Think Twice Before Buying Your Next Refrigerator At Costco

According to CNET, Costco could save you an average of $1,000 a year on things like groceries, showing that where common household items you should be buying in bulk are concerned, Costco typically excels. Yes, Costco is packed full of cheaper options for your home, and while there's nothing wrong with stopping to check out Costco for luxury kitchen and home appliances, don't believe that means you'll get a better deal there every time for everything. Although Costco is known for deals, you should still consider which household items save you money at Costco and which are costing you more.

If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, and Costco is at the top of your list for appliance shopping, not so fast. This is an area of shopping where you won't necessarily come out ahead, particularly where price, selection, or even services like delivery or installation are concerned. With refrigerators starting at anywhere from $500 for a basic top freezer refrigerator to as high as $20,000 for a fancier built-in refrigerator, you should take advantage of every opportunity to save on a premium appliance that you can get. As such, here's why you should think twice before buying your next refrigerator at Costco.

When it comes to shopping for a new refrigerator, comparison shopping and taking advantage of sales are a necessity. Comparison shopping between competitors can find you the best price for similar products, and help you make the most of discounts or promotions. It may also help you rule out which appliance brands sold at Costco you should avoid buying after reading reviews of specific products and services between competitors. It turns out that this may actually be easier to do at Costco, since Costco's inventory of refrigerators pales in comparison to competitors like Best Buy or Home Depot. While more options may not make it easier to choose a new refrigerator for your kitchen, it does expand your possibilities. 

Speaking of discounts, stores specializing in appliances may have more value to offer than Costco. For instance, the most highly-rated refrigerators on the market, according to reviewers, are being sold at Home Depot, Best Buy and Lowes. It doesn't necessarily mean that all those refrigerators are selling for less or that Costco doesn't have any of those refrigerators in its inventory. So, does Costco beat big box store prices on kitchen appliances? Currently, Best Buy is offering 40% off on select appliances, creating as much as $940 in savings, while Costco is offering as much as $1,100 off items, but only for members. So, if you have a Costco membership, you may do better there. Otherwise, not likely. 

Like its competitors, Costco offers delivery and installation services for their appliances. Certain limitations include an inability to reschedule your delivery and installation window for that day, instead being required to reschedule to an entirely different day. Also, while Costco will deliver refrigerators, there are limits to their in-home installation policy. Specifically, hooking up your appliance to your waterline if it isn't accessible within three feet of the refrigerator or shutting off your water main to complete an installation aren't things they'll do. Costco's delivery service won't clear obstructions or navigate obstacles, including window delivery, in order to deliver your items. Costco will accept returns within 90 days of purchase on major appliances like refrigerators, and a two-year manufacturer's warranty that Costco will match in the second year.

By comparison, Best Buy also offers delivery and installation and will send a home expert to your home ahead of time to help you measure your space, plan within your budget, and let you know about permits or modifications you'll need to have prior to delivery and installation. They can give you tips on the best alternatives to stainless steel appliances or explain the benefits of installing a top-to-bottom stainless steel kitchen. Best Buy will install your refrigerator and will shut off your water main to complete the installation if it's within six feet of the appliance, or if you have an existing water line. Best Buy also offers in-home and in-store repairs, even outside of the manufacturer's warranty.