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The Vintage Cooking Tools That Could Be Worth Over $2,500

Those kitchen hand-me-downs could be worth more than you expect.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Jan. 4, 2026

That vintage kitchenware sitting in a box in your basement or attic might actually be worth some money. If you're looking to put a little extra cash in your pocket, then take a look at these vintage cooking tools your grandmother probably used and are now worth a lot in the secondhand market.

See which kitchenware and vintage cooking tools are worth the most these days. These items just might surprise you and be the financial win you were hoping for.

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French copper cookware

Estimated value: $50 - $500

During the Second World War, Julia Child was a top-secret agent for a U.S. intelligence agency, but after the war, she introduced French cooking into American homes. After that, high-quality French copper cookware saw a rise in popularity.

The most valuable pieces are constructed from thick copper measuring three to five millimeters and are in good condition. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but copper is also known to be a great heat conductor, which is useful for cooking.

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Le Creuset Dutch ovens

Estimated value: $300 - $600

A brand new Le Creuset Dutch oven runs between $200 to $900, and even vintage pieces could hold value quite well. The average functional vintage Le Creuset sells secondhand for about $100, but rare antiques with discontinued styles or designer collaborations could be worth much more, often in the $300 to $600 range.

Cast iron skillets

Estimated value: $500 - $2,500

Chefs swear that a good cast iron skillet only gets better with age, because of the natural "seasoning" that builds up a non-stick patina over time. Not every cast iron skillet is going to be worth a lot.

However, if you have hand-me-down Griswold or Wagner brands, then you should definitely check the resale value because it might be worth a lot more than you thought. Rare pieces and sets in good condition could be worth over a grand in green.

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Carbon steel knives

Estimated value: $100 - $300

That rusty, crusty old knife might look like trash, but it could be a treasure if restored. Carbon steel is prone to rust when neglected, so the knives could be high maintenance.

Despite that, chefs love them for holding a sharp edge and developing a unique patina with use that changes over time when the steel reacts with each ingredient being cut. Brands like Sabatier (France) and F. Dick (Germany) routinely sell for a couple of hundred dollars, but full sets are sometimes worth more.

Antique coffee grinder

Estimated value: $300 - $1,500

Those big, old, hand-cranked coffee grinders could score you extra cash from collectors. Before tossing that old coffee grinder in the yard sale pile, check for branding from companies like Enterprise, Hario, or Zassenhaus, which are known for being high-quality and have good resale value on the second-hand market.

Vintage pepper mills

Estimated value: $85 - $300

The most common name to hear in regards to collectible antique pepper grinders is Peugeot. However, there are many other brands that could sell for more than you might expect.

If your pepper mill is made from sterling silver, high-quality wood, or crystal, then you might want to look into the resale value. Elaborate decorations and unusual shapes could also indicate it might be worth a higher price.

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Vintage KitchenAid mixers

Estimated value: $150 - $800

It's wild, but a new KitchenAid stand mixer costs about the same as a 40-year-old model of the same brand. Mixers made prior to 1986 are considered "Hobarts" because they were made prior to the company being acquired by Whirlpool.

Check the bottom of your mixer for a serial number, which can then be entered online to find the model and production year.

Antique toasters

Estimated value: $150 - $400

That pop-up style toaster from your grandma's kitchen might be worth the same amount of money as a modern toaster oven. Notable models are Sunbeam and GE, but you want to make sure they are functioning before getting excited.

A few dings and scratches won't matter, but you want to be sure the heating element works. Replacing the cord is an easy upgrade that could bump up the resale value, too.

Bottom line

It's not just Pyrex and CorningWare that collectors value out of antique kitchenware. Often, items of high craftsmanship retain value well over time, but sometimes, surprisingly common things become valuable.

Even old McDonald's Happy Meal Toys could have a surprisingly high resale value, so if you're searching for ways to make extra money, it might be time to look through your old stuff to see what's turned from junk into "vintage" over time.

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