A teaspoon of comino is not much, and that is the problem. Too little and the beans taste flat; a heaped spoonful too many and cumin is all you taste. The same goes for the baking powder in tortillas de harina, where an extra half teaspoon changes how the dough puffs on the comal, and for the dried Mexican oregano that goes into a pot of pozole. Small amounts are where a good set of measuring spoons earns its drawer space.
This guide looks at what separates a good set from a frustrating one: bowls narrow enough to reach into a spice jar, markings that do not wear off, handles that let you level a spoonful cleanly, and the odd sizes that save you from measuring twice. It names nine sets worth buying, from Cuisipro, Hudson Essentials, OXO, Spring Chef, King Arthur, RSVP, All-Clad and KitchenAid.
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Quick verdict: which measuring spoons to buy
For most kitchens the best measuring spoons are the Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set: five oval steel spoons from 1/8 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, narrow enough for most spice jars, with stamped markings and a 25-year warranty on the listing. America’s Test Kitchen names it its winning set. If you want the small odd sizes too, or a 1-tablespoon that fits every jar, the Hudson Essentials 7-piece set is the alternative ATK rates highly.
Five measuring spoon sets side by side
Our five standout sets, one for each kind of cook. All nine are reviewed in full below.
| Set | Best for | Sizes | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon SetBest overall
|
Everyday cooking and baking | 5: 1/8 tsp to 1 tbsp | Stainless steel, oval bowls | View on Amazon |
Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons, Set of 7Best for spice jars
|
Narrow jars, odd sizes | 7, incl. 3/4 tsp and 1/2 tbsp | 18/8 stainless, square bowls | View on Amazon |
| Cooks who hate rings | 4: 1/4 tsp to 1 tbsp | Stainless, non-slip handles | View on Amazon | |
Spring Chef Magnetic Measuring Spoons, Set of 8Best double-ended
|
Dry and liquid, one spoon | 7 spoons plus a leveler | Stainless, magnetic | View on Amazon |
Cuisipro Odd-Size Measuring Spoons, 5-PieceBest odd sizes
|
A second set for in-between amounts | Pinch, 1/8, 2/3, 1 1/2, 2 tsp | 304 stainless steel | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes, materials and care are as each maker or listing states them.
Our picks for the best measuring spoons
The nine sets below cover oval, square and round bowls, magnetic and ring storage, odd sizes, long handles and one plastic budget set. Each review gives the listing’s specifications, what the set suits in a kitchen that measures spices, salt and leaveners every day, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set – Oval Bowls That Reach Into the Jar
Cuisipro’s five-piece set is the plain, sturdy answer to the question most cooks are asking: which spoons will measure accurately, survive years of use and fit into the jar? The set covers the five sizes America’s Test Kitchen considers essential, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon, and each bowl is oval, which the listing says is shaped to fit into spice jars.
ATK named it the winner of its measuring spoon review. Its reviewers liked the smooth, bump-free sweep when leveling with a knife, the sturdy metal and the way dry ingredients did not cling to it. Their one complaint was that the 1-tablespoon does not fit every spice jar, and that the hinged ring takes some force to open.
Cuisipro stamps the measurements into the handles, so there is no printing to wear off, and the spoons nest on a removable loop. The listing shows a 25-year warranty. It does not say whether the set is dishwasher safe, so we list that as not stated; plain stainless steel spoons are usually simple to wash by hand.
Why we like it
- ATK’s winning measuring spoon set
- Oval bowls shaped for spice jars, per the listing
- Markings stamped into the steel
- 25-year warranty listed
Key specifications
| Model | 747002 |
|---|---|
| Set | 5 spoons on a removable loop |
| Sizes | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 tsp; 1 tbsp |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Fits spice jars | Yes, oval bowls (1 tbsp not every jar, per ATK) |
| Markings | Stamped into the handle |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated on the listing |
| Storage | Nests on a removable loop |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants one dependable set of the standard sizes for comino, salt, baking powder and vanilla, and who would rather buy once.
