Baking supplies can get expensive, particularly if you’re stocking a kitchen or trying a recipe that calls for a pan you don’t own. Before spending money at a kitchenware store, I like to browse thrift store shelves for secondhand pieces in good condition.
You never know what might turn up among the mismatched pans and baking tools. These six finds are worth checking for before paying full retail.
Rolling Pins
A solid wooden rolling pin can last for years, and thrift stores sometimes have well-made ones at a fraction of their original price. Check for cracks, deep grooves, lingering odors, or handles that don’t turn smoothly.
Related: 16 Uses for Baking Soda in Your Garden
Glass and Ceramic Baking Dishes
Look for brands such as Pyrex, CorningWare, Fire-King, and Anchor Hocking if you need dishes for brownies, cobblers, or baked pasta. Check the entire piece for chips and cracks, and confirm that an older dish is marked or otherwise identified as safe for oven use before baking in it.
Related: 13 Valuable Antiques That Could Be Hiding in Your Kitchen Cabinets
Casserole Dishes
A roomy casserole dish comes in handy for baked desserts, family dinners, and dishes you bring to gatherings, and thrift stores may carry older patterns you won’t find in regular shops. Inspect the rim, handles, and base for damage, and check that any included lid fits properly.
Related: 30 Clever Uses for Everyday Items You Probably Never Thought Of
Bundt and Fluted Cake Pans
Bundt pans can be pricey, so checking the thrift store first makes sense if you bake these cakes only now and then. Look for a pan that sits flat and has no major dents, rust, or peeling nonstick coating that could affect baking or cake release.
Muffin and Cupcake Pans
An extra muffin tin is useful for making breakfast muffins, party cupcakes, or a batch of treats to share. Choose one with sturdy, evenly shaped cups, and skip pans with heavy rust, warped edges, or peeling coating.
Related: 30 Genius Hacks You Won’t Believe Are Hiding in Everyday Items!
Metal Loaf Pans
Metal loaf pans are handy for banana bread, pound cake, and plenty of other homemade treats, and well-made ones sometimes show up at thrift stores. Check that the pan isn’t twisted or badly scratched, and inspect the interior for rust or a damaged coating before using it.
