Why Buying This Kitchen Appliance From Costco Might Not Be Your Best Bet

In this day and age, many of us are always looking to save a few extra dollars, especially when it comes to purchasing large appliances like dishwashers. Nothing lasts forever, after all, even if we try to increase our dishwasher's lifespan by cleaning the filter and performing other regular maintenance. When your dishwasher does finally break down, it might be tempting to get a new one from Costco ... but you may want to reconsider.

That's because, surprisingly enough, Costco's selection of large appliances can leave something to be desired. While every store location is different, many find their options to be limited. Even among what's available, you might find appliance brands that you're better off avoiding, like Haier. Unless you have something specific in mind and know it's available at your location, it might be better to visit another store with more variety and perhaps better perks like accessory discounts. In a similar vein and partially because Costco tends to use third-party installers, options for installation may be just as limited, including longer wait times and inconvenient installation windows. Some customers have noted confusion over scheduling and some unexpected install fees.

Naturally, experiences can vary. It could be that you're a lucky person who'll get the best dishwasher possible from Costco, with the best service you'll ever receive. It's also possible, however, that you'll get the worst of both and will be mired in customer service back-and-forth, so take care when shopping for your new dishwasher and don't be afraid to look elsewhere for better final prices, experiences, and clarity.

Over on Reddit, a user described a more than month-long debacle trying to get a dishwasher installed, saying, "It has been a logistical nightmare dealing with Costco." They said they were plagued with defective appliances, conflicting information, and cancelled appointments, culminating in an overall terrible customer service experience. While this is an extreme example, it still serves as a cautionary tale.

However, another Reddit thread from a user seeking advice on this very subject paints a more complicated picture. One commenter stated that they had an excellent experience. To quote: "They arrived on time, had all the parts, removed my old one [dishwasher] and installed my new one. They ran it for a bit and then left. A year later, everything is running as it should." As others in the thread point out, negative experiences seem so prominent because people rarely post about the good ones online, so don't expect the worst straight away. Others online have pointed out that this may be an issue with other big retailers that use third-party installers.

That said, it's hard to ignore those bad reviews. The store might have some great deals on groceries and plenty of delicious must-buy items for new Costco customers, but that's just the thing: its focus is on groceries and bulk sales, not large appliances. Perhaps it's not best equipped to sell and install items like dishwashers. You're likely better off buying from a retailer that's known for appliance services to get a better chance of a quality experience.