Should You Buy a Matching Washer and Dryer at Costco?

Costco has its fans. Their cashews are addictive but members can also stock up on everyday essentials of impressive quality at a good price, including laundry detergent, LED lightbulbs, and batteries—both national brands and Costco’s Kirkland brand that you’ll find in Consumer Reports’ Ratings. But is Costco the go-to place for major appliances such as a matching washer and dryer?

When it comes to major appliances, Costco was the only retailer to earn top marks for price in our most recent annual appliance retailer satisfaction survey. But their product selection received our readers’ lowest marks. That could be because washers and dryers are only sold at Costco.com, and there are limited items on display in the warehouse stores.

What to Consider

If you’re thinking about buying a washer and dryer at Costco, keep in mind that choices are limited. Currently, there are 94 models, but that includes some of the same models in various colors and both gas and electric dryers. The predominant brands available to members are LG and Whirlpool although selection changes. And Costco might not be the place to buy a replacement washer if yours just broke because delivery time for laundry pairs can take up to two to three weeks.

What You’ll Like

On the plus side, Costco typically offers some of the newest models and the warranty on washers and dryers is two years—a year longer than the manufacturer’s. Costco makes returns easy and they’re accepted for any reason within 90 days, says Claudine Adamo, a spokesperson for the retailer. “When an appliance issue comes up after the 90 days, we will work with our members to resolve it,” Adamo adds. “If there is no way to fix an issue or replace the item, that is when we would offer a return.”

The cost of delivery is included in the sale price unless noted on the website. A fee is quoted at checkout for areas outside Costco’s normal delivery zones. The sell price also includes basic hookup and parts in most areas, and haul away of an old washer and dryer. Installation and haul away can vary by state or local area and must comply with local codes.

What it Costs

You can buy a standalone washer or dryer and savings range from $50 to $550 per appliance, compared to typical prices. But most Costco offerings are matching washer and dryer pairs and often include accessories as well. The front-loading washer and dryer sets come with pedestals to boost the height and make them more convenient to load and unload. The LG front-loader and dryer pairs often include the SideKick mini washer that sits below the washer, replacing the pedestal. Keep in mind that two pedestals usually sell for $500 or so. LG’s SideKick mini washer is about $700.

Some of the washers and dryers now available at Costco were impressive in our tests, others were only so-so or have very long wash times. Read “The Best Matching Washers and Dryers” to help you choose and to get an idea of typical prices, and check our washer and dryer Ratings for details on each model. If you have questions about a Costco deal, call them at 1-800-955-2292. Don’t forget to compare Costco’s prices to sales at other stores. Here’s a look at what we found at Costco.

LG WM4270HWA front-loader and LG DLEX4270W electric dryer
Typical total price: $2,000 (just washer and dryer)
Costco package: $2,550 factoring in the $150 mail-in manufacturer’s rebate.
What you get: Front-loading washer and LG SideKick mini washer that sits below the washer; electric dryer and dryer pedestal. All of this would usually cost about $2,950. The front-loader is also sold separately for $950.

Whirlpool Duet WFW95HEDW front-loader and Whirlpool Duet WED95HEDW electric dryer
Typical total price: $2,000 (just washer and dryer)
Costco package: $2,000
What you get: Front-loader, electric dryer, and two pedestals, which together would typically cost around $2,500. The washer alone is selling for $880.

Check the brand reliability data in our washer and dryer Ratings to help you decide. Our survey found, for example, that LG front-loaders are among the more reliable brands of washers, while LG top-loaders are among the more repair-prone and we no longer recommend them. Email questions to kjaneway@consumer.org.

Correction (February 21, 2016): An earlier version of this article stated that at the moment only American Express and Costco-American Express credit cards, debit cards, and Costco cash cards are accepted. That's true when you shop in the warehouses, but on Costco.com all major credit cards are accepted.

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