Skip it if you want 3/4 teaspoon and 1/2 tablespoon measures in the same set; the Hudson Essentials or Spring Chef sets include them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Top pick in ATK’s review
- Levels cleanly
- Permanent markings
- Long warranty
Cons
- Tablespoon too wide for some jars
- Ring is stiff to open
- Only the five standard sizes
2. Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons, Set of 7 – Every Spoon Fits a Narrow Jar
Hudson Essentials makes its spoons square and narrow, and that is the point of this set. America’s Test Kitchen rated it highly recommended, noting that even the largest spoon is less than an inch wide, so every size goes into a standard spice jar. That matters when the jar is ground cumin or chile powder and you would rather not shake it over a spoon and lose half of it on the counter.
The set has seven sizes: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 and 1 tablespoon. The 3/4 teaspoon and 1/2 tablespoon save you from measuring twice when a recipe calls for those amounts, which happens more often than you would expect in spice rubs and adobos.
The listing describes food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, measurements stamped on every handle, a design that nests, and dishwasher-safe spoons. ATK found the set accurate and simple, though it said the hinged ring closes easily but takes some getting used to when you open it.
Why we like it
- Highly recommended by ATK
- Largest spoon under an inch wide, per ATK
- Includes 3/4 tsp and 1/2 tbsp
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (listing part no. edfgrs) |
|---|---|
| Set | 7 spoons on a ring |
| Sizes | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 tsp; 1/2, 1 tbsp |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Fits spice jars | Yes, square narrow bowls |
| Markings | Stamped on each handle |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Nests on a ring |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who keep spices in small jars and want every measure, including the in-between sizes, to reach inside.
Skip it if you dislike fiddly rings; the OXO and Spring Chef sets hold together with magnets instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits narrow jar openings
- Seven useful sizes
- Accurate, per ATK
Cons
- Ring takes practice to open
- Small brand with little maker information
3. OXO Good Grips 4-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons – Magnets Instead of a Ring
Rings are the most common complaint about measuring spoons: you either unclip one spoon and lose it, or you measure with the whole jangling bunch hanging off your hand. OXO’s stainless set skips the ring. Magnets in the handles hold the four spoons nested together in the drawer, and they come apart with a pull when you need one.
The set covers 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL), 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL), 1 teaspoon (5 mL) and 1 tablespoon (15 mL). The listing describes permanent etched markings, soft non-slip handles and a design meant to make leveling easy, and the title lists it as dishwasher safe. OXO backs it with its satisfaction guarantee.
There is no 1/8 teaspoon, which is the size you reach for with cayenne or ground clove, and the bowls are not described as narrow. Note too that the OXO set America’s Test Kitchen rated with reservations was the plastic seven-piece set, not this stainless one; we found no independent review of this set.
Why we like it
- Magnetic handles keep the set together
- Etched US and metric markings
- Non-slip handles
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 11132100 |
|---|---|
| Set | 4 spoons, magnetic |
| Sizes | 1/4, 1/2, 1 tsp; 1 tbsp |
| Material | Stainless steel with soft handles |
| Fits spice jars | Not stated |
| Markings | Etched |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Nests with magnets |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who are tired of rings and want a comfortable grip, and who mostly measure the four standard sizes.
Skip it if you need 1/8 teaspoon or spoons narrow enough for small jars.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No ring to fight
- Comfortable handles
- Etched markings
Cons
- Only four sizes, no 1/8 tsp
- Jar fit not stated
- No independent review found
4. Spring Chef Magnetic Measuring Spoons, Set of 8 – One End for Jars, One for Liquids
Each Spring Chef spoon has two ends. The oval end is narrow, which the listing says fits into most spice jars; the round end is meant for liquids such as vanilla, lime juice or oil. Seven spoons cover 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 and 1 tablespoon, and a flat leveler comes in the set.
The spoons are single-piece stainless steel and nest together with magnets, so you can pull off the one you need without opening a ring. Spring Chef says the US and metric markings will not fade or rub off and that the spoons lie flat on the counter without spilling. The listing calls them dishwasher safe.
Double-ended spoons have one practical catch: when you have used one end, the other end is wet or dusty, so you wipe it before the next measure. Note too that the Spring Chef set America’s Test Kitchen recommended was a different, six-piece rectangular set, not this magnetic one.
Why we like it
- Narrow oval end for jars, round end for liquids
- Seven sizes including 3/4 tsp and 1/2 tbsp
- Magnetic nesting, leveler included
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 0409 07 |
|---|---|
| Set | 7 double-ended spoons plus leveler |
| Sizes | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 tsp; 1/2, 1 tbsp |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Fits spice jars | Yes, oval end, per the listing |
| Markings | US and metric; method not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Nests with magnets |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who measure both spices and liquids often and like having seven sizes without a ring.
