If you’re into vintage kitchenware, your old Pyrex casserole dish might be worth more than you think. Some rare Pyrex pieces, especially from the 1950s and 1970s, have sold for hundreds of dollars—or even up to $100,000! The value of these nostalgic pieces has been rising, with collectors eager to pay top dollar for the right dish.
The History of Pyrex and Its Popularity
Pyrex, a household name for kitchenware, was first created by Corning Glass Works, founded in New York in 1908. The idea behind Pyrex came from a woman named Bessie Littleton, who was married to a Corning scientist, Jesse Littleton. Jesse had been working on a new type of glass called borosilicate, which could handle extreme temperatures without breaking. Bessie, however, found another way to use this durable glass—she baked a sponge cake in it after a baking dish shattered. Inspired by her idea, Corning created the Pyrex line of kitchenware, which quickly became a popular item in American households.
The Nostalgia Factor: Why Some Pyrex Dishes Are Worth Thousands
What makes Pyrex so valuable today is its nostalgic appeal, particularly for older dishes from the 50s and 70s. One recent eBay listing for a 1970s two-quart casserole dish with the signature Pyrex label has been listed for an eye-popping $100,000. While it’s unlikely to sell for that much, this listing highlights the growing demand for rare Pyrex items.
In fact, the highest price ever paid for a Pyrex dish was $22,100 in 2022, according to Curbed. This record-breaking purchase was for a special edition “Lucky in Love” bowl prototype from 1959. The standard version of this bowl featured hearts and clovers along the sides, but the prototype only had clovers—making it extremely rare. Prior to this sale, a similar version was auctioned at a Goodwill in 2017 for $6,000.
The “Lucky in Love” design is so iconic that Pyrex even re-released it in 2018 for a limited time, offering food storage containers and other items in this pattern for prices ranging from $3.99 to $11.99. The nostalgia of these old designs, combined with their rarity, has led to significant price hikes for certain pieces.
What Makes Pyrex Valuable?
So, what exactly makes a Pyrex dish valuable? The rarity and condition are key factors. Limited edition items, like the “Lucky in Love” prototype, tend to fetch the highest prices. Other factors that add to the value include the age of the dish, its design, and how well it’s been preserved over time. Dishes that were released in small quantities or with unique features are often worth more to collectors.
For example, if you come across a rare pattern or limited edition design from the 50s or 60s, it’s worth checking its value before tossing it out. Even well-used Pyrex dishes, as long as they’re still in good condition, can fetch a decent price.
Thrift Finds: Pyrex Isn’t the Only Valuable Kitchenware
While you may not find a $100,000 casserole dish in your cupboard, there are plenty of other kitchen items that could be worth a lot more than you think. Take Le Creuset, for example. Known for its high-quality cast iron pots and pans, Le Creuset products can retail for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Recently, a savvy shopper found a 14-piece Le Creuset set for almost $1,500 less than its usual price. Another lucky thrifter scored a $980 Le Creuset braiser and Dutch oven for just $42.
Just like Pyrex, these high-end kitchenware brands have become highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. Shopping at thrift stores or estate sales can often lead to surprising finds, especially when it comes to vintage cookware.
Check Your Cupboard for Hidden Treasures
While it’s unlikely that your vintage Pyrex dish will sell for $100,000, many older pieces can still bring in a significant amount of money. If you have Pyrex from the 50s or 70s tucked away in your cupboard, it’s worth looking up its value before discarding it. The nostalgia factor, rarity, and condition of these dishes make them highly valuable to collectors. And if you’re not into collecting, you can always sell your vintage finds for a nice profit.
