Does Buying A Washing Machine From Costco Actually Save You Money?

When shopping for a new washer, many buyers head straight to big-box stores or online marketplaces, but shopping at Costco could save you money. In a Consumer Reports' appliance satisfaction survey, Costco received the highest score for price, beating out well-known competitors, and there are plenty of reasons why. The retailer's upfront price is often lower than elsewhere, and unlike most stores, the price you see includes delivery, haul-away of your old unit, and basic installation, just to name a few of the benefits. This means that shopping for a washing machine at Costco can save you money in various ways, from the cost of the machine to the additional fees that other retailers don't always tell you about until you're checking out.

Washing machines are also one of the best kitchen appliances you can pick up at Costco thanks to the value the discount store adds through its built-in protection plan. While most retailers offer just one year of coverage from the appliance's manufacturer (as is the case for Lowe's, for example), Costco includes a two-year warranty at no extra charge. It's not an optional upsell — it's simply part of the deal. Their return policy is also generous: members have 90 days to return major appliances for any reason, and the company promises to work with customers even after that window. For shoppers looking to save without sacrificing support, that kind of follow-through matters.

Costco offers ways to trim your appliance budget beyond delivery and installation costs. If you're wondering how else Costco's washers stack up against other big-box stores, it's clear to see that the store's warehouse membership model allows for overall reduced pricing and regular sales on products, including name-brand washers. These markdowns can overlap with incentives from manufacturers, creating stackable discounts that aren't always advertised elsewhere. During seasonal sale windows, like Black Friday, Costco's bundled pricing can offer some of the lowest all-in costs on the market.

Another benefit comes from Costco's low-pressure, low-cost retail model. Unlike traditional appliance stores, there are no commissioned sales associates trying to upsell protection plans or extended warranties because employees have higher starting wages and a reasonable benefits package. This results in a more streamlined shopping experience with fewer hidden costs because employees aren't trying to push sales to earn extra money. Plus, the simplicity of Costco's product offerings, which are usually a curated selection of dependable brands instead of an overwhelmingly large range of items, helps reduce decision fatigue and cuts down on the risk of overpaying for unnecessary features. For members who value convenience and long-term savings, these added benefits can make a big difference.

Value-focused shoppers should learn everything they can about Costco's return policy before splurging on their home and getting a new washer; this way, they can enjoy a hassle-free experience from purchase to setup as they compare Costco and other retailers. At popular retailers Best Buy and Lowe's, some washers might appear to cost less, but once installation and haul-away are added, prices can easily exceed those at Costco, given that the gap was so small to begin with. 

Costco's delivery, installation, and haul-away prices are included in the cost of the machine, but at Best Buy, delivery and professional installation are $29.99 with appliances that cost over $399, and their haul-away service is not included unless you add a qualifying replacement product to your cart for delivery by Best Buy Home Delivery. Best Buy's standalone haul-away service is an additional $199.99. Lowe's isn't much better, and their delivery/installation/haul-away prices are hidden until you have a washing machine in your basket (haul-away is $50 per item, the installation fee is masqueraded as an installation kit that costs $37.98, and delivery is $29.00). 

While Costco's selection is narrower and purchasing products is of course limited to members, the majority of their washers cost between $500 and $1000 without any additional costs. Costco includes a two-year warranty, delivery, installation, and haul-away, yet these are separate fees when shopping with Best Buy and Lowe's. Because of this, Costco easily holds its own against competitors.