The best collapsible measuring cups for most RVs and small kitchens are the Prepworks BA-545 set, because it gives five cup sizes that fold to about one third of their height. For camping, the Sea to Summit Frontier collapsible cup is lighter, tougher and rated for hot water.
In short: pick the Prepworks BA-545 for a full set, the Sea to Summit Frontier cup for the trail, and the Chef’n SleekStor for a silicone set with pour spouts.
As an Amazon Associate, Measuring Expert earns from qualifying purchases. Our picks are based on research, specifications and owner feedback, not paid placement.
Best Overall
Best for Camping
Best Pour Spouts
Quick Answer: Which Best Collapsible Measuring Cups Fit Your Space?
- Full set for an RV: the Prepworks BA-545 with five sizes.
- Trail and camp stove: the Sea to Summit Frontier cup, 54 g and rated to 150 C.
- Liquids: the Chef’n SleekStor, which forms a pour spout.
- Plain silicone set: the Home Basics four-piece set.
- Cups plus spoons: the unbranded eight-piece camper kit.
- Any flexible cup: check it once against a scale, because soft walls can change the volume.
On This Page
- Comparison table
- The 5 picks, reviewed
- How we chose
- Are flexible cups accurate?
- Hot water and camp cooking
- Space and weight
- How to measure with a collapsible cup
- mL to cups converter
- Honest limits
- FAQ
- Bottom line
Best Collapsible Measuring Cups at a Glance
| # | Product | Best For | Standout Feature | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepworks by Progressive BA-545 Collapsible Measuring Cups (Set of 5) | RV and small-kitchen cooks who want a full set | Five sizes that collapse to about one third height | View |
| 2 | Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Camp Cup (12 oz) | Backpacking, kayaking and camp cooking | 54 g cup with interior measuring lines | View |
| 3 | Chef’n SleekStor Pinch + Pour Collapsible Measuring Cups | Silicone cups that pour cleanly into narrow pots | Pinch the sides to form a pour spout | View |
| 4 | Home Basics Collapsible Silicone Measuring Cup Set (4 Piece) | A simple silicone set for liquid and dry ingredients | Four collapsible silicone cups in one set | View |
| 5 | Foldable Silicone Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, 8 Piece (Camper Kitchen) | Campers who want cups and spoons in one folding kit | Four cups and four spoons sold as an RV kitchen set | View |
The 5 Best Collapsible Measuring Cups, Reviewed
We start with the full set, then move to the camp cup, the spout set, and two budget options. In each case, we judge sizes, material, heat limits and how small it packs.
Best Overall
1. Prepworks by Progressive BA-545 Collapsible Measuring Cups (Set of 5)
Best for: RV owners, boaters and apartment cooks who want a complete cup set in a shallow drawer.
First, Prepworks sells the classic collapsible set. A retailer listing shows five cups: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 cup, or 50, 80, 120, 177 and 240 mL. Because that covers every common recipe step, you rarely need to refill a cup.
Next, the same listing says the cups are PP and TPE, dishwasher safe and BPA free, and that they collapse to about one third of their height. In addition, the Prepworks design has beveled edges for packed ingredients and an oblong shape for narrow containers. Some listings describe a four-cup version, so check the title before you buy. Instead, for the rigid dry and liquid cups we prefer at home, see our best food measuring cups guide.
- Cups: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 cup (50 to 240 mL), per the listing
- Material: PP and TPE; BPA free
- Collapses to about one third of its height
- Standard and metric markings; storage ring keeps the set together
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Five sizes, including 3/4 cup
- Collapses small enough for a camper drawer
- Markings in US and metric units
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Walls flex if you squeeze them
- Plastic is less rigid for leveling than steel
- Listings differ on four or five cups
Skip it if: you bake often and want a rigid set; steel cups level flour more cleanly.
Best for Camping
2. Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Camp Cup (12 oz)
Best for: campers who need one cup that measures water for meals and also holds a hot drink.
