Choosing a measuring cup comes down to how you cook, what you measure, and how you like to read the markings. A glass set offers heat-friendly versatility, while an angled cup can make checking measurements easier without lifting it to eye level. These five options include both styles, plus plastic and adjustable designs for different kitchen needs.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrex Essentials Glass Measuring Cups Set | Glass set | 1 and 2 cups | Cooking, baking, and heating |
| OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Cup | Angled plastic cup | 2 cups | Reading measurements from above |
| DTDNZKN 2-Pack Measuring Cup Set | Plastic set | 1 and 2 cups | Everyday measuring in two sizes |
| Esie Houzie Plastic Measuring Cups Set | Plastic set | 1½, 1¾, and 2 cups | Measuring larger amounts |
| KitchenArt Tri Adjust-A-Cup Set | Adjustable set | Up to 1 and 2 cups | Measuring varied ingredient amounts |
Our Picks: Best 1 2 Cup Measuring Cup reviews
1. Pyrex Essentials Glass Set: Best All-Around Pick
This two-piece set gives you both a 1-cup and a 2-cup glass measuring cup. The markings include cups, ounces, and milliliters, so you can check common quantities without relying on a single unit. Each cup has a curved spout and an easy-grip handle for pouring and carrying.
The nonporous glass is described as BPA-free and non-toxic, and it is designed not to absorb food odors, flavors, or stains. The tempered glass can be used in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and preheated oven, making this set useful for more than measuring alone. For example, the product description notes that you can use a cup to melt butter in the microwave.
Glass is a practical choice if you want a cup that can go from measuring to heating, but it is less forgiving if dropped than a plastic model. This set is also a better fit for people who want two dedicated sizes than for anyone trying to save storage space with one adjustable tool.
Pros:
- Includes separate 1-cup and 2-cup sizes
- Markings show cups, ounces, and milliliters
- Microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and preheated-oven safe
- Curved spouts support controlled pouring
Cons:
- Glass can break if dropped or handled roughly
- Two separate cups take more storage space than one adjustable cup
Verdict: Choose the Pyrex set if you want two versatile glass cups for measuring, pouring, and heating ingredients.
2. OXO Good Grips Angled Cup: Easiest to Read from Above
The OXO Good Grips is a 2-cup measuring cup with angled interior markings. The sloped surface is designed to let you read the measurement from above, so you do not need to bend down to check the side or lift the cup to eye level. That design can be especially handy when you are measuring over a counter or mixing bowl.
Its markings include standard and metric measurements. The cup is made from BPA-free, food-safe Tritan Renew, which uses certified recycled content through a mass-balance allocation process. A soft, non-slip handle provides a comfortable grip while you pour.
This model stands out for the way it displays measurements rather than for having multiple capacities. It has a 2-cup capacity, so it does not replace a separate 1-cup measure if you use both sizes often. The product information does not specify whether it is safe for a microwave, dishwasher, or oven, so check the care instructions before using it in those ways.
Pros:
- Angled markings are designed to be read from above
- Shows standard and metric measurements
- Soft, non-slip handle
- Made from BPA-free Tritan Renew with certified recycled content
Cons:
- Only one 2-cup size is included
- Heating and cleaning methods are not specified in the supplied product details
Verdict: Pick the OXO if quick, at-a-glance measuring is more important to you than having separate 1-cup and 2-cup vessels.
3. DTDNZKN Two-Cup Set: A Simple Plastic Pair
This set includes two transparent plastic measuring cups: a 250 ml cup listed as 1 cup and a 500 ml cup listed as 2 cups. Their markings show cups, milliliters, and ounces. Each cup has a spout and a comfortable-grip handle, which helps when transferring measured ingredients to a bowl or pan.
The manufacturer describes the material as BPA-free, non-toxic, and resistant to cracking, wear, and impacts. It also gives a temperature range of 0–80°C (0–176°F), so this set is intended for cold ingredients and some warm liquids, but it is not suited to very hot contents. Handwashing is recommended to help protect the printed measuring scale.
Compared with the Pyrex set, this pair trades heat tolerance and oven use for a lighter plastic design. It may suit everyday measuring when you want both sizes in one package, provided the temperature limit and handwashing care work for your routine.
Pros:
- Includes 1-cup and 2-cup capacities
- Markings show cups, milliliters, and ounces
- Spouts and easy-grip handles support pouring
- Lightweight plastic construction is described as impact resistant
Cons:
- Temperature limit is 176°F
- Handwashing is recommended to preserve the markings
Verdict: Consider this set if you want two everyday plastic measures and do not need to use them with very hot liquids.
4. Esie Houzie Three-Cup Set: Handy for Larger Measures
Instead of including a 1-cup measure, this three-piece set focuses on larger quantities: 1½, 1¾, and 2 cups. The cups are made from thickened polypropylene and have measurement marks in standard and metric units engraved in the handles. The set is designed for measuring larger volumes without repeatedly filling a smaller cup.
Each cup has a flat bottom and a long handle. They can nest for storage or hang from the included plastic locking ring. The product information lists a temperature range from -22°F to 284°F and says the cups are microwave and dishwasher safe. That makes them more flexible for heating and cleaning than the DTDNZKN plastic set, though they do not include a 1-cup size.
This is a specialized choice for recipes that call for larger amounts or for cooks who often measure between 1½ and 2 cups. If you mainly need a standard 1-cup and 2-cup pair, the Pyrex or DTDNZKN set is a closer match.
