A good set of measuring cups should make recipe prep simple: the sizes you use most should be easy to find, the markings should be clear, and the cups should store without taking over a drawer. These five sets take different approaches, from durable stainless steel to colorful plastic. Our top pick is the Bellemain set for its etched markings and one-piece construction, while the Hudson Essentials set is a straightforward choice if you want a traditional range of stainless steel cups.
| Product | Material | Sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups | Stainless steel | 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 1 cup | A classic stainless steel set |
| Norpro Grip-Ez Measuring Cup Set | BPA-free plastic with Santoprene grips | 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 1 cup | Comfortable handling |
| Smithcraft Colorful Measuring Cups | Plastic | 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, 2 cups | Larger measurements with US and metric markings |
| Bellemain Stainless Steel Measuring Cups | 18/8 stainless steel | 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 1 cup | Durable cups with etched markings |
| Rachael Ray Nesting Measuring Cups | BPA-free melamine | 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3 cups | Colorful prep and larger cup measures |
Table of Contents
Our Picks: Best Set Of 6 Measuring Cups reviews
1. Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: A Classic Set for Everyday Recipes
The Hudson Essentials set covers the six familiar fractional sizes from 1/4 cup through 1 cup, including 2/3 and 3/4 cup. That range is useful for recipes that call for precise portions and for cooks who prefer to measure dry ingredients with a dedicated cup rather than estimate.
The cups are made from food-grade stainless steel and nest together for compact storage. A pouring spout is designed to help transfer ingredients with less mess, and the set is dishwasher safe. Stainless steel is a practical pick if you want a sturdy, reusable alternative to plastic.
Compared with the Bellemain set, Hudson Essentials also offers stainless construction and the same standard size range, but the supplied product details do not specify etched measurement markings or one-piece construction. The set’s spouts may be useful when pouring, though they are less important for ingredients you level off at the rim.
Pros:
- Includes the common fractional cup sizes from 1/4 to 1 cup
- Stainless steel construction is dishwasher safe
- Nesting design helps save drawer space
- Spouts are designed for controlled pouring
Cons:
- Measurement-marking details are not specified in the supplied product information
- Does not include larger measures such as 2 or 3 cups
Verdict: Choose Hudson Essentials if you want a traditional, nestable stainless steel set with pour spouts and the standard six fractional sizes.
2. Norpro Grip-Ez Measuring Cups: A Plastic Set with Comfortable Grips
Norpro’s six-cup set includes 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup measures. Its main point of difference is the Santoprene grip, which is designed to make each handle more comfortable to hold. The set is made from BPA-free plastic and is dishwasher safe.
Level rims are intended to help you measure dry ingredients more precisely, while the handle design is described as suitable for both left- and right-handed users. These features make the set a practical option if you prefer plastic cups and value an easier-to-hold handle over an all-metal build.
There is one important buying caveat: the supplied product data marks this listing as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the listing before making this your first choice. If it is not available, Hudson Essentials and Bellemain offer the same six standard cup sizes in stainless steel.
Pros:
- Includes six common fractional cup sizes
- Santoprene grips are designed for comfortable handling
- Level rims support measuring dry ingredients
- Dishwasher safe and made from BPA-free plastic
Cons:
- The supplied product data marks the listing as unavailable
- Plastic construction may not suit shoppers looking for stainless steel
Verdict: This is worth considering if you want gripped plastic cups and can confirm the listing is available; otherwise, choose a currently available alternative with the sizes you need.
3. Smithcraft Colorful Measuring Cups: Larger Sizes with Metric Markings
Smithcraft takes a different approach from the other sets here. Instead of small fractional cups, it includes measures from 3/4 cup up to 2 cups: 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, and 2 cups. The cups also have US and metric measurements engraved on the front of each handle.
This size range may suit you if your recipes often call for larger amounts or you want to measure in both US and metric units. The cups are made from plastic and are listed as dishwasher safe. However, the set does not include 1/4 or 1/3 cup measures, which are common in baking and cooking recipes.
Compared with the Hudson Essentials and Bellemain sets, Smithcraft gives you more capacity at the upper end but less coverage for small portions. It is best viewed as a larger-measure set rather than a direct replacement for a traditional set of fractional cups. The supplied product information does not specify a nesting feature.
Pros:
- Includes six sizes ranging from 3/4 to 2 cups
- Engraved markings include both US and metric measures
- Plastic cups are dishwasher safe
- Useful for recipes that call for larger cup amounts
Cons:
- Does not include 1/4- or 1/3-cup measures
- Nesting and storage details are not specified in the supplied product information
Verdict: Pick Smithcraft if you need larger cup sizes and dual-unit markings; for a standard baking set with smaller fractions, choose Hudson Essentials or Bellemain instead.
4. Bellemain Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: Durable One-Piece Construction
Bellemain includes the six standard measures—1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup—in a compact nesting set. Its standout feature is the etched US cup and milliliter markings, which are designed to stay readable through repeated washing.
The cups are made from 18/8 stainless steel and use one-piece construction without separate grips or attached parts. The product details also describe wide handles, flat weighted bottoms, and deburred edges. Together, these design choices aim to make the cups stable on a counter and comfortable to handle, while the dishwasher-safe build simplifies cleanup.
Compared with Hudson Essentials, Bellemain provides more detail about its markings and construction, making it the stronger choice if those features matter to you. It costs you the convenience of a pour-spout design, and it does not add larger cup sizes, but its etched dual-unit markings make it a well-rounded option for regular baking and cooking.
