Measuring Cups and Vessels

Precise dosing is the foundation of consistency for every recipe and cocktail. The right measuring vessels allow bartenders and chefs to achieve identical results repeatedly, which is essential for both product quality and cost control. In a bar, precise dosing not only ensures flavour consistency in cocktails, but also controls alcohol consumption and reduces waste, directly impacting the business’s profitability.

Jiggers

Jiggers are the classic bar measuring vessels — double-cone shaped cups with a capacity of usually 25/50 ml or 30/60 ml. They allow bartenders to measure alcohol and other cocktail ingredients quickly and accurately. Jiggers are available in stainless steel and plastic versions — steel models are more durable and long-lasting, while plastic models are more economical. For professional bars, stainless steel jiggers are the best choice.

Clear (transparent) jiggers allow visual verification of the measured amount, which is a practical addition for barista training or in businesses where precise portions need to be demonstrated to customers. Such models are often made from acrylic or polyethylene.

Measuring cups

Measuring cups with graduated scales are suitable for measuring larger quantities — from 100 ml to 1000 ml and more. They are used for preparing sauces, mayonnaise and other liquid foods, as well as for decanting and preparation in bars. Stainless steel measuring cups are more durable, while polypropylene versions are cheaper and transparent, allowing the liquid level to be seen even without volume markings.

It is important to check the accuracy of the measuring cup’s scale — the graduation on professional measuring cups must be clearly legible and precise. Wear and deformation over time can distort the scale, so regular checks are recommended.

Measuring jugs

Measuring jugs with handles are convenient dosing accessories for kitchens and bars. Available in various sizes and usually made from polypropylene or stainless steel. Measuring jugs are useful for transferring large quantities of liquids — for example, pouring syrup, juice or sauce from a large container into working vessels. The long handle ensures more comfortable and safer work with hot liquids.

Measuring spoons and measuring ladles

Measuring ladles and measuring spoons are used for precise dosing of smaller quantities — both for dry spices and liquids. Measuring spoon sets in standard sizes (1 ml, 2,5 ml, 5 ml, 15 ml, 30 ml) are useful in patisserie and specialised cocktail preparation. Stainless steel versions are dishwasher-safe and more durable.

Dispenser systems

Professional bars also use electronic dosing systems that automatically dispense the set amount of liquid at the press of a button. Such systems are more precise than manual measuring vessels and provide complete portion tracking, which is also convenient for inventory management. However, traditional measuring vessels remain standard equipment in most bars due to their simplicity and reliability.

Maintenance and cleaning

Measuring cups and jiggers should be cleaned after each use, as alcohol and syrup residues can create sticky deposits that are harder to remove later. Most stainless steel measuring vessels can be washed in a dishwasher. Visually check the integrity of measuring vessels regularly — cracks or deformation can affect measurement accuracy.

Dosing and cost control

Precise portion dosing with measuring vessels is directly linked to a business’s cost control. In a bar, every over-poured portion of alcohol reduces the ratio of the price paid by the customer to the consumption — over time, these losses add up to a significant amount. Precise dosing with a jigger or measuring cup is also a matter of ethics and responsible alcohol service in bars.

Barista training and measuring vessels

In barista training, measuring vessels are a tool for teaching recipes and ensuring consistency. New employees learn the correct quantities with the help of measuring vessels before developing the skill to estimate quantities informally. In cafés where barista training is invested in, the use of measuring vessels is a standard part of the training process.

Bar inventory planning

A professional bar needs a sufficient number of measuring vessels to ensure uninterrupted work for several bartenders simultaneously. In a busy bar, it is recommended to keep 2–3 sets of jiggers per bartender station so that clean accessories do not disrupt the workflow. Inventory should be reviewed periodically for wear and accuracy checks.

Material choice and service life

Stainless steel measuring vessels last longer than plastic ones — they do not have issues with colour fading or scale wear. Metal surfaces also withstand the heat of dishwashers and aggressive cleaning agents. Investing in high-quality stainless steel inventory is more cost-effective in the long term than frequently replacing cheap plastic accessories.

Certification and compliance with standards

Measuring vessels sold in the European Union must be CE marked and comply with metrology standards. Measuring vessels intended for food contact must comply with the EU regulation on food contact materials (EC) No. 1935/2004. Check that the purchased measuring vessels meet these standards to ensure the material is non-toxic to food products.

Use of measuring vessels in patisserie

In patisserie, precise dosing is chemical process control — the outcome of baked or prepared products directly depends on the accuracy of the ingredients. Special patisserie measuring jugs and measuring cups with wider scales are suitable for preparing larger batches. For catering businesses that combine restaurant and patisserie functions, measuring vessels are doubly important in terms of volume and precision.

Completeness of the measuring vessel range in a bar

A fully equipped professional bar needs at least three different sizes of jiggers, several sizes of measuring cups and measuring jugs for various uses. Although measuring vessels may seem like minor accessories, their absence during work halts the cocktail preparation process. The BHS range includes measuring vessels of various sizes and sets that provide complete bar equipment for precise dosing for all bar needs.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.