at least these.

Some sets, and I recommend them, also have 1/8 teasoon, 3/4 teaspoon and 1/2 tablespoon. If you can't find such a set, then supplement the basic set with a separate odd size set.

There are also "adjustable" measuring spoons available. They have a sliding bar with a "brake" to control the measurement. Some people I know have them and like them. I prefer the standard spoons, but I also like the narrow-shaped "spoons"
for accessing spice bottles. For me, the adjustable
spoons are more difficult to use when I'm in a hurry.

And because measuring spoons (regardless of material) are fairly inexpensive, I recommend you have two sets. You probably know the reason. I use one set for dry ingredients and the other for liquid ingredients while I'm cooking because I do not like to wash and dry them every time between measuring different ingredients.

What material is best? You have several choices: aluminum, plastic, stainless steel, copper and chrome-plated steel. Any of these are fine; they all work.

I prefer stainless steel. Aluminum is too light weight. It bends and discolors. Plastic will not last as long as stainless steel. It can be scratched and bent. Copper and chrome-plated steel are beautiful but more money. I'll stick with stainless.

Dry Measuring Cups

What has been said about measuring spoons holds true for dry measuring cups.

You need at least four: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup measures. Some sets may also include 1/8 cup, 2/3 cup and/or 3/4 cup.

Again, adjustable measuring cups are also available.

Liquid Measuring Cups and Pitchers

These measuring tools are usually made of either metal, glass or clear plastic with a pouring spout and a handle.

The plastic ones are very good. There are "angled" plastic measuring cups on the market that are designed to make it easier to view the amount of liquid in the container, from the side or the top. They work well. I use the angled ones.

Kitchen Scales

Measuring the weight of ingredients is even more accurate than measuring by volume. A good balance scale is something you might want to consider.

I use a scale at the restaurant and at home. There are manual and digital models on the market if you want to explore this measuring tool further.

Portioning Scoops

I use these as measuring tools at the restaurant and at home. These scoops are important measuring tools for strict portion control.

Mixing Bowls

Your choices are again plastic, glass or metal (stainless steel). I simply do not like using the plastic bowls for the same reasons I mentioned above. Glass and stainless steel are equally excellent. I let my grand daughter help me mix ingredients with a stainless steel bowl. You understand. :-)

You should have at least a 1-quart, 1-1/2-quart, 2-1/2-quart, and 4-quart mixing bowl.

Are you in need of several of these measuring tools? You may want to purchase a "set" such as the Pyrex set pictured here. You could save yourself some money by purchasing a set instead of several individual pieces.

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