The 12 Best Kitchen Essentials You Can Get At Costco

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Costco is the go-to store for all sorts of home needs and must-haves, from bulk toilet paper to lunchbox snacks. It's also an excellent spot to outfit your kitchen. Whether you're a new homeowner, moving into your latest rental, or helping a student move into a dorm, Costco has well-priced and high-quality kitchen essentials. We've rounded up some of the best options ahead.

Kitchen essentials are some of the household items that save you money at Costco. It's worth comparing prices for the items you plan to buy: Costco often offers them for cheaper, sometimes significantly so. If you are really starting from scratch and need appliances too, these are some of the best kitchen appliances you can pick up at Costco. To compile this list, we looked to highly-rated and reviewed products, which we'll go into more detail on later in the article. From dish sets to all things needed for cooking, these are the best Costco kitchen essentials for the heart of your home.

Henckels Modernist 20-piece Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set

A good knife set is a must-have for all your culinary adventures. The Henckels Modernist 20-piece Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set is a worthwhile buy if you want to invest in a solid collection. It comes with a self-sharpening knife block and 19 knives and accessories, which include paring knives, prep knives, utility knives, steak knives and also a pair of kitchen shears. It has everything most home cooks will need to slice, dice, and chop. The knives are also dishwasher-safe and made of high-quality stainless steel with a fully forged bolster.

This is one of Costco's most highly-rated knife sets, with 4.5 stars based on 3,500 reviews. Just over 74% of reviewers give these knives a full 5 stars, with one stating they "Love this set of knives. Quite sharp, beautiful handles and the block with the self sharpening feature is really handy. Personally, I was never able to use the sharpening rod very well, so I really appreciate this method!" Even better, at under $250, Costco sells this knife set cheaper than many other retailers. Negative reviews mention the knife block is rather large and some users experienced rust spots on their knives. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive though, and in the off chance of an issue, it's easy to return to the store with Costco's lenient return policy.

Circulon Premier Professional 10-piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

The Circulon Premier Professional 10-piece Non-Stick Cookware Set is an excellent starter set of pots and pans for any home kitchen. It has a useful variety of cookware and includes two skillets and two saucepans (one small and one large of each), a high-walled sauté pan, and a stock pot, plus a few lids. All of the cookware has a long-lasting non-stick coating, both on the inside for cooking and the outside for easier cleaning. Silicone handles keep the grip comfortable and, for even more convenience, they're all dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In short, this cookware set offers what most people are looking for out of their pots and pans.

Reviewers are very happy with this product, giving it an overall 4.8-star rating based on 8,455 reviews. Nearly 87% of reviewers give it a full 5 stars. One reviewer says, "The pots and pans are sturdy, beautiful and perform well. Even with regular use they still look like new. Absolutely no warping, the non-stick has not scratched or chipped in any way." They're compatible with all cooktops too, including induction.

Staub 7-Quart Cast Iron Braise and Grill

The Staub 7-Quart Cast Iron Braise and Grill is a home chef powerhouse. It's a spacious and heavy-duty Dutch oven pot made of enameled cast iron. A notable feature of this pot is the lid, which flips over to work as a stovetop grill, so you can simmer soups, sauces, and more, while also charring meats, veggies, or other sides. The whole set is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for oven recipes. Best of all, this cookware is low-maintenance too. Unlike traditional cast iron, it doesn't require seasoning, and is dishwasher-safe and induction-ready.

One reviewer says, "I love this pot. It's my second Staub and I use them both all of the time. I have had great success baking bread, braising meat, making stews and soups and pot pies in this pot. It is my favorite dish to reach for." Another reviewer calls it "One pot to rule them all." It's a useful one for those who love to cook, and the 4.7 average star rating out of 582 reviews proves it — as well as the fact that 86% gave it 5 stars. A few negative reviewers note this pot is very heavy, with a few saying it's heftier than other comparable Dutch ovens (including those from competing brand Le Creuset), which is a factor to note for those who struggle with weighty cookware.

EKO Deluxe Phantom 45 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can

The kitchen trash can has an unglamorous job, but as an item you use several times a day, it's worthwhile having a good one. The EKO Deluxe Phantom 45 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can has its fair share of user-friendly features that makes it a step above a regular old bin. The scissor-open lid opens down the middle and can be set to react to motion or with a touch switch. It closes itself gently when the job is done. The interior bin is plastic and removable for easier cleaning. This is all wrapped up in a fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel body: Just because it holds your trash, doesn't mean it has to look like junk.

Shoppers are overall happy with this purchase, and this bin has a 4.4-star average rating from 1,379 reviews, with 73% of reviewers giving it 5 stars. Several reviewers appreciate the dual-opening lid, which they say opens faster, seems sturdier, and feels more pet-resistant than traditional lids that open from one side. One reviewer says, "Love the way it looks and works. Easy to operate, just put your hand [or an] object over the front sensor and it opens up, staying open for [around] 5 seconds before closing again. Very quiet motors and very stylish!"

