This dishwasher-safe measuring spoon set is appreciated by home cooks and professionals alike for its durability and heavy-set feel. There are plenty of measurements available that go beyond what you’ll find in a basic set, and each spoon nestles into another to take up minimal space in your kitchen utensil drawer. All the spoons are held together with a detachable ring, which is particularly helpful if you tend to lose your utensils in a busy drawer. The ring also allows you to hang them on utensil hooks for easy access. Definitely not, no matter how much we may wish it was. Spoons used for dining can be a variety of sizes, which makes it risky to use them as measuring spoons, particularly when baking. This is a pretty important consideration because it can make all the difference in how comfortable you’ll be when using the spoon. It comes down to personal choice—some cooks prefer short handles they can grip between two fingers, others prefer a longer handle that extends toward the palm of the hand. Some spoons have rubberized grip pads on the handle. In terms of shape, take a look at whether the handle is thin, has sharp edges, is rounded, or is flat to determine which shape will feel better when you’re using it. These measuring spoons are attached by a large, elegant ring that makes them feel more like a sophisticated key chain rather than a kitchen tool. Tasteful, accurate, and durable, they make a lovely, practical gift for bakers or anyone who spends time in their kitchen.

Ceramic spoons are perfect for adding a certain stylized look to your kitchen projects. This set of four ceramic measuring spoons from Portmeirion are neatly tied together with a leather cord to offer simplicity, chicness, and charm. These are actually designed by Sophie Conran, a designer, cook, and author, who also happens to be the daughter of well-known British designer Terence Conran. They’re stainless steel, nest together nicely, and have magnetic handles for easy storage. Measurements in both metric and standard formats are marked in the center of the spoon on the plastic grip space, with reviewers stating that these markings stay put for years. Available in six different colors, the set also includes a handy leveler for when you get a little ambitious with your spices. Since the spoons are all attached, it can be a hassle to detach the spoons every time you use them. The standard sizes for measuring spoons are 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 3/4 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon. Though commonly available in a round shape, you can also find oval, square, and rectangle-shaped measuring spoons. “I prefer round-shaped spoons in sizes 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon,” says Krikorian.Measuring spoons are available in steel, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, and even copper. Most are dishwasher safe, although some cheaper plastic options may not be, so make sure to read the product description before buying.

The technical answer is yes,” says Krikorian, “because liquid has a curve that forms on the top so you can't really fill a measuring spoon completely to the top with liquid. However, on a practical basis, I use the same measuring spoons for both liquids and dry ingredients. The difference is minuscule.” Measuring spoons are essential kitchen tools for anyone who loves to cook and bake, but even those who do the bare minimum in the kitchen will most likely need a measuring spoon at some point. Whether measuring wet or dry ingredients, these affordable instruments will make your life a whole lot easier. There's not much of a handle to these spoons because of the squeezable self-leveling design, which makes them a little uncomfortable to hold. Yet, the spoons snap together for neat storage, so you'll always be able to find them in your kitchen drawer. You can fan them out to access the one you need or pull them apart. There’s one hard truth about baking: It’s a science. Paying close attention to measurements, mixing time, rest time, and oven temperature will either make or break your favorite sourdough recipe. As a former professional pastry chef, I can admit there have been more than a few times I’ve opened the oven door to an unexpected outcome, which is why I’m now very careful to measure out every single wet and dry ingredient. Measuring spoons are used as a standard measurement for liquid or dry ingredients in cooking or baking. Most contemporary recipes published in books or online have printed measurements that can include the use of measuring spoons to assure that the recipe comes out the way it was planned. It’s particularly important in baking that measurements be specific—the entire success of the recipe may depend on it. In cooking, exact measurements may not be as vital as in baking, yet clearly the best results will be found when using measuring spoons where indicated, particularly if you’re measuring oil or spices.

McCoy, on the other hand, believes that one trusty set is enough for residential use. “Truthfully, you need one set you never misplace,” she says. “If you seem to always find your 1/4 teaspoon missing, I would suggest getting a magnetic set that clips together, or one solo spoon that is adjustable to each size needed.” Most professionals agree that weighing ingredients, albeit although a little more time consuming, is a more accurate method than using volume measurements. “If at all possible, switch to using a kitchen scale and measuring out your ingredients by weight,” McCoy advises. “This could be in ounces, grams, or milliliters. Find a scale that can easily be changed for the unit amount and, if needed, do conversions for your recipe. This way of measuring ingredients ensures consistency, and won’t leave you wondering why your outcome seems slightly different every time.” If you sometimes want a round spoon, sometimes an oval one, and all the time want your spoons to easily nest together, then this is the set for you. These have that round side with an oval shape on the other, which makes it easy to switch when you need to scoop from a spice jar. These spoons have shallower bowls than other options on our list, making accuracy in measurement slightly harder to obtain.