When I first moved abroad and tried to cook in my new, tiny kitchen in Italy, I remember the moment when the once-familiar tools I reached for were no longer there: the spatula, the meat thermometer, the potato peeler, and a dozen other everyday items. I took them for granted—until I went without them and tried to make do with an unsharpened knife and a shaky cutting board.
Then there are the tools I didn’t know I needed until I happened upon them one day. A typical example: the Anchor Hocking shot glass for measuring that I bought at Dollar General for just a dollar. It may look like something that belongs on a bar cart, but it has become the most practical tool in my kitchen.
Dollar General Anchor Hocking shot glass
- Price: $1
- Why I love it: It’s simple, sturdy and endlessly useful, with the precision I miss from larger measuring cups – and thoughtful conversion markings on the side that make it even more versatile.
Simply Recipes / Dollar General
Why I love the Anchor Hocking shot glass for measuring
Whether I’m whisking a vinaigrette, measuring the yeast for pizza dough, or pouring the perfect ounce for an old-fashioned dough, this sturdy little jar is always at hand. Each side has different measurements engraved on it—tablespoons, teaspoons, and ounces—so I don’t have to fiddle with spoons or question my conversions.
This tool is clearly marked up to six teaspoons (two tablespoons), which is less than a quarter cup and is notoriously difficult to see even with smaller measuring cups. Double the shot glass and you have exactly a quarter cup. The measuring glass is practical for recipes where precision is important, as the larger measuring cups skip the intermediate amounts.
Unlike plastic, it does not deform, discolor or lose its markings in the dishwasher. And because it’s a sturdy little jar that stands upright, I can scoop out every last sticky bit of honey or maple syrup without worrying about a spoon tipping over and dripping all over the counter. Over time, I’ve realized that it saves me countless little annoyances, like scrambling for the right spoon, washing down an entire cup for a drizzle of oil, or wondering if that “tablespoon” of soy sauce I’m eyeing is actually the right one.
I’ve used it for everything from baking projects to cocktails to quick marinades, and I’ve even pulled it out for non-food tasks—like mixing vinegar for laundry or portioning liquid medications. For just a dollar, it has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen drawer. Honestly, I would pay triple for it and still feel like I got a deal.
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