Next time you head to Grandma's house, you might want to pay attention to more than just her and Grandpa (and the delicious meals she cooks). Instead of going straight in for her delicious Italian meatballs or scooping up a portion of her famous casserole, look closely at what she's serving it all in. Chances are, there are some hidden gems hiding right in her kitchen that could be worth a pretty penny.
Vintage kitchenware can rack up substantial coin. The resale value of many of yesteryear's iconic pans and teapots is high, and that means it's time to scour the cabinets and see what treasures you may unearth.
From bakeware to barware, here are the most common kitchen collectibles that might just be worth their weight in gold.
Cast-Iron Skillets
Cast-iron skillets are renowned for their durability and ability to retain heat. Vintage pieces, particularly those from the 19th and early 20th centuries, are highly coveted. Brands like Griswold and Wagner are especially prized, and their values can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In 2019, a rare, one-of-a-kind Griswold skillet featuring a spider design was listed on eBay for $8,000 according to Southern Living.
Tea Kettles
Antique tea kettles, especially those made from materials like copper or brass, or those with ornate patterns, often attract collectors and fetch a substantial price. Prices vary widely based on age, design, and manufacturer, but rare or high-quality pieces can command thousands of dollars. This Vintage Georg Jensen Tea Kettle retailed for $19,143.
CorningWare
CorningWare, made from the innovative Pyroceram material introduced in 1958, remains popular among collectors due to its versatility and ability to withstand thermal shock. While Pyroceram was eventually replaced by stoneware, vintage CorningWare dishes are still highly sought after. Some coveted designs include the Spice of Life range, which features vegetables, greenery, and the words “L’Echalote La Marjolaine,” and the Cornflower range, which has a classic blue floral design; both can be worth a couple of hundred dollars.
Antique Dishware
Walk into any grandparent's kitchen, and you'll likely find some beautiful dishware on display. Porcelain china sets, especially those from well-known manufacturers or with intricate designs, can be quite valuable. A complete set of fine china for 10 to 12 people can easily be worth over $1,500. Similarly, mint-green jadeite dishware can range from anywhere between $5 to over $5,000, depending on their condition and rarity. Vintage pieces are highly sought after by collectors, with pre-war picks among the most valuable.
Cookie Cutters
Vintage cookie cutters, particularly those with unique shapes or from notable eras, can sell for a decent price. Collectors typically look for three things: size, color, and shape. Extra-large or extra-small cutters tend to be more coveted, and darker tins distinguish how old the items are. Prices can range from anywhere between $25 and a couple hundred dollars.
Pyrex
There’s nothing like a beautiful glass dish. Pyrex, known for its colorful and patterned glassware, has been a kitchen staple since the mid-20th century. Vintage Pyrex items, especially those with distinctive patterns and vibrant colors, can be quite valuable. Some pieces can be worth as much as $3,000.
Vintage KitchenAid Mixers
Before electric stand mixers became household staples, hand-cranked whisks were the go-to for whipping up batters and beating eggs. In fact, KitchenAid's first product was the Model H-5 mixer, introduced in 1919. Mixers are collectible and valuable today, with well-preserved models from the ‘30s to ‘50s fetching impressive prices. Collectors prize them not only for their historical significance but also for their robustness and the nostalgia they evoke.
Barware
Antique barware is beloved by collectors, with vintage cocktail shakers and glassware being particularly valuable. Shakers adorned with Art Deco designs or classic recipe prints can be worth $200 to $300, depending on their design and condition. Additionally, antique glassware and goblets, often crafted with rare patterns and colors, may also be worth a great deal. Depression-era glass, for instance, can sell from anywhere between a couple bucks to a couple hundred.
Mason Jars
It seems like those who have hopped on the trendy mason jar bandwagon in recent years might just be onto something. Ball mason jars, in particular, date back to the late 1800s, and some of these can fetch a couple hundred dollars. Other brands like Van Vliet can score you upwards of $20,000. It all depends on the brand, the color of the glass, lid type, lettering, and what type of glass is used.
Cookie Jars
Forget stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. If everyone knew how much vintage cookie jars could make, they'd want to steal the container itself. Many decorative cookie jars made between the 1930s and '50s can sell for a few hundred dollars. Often, the kookier-looking, the better.
