As the old saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it's easy to fill it with items that have a bit of soul. Avoid the big box stores and visit thrift and antique shops to add something unique to your kitchen. There, you're sure to find treasures both big and small that will make a huge impact on your cooking space. Southern thrifters, chefs, and other experts show you which kitchen gadgets you should almost always buy used.
tableware
Southerners love table settings, so keep an eye out for beautiful tableware. Eddie Barrett, executive chef at Atlanta's Beetle Cat, says he takes particular inspiration from vintage spoons sold at thrift stores, noting, “I like to use spoons to plate food, but… , I also like to use them as decorations for private dinners.'' As always, check for cracks or deformities, but try to keep your worries at bay, he says. “If it's truly vintage, it's bound to have some imperfections, but that just makes it more unique.”
stationary stand mixer
If you want your own stand mixer, says John Castellucci of Atlanta's Cooks & Soldiers restaurant: He simply inspects it thoroughly for rust. ”
detailed tray
Mix and match serving pieces for a collective look. Castellucci says she likes browsing antique shops for unique shapes and materials. “Large brass trays are great for serving shared items. I found a larger tray at a vintage shop that would create a great tablescape. [shine]”
seasoned cast iron
Cast iron is a typical second-hand kitchen item. After all, her food only tastes better after so many years of cooking – so says Grandma. Abby Thaxton, co-owner of The Lucky Rabbit, a vast vintage shop in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, agrees. “Many of them are pre-seasoned and ready to prepare,” she says. A quick wash and you're ready to cook.
play roaster
Thaxton also recommends keeping an eye on Magnalite roasters. These culinary superheroes are well known for their ability to evenly distribute and retain heat, and modern ones can cost hundreds of dollars. Instead, choose the vintage version. “It's much sturdier and better constructed than the newer versions, so the quality will last longer,” she says.
pyrex
Pyrex has always been a home chef's prized possession. These glass products have been in production for over 100 years and we know they will continue to exist. Nowadays, Pyrex can be purchased at a considerable price. In fact, I found his three-piece set of rectangular bakeware for $195 at a recent estate sale. Still, someone scooped it up. “Pyrex pieces are not only cute, but they're also impossible to find on today's market, so if you can find one, grab it as soon as you can,” says Thaxton. The most popular item. ”
patterned china
There's nothing better than setting the table with a beautiful china set. You can also find many used sets. “Recycled china sets are stolen goods,” says Thaxton. “You can mix and match colors to create your own personalized set without spending a fortune. So buying second-hand isn't just OK, it's also a way to celebrate your originality and style.”
high quality copper
Copper pots are not only beautiful to display, but are also considered top-of-the-line items for home cooks. Emily Mabe, a former expatriate and owner of Willow & Pearls online antique shop in Spanish Fort, Alabama, said her favorite part was searching for copper in France. She “always checks to make sure the copper isn't thinning or wearing out.” Items that Emily is particularly interested in are frying pans, cookie cutters, and molds. “It's especially important to look for products that say 'Made in France,'” she says. Antique copper and French copper are known for their thicker construction.
stoneware
Mabe also loves finding stone tools. “My favorite item is the large mixing she bowl. It's perfect for everything from homemade baked goods to hearty salads.” Additionally, stoneware pans, especially bundt pans, can double as works of art. “Design often adds a beautiful touch to the finished recipe.” Large stone tools, like many of these second-hand items, are a reminder of a bygone era. “The large bowls date from a time when most people made their own bread every day. ,” says Mabe.
linen
It's no secret that we love, appreciate and use table linens. “I have drawers full of vintage napkins, tablecloths, and kitchen towels,” says Chelsea Nelson of Bright Girl Market in Marietta, Georgia. Not only are they highly collectible, they come in endless colors and patterns and are of excellent quality.
tupperware
Tupperware is making a comeback. It became famous as a side hustle for Amazon's Midge Maisel. Marvelous Mrs MaiselHowever, it is also available at major mass retailers. “Vintage Tupperware from the 1960s and his 1970s can still be easily found at estate sales,” Nelson says. Some may be missing lids or not be a complete set, but they are fun to display and still useful. The collector is major in his quest to find his keeper of spoons, measuring cups, and the elusive pickle, also known as the “Pick-A-Deli®.”
cookie jar
There's no need to store your freshly baked cookies anywhere other than in a used cookie jar. But it has other great uses as well. Nelson uses hers for a collection of cookie cutters, sprinkles, spices and other necessary baking ingredients.
glassware
Glassware is great as a used item, even if it doesn't match. If you can find colorful pieces, even better. Because at one time they were considered less desirable than clear crystal pieces. “Colored glass products come in beautiful colors and come in lots of interesting shapes and patterns,” says Beth Havrich of Mary and Wilma in Birmingham, Alabama. “Plus, they work great with crystal glass.” Masu. I'm not really sold on the idea that juice glasses are just for drinking juice. I often drink wine in my grandmother's green juice glass, which I'm sure you'll find interesting now. ”
vintage cookbooks
I'm also an avid thrifter, so I'm always on the lookout for vintage cookbooks. The Junior League version is my favorite, and I tend to look for versions of places I've been to or want to go to.Some of my favorites are: taste of aloha By Junior League Hawaii, palm beach entertainment By Palm Beach Junior League and Tee with the Most Fascinating Historical Introduction time at masters By the Junior League of Augusta. This book has several sequels. 2nd round and par 3!
