Skip Pyrex: The Nearly Century-Old Cookware Brand To Search For At Thrift Stores

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Serious cooks are known for being loyal to the tools they use, especially when it comes to recipes that have been passed down for generations. Grandma's cast-iron cornbread just wouldn't taste the same out of even the most top-rated pan, now would it? Cajun chefs, in particular, are often among the most passionate, which is why they're known to troll the aisles for thrift store finds, looking specifically for vintage Magnalite cookware. 

Traditional Cajun recipes like jambalaya, étouffée, and gumbo certainly can be made in other types of cookware, or even modern Magnalite products, but a lot professional chefs and even amateur cooks swear by the vintage variety. In particular, the 1970's line of Magnalite products developed especially for professional use remains popular, per Tastes Like Home, the Camellia Bean blog. They say this is because the older products (made of magnesium alloy and aluminum) are designed to be thinner on the sides and thicker on the bottom. This design helps recipes heat more quickly and evenly.

Although vintage Magnalite can be found in some thrift stores, it's far more common to have sourcing success on sites like eBay. There's even a vintage Magnalite shop on Etsy! If you do happen upon a piece that you believe to be vintage Magnalite, do a quick check to make sure it's not a modern version, manufactured overseas. On the bottom it should be stamped "Wagner Ware," sometimes including "Sidney, Ohio," or "Sidney-O-," (both nods to the original production site).

Lucky shoppers who score a vintage cast-aluminum Magnalite for cheap at a thrift store or online need to be well-versed in how to care for and use this sought-after product. 

First, the restoration. It's likely that thrift store Magnalite is going to need some TLC before its first use. The brand says to clean the inside of the pot by filling it with water close to the top, or until all stains are underwater. Then, add one cup of white vinegar (the ultimate versatile cleaning tool), and a couple of tablespoons of cream of tartar, then stir. Once the mixture is nice and dissolved, get it to a rolling boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, let it cool completely, pour out the mixture, and hand-wash and dry it. If the discoloration is especially tenacious, repeat the process as needed. 

To get the outside of the pot back to its former glory, Magnalite says to properly hand wash it, then use a microfiber or cotton cloth to massage metal polish in a circular fashion. Repeat as needed, buff to shine, and then hand-wash it again! 

Once it's back to practically new, keep it looking fab by handwashing it after each use. Only use warm water with a gentle dish soap. Above all else, never put it in the dishwasher because the harsh temperatures can do irreparable damage.