Skip it if you want plain single-ended spoons that you never have to wipe between uses.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two bowl shapes per spoon
- Seven sizes
- Leveler included
Cons
- Wipe the other end between measures
- Marking method not stated
- This set not in ATK’s review
5. King Arthur Spice Measuring Spoons, 7-Piece – Long, Slim Handles for Tall Jars
King Arthur Baking Company sells these as spice spoons, and the design shows it: slim bowls on elongated handles, which the listing says reach into tall jars and bottles with small openings. That suits a tall jar of Mexican oregano or a bottle of vanilla, where a short spoon leaves your fingers in the jar.
The set has seven sizes, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 and 1 tablespoon, in heavyweight polished 18/8 stainless steel. The measurements are etched on each handle, the spoons nest or hang on a connecting ring, and King Arthur lists them as dishwasher safe.
This is a newer set and we found no independent review of it, so our view rests on the listing. King Arthur also sells a five-piece odd-size set (a pinch, 1/8, 2/3, 1 1/2 and 2 teaspoons) in the same style, if you want to pair them.
Why we like it
- Long, slim handles for tall jars
- Etched markings
- Seven sizes in 18/8 steel
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 50654K |
|---|---|
| Set | 7 spoons on a ring |
| Sizes | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 tsp; 1/2, 1 tbsp |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Fits spice jars | Yes, slim profile, per the listing |
| Markings | Etched on each handle |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Nests or hangs on a ring |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers and cooks with tall spice jars and extract bottles who want seven sizes from a known baking name.
Skip it if you want a set with a long independent track record; the Cuisipro and Hudson sets have been reviewed more widely.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Reaches deep into jars
- Full range of sizes
- Matching odd-size set available
Cons
- New listing, no independent review found
- Long handles take more drawer length
6. RSVP Endurance Spice Measuring Spoons, Set of 6 – The Narrowest Rectangular Bowls
RSVP’s Endurance spice spoons have rectangular bowls that grow from 1/4 inch wide at the smallest to 1 inch at the tablespoon, according to the listing, which says they fit inside spice jars including the narrowest openings. Each spoon is 6 1/4 inches long overall, with a 4 1/2-inch handle.
The six sizes are 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. Each spoon is cut from a single piece of thick 18/8 stainless steel, which RSVP says will not bend, and the measurements are stamped into the handles in US and metric units. They nest on a storage chain and the listing calls them dishwasher safe.
Rectangular bowls are easy to level, since the flat end lines up with a knife, and America’s Test Kitchen found narrow rectangular and oval bowls fit small jars better than round ones. We found no independent review of this particular set.
Why we like it
- Bowls from 1/4 inch to 1 inch wide
- Single-piece 18/8 steel
- Stamped US and metric markings
- Includes 3/4 tsp
Key specifications
| Model | 8010 |
|---|---|
| Set | 6 spoons on a chain |
| Sizes | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 tsp; 1 tbsp |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel, single piece |
| Fits spice jars | Yes, narrowest openings, per the listing |
| Markings | Stamped, US and metric |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Nests on a chain |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks with small, narrow spice bottles who want every spoon, including the tablespoon, to go inside.
Skip it if you want a 1/2 tablespoon in the set.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very narrow bowls
- Will not bend, per RSVP
- Easy to level
Cons
- No 1/2 tbsp
- Chain storage
- No independent review found
7. Cuisipro Odd-Size Measuring Spoons, 5-Piece – A Pinch, 2/3 and 2 Teaspoons
This is the companion to Cuisipro’s standard set, and it is not meant to replace it. The five spoons measure a pinch, 1/8 teaspoon, 2/3 teaspoon, 1 1/2 teaspoons and 2 teaspoons, amounts that otherwise take two or three scoops. A recipe for a big batch of tortillas de harina might call for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt or 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and these let you measure each in one go.
The listing describes 304 stainless steel, measurements engraved on the spoons, oval bowls that fit into spice jars and a curved handle that lets each spoon sit on the counter without tipping. They nest on a removable ring that opens so you can use or hang them separately. The listing gives a 25-year warranty but does not state dishwasher care.
Because the set skips the standard 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon sizes, buy it as a second set, not your only one.