Because it is a camp cup that doubles as a measure, it is the lightest pick here. According to REI’s specifications, it holds 355 mL (12 fl oz), weighs 1.9 oz (54 g) and collapses to less than 2 cm thick. In addition, the walls are food-grade silicone, and the base, rim and center ring are glass-reinforced nylon.
Meanwhile, a Packstack review lists measuring lines on the inside and a silicone rating of 150 C (300 F). As a result, it can take boiling water for a freeze-dried meal. However, one cup is the limit, so a 1 1/2 cup pouch needs a refill. The lines are also a guide, not a calibrated scale, because the sources do not state the line units or accuracy.
- Capacity: 355 mL (12 fl oz), per REI
- Weight: 1.9 oz (54 g)
- Collapses to under 2 cm (0.8 in.) thick
- Silicone rated to 150 C (300 F), per Packstack
- Interior measuring lines; nests with the Frontier plates, bowls and pot
Pros
- Very light and flat when packed
- Handles boiling water
- Rigid rings protect your fingers
- Doubles as a drink cup
Cons
- Only one size
- Line units and accuracy are not published
- Costs more than a kitchen set
Skip it if: you need several fractional sizes for baking; choose a full set instead.
Best Pour Spouts
3. Chef’n SleekStor Pinch + Pour Collapsible Measuring Cups
Best for: cooks who measure liquids in a small galley and want a spout without a second cup.
First, the SleekStor set suits wet ingredients. The Chef’n page lists four cups: 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup and 1/4 cup. Also, they are heat- and stain-resistant silicone, BPA free, and top-rack dishwasher safe. Pinching the frame makes a pour spout, and a storage ring keeps the cups together.
However, the maker says not to use them in a microwave, and it lists no temperature limit. Therefore, keep them for room-temperature and warm ingredients. A reviewer on the same page reported that the 1 cup measure held about 204 g of water in a weighing test, against about 250 g expected. That is a single report, but it shows why you should check any flexible cup on a scale.
- Cups: 1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 cup
- Material: heat- and stain-resistant silicone, BPA free
- Top-rack dishwasher safe; not for microwave use
- Pinch frames form a pour spout; storage ring included
- Temperature limit and collapsed size are not listed
Pros
- Spout makes pouring easy
- Four common sizes
- Dishwasher safe on the top rack
- Soft silicone is quiet in a moving RV
Cons
- No temperature limit listed
- One reviewer reported a low 1 cup volume
- Not for the microwave
Skip it if: you need a listed heat rating for boiling water; the Sea to Summit cup states one.
Best Budget Silicone Set
4. Home Basics Collapsible Silicone Measuring Cup Set (4 Piece)
Best for: shoppers who want a plain silicone set from a known housewares brand.
First, the Amazon listing title calls this a Home Basics silicone measuring cup set with collapsible cups for liquid and dry ingredients. It is a four-piece set, and the color shown is red. We could not find a maker page, so the specs here are limited to what the title states.
As a result, you should read the listing for cup sizes, markings and heat limits before you buy. In the meantime, treat it as a basic folding set. For example, check each cup against a scale, as covered below, because markings on soft silicone can shift when the walls bend.
- Set of four collapsible cups
- Material: silicone, per the listing title
- Intended for liquid and dry ingredients
- Cup sizes and heat rating: not confirmed by a maker page
Pros
- Silicone folds flat
- Suits both wet and dry ingredients
- Simple four-cup set
Cons
- Specs are thin
- No maker page found
- Walls flex when filled
Skip it if: you want published heat limits and sizes; the Chef’n and Prepworks pages list them.
Best Cups and Spoons Kit
5. Foldable Silicone Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, 8 Piece (Camper Kitchen)
Best for: RV owners who start with an empty galley and want cups and spoons together.
First, this unbranded eight-piece set is listed as four cups and four spoons, made of foldable silicone, with a camper kitchen angle. We could find only the listing title, so we cannot confirm sizes, markings or heat limits.
