Do you also bee-line it to the kitchenware section of any and every thrift store? If so, we are the same kind of weird. I learned many years ago that focusing my efforts on thrifting clothes or furniture just wasn't the best use of energy, but searching for cooking tools? That's where I become a certified gold prospector. Now, I have a kitchen that's well-stocked with really everything I need, including plenty of way-less-than-full-priced items that are built-to-last (see: no non-stick pans, chipped bowls, and faulty electronics for me).
That being said, some secondhand kitchen items are more valuable than others, as I quickly learned by consulting thrifting experts from across the country. And that doesn't just come down to name-brands, either. "I bought a vintage Sunbeam Mixmaster that I like better than my KitchenAid stand mixer from an older gentleman at a garage sale," says Kelly Handley, thrifting expert and founder of Ultimate Thrifting. "It had been his wife’s, who had recently passed," adds Handley, who mentions that the Mixmaster came with some of the wife's handwritten recipes. "I love things with histories and stories behind them, and it makes me smile every time I use it."
As you'll find, it pays to bump elbows with kitchen-thrifting experts, as they helped me round up all the best kitchen items to add to your next thrift shop haul. Skip the non-stick pans and kitschy bread machines, and add these to your carts instead:
Pyrex & Corningware
My love of Pyrex has no bounds, so much so that I've debated getting their dish-ware designs tattooed on my body. I've been lucky to score plenty of their kitschy, vintage designs at thrift stores, but their usefulness goes well beyond their look. Pyrex and Corningware bakeware and containers are some of the most utilitarian on the block, ideal for baking, serving, and really putting through most cooking ringers, plus thrifting experts note that they are stain-proof to boot. Just watch for any chips—those compromise the food safety of really any dishware, says Handley.
Barware
One of my best thrift finds to date is a vintage cocktail shaker that reveals eight different cocktail recipes as you twist it. But even if you can't score such a find, the unique barware in a thrift store will easily save you the most money by far. Think entire sets of champagne coupes, Irish coffee glasses, copper mule cups, vintage rocks glasses, and even crystal punch bowls. Want to know if what you're holding is the more durable and valuable crystal (and not just glass)? Give it a little ding. Crystal will have a clear ring to it, while glass will make more of a thud sound. Crystal, in the light, will also show off a little rainbow-y prism, and is also a much more dense and heavy.
Cookware That Isn't Non-Stick
Thrift stores are a veritable graveyard of scratched non-stick pans. So opt for stainless steel, cast-iron, and ceramic. If you need some great brand recommendations, add a few of these expert-favorites to your list: Le Creuset, Pyrex, CorningWare, Lodge, and Griswold.
No matter the material, be sure to also check the handles. "Recognizing the unique shape of an All-Clad handle, for example, can make it much easier to spot these high-quality pieces in a crowded thrift store," says Wright, who also seeks out Catherineholm enamelware by spotting the handles. Those handles are also a good part to check for safety, as well. "Always test the handles and lids to ensure they are sturdy and fit well, as wobbly parts can be a hazard," Wright adds.
Copper Pots & Tools
Don't sleep on copper. "One of my most thrilling finds was a vintage Matfer Bourgeat copper fish fry pan for just $7.95," says Brittney Valentine, co-founder of Kitchen Switchen, an online reseller marketplace. "These pans are renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, and they typically sell for over $600 online!"
Why copper, you might be thinking (I certainly was)? "Copper cookware is a treasure worth hunting for; while it can be expensive new, thrifted pieces can be a steal," says thrifting expert Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redux, a vintage store in Alexandria, Virginia. "Just make sure the lining, which is often tin or stainless steel, is intact to ensure safe use."
Serving Dishes & Tableware
Along with barware, quality serving dishes and tableware (like plates, bowls, and silverware) can cost you serious clams if you buy brand-new. But thrift stores often have complete sets of each just ready for that next dinner party, including vintage serving dishes, trays, and butter dishes, or expert-favorite sets of items made by collectible brands such as Fiestaware and Dansk.
Curious about if that silverware is, in fact, made of silver? Wright suggests picking up a jewelers loupe, a tool that helps read the often very tiny stamps on silver items. "You're looking for 925 to easily identify sterling silver," says Wright. "While most of the pieces in the thrift stores are plated, you can still find some sterling gems from time to time."
And if you've got a wedding or event to host (i.e., any gathering that will need a good bit of table-scaping), don't miss out on all those tchotchkes that can fill out your table or add a bit of charm. "I also love collecting old rolling pins," admits Wright. "The beautifully worn handles and patina of vintage rolling pins give them such character. I keep my collection in a large crock at home, where they make a statement as both decor and a nod to the past."
When in doubt, upcycling can turn any odd item into a new heirloom—even a ceramic bird or a creamer dish can be spray-painted in your color scheme to turn into something your guests might want to buy off of you.
Kettles
In keeping with my own personal "no electronic items" rule, a stovetop kettle is one of my favorite thrifted finds. Whether you want to save counter space or you just simply like the whistle of a kettle, they come with only pros, and no cons. Plus, you can score some truly rare finds, like a rare 1970's find for $5 (vs. a $80-170 dollar new one) with pops of color that'll deliver on style, no plug required.
