8 Items In Your Kitchen That Could Be Worth Hundreds Of Dollars
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Vintage kitchen items aren't just cool to have around; they can be surprisingly valuable. From the antique china collection in grandma’s kitchen to heavy-duty cookware like Pyrex and CorningWare, these cherished items often carry more value than you might think.
But here’s the twist: some of these everyday objects could be worth a small fortune to the right person. As tastes shift over the years, many of the items you thought were merely functional could be now highly coveted by collectors. Whether it's a well-worn cast-iron skillet, an ornate cocktail shaker, or a set of fine china, these kitchen treasures might be hiding more value than you would ever imagine.
From bakeware to barware, and everything in between, here’s a guide to the most common kitchen collectibles that might just turn out to be family heirlooms 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 the 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 sold for $8,000 on eBay, 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 is currently on sale 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 hundred dollars.
Antique Dishware
Walk into any grandma’s kitchen, and you’re likely to 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, according to House Beautiful. Similarly, mint-green jadeite dishware can range from anywhere between $5 to over $5,000, depending on their condition and rarity. Pre-war jadeite, especially those with a black-light glow due to uranium content, are particularly prized.
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 to a couple hundred dollars. A mint-condition “Heart in Hand” cutter, one of the most sought after tins, can even sell up to $1,500.
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. According to Country Living, some pieces are 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. While KitchenAid still continues to produce kitchen essentials and appliances, their first product happened to be the mixer. The KitchenAid Model K, introduced in the late 1930s, stands out for its enduring design and functionality. Today, these iconic mixers are highly collectible, 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.
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