The short version
- Typical range: £15 – £90
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Kitchen & Appliances
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used cast iron pan is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for cast iron pans, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £90 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £76 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £58 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £40 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £22 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a cast iron pan
- Recognised heritage foundries
- Smooth cooking surfaces on vintage pans
- Even seasoning with no bare patches
- No cracks or warping
What lowers it
- Cracks, which end the pan
- Deep pitting from rust
- Warped bases that rock on the hob
- Rough modern casting on cheap pans
How to work out what yours is worth
- Sit it on a flat surface and check for rocking
- Inspect the cooking surface for pitting
- Look for a foundry mark on the base
Once you have those three answers you can place your own cast iron pan on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Is rusty cast iron worth buying?
Yes, usually. Surface rust cleans off and the pan can be re-seasoned. Cracks and deep pitting are the real faults.
Why are vintage cast iron pans sought after?
Older pans were machined smooth, giving a better cooking surface than most modern rough-cast ones.
Should I re-season before selling?
It helps considerably. A well-seasoned pan photographs far better and shows it has been cared for.
More value guides: kitchen & appliances guides · all value guides · browse live kitchen & appliances listings.