How to Look for Kitchen Items at the Thrift Store

Hello, my darlings friends. Welcome to another adventurous budget-friendly blog post. This week I’m taking you on a wild ride and teaching you How to Look for Kitchen Items at the Thrift Store.

To be clear, this post will teach you how to do this but be warned, you will not find everything you are looking for in one trip. This isn’t a one-stop shop like it is at Home Goods, Target, or even Costco. The thrift store may require multiple trips, multiple thrift shop locations, and general patience for the right item.

Table of Contents

How to Look for Kitchen Items at the Thrift Store

This probably won’t surprise you but, we’re going to start with a list. Not just any old list. A master list of kitchen dream items.

Create a dream wish list

This can be anything your heart desires at any budget. Maybe you want a KitchenAid or a Vitamix. Some want a Mickey Mouse toaster or a panini maker. Whatever it is, write it all down on one master list (or put it in your phone) and keep it with you whenever you go to the thrift store.

Example List below.

Put a dream price on each item

This is hard because, honestly, we’d all love to get a KitchenAid for $20 but that might not be realistic. My friend found one in her apartment building’s trash for FREE and it worked perfectly. I saw one at a thrift store for $60, with all the accessories, last week! So, you really never know.

A big part of this is manifesting what you want and being open to receiving it at a price that works for you. Bear in mind, this might take weeks, months, or even a year before you find it.

Start hunting

The best part! When I’m searching for specific items at the thrift store, I make a point to go right to that section to stay of course. It’s easy to get sucked into other areas. So, unless you’re not in a rush, I recommend keeping your eyes on the prize.

Compromising

When you get to any thrift store, you need to figure out what shape you’re willing to accept your kitchen items in.

Want vs need

For example, I wanted a tin that would make big muffins. Like, Costco-sized muffins. I was willing to buy that for under $4 in great condition. However, I found one that was in good condition for $1.99 and knew it would be perfect.

I’ve had that muffin tin for over 6 years and recently used Bartenders Keeper on it. It not only looks great but it still does the job.

I also purchased a waffle iron for $5.99. I plugged it in at the thrift store, to make sure it would heat up (pro tip, also find a pull at the thrift store). Once I got it home, I washed it and it works beautifully! New waffle irons range between $22 – $78. I’ve used it multiple times already, but even if I didn’t, it was $6! #worthit

Need vs want

Here’s where it gets tough.

Sometimes you’re desperate for a certain item. Let’s say you’re looking for a vintage ceramic pie dish. More specifically, one that goes with your boho aesthetic, and the thrift store isn’t vibing with your energy.

You’re going to need to either:

go to a different thrift store
compromise on a cheap pie pan (until you find the one you love)

It’s frustrating but desperate times call for desperate measures. More often than not, I borrow from a friend/family member but, if you’re new to town, you may need to compromise.

Eyes on the prize

Lastly, on this topic, you will find items that are brand spanking, still in the shrink wrap and original tags! You’re going to be tempted to buy these over your aesthetic. As a reminder, eyes on the prize. Don’t just buy things at the thrift store because it’s a good deal. Especially if you will not use it.

However – if it’s a perfect match? Consider it a thrift store blessing!

Patience

I know I said this earlier but patience really is the key to buying anything at the thrift store.

For the kitchen specifically, it’s best to buy your necessities as they deem fit. You may get lucky and find an amazing name-brand pan because someone is moving, didn’t know what they had, or didn’t know how to clean it properly (this happens a lot with Castiron).

Patience is going to get you through it but if you see a deal and you can’t pass it up, go with your instinct! If push comes to shove, you can always give it away, sell it at a community garage sale, or donate it back.

Amazing kitchen items to look for at the thrift store

pots and pans
glass lid replacements (for pots and pans)
pie, muffin, and bundt pans
loaf and bread tins
instant pots, pressure cookers, and rice makers
coffee machines, Nespresso machines, Keurig machines – seen all three of these for as little as $10
blenders, hand choppers, vegetable choppers, and food processors
spoons, spatulas, rollers, etc
cutting boards, cheese boards, knives, cheese knives, salt & pepper shakers
mugs, cups, dishes, teapots, bowls, storage jars, juice jars, pitchers, etc
cloth napkins, tablecloths, placemats
cookbooks!

Thank you so much for reading this post on How to Look for Kitchen Items at the Thrift Store. I hope you found this helpful, on your journey to saving money in your home! 💕