What to Look for When Thrifting Vintage Cookware and Bakeware, According to the Pros

Before you spend hundreds on a new set of pots and pans, it might be worth checking your local thrift store first, according to the people who shop there professionally.

Thrift stores aren't just for clothes and furniture. If you know what to look for, they're also a goldmine for vintage kitchenware that is sometimes even better than what’s sold new. Here’s what experts have found to be great cookware and bakeware finds when thrifting.

Rolling Pins

Pastry chef Justin Burke says rolling pins are one of his favorite finds, especially handcrafted ones with a bit of history. But before purchasing, he suggests checking for cracks, deep gouges, or strange smells, since damaged wood can trap bacteria and mold.

Bakeware

Burke also recommends keeping an eye out for vintage bakeware brands like Pyrex, CorningWare, Fire-King, and Anchor Hocking, which he calls "the Twinkies of bakeware" for how well they hold up.

Make sure to inspect glass and ceramic pieces for cracks, since a chipped piece can shatter with sudden temperature changes. For older finds, do not use the dishwasher.

Fluted Ring Pans

Burke points to Nordic Ware and Mirro as go-to brands for fluted ring pans, known for their even heat distribution. These pans, which are heavier and older in construction, are quite the steal in thrift stores but watch out for rust or warping before bringing them home.

Stainless Steel Cookware Sets

Vintage kitchenware was often built to outlast its modern replacements, so long as you know how to spot a good one before you bring it home with you.