Pyrex 10-piece Ultimate Glass Food Storage Set

When it comes to kitchen basics, Pyrex is a highly-regarded brand. The Pyrex 10-piece Ultimate Glass Food Storage Set is an appealing all-glass food container set. Both the containers and the lids are made of glass, with the latter lined with a silicone rim. The rim creates an air-tight and leak-resistant seal. All elements are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe, as well as suitable to use in a pre-heated oven.

From 2,158 reviews, this product has a 4.6-star rating. Around 83% give it a full 5 stars, with one saying it's a "Great set of glass containers and glass lids, combining reliable functional and great style! Very clean looking, and seals really well, including soupy food." Several shoppers mention the glass lids and they were a deciding factor in buying these containers, since they avoid the pitfalls of plastic (such as staining, odor retention, and concerns about microplastics). Costco also sells the set cheaper than a couple of other retailers, so this premium container set doesn't have to be too hard on the wallet. 

Circulon 10-Piece Non-Stick Bakeware Set

From banana bread to cupcakes, you can bake up a storm with the Circulon 10-Piece Non-Stick Bakeware Set. This set includes a loaf pan, square cake pan, large cake pan with lid, muffin pan, cooling rack, and two cookie sheets, and two round cake pans — a step above the basics most home bakers will start with. They are made of warp-resistant, heavy gauge steel and have a non-stick interior for easy release of baked goodies. Though they are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended for longevity.

Shoppers give this set 4.8 stars overall, based on 526 reviews and with an impressive 88% rating it 5 stars. One happy reviewer says, "They are thick, well made and sturdy. These pans are truly non-stick. All baked goods from cinnamon rolls, breads to chicken and veggies came out beautifully. These pans cook very evenly and are more forgiving than other brands I have tried, even if you don't have the best oven." Several other reviews echo the excellent non-stick performance, which also makes the bakeware very easy to clean. Costco also sells this set for a bit cheaper than other big retailers, which is another win. 

Mikasa Bravo 101-piece Flatware Set

If you're looking for substantial and stylish flatware, the Mikasa Bravo 101-piece Flatware Set from Costco is the one to consider. This 101-piece collection has enough to service 12 people, plus it comes with some additional serving utensils. It includes 12 each of dinner knives, dinner forks, dinner spoons, and demitasse spoons, and 24 each of teaspoons and salad forks. The serving accessories included are a sugar spoon, a butter knife, a tablespoon, a pierced tablespoon, and a cold meat fork. That's enough to serve a pretty fabulous spread, but these are also designed for daily use. They're dishwasher-safe and made of durable 18/10 stainless steel to handle day-to-day dining.

Based on 578 reviews, this set has a 4.7-star rating. 83% rate it 5 stars, with one reviewer saying, "I LOVE this flatware set! I bought it to compliment the everyday white bone china, also from Mikasa. The set has a nice, heavy duty weight to it. It's simple yet elegant. The pieces are larger than your average silverware (high end restaurant style) which is exactly what I was looking for in an everyday set." Some reviewers don't like the larger size and heft of this silverware set, so that's a factor to keep in mind if you prefer lighter and daintier cutlery.

All-Clad 8-piece Kitchen Utensil Set

The All-Clad 8-piece Kitchen Utensil Set has all the essentials, and is long-wearing and sleek. Made from durable 18/10 stainless steel, it will last much longer than scratch- and melt-prone plastic utensils. Each utensil features a one-piece construction, so there are no seams that can get food stuck inside or eventually fail. Even better, they are dishwasher-safe, so you don't need to scrub them manually. This set includes a solid spoon, slotted spoon, fork, turner, ladle, whisk, and pasta ladle, each with the same comfortable All-Clad handle. A stainless steel caddy stores them all stylishly on the counter.

This utensil set has a 4.8-star overall rating from 565 reviews, with a high 91% rating it 5 stars. One reviewer says, "These are great utensils! We bought them to replace some old kitchen utensils and shopped around a bit, and this was the best value for the money. Not only do they look nice, but the handles are comfortable, and they're a really nice size as well. While you do have to be careful using them in some pans because they're metal, it's also peace of mind that they won't chip off little bits of plastic into your food, which was pretty much the reason we bought them." A few reviews also mention Costco's more budget-friendly price, especially compared to buying each piece individually. This is a member-only item though, so you'll need a Costco membership to order this set.

Simplehuman Stainless Steel Frame Dish Rack

The Simplehuman Stainless Steel Frame Dish Rack is a stylish pick that makes this kitchen essential less of an eyesore. It has a stainless steel frame to match modern metal appliances. The material and pared-down design makes it look more upscale than your typical budget dish rack. Hailing from the simplehuman brand, which is known for its practical designs, this rack has convenient features. It has a drip tray with a 360-degree swivel spout, so you can channel water into the sink from either side. A hydrophilic anti-residue coating prevents mineral buildup and water spots. The interior racks are capped with silicone, which prevent any scratching or chipping of fragile dishes or cookware.

