Finding retired cake pans can be a tough gig, and not spending a fortune on them is even tougher.  Because of this, I want to share with you what I do before I bite the bullet and spend 50 or 60 bucks on a cake pan that I need.  There are some places that you can get these pans at affordable prices, but it takes some planning before the time that you actually need the pan.

The first step is to check with people around you.  If you know anyone who was in to baking in the 70′s and 80′s, there is a good chance that they have a collection of cake pans.  There really aren’t that many different types, so if they have a collection odds are good that they have the cake pan that you need.  Check with your mom, grandma, and aunts first to see what they have.

If you have enough time before you actually need the pan, you can start searching garage sales.  Cake pans are one of the most common things that you’ll find at these, so with some persistence it is a good chance that you’ll come across the pan that you need.  Or, if you’re a collector you can quickly build up your collection without spending much money at all.  I was able to get an entire set of number cake pans at a garage sale for only two bucks!

Needing the cake pan right away presents another problem, money.  Because many of these cake pans are deemed rare and collector’s items you will pay a premium for many of them.  This is especially true with the more popular Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, and Cookie Monster cake pans.  If you are willing to spend the money, the best place to get them is eBay.  There will be a lot to choose from, and if you want to save more buy the ones that don’t come with the instructions.  Wilton has those available for download on their website.

Just because they don’t make the cake pan you want anymore doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try and find it.  Use the tips outlined above and you’re going to get the one that you want, it’s just a matter of being patient until you do.

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