12 Frequently Returned Household Items At Costco

Costco is a versatile one-stop shop that provides members with everything from groceries to home goods. When shopping for appliances, furniture, tech items, or outdoor essentials, it can be hard for shoppers to distinguish quality products from those that are less effective, due to the sheer amount of options they have to choose from. Thankfully, there are plenty of reviews and consumer reports that highlight the wholesaler's most returned home merchandise to ensure you don't waste your time or money on the wrong ones.

It's important to note that not all home products are returned due to damage or defects; some are returned simply because buyers utilized Costco's lenient return policy after taking things home and testing them or determining they didn't work in their space (especially furniture, mattresses, and home appliances). This article covers some of the most frequently returned household items at Costco according to direct customer reviews and customer feedback on Reddit threads, so you can make well-informed buying decisions for your home, and learn about alternative products plus brands that customers love.

Keurig-brand coffee makers use K-Cups instead of coffee filters and are programmed to disperse single-serve batches of coffee on command, right into your mug. This makes them ideal for when you're in the mood for a single cup of coffee, or when members of your household don't enjoy the same roast, since you can insert different K-Cups for each brew. Their convenience and user-friendly features are why many Costco members purchase Keurig machines when they see them on the shelves.

However, these coffee makers are practically notorious for being returned. When looking at Keurig reviews on Costco's website, there's a definite mix of opinions. The chief complaint across all models sold is issues with the machine itself, like defective features or the coffee maker not lasting as long as was advertised. The Keurig K-Crema Single Serve Coffee Maker gets mixed reviews, with some customers saying it broke quickly, while others note that the pressure feature stopped working. Customers stated they had to return the K-Cafe Barista Bar model due to it randomly breaking or having a defective frother. The K-Supreme Plus model is also said to randomly stop working, and in some cases, it stops functioning properly after a user's attempt to descale the machine. The good news is that the return policy is very kind to customers who want to return their Keurig, even after they've used it for months or even a year. As an alternative, the Nespresso Vertuo Next Deluxe has glowing reviews from Costco members while still providing single-serve brews.

Panasonic microwaves come in multiple sizes and are available in a range of affordable price points, which makes them an easy grab for Costco members in need of a countertop microwave. Since they don't need to be mounted to the wall, they work anywhere there's counter space and a standard electrical outlet. Models like the Panasonic 1.6 cubic foot microwave are considered among the best kitchen gadgets you can pick up at Costco, so it's really all about the type of Panasonic microwave you purchase and what you expect to get out of it.

The main reasons why these countertop appliances see frequent returns is both user error and faulty features. The Panasonic 2.2 cubic foot Countertop Microwave with Cyclonic Wave Inverter comes with the child-lock feature already activated, which makes buyers think the door is defective or hard to open, when it's really a simple setting issue that should be addressed at the manufacturing level. Similarly, the Panasonic 1.2 cubic foot Countertop Microwave Oven has mixed reviews because some customers say it's not user-friendly enough due to the complicated safety lock, button displays, and programming issues. The Panasonic 1.3 cubic foot 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave receives both praise and criticism. Based on customer reviews, it appears some are just faulty, showing error codes and breaking easily or coming damaged, while other customers rave about their experience.

Dyson vacuum cleaners are a coveted name brand in the cleaning world, which may cause buyers to purchase them out of curiosity or because they think they'll perform better than other brands. Costco shoppers may be more likely to purchase a Dyson vacuum cleaner during a member sales event, as they can get them cheaper than in normal circumstances. Since the wholesaler is so kind with returns, members also might not be afraid to return a vacuum cleaner if it doesn't meet their needs.

The general consensus on why Dyson vacuum cleaners get returned to Costco is simply that customers are disappointed with their quality or don't find them user-friendly. In the end, the experience you get mightn't be worth the price, even if it's on sale. According to customer reviews, Dyson vacuums sold by Costco break easily, aren't easy to operate (depending on the model), or don't work well on high-pile rugs. Multiple customer reviews state that the Dyson V9 Submarine Extra Cordless Wet and Dry Stick Vacuum has a problem with leaking dirty water during use. For those who purchased a cordless, battery-powered model, there were concerns about the battery not lasting as long as it should have or needing to be charged more frequently. Based on customer ratings, Shark- and Bissell-brand vacuum cleaners receive more praise in terms of cleaning capabilities, ease-of-use, and overall satisfaction — something to keep in mind.

LG and Samsung refrigerators are sold at Costco Wholesale, giving members price discounts on a wide selection of models. One of the key perks of purchasing a fridge (or any appliance) here is that delivery and installation are often included with purchases. This offering, along with attractive price points, is what makes members take a chance on these fridge brands.

LG and Samsung models are frequently returned for a variety of reasons, from incompatible sizing with a person's kitchen or food storage needs to more model-specific issues like inconsistent internal temperature regulation, problems with the water dispensers or ice makers, and problems with door hinges. After scouring a large number of customer reviews, we have found that temperature control problems are a recurring theme with both LG and Samsung refrigerators purchased from Costco. Potentially less brand-specific but still noteworthy, customers state that some arrived damaged, or that the installation process wasn't satisfactory. Since there is so much room for product defects and delivery issues regardless of the fridge brand or retailer, you might as well take advantage of the friendly return policy. This way, you at least know you can return the appliance if something goes wrong.

At Costco, you can usually buy Samsung TVs with a 2-year warranty, on top of tech bundles and sale prices, making them seem like a steal. Plus, the return policy is so lenient that if you're dissatisfied or encounter an issue with the TV, you can typically return it without a problem. Overall, it's an investment with low stakes and good upfront offerings, which is what makes them so appealing to Costco members.