Many reviewers are happy with this dish rack, with 518 reviews averaging out to a 4.8-star rating overall. About 86% give it a full 5 stars, with a few saying it's a functional and worthwhile dish rack. One reviewer explains, "We just completed a kitchen renovation and wanted a dish rack that complimented the new decor and departed from the usual wire rack/plastic pad combination ... This is a classy rack that is large enough for pots/pans and has some innovative features (a central drain hole leading to a gutter, a drip pan to catch water from drying glasses). It is stainless steel so fits right in with our appliances. I recommend this item unreservedly." Just note, this is another member-only item. If you're not a member yet, here's some information on Costco membership costs and what level you should sign up for. If you're after a few of these kitchen essentials, it might be worth becoming a member.

Over&back Options 16-piece Dinnerware Set

Nice plates and bowls can make mealtimes at home feel more fancy, and with the over&back Options 16-piece Dinnerware Set, you don't have to spend a fortune for elegant dinnerware. This stoneware set offers a chic look at a reasonable price. It's available in a handful of muted color palettes, each with a glossy glaze. The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four dinner bowls, and four cereal bowls. They're dishwasher-safe, suitable for everyday use, and cost just a fraction of the price of other stoneware dinnerware sets.

This set has a 4.5-star rating and 77% give it 5 stars, based on 993 reviews. A reviewer writes, "This is a beautiful, quality set of dishes. The combo of plates and bowls is just what I wanted as we try to eat big healthy salads and the bigger bowls do the trick. The blue color is a lovely soft, muted color and is perfect for my coastal vibe. There are similar sets at expensive furniture stores and these seem even nicer. As others have noted these are a generous size, but they fit in my cabinet and dishwasher no problem." Negative reviews say that the dinnerware is prone to chipping, with some receiving damaged product. Opinions do seem to be mixed on this front, with some happy reviewers saying the set is very durable. Overall, reviews are positive, and again, in the case of any issues, Costco's return policy makes it simple to return. It's a low-risk purchase, worth giving a try if you want affordable stoneware or fall in love with the color options, like some reviewers did. 

Seville Classics 4-piece Bamboo Expandable Drawer Organizer

Kitchen drawers can quickly get out of hand, but with Seville Classics 4-piece Bamboo Expandable Drawer Organizer, you can tame some of the clutter. This set includes an expandable drawer organizer, intended for cutlery. This organizer has an extra long section on each side for serving spoons and ladles. For organizing other kitchen accessories (or to tidy a junk drawer), the set also comes with two short boxes and one long box. Nine removable dividers make it possible to customize storage sections. All components are made of bamboo, which is sustainable and has a warm aesthetic that adds coziness to a kitchen.

This product is one of the best Costco storage solutions according to real customer reviews. It has a 4.5-star rating overall, based on 874 reviews, and 77% of these reviewers give it 5 stars. A happy reviewer says, "Bought to replace my old cutlery wood organizer that did not fit my new cutlery set. This works perfectly, love the expanding feature and removable dividers allow for much more flexibility than other organizers I looked at. Bamboo is very sturdy and attractive. This set would also work great for organizing office and craft supplies." Practical, affordable, and versatile, this is a helpful product if you want a perfectly organized kitchen.

Schott Zwiesel 6-piece Pure Cabernet Wine Glass Set

Whether for hosting a dinner party or for a solo Friday night wind-down, the Schott Zwiesel 6-piece Pure Cabernet Wine Glass Set is a classy vessel for a nice glass of wine. This set includes six crystal glasses, each with a 18.2-ounce capacity. They have a contemporary silhouette, with a dramatically angled bowl and slim, medium-height stem. The brand designed this glass with post-modern table settings in mind, choosing an overall geometric look for the glasses. Though these glasses look and sound fancy, they're also dishwasher-safe, so they're suitable to bring out for everyday use or special events. Schott Zwiesel recommends them for full bodied white wines and young full red wines.

Reviewers are happy with this product, giving it a 4.7-star rating based on 810 reviews, and with 86% giving it 5 stars. As one reviewer puts it, "These glasses are beautiful. I haven't tested the durability as it claims to be but with my normal use, they work very well. Washed them in the dishwasher multiple times and they still look like new." There are occasional complaints about the bottoms not being completely level, but those seem to be in the minority.

Methodology

We scoured Costco's home offerings to find the highest-rated kitchen basics. We chose the type of products you might need to outfit a completely empty kitchen, ranging from cookware to cutlery. Overall, the products we chose had a rating of 4.4 stars or higher, based on at least 500 reviews. That's just a minimum though, and several products had many more reviews and are some of Costco's highest-rated kitchen products. In keeping with the quality shoppers expect from Costco, we chose products from top brands. When possible, we also noted when Costco offered the product at a better price than comparable retailers.

Recommended