Why we like it
- Sizes standard sets leave out
- Engraved markings
- Curved handles sit on the counter
- 25-year warranty listed
Key specifications
| Model | 747144 |
|---|---|
| Set | 5 spoons on a removable ring |
| Sizes | Pinch, 1/8, 2/3, 1 1/2, 2 tsp |
| Material | 304 stainless steel |
| Fits spice jars | Yes, oval bowls, per the listing |
| Markings | Engraved |
| Dishwasher-safe | Not stated on the listing |
| Storage | Nests on a removable ring |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who scale recipes up and down and are tired of measuring 1 1/2 teaspoons as a teaspoon plus a half.
Skip it if you only own one set; it does not cover the everyday sizes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Saves double-measuring
- Pairs with the standard Cuisipro set
- Stands on the counter
Cons
- Not a complete set
- Dishwasher care not stated
8. All-Clad Stainless Steel 4-Piece Measuring Spoons – Etched Steel, Lifetime Warranty
All-Clad’s four-piece set is simple: 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, in stainless steel with markings the listing says are permanently etched and will not fade. The listing describes a rounded shape that glides into jars and canisters, and says the spoons are dishwasher safe.
It carries All-Clad’s limited lifetime warranty, according to the listing, which makes it a set to keep for decades and an easy match if your measuring cups are All-Clad too.
The rounded bowls are its limit. America’s Test Kitchen found that narrow oval or rectangular bowls fit small spice jars better than round ones, so expect the tablespoon, at least, to stay outside a narrow jar. There is also no 1/8 teaspoon, and we found no independent review of this set.
Why we like it
- Permanently etched markings
- Limited lifetime warranty, per the listing
- Dishwasher safe
- Matches All-Clad measuring cups
Key specifications
| Model | 59918 |
|---|---|
| Set | 4 spoons |
| Sizes | 1/4, 1/2, 1 tsp; 1 tbsp |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Fits spice jars | Rounded bowls; not every narrow jar |
| Markings | Etched |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a sturdy four-piece set with a long warranty and keep their spices in wider jars or tins.
Skip it if your spices live in narrow jars; choose the Hudson Essentials or RSVP sets.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long warranty
- Etched markings
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Round bowls are wide for jars
- No 1/8 tsp
- Only four sizes
9. KitchenAid Measuring Spoons, Set of 5 – A Light, Colorful Budget Set
Not every drawer needs steel. KitchenAid’s five-piece set is a light, colorful option for a second set, a starter kitchen or a child learning to bake. It covers 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 and 1 tablespoon, with standard and metric units marked on each spoon, and the spoons nest on a ring.
The Amazon listing does not name the material, but retailer listings for the same set describe it as BPA-free plastic (polypropylene). KitchenAid lists it as dishwasher safe.
Plastic has two drawbacks. America’s Test Kitchen found that flour and spices cling to plastic and silicone spoons because of static, which steel avoids. And printed markings on plastic can wear over years of washing, while stamped or etched steel markings do not. There is also no 1/8 teaspoon.
Why we like it
- Includes a 1/2 tablespoon
- Standard and metric markings
- Dishwasher safe, per KitchenAid
- Light and colorful
Key specifications
| Model | KQ057OHAQA |
|---|---|
| Set | 5 spoons on a ring |
| Sizes | 1/4, 1/2, 1 tsp; 1/2, 1 tbsp |
| Material | BPA-free plastic, per retailers |
| Fits spice jars | Not stated |
| Markings | Standard and metric; method not stated |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, per the listing |
| Storage | Nests on a ring |
Why we recommend it
It suits a backup set, a first kitchen or anyone who wants spoons in a color to match a KitchenAid mixer.
Skip it if this will be your only set; a steel set measures dry spices more cleanly and lasts longer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Light and inexpensive
- Dishwasher safe
- Several colors
Cons
- Plastic holds static, per ATK’s findings on plastic
- No 1/8 tsp
- Markings may wear
How to choose measuring spoons for a spice-heavy kitchen
Bowl shape. This matters more than anything else if you measure straight from the jar. Standard spice jars have small openings, and America’s Test Kitchen found that narrow oval or rectangular bowls fit them far better than round ones. Square and rectangular bowls also make it easy to see when a spoon is level.
