Walking through the appliance section at Costco can feel a bit like navigating a land of giants. Gleaming white and graphite steel machines stand in perfect rows, promising cleaner clothes and easier laundry days. It’s tempting, but a big question always looms: are they actually any good? If you’re deep into searching for Costco Washer And Dryer Reviews, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent years getting my hands dirty with these machines, and I’m here to cut through the marketing noise and give you the straight-up, honest truth about buying your next laundry pair from the warehouse giant.
Why Even Consider a Costco Washer and Dryer?
Before we dive into specific models, let’s tackle the bigger question: why Costco? It’s not just about the free samples and the giant rotisserie chickens. When it comes to major appliances, Costco has a few trump cards up its sleeve that you won’t find at many other retailers.
The Pros:
- Unbeatable Value: Costco’s business model is built on bulk buying, which often translates to highly competitive prices on washer and dryer bundles. You’re frequently getting a high-quality machine for less than you’d pay elsewhere.
- Legendary Return Policy: This is a huge one. While most retailers give you a tiny window, Costco’s satisfaction guarantee on appliances is famously generous, giving you serious peace of mind.
- Built-in Warranty and Support: Most appliances come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty (double the standard one year) and free access to Costco Concierge Services for technical support.
- Delivery and Installation Included: The price you see almost always includes delivery, basic installation of the new units, and haul-away of your old machines. This saves you a lot of headache and hidden fees.
The Cons (Let’s Be Real):
- Limited Selection: You won’t find every model from every brand. Costco curates its selection, focusing on popular, reliable models. If you want a niche feature or a specific color, you might be out of luck.
- Costco-Specific Model Numbers: Sometimes, the models sold at Costco have slightly different model numbers than those at other stores. This can make direct price-matching and review comparison a bit tricky, but they are typically identical to a mainline model.
As an appliance expert, I always tell people: “Costco doesn’t sell bad appliances. They sell a limited selection of good-to-great appliances. They’ve done the first round of vetting for you.”
The Big Players: What Brands Will You Find?
Costco typically sticks with the heavy hitters in the laundry world. You can almost always count on finding the latest from these three brands:
LG
LG is an innovation powerhouse in the laundry space. They’re known for their reliable and quiet Direct Drive motors, a wide array of steam functions (great for sanitizing and de-wrinkling), and smart features that actually work. Their front-load washers are consistently top-rated by consumer testing groups.
Samsung
If you love technology and sleek design, Samsung is likely your jam. They push the envelope with features like AI-powered wash cycles, super-fast wash options, and deep integration with their SmartThings smart home ecosystem. Their dryers often feature advanced moisture sensors to prevent over-drying your clothes.
Whirlpool
The classic American workhorse. Whirlpool has a reputation for building durable, no-fuss machines that get the job done. While they may not have all the flashy smart features of their Korean counterparts, they are known for reliability and are often easier and cheaper to repair down the road. Their top-load models are particularly popular.
Our Top Picks: In-Depth Costco Washer and Dryer Reviews
While Costco’s inventory changes, they tend to feature models with similar core technologies. Here’s a breakdown of the types of pairs you’ll find and what they’re best for.
Best for Most Families: The LG Front-Load Powerhouse
You’ll almost always find a mid-to-high-end LG front-load washer and dryer set at Costco. These are the all-rounders.
- What to Look For: Features like TurboWash 360, which uses multiple spray nozzles to get a full load clean in under 30 minutes. It’s a game-changer for busy families. Also, look for the Steam function, which is incredible for allergy sufferers or for quickly refreshing a wrinkled shirt you forgot in the dryer.
- Performance: These machines offer a fantastic clean, are gentle on fabrics, and are incredibly water and energy-efficient. Their large capacity can easily handle a king-size comforter.
- The Bottom Line: For most people, an LG front-load set from Costco is one of the smartest appliance purchases you can make. It combines cutting-edge features with proven reliability.
The Top-Load Titan: Whirlpool’s Reliable Workhorse
For those who prefer a traditional top-load washer, the Whirlpool options at Costco are tough to beat. They’ve evolved far beyond the old-school agitator models.
