Mystery Objects That Almost Broke The Internet

A wonderful and iconic kitchen tool. That vintage-style squeezer is known by a few names, most commonly a “reamer” or a “glass lemon squeezer.”

Here’s a detailed look at this classic piece, from its history to how to use and find one.

The Vintage Glass Lemon Squeezer (or Reamer)

This tool is a symbol of a bygone era of kitchenware, prized for its simplicity, effectiveness, and beautiful design.

Key Characteristics & Anatomy:

Material: Typically made from clear or milk glass (opaque white), but also found in vibrant Depression glass colors like green, pink, amber, or cobalt blue. The most sought-after versions are from brands like Fire-King or Jeannette Glass.
Design: It consists of two main parts:
1. The Base: A round, lipped bowl with a spout and a built-in ridged reamer in the center. The reamer is a conical piece with deep grooves designed to shred the fruit’s pulp and extract every last drop of juice.
2. The Lid/Dome: A matching glass dome that fits over the base. Its primary function is to act as a splash guard, preventing juice and seeds from spraying out while you press and twist the fruit.

What It Was Used For:

While designed for lemons and limes, its simple design made it useful for any small, soft citrus fruit:

Lemons
Limes
Small oranges (like clementines or tangerines)
Calamansi
Even for juicing pomegranate halves for a small amount of juice.

How to Use It (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the Fruit: Cut your lemon or lime in half crosswise.
Place on Reamer: Take one half and place it cut-side down onto the ridged reamer in the base.
Cover and Press: Place the glass dome over the fruit and base. Using the palm of your hand, press down firmly on the dome while twisting the fruit back and forth.
Collect the Juice: The juice (and seeds) will be collected in the base. The seeds are trapped by the pulp, and the spout allows for clean, drip-free pouring.

Why People Still Love Them

Nostalgia & Aesthetics: They are beautiful objects that add a touch of vintage charm to any kitchen.
Durability: Unlike plastic, these glass squeezers are sturdy and don’t absorb stains or odors.
Effectiveness: They are surprisingly efficient at extracting juice, often rivaling modern metal squeezers.
Collectibility: Their variety of colors and brands make them a popular item for glassware collectors.

If You’re Looking to Buy One:

These are commonly found in second-hand shops, at flea markets, and on online auction sites.

Search Terms to Use:

Vintage Glass Lemon Squeezer
Fire-King Juicer / Reamer
Depression Glass Juice Extractor
Glass Citrus Juicer with Dome
Jeannette Glass Lemon Squeezer

What to Look For (and Avoid):

Condition: Check for chips, cracks, or hairlines (fine cracks), especially on the rim of the base and the tip of the reamer. These can compromise the structural integrity.
Completeness: Ensure the dome is present and matches the base.
Stains: Cloudy mineral stains are common but can often be cleaned with a vinegar soak.

With a little hunting, you can find a beautiful and fully functional piece of kitchen history. They are a joy to use and a lovely connection to the past.