Just as with antique cast iron pans, I find vintage refrigerator dishes to be far superior to their modern plastic or glass counterparts. My mom has the set of new glass pyrex dishes with plastic lids and while it is handy that they are microwave safe, I still prefer my vintage ones with the glass lids. So much easier than, wrestling off those plastic lids! And, come on, aren’t these much prettier?

Fire King Sapphire Blue Philbe Refrigerator Dish
This Sapphire Blue Philbe pattern was produced by Fire King from 1941 to 1956. I have two cute little square dishes as well as one loaf size dish. This pattern is one of the few Fire King patterns that can be considered depression glass. They stack neatly together in the cabinet or fridge. You can see exactly what’s in them without even picking them up. How practical.
- Federal Glass Loaf Shape Refrigerator Dish
- Federal Glass Square Refrigerator Dish
These sturdy little gems were made by Federal Glass. I think they date to the 1950’s. My husband (The Accidental Cowboy) informed me they work fine in the microwave. Yikes! The things that go on when I leave town. I do not recommend using any of these in the microwave but, the little square one survived the ordeal at least once.

Pyrex Vintage Refrigerator Dish Set
This sweet little set of 4 dishes are Pyrex, dating from the 1950’s. The only thing I don’t like about these is that if you want to keep the colors vibrant, you have to hand wash them. The dishwasher takes the paint right off the sides. All my other refrigerator dishes have survived the dishwasher for years.
I am still still looking for a square Hazel Atlas dish to go with my loaf one. Any time I hit the thrift or antique store I always have an eye out for a unique refrigerator dish. They are timeless, pretty and useful. I would love to hear from you regarding vintage dishes you have and how you use them.
Where can I find these, only antique shops? We only use glass to store our food and while the new Pyrex glass dishes with the plastic snap-on tops are great, they’re just not as snazzy as these vintage finds you have!
I found all but one at antique shops. Check the thrift stores. I am always amazed by what I find at Goodwill.
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love this entry, Jeanne. I’m afraid that my refrigerator dishes are gone after several moves, but I still have my mother’s original rolling pin and measuring cup. I still cook with Lo-Heat stainless steel cookware from 1955!
Thankfully in all our moves mine have survived. My go to cast iron pan was my Grandmother’s.