Buying Your Next Microwave At Costco Might Not Get You The Best Deal After All

Costco is a go-to destination for deals on bulk purchases of daily essentials and even appliances, like microwaves. But is buying a microwave at the warehouse retailer really the best deal available to you? For countertop models, the answer is often yes as Costco offers competitive prices as well as a wide selection of models from various brands. So, if you're in search of a countertop microwave, the warehouse giant could be your best bet after all (just make sure to avoid the unreliable appliance brands sold at Costco). However, built-in and over-the-range microwaves might be a different story.

While Costco often beats its biggest competitors on price, that isn't the only factor to consider. Costco's installation service is provided via an installation contractor, and there are mixed reviews on the reliability of these contractors. One Redditor reported that the installation contractor had to come out three times because of improper installation and even showed up late on the first appointment — yikes! Before jumping the gun and buying a specialized microwave from Costco, it's worth weighing the potential savings against the installation headache you may be met with.

When it comes to appliances, Costco is a strong contender to consider, especially when compared to its major competitors. Whether you're a Gold Star member or opt for the Executive Membership for an additional cost, Costco offers an unbeatable price that includes installation and haul-away services for appliances — though, you have to ask if the headache of installation troubles is worth the savings. If you're unsatisfied with the installation service, you'll have to go through the third-party installation company directly and not Costco. So, you'll have access to Costco's generous return policy for appliances for your purchase, but you won't be able to rely on their excellent customer service for the installation portion.

Instead, you can try your local appliance specialty store. These stores offer guidance from salespeople who have years of experience and knowledge to help you make the best purchase, and can also offer some amazing customer service. Some local stores may even price match big box stores to remain competitive. They often offer the absolute best aftercare service and usually employ their own customer service team and professionally skilled installation team. You're lucky if you purchase an appliance and everything goes smoothly, but that's not always the case. This is where this kind of customer service from local stores shine.