Foley Food Mill Value Guide

The Foley Food Mill is a quintessential piece of Americana, invented by Charles Foley in 1937 to simplify the creation of purees and baby food. These durable stainless steel tools became indispensable in mid-century kitchens for their ability to efficiently separate seeds and skins from fruit pulp.

What affects the value of Foley Food Mill?

• Condition of the tension spring and scraper blade, as a tight fit is essential for the mill to function properly.
• Presence of original colorful plastic handles, particularly in sought-after mid-century shades like red, turquoise, or yellow.
• Overall cleanliness and lack of heavy pitting or rust on the stainless steel body.
• Size variations, as larger industrial-sized versions or very small 'baby' mills can command different prices than the standard household model.

How to Identify Foley Food Mill?

• Look for the 'Foley Mfg. Co.' stamping, typically located on the handle or the crossbar, indicating its Minneapolis, Minnesota origin.
• Examine the handle material; earlier models often feature solid metal or painted wood, while 1950s and 60s versions frequently use colorful plastic grips.
• Verify the classic three-piece construction consisting of the bowl, the rotating crank with a tension spring, and the scraper blade.
• Check for the patented hook design on the side of the bowl, intended to secure the mill over a pot or mixing bowl.

History of Foley Food Mill

The Foley food mill, invented by Charles Foley in 1937, revolutionized home cooking by making it easier to prepare purees, sauces, and baby food. Originally manufactured by the Foley Manufacturing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, these mills became a staple in American kitchens, known for their durable construction and simple, effective design. They were particularly popular for processing fruits and vegetables, allowing cooks to effortlessly remove seeds and skins while retaining the pulp.