Messbecher

Messbecher is a cylindrical or conic vessel used to measure and pour liquids or loose materials. In German, the term covers both kitchen measuring cups and laboratory beakers. A Messbecher typically features graduation marks along its side to indicate volume, usually in milliliters and liters, and a pour spout to facilitate transfer.

There are two common contexts. In the kitchen, a Küchenmessbecher is a transparent plastic or glass container with a handle and a spout. They come in several sizes from about 50 mL to 2 L and often carry both metric and imperial units. They are designed for rough to semi-precise measurement and are commonly used for recipe preparation, mixing, and pouring.

In laboratories, a beaker, also called a Messbecher, is a cylindrical vessel with a flat bottom, a wide mouth, and a pouring lip. Laboratory beakers are usually made of borosilicate glass or chemical-resistant plastics and are available in common sizes such as 50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL, and 1 L. They provide graduations for volume measurement and are used for mixing, heating, and transferring liquids. For precise volumetry, other glassware such as volumetric flasks or graduated cylinders are preferred.

Materials and care vary. Glass beakers resist chemicals and heat but can break, while plastics are lighter and cheaper but may stain or absorb odors. Proper use includes selecting the right size, reading measurements at eye level, and using a suitable material for the liquid and temperature involved.

See also: Beaker (chemistry), Graduated cylinder, Küchenutensilien.