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Talk to a few Pyrex fans, and you’ll quickly find that everyone has their favorite patterns or styles. Some collectors are all about Butterprint, and hope to find the rarest versions of these Pyrex mixing bowls on thrift store shelves. Others are devoted to a particular color scheme, like turquoise or pink. And still others go for the rarities or the unique patterns, released as one-offs or as promotions.
The so-called Mod Kitchen casserole is one such example of a limited edition, promotional Pyrex dish that has its devoted fans. Released in 1958 as part of a “New Honeymoon-House gifts” promotion, the casserole was advertised alongside a set of four of Pyrex’s dreamy vintage Cinderella bowls, a chip-and-dip set, space-saver casserole, and carafes. The gift set was dubbed a “Decorator Casserole” in the ad, but the box it came in described it as “Cinderella Cradled Oval Casserole.”
Due to its limited production run, and the fact that retailers were told to take unsold promotional items off of the shelves, Mod Kitchen is a relatively rare and valuable piece to find today. Finding a Mod Kitchen with all its components, including the lid and cradle, is even rarer still, and raises the price considerably. While back in the day you could have purchased the casserole set for just $3.95, today, you’re likely to see it listed for around $75 with the lid, and possibly up to $350 if you find a set complete with lid, cradle, and box.
Add Mod Kitchen to your mid-century mod kitchen
Whether you love collecting promotional ultra-rare Pyrex patterns at the thrift store, or are just looking to add a bit of mid-century modern style to your kitchen, Mod Kitchen is the perfect addition. The 1.5-quart casserole dish has a pale yellow background with a charcoal print that features various fruits, vegetables, and kitchen utensils. While “Mod Kitchen” wasn’t the pattern’s official name, as it had no “official” name, it’s what’s been adopted by Pyrex devotees in the years since.
Pay close attention to the condition of the casserole you find. Ideally, the print and color will be vibrant and intact. However, due to years of use and dishwasher damage, there may be scratches or marks on the pattern or the color may be significantly faded. Any type of damage will affect the value of the piece, and how good it looks in your kitchen.
You may stumble across the Mod Kitchen casserole without a lid or cradle, and the price should reflect that certain components are missing. Whether it’s worth it to snap up the dish without its lid or cradle is your call. The cradle, which would protect a kitchen table or counter from the heat of the casserole, may not be something you’d miss from a practical standpoint, but it does add a bit of mid-century charm to the piece. The lid may be more essential, as having one would mean you could put the dish in the fridge without having to find something else to cover it with.