Skip to content
FriendsPantry
Measuring jug

Utensils & kitchen tools · Measuring tool

Measuring jug

A clear jug marked with volume lines and a pouring spout for measuring liquids.

Essential in most kitchens · No power needed · 17 recipes

Photo: Batty, via Wikimedia Commons (public-domain)

What it is

A jug of glass or plastic printed with graduated lines in millilitres, and often cups and fluid ounces. The spout and handle make pouring easy, and heatproof glass ones can hold hot liquids or go in the microwave.

What it’s for: Measuring and pouring liquids accurately.

How to use it

  1. Stand the jug on a flat surface.
  2. Pour in liquid and bend down to read it at eye level.
  3. Read from the bottom of the curved surface (meniscus).
  4. Pour steadily from the spout.

Good to know

Tasks
measuring water, milk and stock, mixing batters to pour, whisking dressings, heating liquids in the microwave
Materials
borosilicate glass, plastic, stainless steel
Care and cleaning
Wash; most are dishwasher-safe. Check plastic ones are heat-safe before adding hot liquid.
Limitations
Not accurate for very small amounts.

Safety

  • Use heatproof glass for boiling liquids.

If you don’t have one

  • Kitchen scale — Weigh water and most thin liquids; 1 g is roughly 1 ml.

Equipment guide

How it works: Graduated markings let you read liquid volume at eye level. A spout lets you pour without dripping.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Borosilicate or tempered glassNon-reactive, lets you see the browning on the sides and base; holds heat well once hot.Slow to heat; can shatter with sudden temperature changes (e.g. cold liquid into a hot dish, or from fridge to hot oven).
Food-grade plastic (polypropylene, nylon)Light, cheap, gentle on non-stick surfaces.Melts or warps on contact with hot pans; scratches harbour residue; can stain and hold smells.
Stainless steelDurable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells.Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot.
Glass jug
Microwave-safe.
Plastic jug
Light; unbreakable.
Angled-read jug
Read from above.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A 500 ml–1 litre heat-resistant glass jug marked in ml.

  • Clear markings in ml
  • Heatproof
  • Good pouring spout

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Techniques:PicklingMise en placeFlambé

Related tools

Recipes that use it

5 more