17 Valuable Vintage Kitchen Items You Should Never Skip If You See Them At An Estate Sale

Shopping at an estate sale can be intimidating. Depending on the size of the property, there could be hundreds, if not thousands, of items available for you to peruse and purchase. And out of all these treasures, some of the most valuable collectables you should never overlook are vintage kitchen items.

Besides having a unique character most modern designs can't match, vintage kitchen items also have the potential to be a lot more valuable than you might initially think. Unlike formal auctions, where bidders with deep pockets can drive up prices, the items you find at estate sales often come with much smaller price tags. This does not necessarily mean that the estate doesn't understand the value of what they have — they just need to get rid of it all quickly. Therefore, something that could go for thousands of dollars at an auction can be purchased for far less at an estate sale.

But what are those really valuable and special items? The ones you should definitely never pass up if you find them? Well, that's what we're here to find out.

Secondhand shoppers often proclaim copper cookware to be the "Holy Grail" of all vintage cookware finds. Not only do copper pots, pans, and mixing bowls look exceptionally beautiful, but they are also highly collectable. Depending on the age, condition, and manufacturer, copper cookware can easily be valued at several hundred or well over $1,000. If you find any copper cookware at an estate sale, make sure the interior lining isn't cracked or faded. Cooking with bare copper can lead to toxicity, and any damaged pots will need to be re-lined before being used.

If you're passing through an estate sale and you see a collection of milky green cups, saucers, plates, or baking dishes, don't pass them up! These are made of jadite, a valuable glass under the Fire-King brand, manufactured by Anchor Hocking beginning in the 1940s. Authentic jadeite comes with the Fire-King and Anchor Hocking branding, along with a "Made in USA" stamp and its signature heavy weight. Good quality single pieces can be worth upwards of $500, while full dinner sets can easily reach over $1,000 depending on the pattern. 

Founded in Ireland in 1783, Waterford Crystal has created some of the finest crystal pitchers, champagne flutes, bowls, cups, and wine glasses. They tend to wind up at estate sales as gift sets for special occasions. The crystal showcases its quality through intricate designs and long-lasting durability. A search for used Waterford online will show a wide swath of design styles that range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. If you've ever fancied a nice set of goblets or scotch tumblers, you can't do better than some affordable Waterford pieces you nabbed at an estate sale. 

Sterling silver is not pure silver but rather an alloy composed of silver and other metals to make it hard and usable. Sets of sterling silver flatware certainly have value, especially from the Wallace, Gorham, or Towle brands. While certain pieces or brands might only be worth a few bucks, a proper set of sterling silver flatware from a high-quality brand can command prices above $10,000. Still, even if you stumble upon a lesser brand at an estate sale, a good set of silver flatware is still nice to have for your next dinner party.

There are few brands that scream longevity as much as Pyrex. While we're all familiar with the virtually indestructible measuring cups and containers, there is a whole subset of vintage Pyrex casserole dishes and mixing bowls from the 1950s-70s that are not only beautiful but also highly valuable. Coming in an array of colors and patterns like the Amish Butterprint, Gooseberry, Bluebelle Delphite, and Golden Sunflower Daisy, these dishes can sell online for well over $1,000. So, if you're fond of mid-century design and could use more Pyrex in your life, definitely grab some of these at an estate sale.

This antique china that originated in the 18th century gets its name from the process by which it is made. The patterned designs, such as the popular Blue Willow, are made on a copper plate, then transferred to specialty paper, then transferred to teacups, pitchers, plates, bowls, and platters. Some famous transferware brands include Royal Copenhagen, Wedgwood, and Spode. Good quality Spode pieces can be worth several thousand dollars to the right buyer. However, any type of transferware from an estate sale is a score, especially a rare Wedgwood Quince collection.

Owing to Le Creuset's quality and status as the original color enamel-coated cast iron cookware brand, any of its vintage pots and pans that are hanging around at estate sales are going to be eaten up quickly. Founded in France in 1925, Le Creuset offers a wide range of cookware, the most famous and sought after of which are their classic Dutch ovens. Vintage Le Creuset pieces have a patina and smoothness buyers love, and certain models are worth well over $500 if they're in good condition. 