- What to Look For: Many models feature an impeller (a low-profile plate at the bottom) instead of a tall agitator, giving you more capacity and being gentler on clothes. A standout feature is the Pretreat Station, a built-in faucet inside the washer for soaking and scrubbing stains before the cycle starts.
- Performance: These are massive-capacity machines built for big families and bulky items. They are straightforward to use and incredibly durable. While they use more water than a front-loader, they are much more efficient than older models.
- The Bottom Line: If you prioritize capacity, simplicity, and long-term durability over the latest tech, a Whirlpool top-load pair is a fantastic choice.
The Smart Tech Choice: Samsung’s Connected Laundry Pair
Samsung’s offerings at Costco cater to the tech-savvy homeowner who wants their appliances to be as smart as their phone.
- What to Look For: AI Smart Dial learns your favorite cycles and puts them front and center. Super Speed Wash and Super Speed Dry can get a full load washed and dried in about an hour. The SmartThings app integration is the real star, allowing you to start, stop, and monitor your laundry from anywhere.
- Performance: Samsung pairs deliver a powerful clean and some of the fastest cycle times available. The dryers are particularly efficient. The sleek, modern designs are also a major plus for style-conscious buyers.
- The Bottom Line: If you love controlling your home from your phone and want laundry to be as fast and automated as possible, you’ll be thrilled with a Samsung set.
A Pro’s Checklist Before You Click ‘Add to Cart’
Finding positive Costco washer and dryer reviews is one thing; making sure the set is right for your home is another. Run through this checklist before you buy.
- Measure, Measure, Measure! I can’t stress this enough. Measure the space where the units will go—width, depth, and height. Then, measure the doorways, hallways, and stairwells they need to pass through to get there. Add a few inches for clearance.
- Check Your Connections. Do you have a 240-volt outlet for an electric dryer, or do you need a gas model? Are your hot and cold water hookups in good condition?
- Front-Load or Top-Load? Front-loaders are more efficient and gentler on clothes but require you to bend down. Top-loaders are easier to load and less prone to mold, but can be tough for shorter people to reach the bottom.
- Understand the Warranty. The 2-year warranty is great, but consider the optional Allstate Protection Plan for years 3-5. For an expensive appliance, that extra peace of mind can be worth it.
- Read the Real Reviews. On Costco’s website, filter the reviews. Look for patterns. Is everyone complaining about a specific error code, or are most negative reviews about a third-party delivery company? Differentiating is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco install the new washer and dryer?
Yes, in most areas, the price includes delivery, basic installation, and haul-away of your old appliances. Basic installation includes hooking up to existing, code-compliant plumbing and electrical, but not major modifications.
What is Costco’s return policy on washers and dryers?
Costco offers a 90-day return window on major appliances. This is one of the most generous return policies in the industry and a major reason people choose to buy from them.
Are the washer and dryer models at Costco the same as other stores?
Often, they are virtually identical to models sold elsewhere but may have a slightly different model number (e.g., a “C” added to the end). The core features and performance are typically the same.
Is the optional Allstate Protection Plan from Costco worth it?
This extends your total coverage to five years. For a high-tech machine with lots of electronics, it can be a wise investment. If a single control board fails in year four, the plan could easily pay for itself.
Can I buy a washer or a dryer separately?
Yes, while they are often promoted as pairs or bundles for the best value, you can typically purchase the washer or dryer as a standalone unit if you only need to replace one.
The Final Spin
So, after digging through all the Costco washer and dryer reviews, what’s the verdict? For the vast majority of people, buying your laundry pair from Costco is an excellent decision. You get a high-quality, reliable machine from a top brand, backed by an industry-leading warranty and return policy, all at a very competitive price. You might not have endless choices, but the choices you do have are solid. By focusing on your family’s needs—whether it’s speed for a busy household, capacity for a large one, or smart tech for convenience—you can confidently choose a set that will make laundry day a whole lot better.