Grandma’s kitchen cabinets might hold more than memories—they could hide a treasure trove. Those old Pyrex bowls, cast iron skillets, and vintage dishes aren’t just nostalgic—they’re hot commodities among collectors.
Before you toss or donate these relics, check out these 16 vintage kitchen items that might be worth far more than you think.
1. Vintage Pyrex Bowls & Dishes
Pyrex has been a kitchen staple for generations, but certain patterns and colors now fetch eye-watering prices. The most valuable pieces are from the 1950s and 1960s, with rare promotional items commanding top dollar.
Collectors go wild for patterns like the “Lucky in Love” casserole dish, which features green clovers and pink hearts. A single dish in this pattern can sell for over $4,000. (ref)
Even more common patterns like “Butterprint” and “Gooseberry” can be worth hundreds if in good condition. Before relegating that old Pyrex to the back of the cupboard, research – you might be sitting on a small fortune.
2. Cast Iron Skillets
Those heavy, well-seasoned cast iron pans aren’t just great for cooking—they could also be expensive. Collectors and cooking enthusiasts particularly prize vintage skillets from brands like Griswold and Wagner.
A rare Griswold “Spider” skillet from the late 1800s sold for over $8,000 at auction. Even more common vintage pieces can fetch hundreds of dollars if they’re in good condition.
Look for skillets with a smooth cooking surface and clear markings on the bottom. With proper care, these pans can last for generations – and potentially increase in value over time.
3. Vintage KitchenAid Mixers
That trusty KitchenAid mixer might be more than just a baking workhorse. Early models from the 1930s and 1940s are highly sought after by collectors, with some rare examples selling for thousands of dollars.
The Model H, introduced in 1941, is particularly valuable. These mixers came in various pastel colors and had a distinctive Hobart-style body. Even later models from the 1950s and 1960s can command hefty prices if they’re in good working condition.
Before upgrading to a newer model, consider whether your old KitchenAid might be worth more as a collectible.
4. CorningWare Casserole Dishes
Those white casserole dishes with the blue cornflower pattern might be more valuable than you think. Vintage Corningware, especially pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, has become increasingly collectible in recent years.
Rare patterns like “Wildflower” and “Floral Bouquet” are particularly prized. A complete set of vintage CorningWare in good condition can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Even individual pieces can be worth a pretty penny.
Before donating or selling that old casserole dish for a few bucks, check to see if you have a valuable collector’s item.
5. Vintage Tupperware
Those colorful plastic containers aren’t just for storing leftovers – they could also be worth a surprising amount of money. Vintage Tupperware from the 1940s through the 1970s has become increasingly collectible, with rare pieces fetching hundreds of dollars.
Early Tupperware came in a range of pastel colors and unique designs. The “Wonderlier Bowl” set from the 1940s is particularly sought after, with complete sets selling for over $100.
Even more common pieces like the iconic “Tupperware Party” pitcher can be worth $50 or more. Before tossing out those old plastic containers, take a closer look – you might have a valuable piece of kitchenware history.
6. Vintage Cookie Cutters
Those old metal cookie cutters tucked away in Grandma’s drawer could be worth more than just holiday baking memories. Vintage cookie cutters, especially those from the early to mid-20th century, have become popular collectibles.
Rare shapes and designs can command high prices. A single vintage Martha Stewart cookie cutter in the shape of a hand holding a heart sold for over $1,000. Even more common shapes can be valuable if they’re in good condition.
Look for cutters made of copper or tin, and pay attention to any markings or brand names. You might just discover a sweet payday hiding in that old baking tin.
7. Vintage Cocktail Shakers
Shake things up by checking out those old cocktail shakers gathering dust on the bar cart. Art Deco and mid-century modern designs are particularly valuable, with rare examples selling for thousands of dollars.
Look for shakers made by high-end manufacturers like Napier or International Silver Company. Collectors especially prize unique shapes, like penguins or lighthouses. Even more common designs can be worth $100 or more if they’re in good condition.
Before mixing up your next martini, consider whether that vintage shaker might be worth more as a collectible than a barware tool.
8. Vintage Jadeite Glassware
That pale green glassware in Grandma’s china cabinet could be worth a small fortune. Jadeite, a type of opaque glass popular in the 1930s through 1950s, has become highly collectible in recent years.
Rare pieces like cake stands or salt and pepper shakers can sell for hundreds of dollars. Even more common items like coffee mugs or dinner plates can be worth $50 or more apiece.
Look for pieces marked “Fire-King” or “McKee” – these are often the most valuable. Before relegating that old green glassware to the back of the cupboard, do some research – you might have a valuable collection on your hands.
