Measuring in Metal
Written: Feb 18 '03 (Updated Jan 18 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: lightweight - won't break, chip or rust - good for hot and cold liquids
Cons: expensive - measurement markings for ounces are confusing - cannot be used in microwave
The Bottom Line: This measuring cup is handy for both left- and right-handed people. It's lightweight and also has a small footprint that doesn't take up a lot of cabinet space.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Amco 4 Cup Stainless Steel Measuring Cup |
I received an Amco 4-cup Stainless Steel Measuring Cup as a gift. For someone used to glass measuring cups, this stainless steel measuring cup is definitely a new look in my kitchen cupboard.
First Impressions
Stainless steel, to me, has an efficient appearance with all that smooth, gleaming silver. However, stainless steel also strikes me as a material without warmth. It’s too utilitarian. Can you tell that stainless steel isn’t my first choice in the kitchen? I grew up using glass measuring cups and like to see the entire contents in a measuring cup, and though the Amco Stainless Steel Measuring Cup has a vertical plastic window ... it’s definitely not the same as glass.
The Amco 4-cup Stainless Steel Measuring Cup stands 5-inches tall, and at its widest point (the top) measures 6-inches when including the handle in the measurement. The base is narrower at 3-inches. The vertical plastic window on one side of the cup is 4 3/8-inches tall by 1 1/2-inches wide. The plastic is raised from the surface of the stainless steel and is affix to both the outside and inside of the measuring cup. A comfortable easy-to-grip handle is riveted in four places near the top of the measuring cup. The handle is 4-inches long.
Dual Pour Spout
This is the first measuring cup I’ve owned that has two pour spouts. Located on opposite sides of the cup, they pour well. Two pour spouts are very handy, especially if there are left- and right-handed cooks in the family. However, if filling the measuring cup to the top with liquid, a steady hand is needed. I inherited a wonderful gravy bowl from my grandmother, and it has two spouts similar to this measuring cup. For some reason I seem to be the one who loves it most. Other family members inexplicably find gravy pouring on the table from not one but both spouts!
Wet and Dry Measuring
This measuring cup is billed as being a dual-purpose measuring cup for both dry and liquid ingredients. In the cooking classes I’ve taken, I was told that there are two types of measuring cups. One style is for measuring dry ingredients such as flour and sugar and comes in sets with separate cups that measure 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup. Another style is similar to the Amco 4-cup Stainless Steel Measuring Cup and is designed for measuring liquids. Being the curious sort, I ran my own experiment to see how accurate dry and liquid measuring is in this cup. It’s accurate! Have I been misled all these years?
Versatile Measuring
This measuring cup offers three different ways to measure. The only marks visible on the inside of the measuring cup are the ounce marks on the plastic window.
Milliliters
To the left of the plastic window, engraved on the outside stainless steel, are measurements in milliliters. Starting at 100ml and ending at 800ml, the increments increase in intervals of 50 (100ml, 150ml, 200ml, 250ml, etc.).
Ounces
The vertical plastic band is inscribed with ounces, which are written in black on raised markings. The ounce measurements work upward to 26 ounces. The horizontal black lines between the written ounce measurements are difficult to interpret. For example, there are two black horizontal lines beneath the written 4 ounce measurement and two black horizontal lines above the 4 ounce line. Then the next written measurement is 6 ounces. Then there is one black horizontal line with the next written measurement as 8 ounces. I find it confusing.
Cups
To the right of the plastic window, engraved on the outside stainless steel are markings for cup measurements. The measurements start with 1/3 cup and end at the 4 cup mark. The measurements increase in increments of 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup and 3/4 cup.
What is Lexan Plastic?
The see-through vertical window is made from thick Lexan plastic. Lexan plastic is known for being able to withstand temperature changes. It is durable, unbreakable, and does not impart any added flavors to what it touches. Lexan plastic also has the added bonus of not having that “plastic odor” that some other products possess.
Here is my one big complaint. The first time I hand-washed my Amco 4-cup Stainless Steel Measuring Cup – the vertical plastic window (made from durable Lexan) discolored along the top and part of the side. It almost looks as if the plastic melted. The plastic has an uneven frosted appearance. I washed the measuring cup using Dawn dishwashing liquid in warm (not hot) water. I know other people who own this measuring cup, and they have had no
problem with the plastic window.
Benefits of Stainless Steel
This measuring cup is made from 18/8 rustproof stainless steel.
* Doesn’t break or chip like glass
* Can handle hot and cold liquids
* Easy to clean
What I like Best
* Compact size fits easily into the cabinet
* Three types of measurements
* Lightweight
* Easy-grip handle
* Easy to clean
* Dishwasher safe (I’ve never placed it in the dishwasher.)
* If I drop it, it won’t break
What I Dislike
* The vertical plastic window is defective (on my cup)
* I prefer a wider window to better see the contents
* When the cup is filled to the top, the dual spouts are a nuisance
* The measurement markings for “ounces” are confusing
* Cannot be used in the microwave
Summary
It's an expensive measuring cup at a cost of around $25.00. Am I glad to have a stainless steel measuring cup co-habitating with my glass measuring cups? Yes. This measuring cup is very useful for anyone who is left-handed. Would I buy another one? No. I prefer glass measuring cups. However, one stainless steel measuring cup in my cabinet works out quite well.
Update -- January 2009
I thought you'd like to know that the window on this measuring cup failed. The measuring cup is now used to measure out cat food and has been banned from my cupboard. I have Pyrex measuring cups that have lasted for years and years, so this one in comparison is a disappointment.
I hope you have found this review helpful.
Enjoy your day!
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Another 4-cup Measuring Cup for Comparison
Please read my review of the Pyrex 4-cup Measuring Cup by clicking on this link.
Recommended:
No
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