WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BUY vintage steel kitchen cabinets? Take these tips in reverse!
The market for these cabinets is generally going to be very local. People will want to come look at them before they buy and to be sure, it will be a lot cheaper if they can pick them up rather than having to arrange for a moving company. But, “local” actually means “within driving distance” for someone who wants to buy a set of steel kitchen cabinets. So your marketing and outreach should really extend…3 or 4 hours in a circle around where you live, although I know of folks who have driven further to buy particular brand cabinets they need.
Reminder: Be aware that vintage products, materials, and their layers can contain hazards — consult with pros to assess what you are working with so that you can make informed decisions how to handle. For more info see my Be Safe/Renovate Safe page.
Here are places to start looking; where online search is involved, I recommend you play around with your keywords. For example, in addition to searching steel kitchen cabinets, also search metal kitchen cabinets or vintage kitchen cabinets or of course, by name/brand:
- Craigslist is probably the most common source for cabinet listings when you take into account the entire U.S. — and it’s crafted to serve your local market, which is important when selling huge items like kitchen cabinets. I think they will only let you list in one city, and if that is their rule, you should abide by it. TIP: Use aggregators such as searchtempest (google to find other such aggregators, I have not looked into them all) to search craigslist into your larger region or even nationally.Note, reader Frank also suggested, in comments, another way to do aggregation quickly:
“For those that may be interested in searching all of craigslist, say the entire craigslist site just to see what’s on the market, it’s quite easy to do. Just use google to perform a power search. Type in the following in the search bar “vintage metal cabinets site:craigslist.org”.”
Note, when I try Frank’s method, I seem to still have to search by specific keyword, but at least I seem to get to the location where the item is or was for sale.
- Facebook Marketplace — newer to the scene, I like this source because it’s easy to search, easy to see photos and I think the listings are presented to you based on the locations closest to where Facebook thinks you are.
- eBay — I see lots of listing come up, and only one in 10 or seems to sell. However, there may be after-market bidding going on (at a lower price). eBay may work for you if you are in a larger market where there are more potential buyers.
- ReStore Habitat for Humanity and salvage places — I see vintage steel kitchen cabinets at my ReStore regularly.
- Also — if you are a BUYER — ask your neighbors. They may have old cabinets in their basement or garage that were originally in their kitchen — and yours!
Finally, if your cabinets are in really bad shape — with tons of rust, for example — take a look at the hardware. There is a market for vintage cabinet pulls — in particular old Youngstown handles. And, people with the old Genevas are always eager to connect with the white plastic concave piece behind the chrome pull. And, folks want the knife hinges that connect the doors to the base and wall cabinets. If you have parts, I’d recommend eBay — as they are not expensive to ship.
Click here to see all my stories about vintage steel kitchen cabinets — we’ve identified 90+ brands!
Mark says
I’m in the market for a PRISTINE CONDITION GE or ST Charles or VIKING Steel kitchen for my daughter’s c. 1959 condo. It had a GE kitchen originally and out of 167 units, only two still have their original kitchens. She wants it restored and she’s a perfectionist like her dad. So if anyone knows of a complete (about 26’ +- linear feet of upper & lower cabinets complete with two corner units is humanly possible – although I can have them made if I have to, although doing so is costly in the extreme.) When we say “pristine” we mean almost no rust. . However, do not want something dented beyond repair with broken hinges etc. Paint doesn’t matter because they’ll be stripped and powder-coated and baked. Not quite the old fired-on enamel but as close as we can come today and the color choice is unlimited. Any sellers out there? We’re in AZ – so closer is better but will go to the east coast for the right group of cabinets at the right price.
Jo says
Can anyone direct me to good information on how to paint my metal kitchen cabinets? Thanks!
pam kueber says
Jo, this is not a DIY site per se, but we have a number of stories in our Kitchen Help / Steel Kitchens category / subcategory in which readers have shared their experience. Jump on over there … and start going through … –> https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/steel-kitchen-cabinets/
Note, you might also find the stories in Kitchen Help / Readers & Their Kitchens. https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/kitchens-hi-pam-reader-spotlight/
No matter what you decide, a reminder that old products and their layers may contain vintage hazards, be sure to Renovate Safe, for more info see our page here > https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
janice clement says
Hi Pam and Readers-
I am looking for replacement for my upper metal GE/Morton white cabinets with sliding doors (with built in lights) . I really only need the doors, but am willing to buy the whole cabinet. Unfortunately, it seems they are all in the midwest and I am in the SF Bay Area. I am willing to drive, but the closest I’ve found is OHIO! Please help!
pam kueber says
Watch all the places listed in the story… Good luck.
teresa says
looking for a set of kitchen cabinets to renovate an older home, kitchen is app 12×12
ohio
willing to travel
Tina Duran says
I am in need of 6 door “latches” /”keepers” for my mid 50’s St Charles cabinets. If anyone has any info or ideas it would be appreciated.
joan says
My daughter just moved into her first home and is in need of the faceplate that says “youngston kitchens” its the only thing missing. Where should I be looking?
Frank says
For those that may be interested in searching all of craigslist, say the entire craigslist site just to see what’s on the market, it’s quite easy to do.Just use google to perform a power search. Type in the following in the search bar “vintage metal cabinets site:craigslist.org”.
And I would never get rid of my metal cabinets ; )
becky holguin says
i am looking for info on two metal cabinets i purchesed they are 5′ high with leaded glass door made of wood with a small drawer on the top, i was told they were from an apartment bldg and they were a separation btwn rooms. there is a right and a left side. any info would be greatly appreciated
Krueger says
I was hoping you could tell me where this top picture of a kitchen with the 4 plastic seats can be found, I’d love a larger version of this photograph!
pam kueber says
That’s my kitchen, Krueger. You can get to my kitchen page up in the blue navigation bar, far right….
Janice Jacobson says
I am living in Los Angeles, california and am looking for a set of metal kitchen cabinets and don’t seem to be able to find them. I was hoping you could help me locate a set. Thank you in advance.
pam kueber says
Janice: Read the post and the comments, please.