The Valuable Vintage Outdoor Oven That Thrifting Enthusiasts Are Desperate To Get Their Hands On

Great vintage products really drive home just how much better certain items used to be. Yes, the fact that they're decades old and still usable today is testament to the quality of their materials, and to a design process that prioritized longevity. However, their appeal also often comes from a bygone dedication to functionality and detail. All of this could not be truer than when speaking about a vintage outdoor all-in-one barbecue and range cart that was so beloved that even a former president had one. General Electric's Partio Cart was a game-changer for the cookout experience in the 1950s and 1960s, landing it a place in the backyard of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It's a very valuable vintage find that thrifting enthusiasts want to get their hands on.

This impressive multifunctional contraption includes a stove with two burners, a griddle, and an oven on one side, and a charcoal grill with two rotating spits on the other. It comes with a storage compartment, two retractable side boards for extra counterspace, and a hole in the middle to hold an umbrella so you can comfortably cook your meals in the shade. It's also set on wheels so it's easily movable. With its gorgeous retro turquoise color, it is the outdoor grill station for the perfect entertaining space. The only possible caveat is that is needs a 220 volt power source. Typically, only a select number of outlets in a home provide that level of electrical potential, which can make the usage of the Patio Cart complicated and hazardous (if you do find one that still works, that is). Thankfully, a well-kept model should come with a 25 feet-long weatherproof cord that can extend to the nearest suitable plug. 

There's a reason why the GE Partio Cart is considered an antique "holy grail." It is coveted by many, but owned by few. And that's because it was never a staple in American homes to begin with. Though General Electric was one of the best grill brands for the ultimate outdoor entertaining back in the day, this top of the range cart was simply not affordable for the general public. It cost $800, which is about half of the money you needed to buy a 1950 Ford Custom. That's equivalent to spending over $10,000 on an outdoor oven today. Since not many of them were sold, not many of them were made, which is why they've turned into such a precious rarity today. 

If you can't find a GE Partio Cart at a thrift store or estate sale, you might just be lucky enough to come across it online. In addition to forums like eBay or even Craigslist, you can use Facebook Marketplace as the ultimate furniture shopping tool. Depending on the item's condition, it can sell for as much as $8,000. Xcapemodern, a vintage houseware shop in Long Beach, for instance, is currently selling one for $5,200, but there aren't many, if any, similar listings. For collectors, the stylish, emblematic mid-century object alone is worth the hefty price tag, regardless of usability. But if you do find one in the wild that you actually want to put to use, remember to check with a professional to make sure the electric wiring is safe.