Pros:
- Etched US and milliliter markings are designed to remain readable
- One-piece 18/8 stainless steel construction
- Includes all six common fractional cup sizes
- Nesting design and dishwasher-safe cleanup
Cons:
- Does not include larger measures above 1 cup
- Does not have the pouring spouts described for the Hudson Essentials set
Verdict: Bellemain is the best all-around choice here if you want a standard set with etched dual-unit markings and a sturdy, all-steel design.
5. Rachael Ray Nesting Measuring Cups: Colorful Cups with Larger Measures
Rachael Ray’s six-piece set combines assorted colors with a size range that includes both small and larger measures: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, and 3 cups. That mix can be helpful when you want a small measure for an ingredient and larger cups for scooping or portioning bigger amounts.
The cups are made from BPA-free melamine and stack inside one another for storage. They are top-rack dishwasher safe. Unlike the Hudson Essentials and Bellemain sets, this one skips the 2/3- and 3/4-cup sizes, so check your recipes before choosing it as your only measuring set.
The colorful design can make the cups easy to distinguish at a glance, while the 2- and 3-cup pieces offer capacities not found in the traditional six-piece sets here. The trade-off is that its size sequence is less complete for recipes that call for specific fractions such as 2/3 cup.
Pros:
- Includes 2- and 3-cup measures as well as smaller cups
- Assorted colors provide a distinct look
- Nesting design saves storage space
- BPA-free melamine cups are top-rack dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Does not include 2/3- or 3/4-cup measures
- Melamine is a different material choice from stainless steel
Verdict: Choose Rachael Ray if colorful, stackable cups and larger 2- and 3-cup capacities matter more to you than having every common fractional size.
How to Choose a Set of 6 Measuring Cups
Check the size range against your recipes
Many standard sets include 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup. That sequence covers a broad range of common recipe amounts. Some sets trade those fractions for larger measures: Smithcraft goes up to 2 cups, while Rachael Ray includes 2- and 3-cup cups but leaves out 2/3 and 3/4. Look at the sizes before buying, especially if you bake often and need precise fractions.
Choose a material that suits your kitchen habits
Stainless steel is a good fit if you want a sturdy, dishwasher-safe set, and both Hudson Essentials and Bellemain use it. Plastic sets are lighter and can offer features such as comfortable grips or colorful designs. Norpro uses BPA-free plastic with Santoprene grips, Smithcraft uses plastic, and Rachael Ray uses BPA-free melamine. Check each product’s care details and select a material you are comfortable using and storing.
Look for markings you can read easily
Clear measurements help you select the right cup without second-guessing. Bellemain specifies etched US and milliliter markings, while Smithcraft specifies engraved US and metric measurements on the handles. For the other options, the supplied product details do not give the same level of information about marking style. If lasting or dual-unit markings are important to you, compare the listing details closely.
Consider the handle and how you measure
Handles affect how easy it is to hold, fill, and level a cup. Norpro’s Santoprene grips are designed for comfortable handling, and Bellemain describes its handles as wide. Hudson Essentials includes pouring spouts, which may help when transferring measured ingredients. If you usually scoop and level dry ingredients, rim shape and a steady grip may matter more than a pour spout.
Think about storage and cleanup
Nesting or stacking cups can keep a set together and reduce the space it takes up in a drawer. Hudson Essentials and Bellemain nest, while Rachael Ray’s cups stack inside one another. The listed sets have dishwasher-safe cleaning instructions, though Rachael Ray specifies top-rack washing. Follow the care directions provided with the product you choose.
Match the set to your main use
For a standard set used across baking and everyday cooking, Bellemain and Hudson Essentials offer the most familiar fractional sequence. For larger measures, consider Smithcraft or Rachael Ray, keeping their missing fractional sizes in mind. Norpro offers a similar standard sequence in plastic with gripped handles, but its supplied listing data is marked unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes should a standard set of six measuring cups include?
A common six-size sequence is 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup. Hudson Essentials, Norpro, and Bellemain include that range. Always check the individual set, since some six-piece options use larger capacities instead.
Which set is the best all-around choice?
Bellemain is the strongest all-around pick in this selection for shoppers who want the standard fractional sizes, etched US and milliliter markings, and one-piece stainless steel construction. Hudson Essentials is another good fit if you prefer a stainless set with pouring spouts.
Are stainless steel measuring cups better than plastic ones?
Neither material is best for every kitchen. Stainless steel may suit you if you want a sturdy, dishwasher-safe set, while plastic options offer features such as grips or colorful cups. Compare the construction, care instructions, sizes, and handle design to decide what works for your routine.
Do all six-piece measuring cup sets include the same sizes?
No. Some sets focus on common fractions, while others include larger capacities. Smithcraft ranges from 3/4 to 2 cups, and Rachael Ray includes 2- and 3-cup measures. Confirm the size list before buying so the set matches your recipes.
Can I use measuring cups for both wet and dry ingredients?
The listed sets are described as measuring cups, but the supplied product details do not establish that every design is intended for both wet and dry measuring. For the most consistent results, follow your recipe’s directions and use a liquid measuring cup when a recipe calls for one.
Which option is best if I want metric markings?
Bellemain lists etched milliliter and US cup markings. Smithcraft lists engraved US and metric markings. The supplied product information does not specify dual-unit markings for the other three sets.
Is the Norpro set currently available?
The supplied product data marks the Norpro listing as unavailable. Check the Amazon listing for current availability before choosing it, or consider another set with a similar size range.
Final Recommendation
For most kitchens, Bellemain is the best set of six measuring cups in this group thanks to its standard fractional sizes, etched dual-unit markings, nesting design, and one-piece stainless steel construction. Choose Hudson Essentials if you prefer stainless steel cups with pouring spouts, or Rachael Ray if larger 2- and 3-cup measures and assorted colors suit your needs better. Before purchasing any set, confirm that its size sequence matches the recipes you make most often.
