You might want to take a second look at some of the dishes your mom or grandma left behind. The price of Pyrex may give you second thoughts about donating that stuff or keeping it packed up in boxes.
Whether you choose to use it as a centerpiece or sell it to a second-hand shop, you may want to do some research into what those dishes are really worth. It's a kitchen craze that is serving up a hot profit for tens of thousands of people across the country.
There's a big demand for Pyrex. The dishes are in demand at thrift stores, antique malls, estate sales, and for avid collectors who are willing to spend big bucks for a set.
Sharon Fleck is considered an expert on Pyrex dishes in the Valley. She's been collecting and selling them in her booths at the antique mall "Call it New Call it Antique" in Mesa.
Her passion for Pyrex started after a set she inherited from her mom and grandma. When she started researching the pieces, Fleck said she was surprised.
"I was amazed it was like a treasure," said Fleck.
Rowlan Hill with Blue Leaf Estate Auction said they were a hot commodity at estate sales they have hosted.
"It's because it's nostalgic. It's grandma, it's growing up. You know like you listen to old albums or records, you want to take yourself to the happy times that are from your childhood."
At local thrift shops, many Pyrex dishes were selling for $20 a bowl to $120 and more for a full set.
Hill said they were surprised by the trend as other bowls were begging to sell for $5.
"It's important that you get the sets together, they sell for a lot more if you have a whole set," advised Fleck.
Most Pyrex bowls come in sets of four, with the Pyrex logo and numbers on the bottom. Some older versions do not have numbers but can still be worth a lot.
If you happen to have a rare vintage set, or a promotional Pyrex design that was on sale for a limited time, you may have struck the jackpot.
On eBay, some rare Pyrex dishes were selling for upwards of $400 all the way up to $4,000.
Fleck said those were unusual and rare items. It could have been a limited color, or a limited design, or something as simple as a white border that made the bowls very valuable.
She added that every time she attended an estate auction, her first stop was the kitchen.
"I go through the cabinets, I look for the Pyrex and the Fire Kings," said Fleck.
To get the most value for your Pyrex, Hill advised putting it up for sale to the highest bidder.
"Let people compete for them, if you sell to one person and they'll say it's worth $50-60, but you put that same bowl in front of 10 people, you might double your money," said Hill.
To find out more about the value of Pyrex bowls you can go here or email Fleck at Sharon.fleck858@cox.net.
You can also research designs and patterns to find out how valuable your Pyrex dishes may be here.
