Chilli con Carne (Minced Beef and Kidney Bean Stew)
Spiced minced beef and kidney bean chilli served with rice
What measuring spoons are for (and what they can’t do)
A standard set is designed for small volumes that are awkward to measure in cups: spices, salt, baking powder and soda, dried yeast, extracts and concentrated liquids. In baking, these small measures can have an outsized effect on rise and flavour, so accuracy is practical rather than fussy. Measuring spoons are less helpful for ingredients that do not level cleanly, such as honey, syrups and nut butters, unless the recipe is tolerant. They also do not replace tasting and adjusting when you are seasoning a soup or dressing, where ingredients and personal preference vary.
Top picks in Measuring spoons
Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade)
Indian lemonade with lemon juice, black salt and roasted cumin
Citron Pressé (Fresh Lemonade with Sugar Syrup)
Fresh lemon juice drink mixed with sugar syrup and cold water
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Air fryer baked apples filled with cinnamon, brown sugar and butter.
Multekrem (Norwegian Cloudberry Cream)
Cloudberries folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream
Sudderlappen met Jus (Dutch Slow-Cooked Beef with Gravy)
Dutch slow-cooked beef served with glossy gravy
Using them efficiently, with less mess
For dry ingredients, fill the spoon and level it with a straight edge for consistency. For sticky ingredients, a small spoon can be lightly oiled or dipped in neutral oil first, which helps the ingredient slide out more cleanly. If you are measuring several spices, it is often quicker to measure into your hand or a small bowl and tip them in together, rather than stopping to wash and dry each spoon. When you do not have measuring spoons, a small set of kitchen teaspoons can work in a pinch, but the volume is not standardised, so treat it as approximate and adjust carefully.
All recipes in Measuring spoons
Poke Bowl with Crispy Onions
Salmon poke bowl topped with crunchy crispy fried onions.
Avocado Sriracha Poke Bowl
Sushi rice poke bowl with salmon, avocado, and sriracha.
Chicken Teriyaki Avocado Poke Bowl
Teriyaki chicken poke bowl with sushi rice, cucumber and avocado.
Salmon Ponzu Poke Bowl
Salmon poke bowl with ponzu, sushi rice, avocado and cucumber.
Papaya Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Papaya smoothie bowl with coconut milk and fresh lime.
Rose Mango Yogurt Smoothie
A chilled mango yoghurt smoothie lightly scented with rose.
Espresso Banana Smoothie
A creamy espresso banana smoothie with milk and yoghurt.
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breast
Cajun-spiced chicken breast cooked in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Spicy Fried Chicken
Spiced, hot-sauce chicken turns crisp and tender in the air fryer.
Hummus with Spiced Lamb
Creamy hummus topped with cumin-spiced minced lamb
Creole Jambalaya with Chicken and Andouille
Creole jambalaya with chicken, andouille, tomatoes and rice
Gorditas de Azúcar (Sweet Fried Masa Cakes)
Sweet fried masa cakes coated in cinnamon sugar
When to measure exactly and when to cook by feel
Measure precisely when the ingredient is powerful or functional: chilli powder and cayenne, salt in a small-volume sauce, and especially baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and yeast. Those are hard to correct once mixed in. Measure more loosely when the recipe invites adjustment, such as spice blends, dressings and marinades, where you can taste and rebalance. If you are scaling a recipe up or down, measuring spoons help keep ratios sensible, because “a pinch” does not scale reliably. For very small amounts, a set that includes smaller spoons can be useful, but careful pinches can also be effective when the recipe is forgiving.
Where to look next
Cooking method can help you judge how much precision matters: baking and quick breads often rely on exact small measures, while many stovetop dishes allow tasting and adjustment. Difficulty is another useful lens, because recipes with more steps or tighter timing often benefit from having measurements nailed down early.
Sauté
Carne con Tomate Andaluza (Andalusian Pork in Tomato Sauce)
Pork simmered in a thick tomato and paprika sauce
Boil
Kluski Śląskie (Silesian Potato Dumplings with Gravy)
Silesian potato dumplings served with a simple pan gravy
Braise
Conejo al Romero (Rabbit Braised with Rosemary and White Wine)
Rabbit braised with rosemary, garlic and white wine
Air fry
Air Fryer French Fries
Crispy air fryer French fries with fluffy centres.
Easy
Mousse de Maracujá (Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse)
Chilled passion fruit mousse made with condensed milk and cream
Easy
Egg Curry with Tomato and Onion Masala
Egg curry in tomato and onion masala with basmati rice
Medium
Bamia (Slow-Cooked Lamb and Okra Stew)
Slow-cooked lamb and okra stew in tomato sauce
Medium
Pierogi Ruskie (Potato and Cheese Dumplings)
Polish dumplings with potato, quark and fried onion
Frequently asked questions
Do I need measuring spoons if I don’t bake?
They are still useful for spices, salt, and concentrated flavourings, but many savoury dishes can be adjusted to taste, so exact measuring is less critical.
Should I use level or heaped spoons?
Unless a recipe says “heaped”, assume level. Heaped spoonfuls vary a lot and can easily double the intended amount.
How do I measure sticky ingredients like honey?
A light coating of neutral oil on the spoon helps, or you can measure by weight if the recipe provides it. Scraping with a small spatula also reduces waste.
Are teaspoons and tablespoons the same everywhere?
Not always. Spoon sizes can vary by region and by the cutlery in your drawer, which is why standard measuring spoons are more consistent.
What’s the difference between a pinch and a measured amount?
A pinch is inherently variable and depends on your fingers and the ingredient. It works best in recipes where you can taste and adjust.
Keep them for the moments that matter
Measuring spoons earn their keep when small amounts have a big impact. Use them for raising agents and potent seasonings, and feel free to cook more intuitively when the recipe gives you room to adjust.