A flush handle. To level a spoonful you drag a knife or a straight edge across the top. If the handle rises above the rim or there is a ridge where it meets the bowl, the knife catches and you leave a bump of spice behind. ATK marked down spoons with that kind of step.
Sizes. The five you cannot do without are 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. A 3/4 teaspoon and a 1/2 tablespoon are worth having if you cook from recipes that use them, and an odd-size set (2/3, 1 1/2 and 2 teaspoons) is useful when you scale recipes.
Material and markings. Stainless steel does not hold static, so ground spices and baking powder slide off cleanly, and markings stamped, engraved or etched into steel do not wash off. Plastic is light and cheap, but printed numbers can fade.
Storage. Rings keep the set together but can be stiff; magnets are quicker but rely on the magnets staying strong; loose spoons get lost. Choose the one you will actually put back.
Sturdiness. Thin spoons bend when you scoop something packed, such as brown sugar or piloncillo shavings. Single-piece, thick-gauge steel is the safer choice.
Spoons, cups or a scale?
Measuring spoons are for small amounts, from a pinch of cayenne to a tablespoon of chile powder. For flour, masa harina and sugar, use dry measuring cups (our stainless steel measuring cups guide covers the metal sets), or better, a kitchen scale, which removes the guesswork of how tightly the flour was packed.
For tiny amounts of potent ingredients like yeast, America’s Test Kitchen suggests a precision scale rather than a spoon, because a small spoon’s error is a large share of the dose. For everyday cooking, though, a good steel set is accurate enough for spices, salt and leaveners. Keep the spices themselves in jars with openings your spoons fit; our spice jar guide lists sets with wide mouths and shaker lids.
How we chose these nine sets
We looked at stainless and plastic measuring spoon sets from Cuisipro, Hudson Essentials, OXO, Spring Chef, King Arthur, RSVP, All-Clad, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Cuisinart, Bellemain and others, and kept only sets showing as in stock on Amazon when we checked. We chose a range of bowl shapes, storage styles and sizes, including odd sizes and one budget plastic set, rather than nine near-identical steel sets. Specifications come from the Amazon listings; for the KitchenAid set’s material we used retailer listings.
We read America’s Test Kitchen’s measuring spoon review and cite it where it covers a set we list or a general finding, such as how bowl shape affects jar fit. We did not read or rely on Serious Eats, Wirecutter or the New York Times for this guide. We have not used these spoons ourselves; where we found no independent review, we say so.
Measuring spoon questions, answered
What is the best brand of measuring spoons?
Cuisipro is the strongest choice: its stainless set is America’s Test Kitchen’s winner, and its odd-size set fills the gaps. Hudson Essentials is a close second for narrow jars, and OXO is the pick for magnetic storage.
Which measuring spoons does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
Its winner is the Cuisipro Stainless Steel 5-piece set. It rated the Hudson Essentials 7-piece set highly recommended, recommended a six-piece Spring Chef rectangular set, and placed OXO’s plastic seven-piece set under recommended with reservations.
What type of measuring spoon is best?
Stainless steel, with narrow oval or rectangular bowls, a handle that sits flush with the rim and markings stamped or etched into the metal. Steel does not hold static the way plastic does, so ingredients release cleanly.
What are the best quality measuring spoons?
Look for thick, single-piece 18/8 or 304 stainless steel, permanent markings and a long warranty. Cuisipro lists a 25-year warranty and All-Clad a limited lifetime warranty.
Do measuring spoons need to fit spice jars?
If you measure straight from the jar, yes. A spoon that fits saves shaking spice over the spoon and spilling it. The Hudson Essentials, RSVP and Spring Chef sets are designed for narrow jars.
Are magnetic measuring spoons worth it?
They are if rings annoy you. Magnets hold the set together in the drawer and let you take one spoon at a time. The trade-off is that the magnets have to stay strong over years of washing.
The set we would buy first
Start with the Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set for everyday measuring, and add the Cuisipro odd-size set if you bake often. Choose the Hudson Essentials set if your spices live in narrow jars, or the OXO magnetic set if you never want to open a ring again.
More for the spice shelf and table: salt cellars, salt and pepper shakers.
Measuring spoons sit with the other basics in our guide to Mexican cooking tools, and our Mexican spices guide covers what to measure with them, from comino to Mexican oregano. If you would rather leave the seasoning to our kitchen, see the menu or call to order.