There's No Need For A Microwave — The More Elegant Vintage Thrift Store Find

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Microwaves are synonymous with convenience. They became popular in the late 1960s alongside a host of other home appliances that made life simpler — dishwashers, garbage disposals, and electric vacuum cleaners are a few examples. Back in those days, people nuked their food — a tongue-in-cheek way to refer to popping food in the microwave. If you were around during that time, perhaps you remember the infamous microwavable TV dinner, which by most accounts was delicious but also filled with tons of salt. Given that microwaves are a relatively recent fixture in American kitchens, it makes us wonder what people did before their invention and widespread use. The casserole warmer was a commonplace appliance that you can add to your kitchen today.

While people did use electric, gas, or even wood-burning ovens to reheat their food, it required a lot of time and energy. You could also reheat food on the stovetop. It's faster, but can fail to heat food evenly. Another purpose-made alternative was the casserole warmer — widely considered the best way to heat food quickly from the 1950s onwards. This nifty appliance consists of a glass, ceramic, or enamel pot that sits on top of a hot plate. Thanks to the thick bottom, your food doesn't burn as easily as it can in a saucepan. Plus, they don't leave food soggy. If you're sick of microwaves turning your food into a sweaty pile of mush, try to thrift a vintage casserole warmer. Even if you disagree with the idea that there's simply no need for a microwave anymore, this mid-century appliance looks aesthetic and should come in handy for keeping food warm during house parties.

When you visit your local thrift store, head straight to the kitchen section or the appliance aisle, which is where you'll have the best chance of finding a vintage casserole warmer. This appliance is electric, after all, so it's most likely nestled among the KitchenAid mixers, brass fans, and old coffee machines. If it's not in either of those spots, ask an employee how often people donate this valuable vintage appliance you should always look for at thrift stores. If it's often, you can make a note to stop in again in a few days or weeks.

Since any casserole warmer you find could be around half a century old, it's important to inspect the electrical cord. Old cords often aren't safe — they're a fire risk. Look for melting, fraying, and cuts. Make sure none of the prongs are bent or broken. Next, you need to make sure that the casserole warmer works. Most thrift stores will allow you to test electronic appliances using one of their outlets. If it's functioning correctly, get the old cord replaced by a professional — or do it yourself if you have the experience — before using the vintage appliance.

If you have trouble finding a casserole warmer while thrifting, ask an older adult in your life if they have one packed away in the attic. Also, since this is a retro kitchen item that once had a place in every home, you can find authentic appliances on secondhand reseller websites like Etsy and eBay. These typically run anywhere from around $20 for a simple ceramic item to about $70 for something made of patterned heat-proof glass.