One of my favorite sections to browse at a thrift store is the kitchenware aisle. Between the mismatched dishes, old coffee makers, and stacks of pots and pans, you can always find something that would cost considerably more new.
The trick is knowing which brands are worth looking for. Some of the best kitchenware is made to last for decades and sometimes, older designs are even more desirable than what’s currently available in stores.
Whether you’re stocking your kitchen on a budget, replacing an expensive piece of cookware, or hoping to find something collectible, these 10 brands are worth keeping an eye out for the next time you’re at Goodwill.
Lodge
Lodge cast iron cookware is known for its durability, making it one of the brands I wouldn’t hesitate to inspect at a thrift store. Skillets, griddles, and Dutch ovens can last for generations with proper maintenance, and even a rusty piece may be restorable.
Look for cracks, serious warping, and other structural damage before buying. Surface rust and worn seasoning aren’t necessarily deal breakers, especially if the price is right.
Le Creuset
Finding a genuine Le Creuset Dutch oven at Goodwill would make most thrift shoppers stop in their tracks. These colorful enameled cast iron pots can cost hundreds of dollars new, so even a well-used one may be worth considering if the enamel is intact.
Check carefully for interior chips, cracks, and significant damage before buying, since damaged enamel can make a piece unsuitable for cooking.
All-Clad
All-Clad is known for its high-quality stainless steel cookware, and individual pots and pans can be surprisingly expensive when purchased new. If you spot one mixed in with ordinary cookware, check the bottom for the brand name.
Look for a flat cooking surface, secure handles, and minimal damage. A little discoloration or staining is often manageable, making a secondhand All-Clad pan a potentially excellent bargain.
Pyrex
Vintage Pyrex is one of those brands that can make an ordinary trip to Goodwill a lot more interesting. Older mixing bowls, casserole dishes, and colorful patterned pieces have a dedicated following, especially when they’re part of a discontinued collection.
Look for recognizable patterns and pieces with bright, well-preserved colors. Check for chips, cracks, and scratches, and remember that older decorative Pyrex may have different care requirements than modern versions.
Related: 16 Vintage Pyrex Pieces That Still Hold Serious Value Today
KitchenAid
KitchenAid stand mixers are expensive enough that finding one at a thrift store can feel like winning the lottery. The brand also makes food processors, hand mixers, and other kitchen tools that can be worth buying secondhand.
If you come across a mixer, check whether the attachments are included and ask if you can test it before purchasing. Even older models can be worthwhile finds when they’re in good working condition.
Staub
Staub is another premium cookware brand that’s worth recognizing, particularly if you enjoy cooking with enameled cast iron. Its Dutch ovens and other pieces can carry hefty retail prices, so finding one secondhand for a fraction of the cost would be a great discovery.
Pay close attention to the enamel, especially inside the pot, and check for cracks or chips. Cosmetic wear on the exterior may be less concerning than damage to the cooking surface.
Cuisinart
Cuisinart makes everything from stainless steel cookware to food processors, blenders, and countertop appliances. While not every product is particularly expensive, some of its higher-end pieces are worth picking up when you find them at a steep discount.
Check the model number and make sure any removable parts or accessories are included. Missing lids, blades, or attachments can make an otherwise inexpensive thrift store find much less appealing.
Calphalon
Calphalon cookware can be a great secondhand find, especially its stainless steel and hard-anodized collections. These pots and pans often cost significantly more new than the prices you might see on a Goodwill shelf.
Inspect the cooking surface closely before buying, particularly if the pan has a nonstick coating. Stainless steel pieces with minor cosmetic wear are generally better candidates than nonstick pans with scratched, peeling, or damaged surfaces.
Emile Henry
If you enjoy baking, Emile Henry is a brand worth keeping in mind when browsing the dishware section. Its ceramic pie dishes, baking dishes, and other ovenware are known for their quality and can be fairly expensive when purchased new.
Look for the brand marking underneath and inspect the piece for chips, cracks, or other damage. A well-maintained baking dish can be a wonderful find, especially if you’re replacing cheaper bakeware.
Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware is particularly well known for its Bundt pans, many of which feature beautiful, detailed designs. Some specialty and discontinued styles can be desirable, so it’s worth checking them out when they appear at thrift stores.
Inspect the interior coating for scratches or peeling and make sure the pan hasn’t been bent or damaged. A good-quality Bundt pan can last for years, and finding one for just a few dollars is a nice alternative to paying full retail price.
