The Kitchen Essential You May Want To Reconsider Buying Secondhand From The Thrift Store

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There are countless incredible treasures waiting to be uncovered at the thrift store. But not all kitchen essentials you can find at your local thrift are worth buying. Cast iron pans are a hot commodity, prized for their high-quality and durability. They are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. You may see plenty of cast iron skillets in various states of disrepair at the thrift for a seemingly great price. However, it's not always a great idea to purchase one from there. While older cast iron can be an incredible investment, the ones at the thrift may be more trouble than they're worth, often incredibly damaged, in need of some major restoration, or even unsafe to cook with.

When searching for a cast iron skillet, there are a handful of issues to keep in mind. Age alone isn't a great indicator when searching for cast iron. Consider the manufacturer and condition of the skillet. When it comes to vintage cast iron, there are two big players to search for: Wagner and Griswold. Both of these companies have changed hands and branding several times over since the late-1800s but tools like the "red book" and "blue book" can help identify quality cast iron pans. Let's learn more about the finer points of shopping for cast iron and what to be cautious of.

While you may luck out and find a gem at the thrift, there are a host of issues you might run into. Cast iron skillets are durable, but they aren't completely invulnerable. Thrift shops often sell poorly seasoned, rusted cast iron. You can restore them if you're willing to put in some work. But a lot of the stock in thrift stores also have damage you can't come back from. It's not uncommon for older cast iron pans to be pitted, cracked, or warped. Once this kind of damage occurs, there's no restoring the cast iron and it's no longer efficient or safe to cook with. They might also be a safety hazard if oil from the pan leaks through into the burner.

As we mentioned before, you don't want to just go with any manufacturer when it comes to vintage cast iron either. If you can't identify it as an iteration of the Wagner or Griswold companies, it's probably not worth your while. These aren't commonly found at thrift stores. It can also be difficult to identify cast iron in the thrift shop if it's crusted over.

When you're browsing for a new cast iron pan, you'll find two different varieties: modern rough and modern smooth. Around the 1950s, the method for creating cast iron shifted. Manufacturers still utilized sand-based molds but nixed the final sanding process. As a result, many modern cast iron pans will have a bumpy, textured surface. These are called modern rough cast iron. However, there are some companies staying true to their vintage roots, continuing to polish cast iron interiors. These are called modern smooth cast iron. It's typically more expensive than its rougher counterpart but it does offer superior non-stick abilities straight out of the box. Otherwise, both offer similar benefits to one another and, over time, you can build up the non-stick capabilities of a modern rough cast iron. 

While the thrift isn't the best place to find cast iron, it's still worthwhile to find a vintage one elsewhere if you properly vet it. You can scour places like the flea market, estate sales, and Facebook Marketplace. As you shop, look for a Wagner or Griswold and assess it for damage. Be sure to really do your research even if the seller insists they already inspected it. If it's simply rusty or there is a layer of caked-on grease on your cast iron skillet, no need to worry. You can restore it to its former glory with some dedicated TLC. If you properly care for your cast iron pan, even the most crusted-over vintage pieces can find new life and last decades.