Top 10 Kitchen Items to Buy at Estate Sales

Gently used kitchen items can be a great buy at local estate sales. We often see like-new or gently used kitchen appliances, dishes, or pots and pans that are priced well. Here are the top 10 kitchen items we recommend.

Small Appliances

When we say small appliances think blenders, slow cookers, multi-cookers, food processors, and mixers. And stick with brands like Kitchen Aid and Cuisinart - they are known for their longevity. These appliances are often gently used and have plenty of life left.

When it comes to buying small appliances, we do recommend you give them a thorough inspection and skip appliances that have missing parts.

Dishes

Estate sales are the perfect place to add to your existing set of dishes, but they are also great for finding full sets of plates and bowls. Avoid dishes with cracks or chips.

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans are also great items to find, especially stainless steel pots and pans. Avoid warped pots or non-stick cookware that is damaged.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pans are incredibly durable and are a great find at estate sales. They can easily be cleaned, so if you find a pan with rust, don’t let that deter you.

Pick a pan that sits flat and doesn’t have any dents or pits.

Vintage Table Linens

Estate sales are the perfect place to find vintage table lines like tablecloths and napkins. Look for linens that are clean and with little wear. If you want to learn more about collecting vintage linens check out our recent blog post here.

Pyrex or Glass Baking Dishes

Vintage Pyrex or glass baking dishes are often in abundance at estate sales. With Pyrex, you want to focus on creating a matching set or filling in an existing set.

Check out our Top 5 vintage Pyrex Patterns here.

Mason Jars

Mason jars aren’t just for canners – they are used in a multitude of ways around your kitchen. When you find what you’re looking for, be sure to inspect them for cracks or chips along the rim. If you’re canning or storing items in the jars, purchase new lids to ensure the container can be closed properly.

Knives

A brand-new set of knives can be pricey, so if you’re looking for a set you should consider buying second-hand. When buying at an estate sale, the knives are usually clean but could use a sharpening when you get home. A quick YouTube tutorial should point you in the right direction.

Do your research and look for quality brands like Wusthof or Henckels.

Serving Platters and Stands

Serving platters and cake stands are great for special occasions, making them a great item to buy at estate sales. These are often gently used and are often of good quality.

Vintage Cookbooks

Vintage cookbooks are popular at estate sales. Whether you’re looking for nostalgia, or a history lesson vintage cookbooks offer readers incredible insight into times gone by. One of the most popular is the iconic “Big Red,” Betty Crocker’s best-selling cookbook published between 1951 and 1958.

Estate sales give new life to so many items, especially kitchen items. If you’re looking for some, check out our upcoming estate sales page to see if we might have what you’re looking for