Pros:
- Three larger capacities: 1½, 1¾, and 2 cups
- Engraved standard and metric markings
- Microwave and dishwasher safe according to the product details
- Nesting design and locking ring support compact storage
Cons:
- Does not include a 1-cup measure
- Random colors may not suit shoppers looking for a specific color
Verdict: Choose this set when your priority is having several large measuring sizes, rather than a traditional 1-cup and 2-cup pair.
5. KitchenArt Tri Adjust-A-Cup: Most Flexible for Different Amounts
The KitchenArt set includes adjustable 1-cup and 2-cup measures. A plunger moves to the amount you need, with the smaller cup measuring from ⅛ to 1 cup and the larger from ⅛ to 2 cups. The outer sheath has pint, cup, ounce, and milliliter markings, and the cups are designed for liquids, dry ingredients, and semi-solid foods.
The adjustable format can reduce the need to reach for several different measuring cups, which may be useful in a small kitchen or when following recipes with varied quantities. Its construction uses food-grade ABS and SAN plastic with silicone. It is hand-wash only, so cleaning takes more care than a dishwasher-safe option.
There is an important technique to follow: set the measurement before adding liquid. The product instructions warn that changing the slider while the cup contains liquid may cause leaking. This extra step makes the KitchenArt less straightforward than a fixed cup, but its range of measurements is the main advantage.
Pros:
- Adjustable 1-cup and 2-cup tools cover a range of smaller measures
- Designed for liquids, dry ingredients, and semi-solid ingredients
- Markings include pints, cups, ounces, and milliliters
- Can save space compared with keeping several fixed-size cups
Cons:
- Must be hand-washed
- Adjusting the slider while filled with liquid may cause leaks
Verdict: Choose the KitchenArt set if measuring flexibility and storage space matter more to you than the simplicity of fixed-size cups.
How to Choose a 1-Cup or 2-Cup Measuring Cup
Choose the right capacity for your recipes
If your recipes often call for both 1 cup and 2 cups, a set with two fixed sizes can save you from measuring the same ingredient in several batches. A single 2-cup cup is useful for larger amounts, while an adjustable model can cover smaller increments as well. Check the listed capacity and measurement range, especially if you often cook with quantities above 1 cup.
Consider the material and temperature limits
Glass is a strong choice when you want a cup that can also go in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, or preheated oven, as with the Pyrex set. Plastic cups are lighter, but their heat limits vary. The DTDNZKN set lists a maximum of 176°F, while the Esie Houzie set lists a range up to 284°F. Do not assume a plastic measuring cup is safe for every hot ingredient or heating method; follow the product’s stated limits.
Look for markings you can read easily
Clear markings help you measure without stopping to guess. Some cups show standard and metric units, while the OXO uses angled interior markings designed to be read from above. Think about how you normally measure: if you prefer to look down into the cup, an angled design may help; if you switch between units, choose a cup with the scales you use.
Match the design to what you measure
A fixed cup with a spout is simple for pouring liquids. An adjustable cup can handle a range of amounts and is designed for liquids, dry ingredients, and semi-solid foods, but it takes an extra step to set and clean. Consider whether you value a straightforward pour, fewer separate tools, or the ability to measure varied quantities with one device.
Check care instructions and storage needs
Cleaning requirements can shape how useful a measuring cup feels in daily cooking. The Pyrex and Esie Houzie products are listed as dishwasher safe, while the DTDNZKN and KitchenArt instructions recommend handwashing. For storage, the Esie Houzie cups nest together, and the KitchenArt adjustable design is intended to save space. If cabinet space is limited, compare the full set’s storage needs before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1-cup measuring cup the same as an 8-ounce cup?
A US cup is commonly equal to 8 fluid ounces when measuring volume. Check the markings on your cup and recipe, especially if the recipe uses metric units or a different cup standard.
Should I choose glass or plastic?
Glass is a good fit if you want the added flexibility of using a cup in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, or preheated oven, as specified for the Pyrex set. Plastic can be lighter and easier to handle, but temperature limits and cleaning instructions differ by product.
Can I use a plastic measuring cup for hot liquids?
Only if the product’s instructions allow it and the liquid stays within its temperature limit. For example, the DTDNZKN cups list a maximum of 176°F. The Esie Houzie set lists a higher maximum, but you should still follow its care and use instructions.
What is the benefit of an angled measuring cup?
An angled interior marking surface is designed to make measurements easier to read from above. The OXO cup uses this layout, which can reduce the need to bend down or lift the cup to check the level.
Are adjustable measuring cups worth considering?
An adjustable cup can measure several amounts without needing a separate fixed-size cup for each one. It may suit a small kitchen or recipes with varied quantities. Keep in mind that the KitchenArt cup is hand-wash only, and its slider should be set before filling with liquid.
Which measuring cup is best for both 1-cup and 2-cup amounts?
The Pyrex and DTDNZKN sets both include dedicated 1-cup and 2-cup cups. The Pyrex set is the more versatile pick for heating and dishwasher use, while the DTDNZKN set offers a plastic alternative with a lower stated temperature limit and handwashing guidance.
Final Recommendation
For most kitchens, the Pyrex Essentials set is the strongest all-around choice because it includes both common capacities, has cup, ounce, and milliliter markings, and is listed as safe for several heating and cleaning uses. If reading measurements from above is your main concern, consider the OXO. For a compact range of adjustable measurements, the KitchenArt set is worth a look if you are comfortable with its handwashing and liquid-use instructions.
