Baking supplies can add up quickly, especially when you’re stocking a kitchen or trying a new recipe that calls for a pan you don’t already own. Before heading to a kitchenware store, I like to check thrift store shelves for sturdy, secondhand pieces that still have plenty of life left.
From everyday tools to specialty pans, these six baking finds are worth keeping an eye out for.
Rolling Pins
A solid wooden rolling pin can last for years, and thrift stores are a great place to look for one with a comfortable grip and a little character. Skip any with cracks, deep grooves, lingering odors, or handles that don’t turn smoothly.
Glass and Ceramic Baking Dishes
Look for baking dishes from brands like Pyrex, CorningWare, Fire-King, and Anchor Hocking, especially if you need another pan for brownies, cobblers, or baked pasta. Check for chips and cracks, and make sure an older piece is actually intended for oven use before baking in it.
Casserole Dishes
A roomy casserole dish is handy for everything from baked desserts to dishes you’re bringing to a family gathering, and secondhand shops often have sizes and patterns you won’t see in stores today. Look over the rim, handles, and base for damage, and check that any included lid fits properly.
Bundt and Fluted Cake Pans
Bundt pans can be expensive to buy new, so I always think it’s worth checking the thrift store before paying full price for a shape you might only use occasionally. Look for a pan that sits flat and has no major dents, rust, or damaged nonstick coating that could make it difficult to release a cake.
Muffin and Cupcake Pans
Whether you’re baking muffins for breakfast or cupcakes for a party, an extra muffin tin is useful to have on hand. Choose one with sturdy, evenly shaped cups and pass on pans with heavy rust, warped edges, or peeling coating.
Metal Loaf Pans
Loaf pans are useful for banana bread, pound cake, and plenty of other recipes, and you can sometimes find well-made metal ones tucked among the thrift store’s assorted bakeware. Before adding it to your kitchen, check that the pan isn’t twisted or badly scratched and that its interior is in good condition.
