Thrift Store Gold Mines
Retro kitchen appliances are making a serious comeback—not just as decor, but as valuable collectibles. From colorful mixers to old-school toasters, many of these vintage gadgets are fetching big bucks today. Whether it’s the brand, condition, or color (yes, avocado green matters), collectors can’t get enough. Here are 25 retro kitchen appliances that are now worth collecting—and possibly cashing in on.
KitchenAid Model 'K' Mixer (1930s–50s)
This early stand mixer helped launch KitchenAid’s fame. If you have one in working condition—especially in a rare color—it could be worth a small fortune.
Estimated value: $1,200–$3,000+
Sunbeam Mixmaster (1930s–60s)
The iconic stand mixer of the mid-century era. Look for ones with original bowls, beaters, and chrome accents.
Estimated value: $150–$500+
Toast-O-Lator Toaster (1940s)
This space-age toaster moved the bread through a visible window. Collectors love its mechanical novelty.
Estimated value: $250–$700+
1940’s Toast-O-Lator Conveyor Toaster Model J in Action, Steven Schultz
General Electric Monitor Top Refrigerator (1927–1930s)
One of the first widely sold home refrigerators. These big, round-topped beauties are now museum-level collectibles.
Estimated value: $2,000–$10,000+
Michael Rivera, Wikimedia Commons
Westinghouse L-5 Waffle Iron (1930s)
Stylish chrome design and Bakelite handles make this a must-have for vintage kitchen collectors.
Estimated value: $100–$400+
Westinghouse Antique Waffle Iron Maker, Laura's Last Ditch Vintage Kitchenwares
Vitamix Blender (1940s–60s)
Early Vitamix models were built like tanks and marketed with live demos. Collectors prize the industrial look.
Estimated value: $200–$1,000+
Dormeyer Mixwell Mixers (1950s)
This sleek mid-century mixer line was less known than KitchenAid, but collectors love its atomic-age styling.
Estimated value: $150–$500+
1950s Dormeyer Mixwell 5020 Mixer with Grinder Accessory, HausfrauJournal
Frigidaire Flair Range (1960s)
Featured in ’60s TV shows, this slide-away cooktop range is a retro dream. Full units in working condition can command serious cash.
Estimated value: $1,000–$5,000+
Hamilton Beach Milkshake Mixer (1950s)
Once used in diners across America, these chrome mixers with green or black bases are now retro icons.
Estimated value: $200–$700+
Vintage Hamilton Beach Milkshake Maker 3 Head Triple Mixer Green Jadeite, CaymanHillDesigns
Toastmaster Toasters (1930s–50s)
Chrome two-slice toasters with art deco designs are big in the vintage appliance world. Earlier models with flip switches or cloth cords are more valuable.
Estimated value: $100–$600+
BrokenSphere, Wikimedia Commons
Coldspot Refrigerator by Sears (1940s–50s)
Built like a tank with classic curves and chrome. Collectors love the mid-century lines and functionality.
Estimated value: $500–$2,000+
Vintage Fridge Revival | 1950's Coldspot Freezer, BurnoutsAndRotorblades
Universal Coffeematic Percolator (1950s)
Sleek and shiny electric percolators became kitchen staples in the ’50s. Working versions with boxes and manuals are a hit with collectors.
Estimated value: $75–$300+
Oster Regency Kitchen Center (1970s–80s)
A multipurpose kitchen station that did it all—blend, knead, grind. These vintage sets are growing in demand.
Estimated value: $100–$400+
Oster Kitchen Center 80s Doo Wop Commercial (1988), Rewind Me
Crosley Shelvador Refrigerator (1940s)
The first fridge with door shelving! That innovation alone makes it highly collectible among appliance historians.
Estimated value: $800–$3,000+
Crosley Super Shelvador Refrigerator - Classic commercials, Classic Commercials
Vintage Soda Syphons (1930s–60s)
Chrome or glass soda siphons with etched logos are great display pieces—and some brands are quite rare.
Estimated value: $75–$500+
Mateus S. Figueiredo, Wikimedia Commons
Pyrex Flameware Coffee Percolators (1940s–60s)
These all-glass stovetop coffee makers are both fragile and collectible. Complete sets with metal diffusers are the most valuable.
Estimated value: $100–$400+
Making Coffee in a Vintage Forman 4 Family Percolator | PYREX Flameware Percolator, Ikura Prime
Wear-Ever Juicers (1950s)
Manual metal juicers with colorful painted finishes are highly collectible. Look for ones with original paint and no rust.
Estimated value: $50–$300+
Handy Kitchen Gadgets - Wear Ever Juicer, skybirdbird
GE Wall-Mount Can Openers (1960s)
A quirky retro gadget that’s now popular again for its futuristic, space-saving design.
Estimated value: $100–$350+
Kenmore Rotisserie Ovens (1950s–60s)
These countertop ovens were compact and chrome-heavy—perfect for mid-century fans. Original accessories boost the value.
Estimated value: $150–$600+
Electric Egg Cookers (Sunbeam, GE – 1950s–70s)
These unusual gadgets make great collectibles. Some were shaped like eggs or came in bright pastel colors.
Estimated value: $50–$250+
Sunbeam Egg Cooker, SunbeamBears
Bakelite Hand Mixers (1930s–40s)
Hand-crank mixers with Bakelite handles and gears are a favorite for vintage kitchen collectors.
Estimated value: $100–$300+
1940s Waring Blendor Blender with Bakelite Lid, Jacob Schilter
Hoosier Cabinets (1920s–30s)
Technically furniture, but a centerpiece of early kitchens. Complete units with flour sifters and roll-tops are highly prized.
Estimated value: $1,000–$4,000+
Terra Ambridge, Wikimedia Commons
Early Crock-Pots (Rival – 1970s)
The original slow cooker craze began here. Early models in funky colors or floral patterns are now collectible.
Estimated value: $50–$200+
Rival Crock-Pot Commercial (Joe Garagiola, 1975), Bionic Disco
Arvin Hot Plates (1940s–50s)
These compact electric burners are favorites among tiny home and vintage lovers. Working units with chrome accents are most valued.
Estimated value: $75–$300+
Sunbeam Radiant Control Toasters (1940s–60s)
These chrome-clad beauties automatically lowered and raised toast. Still futuristic-looking today, and definitely collectible.
Estimated value: $150–$500+
Sunbeam Radiant Control Toaster T-35, Laura's Last Ditch Vintage Kitchenwares
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