1. Pyrex Mixing Bowls (Especially the Colorful Ones)
If your childhood kitchen didn’t have those iconic, colorful Pyrex mixing bowls, were you even living? These retro gems in avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange are now hotter than ever. According to Martha Stewart, some of these vintage pieces are selling for anywhere from $50 to over $500 at auctions—yep, you read that right. But it’s not just about the resale value. These bowls were built like tanks, unlike today’s flimsy versions that crack if you so much as look at them wrong.
Even if you’re not flipping them for cash, they’re a total kitchen flex. They add instant vintage charm and work for everything—baking, mixing, or just looking cute on open shelving. Plus, if your grandma had a set, using them is basically a warm hug from the past.
2. CorningWare Blue Cornflower Dishes
If you’ve ever eaten a homemade casserole, there’s a good chance it was baked in one of these bad boys. These CorningWare classics with their cute little blue flower pattern were THE wedding gift to get back in the day. Now? They’re going for thousands on resale sites. Taste of Home even reported that rare pieces can fetch over $5,000—yikes!
But even if you don’t plan on selling, these dishes are basically indestructible. Unlike today’s bakeware, which chips if you look at it the wrong way, old-school CorningWare was made to last. If you still have a set, hold onto it—you might just be sitting on a goldmine.
3. Manual Coffee Grinders
Before we all became addicted to electric coffee grinders, manual ones were the way to go. And now? Coffee purists swear by them. Food & Wine even says they’re better for controlling the grind size, which means a better-tasting cup of coffee.
They’re also quiet (so no waking up your roommates at 6 a.m.), don’t burn out, and last forever. Plus, they make your kitchen look like a rustic coffee shop, and who doesn’t want that vibe? If you still have one, dust it off—you might never go back to electric.
4. Old-School Waffle Irons
Nothing beats a homemade waffle, especially when it’s made in one of these vintage cast iron waffle irons. BoingBoing says collectors and breakfast lovers are snapping up old-school waffle makers because they just work better. Unlike modern versions that rely on flimsy nonstick coatings, these vintage models are heavy-duty and heat evenly.
If you chucked yours in favor of a modern plastic one, you might be kicking yourself. These give you that perfect golden crisp without the risk of a Teflon coating wearing out. Plus, they just look cool.
5. Hand-Crank Egg Beaters
Before we all got spoiled with electric mixers, these hand-crank egg beaters were the real MVPs of the kitchen. And guess what? They’re making a serious comeback. Southern Living reports that vintage versions from brands like Dover and Ekco are going for big bucks online because they’re ridiculously well-made and still work like a dream.
No need for an outlet, batteries, or a tangled mess of cords—just some good old-fashioned elbow grease. They’re also way easier to clean than electric models and take up zero counter space. And let’s be honest, there’s something super satisfying about using a tool that’s been around for over a century and still does the job just as well.
6. Metal Ice Cube Trays
Before plastic took over, metal ice cube trays with their little lever were the real MVPs of the freezer. And honestly? They were better. No cracked plastic, no weird freezer smells—just simple, functional design.
These trays chill water faster, last forever, and give off serious mid-century modern vibes. If you tossed yours in favor of an automatic ice maker, you might be regretting it right about now.
7. Vintage Cookie Presses
If you grew up making Christmas cookies with an old-school metal cookie press, you know the magic. These beauties cranked out perfectly shaped butter cookies, and unlike modern plastic versions, they didn’t break after one holiday season.
Now, home bakers are rediscovering their awesomeness. They make professional-looking cookies without the hassle, and if you inherited one, congrats—you basically own a piece of baking history.
8. Cast Iron Meat Grinders
Before grocery store ground beef was a thing, people used hand-cranked meat grinders to make their own blends. And honestly? It was a better move. These heavy-duty gadgets last forever and give you full control over your meat’s texture.
With the rise of homemade burgers and sausages, these grinders are making a comeback. They’re simple, effective, and built like a tank—if you got rid of yours, you might be wishing you hadn’t.
9. Glass Butter Churns
Believe it or not, making your own butter used to be a thing (and not just for homesteaders). These glass butter churns with their hand-cranked paddles make some of the creamiest butter you’ll ever taste.
With the whole farm-to-table movement booming, people are realizing these weren’t just quirky relics—they actually work. Plus, they double as Insta-worthy kitchen decor.
10. Electric Percolators
Before Keurigs and drip coffee makers took over, percolators ruled the coffee game. They brewed strong, bold coffee that today’s machines just can’t match. Vintage percolators from brands like Farberware and West Bend are now in high demand because they last forever and make a seriously good cup of joe.
If you swapped yours for a single-serve coffee maker, you might be missing out. Nothing beats the rich flavor of percolated coffee—it’s basically the espresso of the drip coffee world.
11. Tomato Slicers
You don’t know frustration until you’ve tried to slice a ripe tomato with a dull knife. That’s why vintage tomato slicers were such a win. These stainless steel gadgets made it easy to get perfect, even slices every time.
