What Tools are Best to Measure Wet Ingredients?

When it comes time to measure wet ingredients while cooking, it is helpful to have the proper equipment. While it is possible to measure wet ingredients with a variety of tools, using the wrong ones can cause more mess than necessary and can also result in inaccurate measurement.

Measuring spoons are one of the best tools to have when it comes time to measure wet ingredients. Typically, measuring spoons are available in teaspoons and tablespoons, as well as fractions of each. A set of measuring spoons usually includes ½ and ¼ measurements of each. When used in combination, the cook can achieve the measurement desired. If he or she needs to measure ¾ tablespoon of ingredients, for example, he or she would simply measure wet ingredients with a ½ tablespoon measuring spoon and then add an additional ¼ tablespoon.

In order to avoid making a mess, it is best to measure wet ingredients by dipping the measuring spoon directly into the liquid and removing the filled spoon. Attempting to pour the ingredients will likely cause the measuring spoon to overflow, or the measuring spoon may be missed altogether.

Another tool that is used to measure wet ingredients is the measuring cup. Ideally, the measuring cup should include a spout that can be used to pour out the measured liquid. Measuring cups typically come with fraction measurements and milliliter measurements, making it possible to measure wet ingredients without needing to make metric conversions from one recipe to the next.

Since a measuring cup is typically too large to be dipped into the liquid, the ingredients should be poured directly into the cup. Although measuring cups are larger, which makes it less likely to accidentally spill the fluid, it is best to measure wet ingredients in a measuring cup over a sink.

The liquid should be poured into the measuring cup until it has reached the appropriate line. If the recipe calls for ½ cup milk, for example, the milk should be poured in until it reaches the line next to the ½ mark. After the liquid is poured into the measuring cup, the cup should be placed on a level surface to ensure the proper amount has been measured. If too much liquid has been added to the measuring cup, the excess can be poured back into its original container.