Alton Brown often uses measuring devices on his show that consists of a graduated cylinder with a piston inside. Measurements are made by pulling out the piston to the desired depth and then filling the cavity with the stuff to be measured. Brown often ‘pops’ the ingredient(s) out by administering a sharp rap to the bottom of the piston.
What are these measuring devices called, and who makes them?
I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond. It’s awesome for gooey stuff.
Precisely what I was thinking.
What are they called, and what part of the store are they in? (BB&B is conveniently a block and a half from my office.)
He also sells them through his website.
Thanks for the leads. I found this one at BB&B.
Actually, the Alton Brown ones look like a better deal ($14 for two, vs. $10 for one); even if they do have a celebrity puss on the side.
They have them at Target.
They’re good for gooey stuff. OK for dry stuff. They don’t have a pour spout so they tend to be messy for liquids.
That’s the one I have. It’s incredible.
They’re really not for thin liquids; they’re for thick and gooey stuff that gets stuck in traditional measuring cups. Peanut butter, honey, shortening. The plunger action gets it all out.
It’s called a Wonder Cup; Brown calls his “Plunger,” and KitchenArt calls theirs “AdjustaCup,” but the original is made by Milmour Products of Skokie Illinois.
I’ve encountered them at Kohl’s
Also, the Pampered Chef sells the Measure-All for $9.50 (and you can order off the website, without going thru a consultant).
I have his food scale, and Ivylad wants that gun thing that he points at a hot cast iron skillet and it gives you the temperature.
I lurrve AB.
That infrared thermometer is wicked-cool. 
I need to get me one of those!