Modern plastic versions just don’t hold up. If you had one and tossed it, you might be regretting it every time you butcher a tomato for your sandwich.
12. Aluminum Jelly Molds
Once a staple at every dinner party, aluminum jelly molds were all the rage for fancy gelatin desserts and molded salads. Now? They’re collector’s items with major retro charm.
Even if you’re not making gelatin creations, these molds make for amazing vintage kitchen decor. Who says you can’t bring back the classic jello masterpiece?
13. Rotary Dial Can Openers
Before electric can openers cluttered countertops, rotary dial can openers were the standard. These sturdy little gadgets had a satisfying crank that sliced through metal lids with ease. Unlike modern flimsy versions that dull or break, the old cast iron and steel models could last decades. They were built for function first, not flashy design.
Collectors love them for their durability and nostalgic appeal, and many still work just as well as the day they were made. They also take up less space and never require electricity, making them practical even today. If you tossed one for a cheap plastic opener, you probably regret it every time a can lid bends instead of cutting clean. Sometimes, simple really is better.
14. Jadeite Glassware
Jadeite dishes, those dreamy pale green plates and cups, were once everyday tableware. Originally sold at five-and-dime stores, they were affordable and practical for the average household. Now, they’ve become highly collectible and can fetch hundreds of dollars per piece. Their charm lies in both their durability and their iconic retro aesthetic.
People who held onto them often find they’re both functional and stylish. They brighten up a kitchen shelf and bring instant vintage vibes to any setting. If you let yours go during a move or garage sale, you may be regretting it as prices climb. After all, not many everyday dishes age like fine art.
15. Soda Syphons
Home soda makers may feel like a modern invention, but soda syphons were the original carbonated water tool. Sleek glass or metal designs turned regular water into bubbly seltzer with the push of a lever. They were especially popular for making cocktails in mid-century households. Today, they’re considered both useful and collectible.
Vintage soda syphons not only still work but also add an elegant flair to home bars. Their craftsmanship puts modern plastic versions to shame, and they look amazing as decor when not in use. Many regret tossing them when soda went mainstream in cans and bottles. A vintage syphon now is both a statement piece and a functional throwback.
16. Nut Choppers
Before food processors took over, nut choppers were a staple in every baker’s kitchen. These simple gadgets with glass bottoms and metal cranks made quick work of walnuts, pecans, or almonds. They produced even, consistent pieces without the mess of a knife and cutting board. And best of all, they never needed electricity.
Vintage nut choppers are surprisingly long-lasting and still incredibly handy today. They’re especially beloved by bakers who prefer traditional tools for prep. If you had one and gave it away, chances are you’ve struggled with uneven nut pieces since. Sometimes those “old-fashioned” gadgets just get the job done better.
17. Potato Ricers
Potato ricers might sound niche, but once you’ve had fluffy riced potatoes, you understand the hype. These handheld gadgets pressed potatoes into light, airy strands that made the best mashed potatoes ever. Unlike modern mashers or blenders, they didn’t overwork the starch, so the texture was always perfect. Vintage versions were heavy-duty and made to last.
Collectors and cooks alike are hunting them down for their unmatched results. They also double as tools for squeezing spinach, making baby food, or even pressing fruit. If you tossed one because it seemed old-fashioned, you might regret it every holiday dinner. A ricer isn’t just a gadget—it’s a secret weapon.
18. Wall-Mounted Bottle Openers
Every old kitchen or porch seemed to have a trusty wall-mounted bottle opener. They were always in the same spot, ready to pop the cap off a soda or beer without getting lost in a drawer. Made from cast iron or steel, they basically never wore out. Their convenience was unmatched.
Today, people are re-installing them for both function and charm. They bring back memories of summer barbecues and family get-togethers. If you tossed one in a remodel, you probably regret losing that touch of nostalgia. Sometimes the smallest tools carry the biggest memories.
19. Salad Spinners with Pull Cords
Long before sleek plastic spinners dominated store shelves, vintage salad spinners used a pull cord or crank mechanism. These gadgets dried lettuce and herbs quickly without the soggy mess of towels. They were quirky, functional, and surprisingly sturdy. Many were made with glass bowls, which also doubled as serving dishes.
Modern versions just don’t have the same durability or character. People love rediscovering these spinners for their practicality and vintage charm. If you got rid of one, chances are you’ve been dealing with limp lettuce ever since. A little crank or cord could have saved you the hassle.
20. Butter Warmers
Butter warmers were tiny saucepans designed specifically for melting butter or warming small sauces. They were a staple in kitchens where corn on the cob, seafood feasts, or fresh bread demanded a steady flow of melted butter. Unlike microwaves, they heated evenly without burning. Many came with charming enamel finishes or sturdy metal handles.
Today, they’re highly sought after for both form and function. They’re perfect for small-batch cooking and add a vintage flair to modern kitchens. If you tossed yours thinking it was too specific, you may wish you hadn’t. Nothing makes butter taste better than being melted in its own classic little pan.
This post People Regret Throwing Away These 20 Vintage Kitchen Gadgets was first published on Greenhouse Black.
