# Ways to re-purpose a glass measuring cup without markings (upcycling ideas sought!) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 7, 2017, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948 "2017-04-07T02:22:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/1 "2017-04-07T02:22:58Z")
I have an old Pyrex measuring cup where the markings have worn off. It’s too much trouble to accurately re-mark it considering how cheap the replacements are, but I’d still like to MacGyver up a new useful purpose for it. It is heat-safe, see-through, and has a pour spout and handle. Surely these are useful qualities … What purpose might they serve? Poking around the internet I turned up a suggestion to use it for warming & pouring syrup or honey, which is an excellent start. Now I turn to you, oh Dopers, for more ideas. Whatcha got? ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/2 "2017-04-07T03:24:07Z")
I use mine as a tea pot. I mix pancake batter (I don’t measure the ingredients) in it and use it to make microwave pudding, instant rice, oatmeal, etc. Mine has a lid, which makes it great for storing and reheating leftovers – from fridge to microwave to table to dishwasher. Great for filling the steam iron. Ditto the humming bird feeder. I also use mine to hold a candle when the power goes out. The handle makes it easy to move the candle safely from place to place as needed. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/3 "2017-04-07T03:31:46Z")
I keep mine in the cupboard above the coffee makers (yes, plural), so I can easily refill the tanks. To pancake batter, I will add its near cousin waffle batter. Good for microwaving butter to melt it. Also chocolate and shortening. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/4 "2017-04-07T03:35:56Z")
I keep an old measuring cup in my big tub of bird seed. Makes filling the feeders easier and faster. ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/5 "2017-04-07T09:04:07Z")
If I ever go to a Trump rally, I’d wear it as a hat. The fact that it has no markings would demonstrate that my hat signifies that my thought process doesn’t measure up. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/6 "2017-04-07T10:23:56Z")
OP, what size is it (one cup, two cups, one or two quarts)? ---
**Author:** ![constanze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f9ae1b/32.png) [@constanze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/constanze)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/7 "2017-04-07T10:26:45Z")
> [@Dereknocue67](#): > > If I ever go to a Trump rally, I’d wear it as a hat. The fact that it has no markings would demonstrate that my hat signifies that my thought process doesn’t measure up. Heh. That’s both funny and would fly over the head of probably most there. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/8 "2017-04-07T14:43:25Z")
We use an older measuring cup as a gravy boat. Gravy getting cold? Nuke it and bring back to the table, easy peasy. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/9 "2017-04-07T15:52:19Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > We use an older measuring cup as a gravy boat. Gravy getting cold? Nuke it and bring back to the table, easy peasy. Beat me to it. Mostly it’s used for gravy, or occasionally watering plants. Sometimes syrup. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/10 "2017-04-07T18:45:36Z")
What’s wrong with just pitching it in the recycle bin? Some things just are used up. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/11 "2017-04-07T19:50:55Z")
These are perfect for standing your Asparagus in a little water waiting for cooking time. I also use one while making beer. I scoop out a couple cups of wort just prior to it boiling, stick it in the fridge and after 45 minutes, use this to pitch my dry yeast. It’s ready to go after the boil. Hell, why not just use it as a bowl? Bowls don’t need no fool markin’s! ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/12 "2017-04-07T20:35:56Z")
Glue some gears on it, and call it steampunk. Then sell it on Etsy. ---
**Author:** ![teela\_brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d9b06d/32.png) [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/13 "2017-04-07T20:47:13Z")
Use it to poach eggs in the microwave, a la **Qadgop** ’s recipe as seen in Cafe Society. IIRC, it goes like this: Put an inch or so of water in the cup, and microwave it until it boils. Crack an egg into it, poke the yolk with a toothpick, stretch Saran wrap across the top of the cup, and poke a couple of holes in that, too. Microwave at 50% power (important) for about 50 seconds. Perfect poached egg. Much easier to clean than a big saucepan. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/14 "2017-04-07T21:07:11Z")
I have one like that and use it for various tasks. 1. When I make bread, I use it to heat up more than enough water in the microwave, then add as much warm water by weight as the recipe calls for. If like most Americans you measure ingredients by volume, this won’t help you much. Then after disposing of the excess water, I use it for softening or melting the butter. 2. It’s perfect for heating up hot fudge sauce in the microwave. 3. The size, spout, and handle make it rather convenient for watering houseplants and seedlings. 4. When I’m having waffles or pancakes, I heat a mixture of real maple syrup and butter in it in the microwave. Use no more than 50% power and watch it closely because it tends to boil over. ---
**Author:** ![The\_King\_of\_Soup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@The\_King\_of\_Soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_King_of_Soup)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/15 "2017-04-07T21:17:50Z")
I have one of those. But I’m like Big Jule in _Guys and Dolls_: I remember where the spots formerly was. A pyrex cup is a great vessel for heating stuff by hanging it in a pot of boiling water or putting it in a microwave. Have to say, though, it’s not that hard to re-mark it. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/16 "2017-04-08T04:46:16Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > OP, what size is it (one cup, two cups, one or two quarts)? One cup. Little bitty thing. These suggestions are great so far! ---
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/17 "2017-04-08T05:19:14Z")
I have one of those (where the markings wore off). I still use it to measure rice, proportionally. One “cup” of the measuring cup, brimfull, for rice, two for water. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/18 "2017-04-08T06:02:11Z")
Soup, the markings CAN be re-done but internet consensus is that they aren’t heat- or cleaning-proof, unless you invest a bit of time/money/effort for glass-specific bake-on (a Sharpie won’t cut it) at which point my lazy ass has already returned from the store or logged off my Amazon order for a new one to arrive on my doorstep. > [@teela\_brown](#): > > Use it to poach eggs in the microwave, a la **Qadgop** ’s recipe as seen in Cafe Society. IIRC, it goes like this: > > Put an inch or so of water in the cup, and microwave it until it boils. Crack an egg into it, poke the yolk with a toothpick, stretch Saran wrap across the top of the cup, and poke a couple of holes in that, too. Microwave at 50% power (important) for about 50 seconds. > > Perfect poached egg. Much easier to clean than a big saucepan. Heh. I’m actually the reason you wrote “(important)” after 50% power. _curtsy_ Still can’t believe I missed that detail initially. Was sooooo disappointed with that first egg, like there was a glitch in the matrix. QtheM wrong about something? WTF 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/19 "2017-04-08T07:56:17Z")
I don’t have any suggestions that haven’t already been listed, but I’m going to try that poached egg recipe TOMORROW! ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948/20 "2017-04-08T15:53:30Z")
I used to have a bunch of various sized old measuring cups I picked up second-hand. Used them to start herbs for my herb garden (when I gardened herbs) in my kitchen window. A few of them (the larger ones) I used as permanent herb planters instead of just starting pots. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-re-purpose-a-glass-measuring-cup-without-markings-upcycling-ideas-sought/783948.md?page=2)