It earns a place because it bundles spoons with the cups, which saves space in a camper drawer. However, treat it as an unverified budget option. Pair it with a scale check, and use our best ingredient measuring spoon set guide if you want rigid spoons with listed specs.
- Eight pieces: four cups and four spoons, per the listing title
- Material: foldable silicone, per the listing title
- Sizes, markings and heat limits: not confirmed
- Unbranded listing
Pros
- Cups and spoons together
- Folds for small drawers
- Camper-focused listing
Cons
- Unbranded
- No confirmed sizes or heat rating
- Spoons may be less accurate when they fold
Skip it if: you want verified specs; the Prepworks, Sea to Summit and Chef’n picks have maker or retailer pages.
How We Chose the Best Collapsible Measuring Cups
To be clear, we did not test these cups by hand. Instead, we compared maker and retailer pages, then checked the measuring advice against public sources. Every spec below comes from a page we opened, and we flagged the picks with thin listings.
- Collapsible design: a cup that folds or compresses for storage, not just a nesting set.
- Stated sizes: listed cup sizes in US and metric units where available.
- Material and heat: a named material and, ideally, a temperature rating.
- Cleaning: dishwasher or easy-wash information.
- Sources: CDC boiling guidance, the Mountain House meal directions and the FDA labeling rule for household measures.
This guide covers folding cups only, so for rigid kitchen cups, see our best food measuring cups roundup, which includes one collapsible set among steel and glass picks.
Are the Best Collapsible Measuring Cups Accurate?
First, a collapsible cup trades rigidity for space. Its walls are soft, so a firm squeeze can change the volume. As a result, a cup that is correct on the counter may read low in your hand. The fix is simple: set the cup on a flat surface, fill it, and level it without gripping the sides.
Sizes also differ by definition. A US customary cup is 236.6 mL, because it is one sixteenth of a US gallon. However, US nutrition labeling uses a 240 mL cup under 21 CFR 101.9. The gap is about 1.4%, so most recipes do not notice it, but a metric-marked cup of 250 mL will differ more. Therefore, pick one system and stay with it through a recipe.
Also, you can test any cup in a minute. Place a bowl on a food scale, tare it, and add water to the level mark. A US cup of water weighs about 236 g at room temperature, because water is close to 1 g per mL. If your reading is far off, as one SleekStor reviewer reported, use that cup as a rough guide only. Our best digital scale guide covers scales for the job.
Hot Water, Silicone and Camp Cooking Limits
Camp cooking often means measuring boiling water, so cup choice matters. Mountain House pouch meals, for example, call for 1, 1 1/2, 1 3/4 or 2 cups of hot water, depending on the meal, and most sit for about 8 to 9 minutes. Therefore, follow the water amount on the package, as the brand advises.
That matters for cup choice. The Sea to Summit cup lists a silicone rating of 150 C (300 F), so it can hold boiling water at 100 C (212 F). The Chef’n page lists no temperature limit, so keep it for cooler liquids. Likewise, a cup with no stated rating is a poor choice for a rolling boil.
However, water safety is a separate step. The CDC says to hold a rolling boil for 1 minute at normal elevations and for 3 minutes above 6,500 feet (about 1,980 m). Measure the water you plan to boil first, and then treat it. Also, remember that boiling does not remove chemicals.
How Much Space Folding Cups Really Save
Overall, space is the reason to buy these cups, so the table compares what the sources state. Where a page gives no number, we say so.
| Pick | Collapsed size | Sizes | Heat limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepworks BA-545 | About one third of full height | 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, 1 cup | Not listed |
| Sea to Summit Frontier cup | Under 2 cm thick; 54 g | 355 mL (12 fl oz) | 150 C (300 F) |
| Chef’n SleekStor | Not listed | 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 cup | Not listed |
| Home Basics 4-piece | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Camper 8-piece kit | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
In short, the camp cup is the smallest and lightest, while the Prepworks set is the best all-round saver. For other camp measuring, see our picnic ingredient measuring guide.