There is something wonderfully analog about grinding your own coffee beans in a manual coffee mill the same way it was back in 1665 when the structure was first invented. Now, thanks to the increased interest in numerous different methods of fresh, home-brewed coffee, vintage coffee mills are incredibly popular. Depending on the age, quality, design, and country of origin, coffee mills can be found for as little as $50 or as much as $1,000 for more ornate ones. So, that colorful one you got for cheap at an estate sale could be worth quite a few bucks.

While they may not demand nearly as high a price as some of the other items on this list, it's still surprising to think that a vintage hand mixer can be sold for as much as $75 to the right buyer. Of course, the price depends on the type of hand mixer. Manual, cast iron models from the 1850s to the turn of the century can even go for over $100. Electric models from the 1970s are a little less valuable, but the shopper who values a classic flair would do well to pick one up at an estate sale.

There is nothing quite like classic cast iron, which has been a popular form of cookware since it was first created in ancient China. Of course, the cast iron pans we know and love today are more reminiscent of the American pioneering days in the 19th century. Thanks to the fact that it is virtually indestructible, there is a chance you can find cast iron pots and pans at an estate sale that have been passed down for generations. A pristine cast iron pan can be worth several thousand dollars, so if you can snag an affordable one, all the better.

Whether you're interested in them as planters or for heating water, there is no denying that a classic kettle is a great vintage element to add to your kitchen. Their value is dependent upon the material they're made of — obviously, copper and silver-plated kettles demand higher prices — and how ornately they're designed. Like the aforementioned cast iron, good quality kettles can be passed down through the generations. So, if you spot one at an estate sale, it'd be worth grabbing whether you want to use it or make a profit on it through resale.

While it may seem a little dated to some, a good footed cake plate can make an enormous difference when you're throwing a dinner party and you need to add a little flourish to your dessert presentation. Typically made from pressed glass or china, the plates are connected to a glass or metal footer, which can be silver, copper, or gold plated. The value of the model depends greatly upon the manufacturer. For example, a good-quality, all-glass cake plate from producer Fostoria can be worth over $200.

Developed in the early 1900s, carnival glass is a type of molded glass that could be produced in a variety of colors and patterns. The glass became popular for its use as aesthetically pleasing and practical dishware and glassware. In terms of value, there is a wide range. A set of wine glasses can be worth as little as $40, while a large vase from makers like Northwood or Millersburg could be worth tens of thousands. In terms of kitchen use, stick to the glassware, as it's more affordable and you'll likely use it more.

All types of linens have their place in the kitchen. Whether you're hunting for a vintage apron, a set of napkins, tea towels, doilies, or tablecloths, you are bound to find something at an estate sale — maybe even something hand-embroidered for sentimental value. These hand-stitched items are the ones that are really worth something, owing to their uniqueness and the quality of the embroidery. Lace tablecloths can reach into the thousands, while tea towels and aprons demand far more affordable prices.

While it might seem too commonplace to demand any real value outside of the kitchen, there is a sizable market for the kind of vintage KitchenAid mixer you can find at an estate sale. In fact, the original Hobart series of mixers, which range in date from the early to late 1900s, can command prices well over $500 depending on the model. One trick to tell the date of a mixer at an estate sale is to look for a five-digit sticker code on the bottom of the base. If you see one, chances are your mixer was made in the Hobart era.

A staple since 1858, it would be difficult to imagine an estate sale that did not have a wide selection of mason jars available to peruse. Collectors will seek out rare models that come in colors like cobalt blue, amber, purple, citron green, and milky white. One of these colored jars in pristine condition can be worth several hundred dollars. Standard, everyday clear glass jars, however, are only worth a couple bucks. With that said, they're still worth picking up if you like to can or just want some vintage jars around.

It might be hard to believe, but vintage cookie jars manufactured between 1930 and 1960 can be considerably valuable if they're in good condition. Even models made into the 1970s can command a considerable price, and rare jars can be found online with asking prices upwards of $16,000! Other vintage designs command more reasonable prices somewhere in the hundreds. Still, stumble upon the right cookie jar at an estate sale, and you could be looking at a lot of cash in your pocket.