5 of the Worst Things You Could Possibly Buy at Costco (According to Reviews)

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Costco is full of fan-favorite products. Here are five items that some Costco members truly did not like. 

I’ve been off social media for several years. I don’t want to dislike someone because they post a political, religious, or health-related comment that I think is ridiculous. I don’t want to sit with a cup of coffee in the morning, my hair sticking up like an anime character, scrolling through the make-believe online worlds people create for themselves.

What I do miss is reading other people’s insightful thoughts, which may help explain why I spend so much time reading online reviews. I’ve found some of my favorite reviews on Amazon. I am absolutely over the moon when someone writes that they had the worst day ever because the fly swatter they ordered didn’t arrive on time or a fabulously witty person writes a review like this one for a one-gallon jug of whole milk: “I was very dissatisfied that this product does not come in other colors. The white will work, but not after Labor Day.”

Curious about what reviewers thought were the very worst products Costco sells, I headed back online. Here’s what I found.

1. Kirkland Signature Stainless Steel 6 Burner Gas Grill

If I were going to buy a grill based solely on appearance, this baby would be right up my alley. But, because I read reviews, I know that complaints on the Costco website claim that the grill is:

A fire hazardLikely to rust within six weeksSure to start a grease fireProne to propane leaksUnlikely to arrive with six burners that work

In all fairness, some people love their Kirkland Signature grill. After all, there are more than twice as many 5-star reviews as 1-star reviews. But it’s the low scores that appeal to me and those dramatic stories that have replaced my need for social media.

2. Realgood Foods Chicken Enchiladas

Who wouldn’t salivate at the thought of eating a chicken enchilada that reviews refer to as “the worst thing I’ve ever purchased at Costco?” The reviewer goes on to say, “The outside wrap tasted like cardboard. Really, like cardboard. They were awful.” Another uses the delightfully descriptive word “putrid” to describe the meal.

And because some people are very good about finding the silver lining, another reviewer wrote that the dish is fine once it’s been smothered in everything from cheese to sour cream and hot sauce.

You have to wonder how many people are willing to pull out a credit card to pay for food they have to smother to enjoy.

3. Mohawk Home Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

The best reviews read like a novella, complete with a story arc. This is a (dramatized) version of what one reviewer had to say:

“We were really excited to be getting a new floor and purchased 101 boxes of vinyl planks. A very nice delivery driver helped my husband get them into the garage. From there, my husband carefully transferred the boxes to the job site. And that’s when the horror began.

Our installer mentioned that all the cases had damaged edges and corners, but my husband thought he might be exaggerating. So, my husband and I began opening boxes one by one. Sure enough, every single one contained damaged pieces of flooring.”

The couple was in a pinch, so they had no choice but to carry on with the installation. “The installer had to spend time cutting broken pieces off, and we ended up paying double in labor.”

Worst of all, the reviewer claims that they are now “stuck with sub-par flooring.”

She ends her review by adding, “Do yourself a favor and don’t make the same mistake I did. Choose another product.”

We all know that one review may represent a fluke. However, this reviewer was not alone in her disappointment. Another said that every plank in the box they purchased was shaped like an arch — step in the middle, and the board sinks down to the floor. The reviewer cleverly added that installing an entire floor with these vinyl planks would be like “installing a bunch of mini speed bumps throughout my house.”

A reviewer named Mark shared that at least one plank in each box had a bubble in it, requiring “a lot of wasteful cutting.” Several boxes had damaged corners from shipping, which meant Mark also had to deal with damaged plank corners.

Just last week, a reviewer named Michelle wrote that they used this product in their new home and have regretted the decision since. Michelle’s concerns include noticeable water damage to the planks around their refrigerator and sink and how easily the floor is dented when anything is dropped.

Taking out a mortgage on a new home is expensive enough. It’s easy to understand how a sub-par floor would pour salt in the wound.

4. Alaskan Golden King Crab Legs and Claws

Normally, reviewers offer us a range of opinions. One may not like a sweater because it’s “too purple,” while another thinks it’s “too blue.” Every single negative review of the Alaskan Golden King Crab Legs and Claws complained about the same two issues. As someone who reads more than her fair share of reviews, I find this fascinating.

Here’s the scoop: For $400 to $500 (depending on whether they scored a discount), customers expected to receive the gorgeous seafood array shown on the website; big, thick crab legs. Instead, they received a box of small broken pieces, each piece containing very little meat.

The other complaint was even more surprising. Several report receiving little support from customer service when they attempted to make a complaint or request a refund.

5. Kirkland Signature Nut Bars

The best thing about reviews is the way some people will sacrifice their pride to help another person save money shopping at Costco. While this reviewer says that the Kirkland Signature Nut Bars taste fine, they claimed to be left with “such bad gas that I get stomachaches.”

Don’t worry, though! This clever soul found a solution. “I had to learn a yoga pose that helps you pass gas.”

And there you have it.

Whether you read reviews because they’re informative or because you find them entertaining, it’s really rather thoughtful that people stop by to share their experiences — even when you disagree with them.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Dana George has positions in Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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