Why Measuring Cups and Spoons Are Essential for Every Boat Galley: Practical Tips and Best Materials

If you’re anything like me, you probably didn’t use measuring cups and spoons much in your land-based kitchen. When I lived on land, I relied on scales to measure my ingredients precisely. But since moving onboard, I’ve switched to measuring cups and spoons as my go-to tools for getting the right quantities in my recipes. And for a very simple reason—the constant movement of the boat just doesn’t work well with the preciseness of scales!

Measuring cups and spoons aren’t just more practical at sea, they’re also much easier to use in a galley that’s constantly on the move.

But have you ever wondered how long we’ve been using measuring cups and spoons? I have, and their history is actually more fascinating than you might think. In fact, these tools have been helping chefs and homecooks long before kitchens even looked the way they do now, and long before we even started cooking at sea.

Let's dive into a bit of history before we talk about why they’re so important on a boat, and which ones I recommend you bring along on your cruising adventures.

A Brief History of Measuring Tools: From Ancient Civilisations to Modern Galleys

Long before our sleek stainless steel measuring spoons and colourful plastic cups, people were still measuring ingredients, but in more creative ways. The earliest forms of measurement came from nature: hands, fingers, or other objects like seashells, stones, or even animal horns. In ancient Egypt, people used grains of barley to define units of weight!

Fast forward to the 19th century, and the invention of standardised measuring cups can be traced back to Fannie Farmer, a Boston-based cooking teacher. In 1896, she published the famous Boston Cooking School Cookbook, where she introduced the idea of precise, level measurements using standardised cups and spoons. Before this, recipes used vague terms like “a pinch of salt” or “a teacup of flour.” Can you imagine trying to bake a cake with such loose measurements? It was probably very hit-and-miss and gave rise to some interesting creations, some more edible than others!

You could say Fannie Farmer revolutionised cooking thanks to her introduction of precise measurements. It was no surprise that her approach quickly became the standard. Her idea was transformative, especially for baking and other precise recipes, where guesswork just wouldn’t cut it.

Fannie Farmer

photograph from massmoments.org website

Why Measuring Cups and Spoons Are Essential on Board

A good set of Measuring cups and spoons is an absolute must-have for your galley. First and foremost, they offer a level of accuracy that’s hard to achieve with scales, especially on a boat. I know some of you may be thinking, “Why not use a digital scale?” Here’s why.

Scales vs. Measuring Cups: The Galley Dilemma

Scales can be great for precision in a land-based kitchen, but out at sea, they have some serious downsides. Scales need to sit on a flat, stable surface which is the holy grail of boat life! The constant movement will give you fluctuating readings, and it’s incredibly frustrating to get an accurate measure when the numbers are dancing around. Even if you're docked in a calm bay, sometimes just walking through the cabin can make that scale wobble!

Measuring cups and spoons, on the other hand, give you an instant, reliable measurement—no batteries or balancing act required. You simply scoop, level, and you're good to go, no matter what the sea state and how your boat is coping with it.

Space-Saving Design

Another reason I love measuring cups and spoons for the galley is their compact, stackable design. Space is always at a premium on a boat, and bulky kitchen gadgets are the last thing you need cluttering up your small drawers and cupboards. Measuring cups and spoons often come in nesting sets, meaning they stack neatly into each other like a set of Russian dolls, taking up next to no space.

Compare that to a digital scale that requires a flat surface and space to store it. Another inconvenience that scales is the need for batteries. These can die at the most inconvenient times! Measuring cups and spoons, well they are always ready to go!

Choosing the Right Measuring Cups and Spoons for Your Galley

Now that we’ve covered the history and practicality, let’s talk about what kind of measuring cups and spoons are best for your galley. Not all are created equal, and some materials are better suited for life at sea.

Plastic

Lightweight and often colourful, plastic measuring cups and spoons are a popular choice for many cruisers. They’re cheap, durable, and won't rust. Plus, they won’t scratch your non-stick cookware if you’re scraping them around in a tight space. The downside? Some plastics can warp in high heat, and over time, they can stain or hold onto strong odours, especially from ingredients like turmeric or curry if they are a pale colour. If you go plastic, choose BPA-free, sturdy versions to avoid these issues.

Stainless Steel

Ah, my personal favourite - stainless steel measuring cups and spoons. They're incredibly durable, won't rust, and are much less likely to warp or break than their plastic counterparts. They’re also sleek and hygienic, which I love, especially for superyacht galleys where cleanliness is key. Stainless steel is non-porous, so it doesn’t absorb odours or stains, and it lasts forever. The only downside is that they can be a bit heavier than plastic, but the trade-off for durability is more than worth it. Buying a good quality set is a great investment.

Silicone

For those who want something a little more flexible (literally!), silicone measuring cups are a fantastic option. They’re lightweight, heat-resistant, and flexible, which makes pouring liquid ingredients a breeze. They won’t scratch your pots and pans, and they’re easy to clean. The only issue? They can be a bit floppy when measuring dry ingredients, so they’re not my go-to for that, but they’re excellent for liquids like oil or plant-based milk.

Pro Tips for Using Measuring Cups and Spoons at Sea

Before we wrap up, here are a few tips for getting the most out of your measuring cups and spoons in the galley:

Dry and Liquid Measurements

Use your measuring spoons for both dry and wet ingredients, but if you can find a set of measuring cups that also have a spout it makes pouring liquids and oils so much more easier.

Hang ‘Em Up

If you’re short on drawer space, (as many of us are on a boat) consider hanging your measuring cups and spoons on hooks. Many come with holes or rings for easy storage, and hanging them keeps them within arm's reach while saving precious space.

Multi-Purpose

If you are limited in space, measuring cups can double as small bowls for sauces, dips, or even snacks. Measuring spoons can stir drinks or measure out spices with precision. As you know I love my galley items to serve more than one purpose!

So, there you have it—why the simple measuring cups and spoons should be at the top of your galley essentials list! Not only do they offer precise measurements on a constantly moving boat, but they also save space, are versatile, and come in a range of materials to suit every chef's needs. Whether you're sailing across oceans or just taking a weekend trip, these simple tools will make your cooking experience smoother and your meals more reliable.

If you have ever made any of our recipes you will have noticed we give all our measurements in cups and spoons. Why not check out our delicious and nutrient-rich plant-based recipes that are so simple you can make them in the smallest of kitchens with minimal equipment?

Read our recipes here.

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