How to Measure With the Best Collapsible Measuring Cups
In short, these steps keep a soft cup accurate. Follow them each time, because the habit matters more than the brand.
- Open the cup fully. Pull or press it until it locks at full height.
- Set it on a flat surface. A level counter or table keeps the walls from bending.
- Fill without squeezing. Pour liquids to the line, or heap dry food over the rim.
- Read at eye level. Bend down so the liquid surface meets the line.
- Level dry food. Sweep a flat edge across the rim without gripping the cup.
- Check it once on a scale. Compare the weight of water with 236 g per US cup.
mL to Cups and Ounces Converter for Collapsible Cups
Many camp cups use metric lines, so use this converter to switch units. For example, the 355 mL Sea to Summit cup equals about 1.5 US cups, or 12 fl oz.
Keep in mind that the exact US cup is 236.6 mL, so 240 mL is a rounded figure. For the smallest amounts, however, see the best ingredient measuring spoon set guide.
Do and Don’t With Collapsible Measuring Cups
Honest Limits of These Picks
We did not test these cups, and two picks have thin listings. Maker pages were not available for every product, so some specs come from retailers. Also, flexible walls limit accuracy, so a rigid cup is better for baking. Therefore, use these for travel and small spaces, and confirm each listing before you buy.
Best Collapsible Measuring Cups FAQ
What are the best collapsible measuring cups for an RV?
In short, the Prepworks BA-545 set is the best choice for most RVs. It has five sizes and collapses to about one third of its height. Meanwhile, for the lightest option, the Sea to Summit Frontier cup folds under 2 cm thick.
Are collapsible measuring cups accurate?
They can be, but soft walls can change the volume. First, set the cup on a flat surface, fill it, and avoid squeezing it. For example, one SleekStor reviewer reported a 1 cup measure that held about 204 g of water. Therefore, check any cup on a scale.
How do I test a collapsible measuring cup?
First, place a bowl on a food scale, tare it, and fill the cup with water to the line. A US cup of water weighs about 236 g. In addition, repeat the test twice to confirm that your leveling is steady.
Can these cups handle boiling water?
Only if the maker lists a rating. Sea to Summit lists silicone rated to 150 C (300 F), which is above the 100 C (212 F) boiling point of water. However, the Chef’n page lists no temperature limit, so avoid boiling water with it.
How much water do freeze-dried camping meals need?
It depends on the meal. For example, Mountain House pouches call for 1, 1 1/2, 1 3/4 or 2 cups of hot water, and most need about 8 to 9 minutes. So follow the amount printed on the package.
Are silicone measuring cups dishwasher safe?
Often, but check the listing. Chef’n says its SleekStor cups are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the Prepworks listing says dishwasher safe. Otherwise, wash by hand with warm soapy water.
Why are collapsible cups good for small kitchens?
They fold flat, so a full set can fit in a shallow drawer. For example, the Prepworks set collapses to about one third of its height. As a result, it suits RVs, boats and tiny apartments.
What is the difference between a US cup and a metric cup?
A US customary cup is 236.6 mL, while a metric cup is 250 mL. Also, US nutrition labels use 240 mL. Therefore, stick with one system through a recipe so your ratios stay correct.
Should I use collapsible cups for baking?
Use them for casual cooking and travel. For precise baking, a rigid cup or a scale is better, because soft walls can flex. Our guide to the best food measuring cups covers rigid sets.
How do I clean and store collapsible measuring cups?
First, wash them after use, rinse off oils, and let them dry open. Then collapse them and store them on the ring if one comes with the set. Also, avoid heat sources that the maker warns against.
Bottom Line on the Best Collapsible Measuring Cups
For most RVs and small kitchens, the best collapsible measuring cups are the Prepworks BA-545 set. It offers five sizes, and it also folds small. Alternatively, choose the Sea to Summit Frontier cup for camping, or the Chef’n SleekStor for pour spouts. Whichever you pick, check it once on a scale and keep a rigid cup for baking.