14 Overpriced Costco Items You Should Skip

Warehouse clubs are known for discounts, deals, and budget-friendly bulk buys. But that doesn't mean every seemingly affordable offer is actually a bargain.

From overbuying perishables you'll never use to overpaying for name brands, the wrong choices could cost you. That's why we scoured Costco's aisles, looking for expensive finds posing as low-priced picks. So if you're searching for an easy way to get more out of your Costco membership, here are 14 items to skip.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $8.99

While shoppers with a bigger grocery budget can afford the sourdough loaf, it is one of the priciest bakery buys.

Is it worth the splurge? The reviews on this fresh find are mixed. Redditor eamceuen didn't seem impressed, "Hubby and I were seriously underwhelmed. The crust is too tough for us. We like the flavor/texture of the cranberry-walnut bread better."

Price: $529.99

As the name implies, this is one luxe item. Even though the three-in-one espresso, coffee, and cold brew machine does it all, for $529.99, it's an unnecessary expense.

Instead of overspending on a pro-level pick, consider Cuisinart's Brew Central Plus 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. Costco sells this lower-priced product for $64.99.

Price: $199.99

In the world of luxury razors, $199.99 isn't expensive. That said, almost $200 for a grooming item may seem excessive.

Keep your budget under control and skip this selection. Best Buy sells a Philips Norelco Rechargeable Electric Shaver for under $50.

Price: $114.99

Over $100 for something you put garbage in? Even though this sleek silver can has two compartments, it isn't worth the high price. Keep your budget on track and swap this item for a basic bargain buy. Snag a slightly smaller model from Target's store-brand Brightroom for $55.

Price: $99.99

This wireless cooking thermometer pairs with the free CHEF iQ app to provide live temperature readings when you step out of the kitchen. It also sends push notifications and cooking alerts via Wi-Fi.

Even though the high-tech gadget does more than a conventional meat thermometer, do you really need to pay $99.99 just to get updates about your roast sent to your smartphone?

Price: $59.99

Almost $60 for an iron? While this little laundry helper does have a stainless steel soleplate, 400 active steam holes, and an auto-shutoff, it's also overpriced.

If your budget doesn't have extra wiggle room, Amazon sells similar products from well-known brands like Black + Decker at significantly lower prices.

Price: $25.99

The popular brand-name hand soap has a seasonal selection of scents that shoppers adore. But if price is your main concern, this product isn't your best option.

Costco sells the four-count of 16-ounce bottles for $25.99. You can also get a two-pack of Softsoap Advanced Clean liquid hand soap (80 ounces each) for $12.99 at the warehouse club. In a price-per-ounce showdown, the bulk buy wins at $0.08 versus $0.41.

Price: $26.99

Save money and skip this brand-name buy. Compare $26.99 for 16 of the 2.12-ounce assorted protein bars to $24.99 for 20 (also 2.12 ounces) from Kirkland Signature.

Price: $24.99

Why pay extra for a brand-name supplement? Costco charges $24.99 for 130 of the 1,400 mg softgels. The warehouse club also sells a 400-count bulk pack of the 1,000 mg tabs under its Kirkland Signature private label for $15.99. Even though Nature's Bounty's fish oil is slightly more potent, you'll still pay less for the generic.

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Price: $23.99

Most of Costco's bulk buy cleaning products are decent deals. This is one instance where a generic might not save you money. Costco charges $23.99 for 12 of the 160-sheet two-ply rolls. In comparison, Target sells a 12-pack of 162-sheet rolls from Scott for $18.99.

Price: $21.99

Don't break the bank just to keep your house clean. For almost $22, this five-pack of 85-count disinfecting wipes (425 total pieces) isn't the best bargain you could score.

Walmart sells a four-pack (300 total pieces) of its store-brand Great Value Disinfecting Wipes for $11.98.This generic has a lower per-piece price, saving you money.

Price: $20.99

Before you invest in one of Costco's bulk buys, compare the per-item price to what other brands charge. This eight-count of seven-ounce cans costs $20.99 (or $2.62 each). Target sells a slightly smaller five-ounce can from Good & Gather for $1.29.

When you calculate the price per ounce, Target's store-brand is lower ($0.26 versus $0.37).

Price: $12.99

There's no doubt that Costco's freshly baked apple pie is a decadently delicious dessert. And if you have a family gathering, party, or other large event coming up, this oversized item is an affordable alternative to specialty bakery buys. But $12.99 isn't a value for smaller households that can't finish this sweet treat before it goes bad.

Price: $19.79

Convenience comes at a cost — and customers don't think this prepared meal is worth it. Reddit user stevemw cautioned other Costco shoppers, "Kind of disappointed. The chimichurri sauce was way too tangy and not herbaceous and garlicky enough."

Even though we found some overpriced items, don't cancel your Costco membership solely based on these buys. The warehouse club still offers plenty of ways to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, and more.

Not sure how to cut costs? Here's an easy tip to follow: Swap brand names for generics. Costco's Kirkland Signature private label line includes pantry products, frozen foods, prepared meals, beauty buys, and household goods that often beat competitors' prices.