However, that's not to say it's always worth it in the long term. Samsung TVs typically get returned to the wholesaler due to display issues, low picture quality, damaged or unexplainable tech issues, as well as space concerns or buyer errors. In addition to TVs not working correctly, some customers misjudged the amount of work or equipment required for the installation process (for wall-mounted models) or determined the screen was the wrong size for their viewing area. Others were unaware they would need a Samsung account to access apps and streaming services on the TV, so there also seems to be a lack of information to highlight this requirement at the time of purchase.

Costco sells a number of window and portable AC units, along with Lennox air conditioning systems for whole-house cooling, so members can purchase units to cool singular rooms or book consultations to get complete system installed in their homes. With a variety of options and member incentives, it's easy to see why customers go to Costco for cooling and heating products.

Members tend to return interior AC units due to water leakages, insufficient cooling for the size of the space required, and difficult installations, or, in some cases, product recalls. In June of 2025, over one million Midea window AC units were recalled because of a manufacturer design flaw, which caused water to collect and grow mold inside. For members purchasing a whole-house system, one of the most common complaints is expensive third-party contractor install fees that made them rethink if buying through the wholesaler was worth it, as opposed to choosing their own contractors to install a system. Ultimately, you should take the time to weigh the potential pros and cons of buying an AC unit at Costco versus another retailer, to prevent having to make a return.

Costco offers a broad selection of countertop appliances, including air fryers, blenders, mixers, toasters, and specialty appliances like ice cream makers. With so much to choose from and tons of membership deals, it can be tempting for shoppers to add a countertop appliance to their carts as they shop around. This is especially easy to do since they aren't as large or pricey as major appliances.

Members return countertop appliances for a plethora of reasons. On average, these products get returned if buyers decide the appliance didn't fit or look right in their kitchen, the appliance didn't seem user-friendly or convenient enough, or customers realized an appliance was damaged or faulty. Some customers even return countertop appliances because they were simply disappointed by the features or results promised that the appliance didn't deliver on. It's best to measure your countertop space before investing in a new appliance, or you may have to make a return trip when you realize you don't have the space.

Similar to refrigerators, Costco carries a diverse selection of washers and dryers from several brands, each with its own pros and cons. The main hook is that buying a washing machine from Costco can save customers money. In addition to member sales perks, they also provide 2-year warranty options, haul-away services, and included delivery and installation. These offerings help streamline the buying process and give customers peace of mind.

Based on direct customer reviews and Reddit thread feedback, the majority of returns result from washer-dryers coming damaged (dented), followed by appliances breaking or deteriorating in under a year. In some cases, members stated they returned washer-dryers because they were disappointed in cycle features, agitator strength, or noise level. Many customers also had issues with the delivery process, whether it was late deliveries and shipments, or unreliable third-party installers. If you are considering purchasing a washer and dryer from Costco, make sure you do your research on the best brands before you shop. Unlike with refrigerators, LG-brand laundry appliances receive positive feedback from customers. In fact, Consumer Reports named LG washers and dryers as being some of the most reliable for 2026, regardless of design and loading orientation.

Costco members purchase mattresses through the wholesaler because they know they can get brand names at better prices, are offered convenient delivery services, and can get delivery personnel to haul away an old mattress, making the whole process a breeze. Models that are $500 or more also qualify for Costco's flexible payment option, so customers can make payments over time instead of paying one large amount.

So, why are mattresses considered a frequently returned item? It's not necessarily because something is wrong with them, but simply because they didn't fulfill the buyer's needs after they had a chance to sleep on them. Plus, depending on the location, they may have a limited display of mattresses that people can try out, as opposed to a designated mattress or furniture store, while others are only sold online. This means customers have to take them home and test them or purchase them online instead of being able to test them directly in-store.

Costco has a variety of sofas and sectionals to choose from, with a select number on display in stores. Members can use exclusive membership deals and sales events to purchase them at more affordable price points or at lower prices when multiple eligible items are purchased together. This gives members an incentive to buy sofa sets and other matching living room furniture. When you purchase a sofa, you can also utilize Costco's furniture delivery services. The services offered depend on the specific product and the price you pay, but in some cases, you can get a sofa delivered and assembled right in your living room.

Because of all these perks, it's easy to see why customers buy their sofas through the wholesaler. However, just like any big furniture purchase, you need to love your sofa. So if it isn't a perfect fit, members aren't afraid to return it. This is especially true since Costco is very gracious with returns within the first 90 days after purchase. If a sofa arrives or becomes damaged during delivery and installation, this is another reason customers might return it.

At Costco, you can get everything from patio furniture and hot tubs to lawn mowers and garden hoses at competitive prices. Some outdoor products are also part of the direct savings program and sale bundles, incentivizing members to buy for their outdoor space at Costco over other retailers. Also, they allow members to return all sorts of outdoor furniture and decor; members may have to find a way to transport large merchandise back to the warehouse if they want to return it after an extended period of time (for example, a hot tub or a garden shed), but otherwise, Costco can usually arrange for a pickup.

Grills, hoses, outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas, and more are frequently returned if they're damaged, missing pieces, don't work, or don't last the allotted time frame mentioned on the packaging. This also rings true for any cushions or furniture materials that show signs of fading or water damage within the first season of use. Due to the generous return policy, members aren't afraid to return lawn and garden items if they don't work in their space or don't hold up, whether it's patio furniture cushions or lawn care equipment. However, Costco still has a ton of customer favorites that include everything you need for a patio makeover.