9. Vintage Copper Cookware
Those gleaming copper pots and pans aren’t just pretty to look at – they could also be worth a pretty penny. Vintage copper cookware, especially pieces from renowned French manufacturers, has become increasingly valuable to collectors and cooking enthusiasts alike.
Look for brands like Mauviel, Dehillerin, or Gaillard. A single vintage copper sauté pan in good condition can sell for several hundred dollars. Complete sets can fetch thousands. Pay attention to the thickness of the copper and the quality of the tin lining – these factors greatly affect value.
Before deciding that old copper is too much trouble to polish, consider whether you might be sitting on a valuable culinary treasure.
10. Vintage Ice Cream Scoops
That old-fashioned ice cream scoop might be worth more than just nostalgic memories of summer treats. Vintage ice cream scoops, especially those with unique mechanisms or designs, have become popular collectibles.
Look for brands like Gilchrist or Zeroll. The Gilchrist “Universal” scoop, with its distinctive thumb lever, can sell for over $100 in good condition. Even more common designs can be worth $20-$30 if they’re vintage and well-preserved.
Before relegating that old scoop to the back of the drawer, take a closer look – you might have a sweet little treasure on your hands.
11. Vintage Blenders
That old blender gathering dust in the back of the cabinet could be worth a surprising amount of money. Vintage blenders, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s, have become increasingly collectible in recent years.
Look for iconic designs like the Waring Blendor or the Osterizer Beehive. These classic models can sell for $100 or more if they’re in good working condition. Even more common vintage blenders can be worth $50 or more to the right collector.
Before upgrading to a newer model, consider whether your old blender might be more valuable as a retro kitchen collectible.
12. Vintage Canisters & Breadboxes
Those old kitchen canisters and breadboxes aren’t just for storing flour and sugar – they could also be valuable collectibles. Vintage kitchen storage pieces, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s, have become increasingly sought after by collectors and retro enthusiasts.
Look for sets in bright colors or with unique designs. Brands like Kromex and Lincoln BeautyWare are particularly prized. A complete set of vintage aluminum canisters can sell for over $100, while rare breadbox designs can fetch even more.
Before decluttering those old storage containers, take a closer look – you might have a valuable piece of mid-century kitchenware on your hands.
13. Vintage Coffee Grinders
That old-fashioned coffee grinder might be worth more than just a fresh cup of joe. Vintage coffee grinders, especially those from the early to mid-20th century, have become popular collectibles among coffee enthusiasts and antique lovers alike.
Look for well-known brands like Peugeot or Zassenhaus. Hand-crank models with wooden bodies and metal grinding mechanisms are particularly valuable. A vintage Peugeot grinder in good condition can sell for several hundred dollars. Even more common designs can be worth $50 or more if they’re well-preserved.
Before relegating that old grinder to decorative status, consider whether you might have a valuable piece of coffee history on your hands.
14. Vintage Enamelware
Those old enamel pots and pans aren’t just charming – they could also be quite valuable. Vintage enamelware, especially pieces from the early to mid-20th century, has become increasingly collectible in recent years.
Look for bright colors and unique patterns. Brands like Cathrineholm and Dansk are particularly prized by collectors. A single vintage Cathrineholm enamel bowl can sell for over $100, while complete sets can fetch much more. Even more common pieces can be worth $20-$30 if they’re in good condition.
Before deciding that old enamelware is too chipped to keep, consider whether you might have a valuable piece of kitchenware history.
15. Vintage Kitchen Scales
That old kitchen scale might be worth its weight in gold. Vintage scales, especially those with unique designs or from well-known manufacturers, have become popular collectibles among cooking enthusiasts and antique lovers.
Look for brands like Salter or Detecto. Art Deco designs from the 1930s and 1940s are particularly valuable. A vintage Detecto scale in good condition can sell for several hundred dollars. Even more common designs can be worth $50 or more if they’re well-preserved.
Before deciding that old scale is too inaccurate to keep, consider whether you might have a valuable piece of kitchen history on your hands.
16. Vintage Refrigerator Dishes
Those old glass containers tucked away in the back of the fridge could be worth more than just leftovers. Vintage refrigerator dishes, especially those from the 1940s through 1960s, have become increasingly collectible in recent years.
Look for brands like Pyrex, Fire-King, or Federal Glass. Rare patterns or complete sets can be particularly valuable. A set of vintage Pyrex “Snowflake” refrigerator dishes can sell for over $100. Even individual pieces can be worth $20-$30 if they’re in good condition.
Before tossing out those old glass containers, take a closer look – you might have a cool piece of kitchenware history worth preserving.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.