10 Summer Outdoor Items You Should Avoid Buying at Costco
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Costco is gearing up for summer. The members-only warehouse chain is already stocked with outdoor items — but not every product is worth your money.
Always check the online product ratings when browsing the huge selection of outdoor tools, equipment, planters, gardening supplies, playsets and more, as some have left many customers with buyers’ remorse. Here’s a look at 10 summer outdoor items to avoid at Costco.
Greenworks Blower/Vacuum
- Price: $249.99
On the surface, the Greenworks Blower/Vacuum might seem like a must-have for lawn care, but reviewers have rated it just 3.2 stars. Several complained the batteries on this cordless blower, mulcher and vacuum ran out quickly and the included rechargeable batteries took longer than expected to recharge.
Longfield Gardens Shade Loving Bulb Collection
- Price: $49.99
Featuring bold colors, the Pre-Order Longfield Gardens Shade Loving Bulb Collection isn’t cutting it with buyers. Rated just two stars, several reviewers claimed their bulbs arrived in poor condition.
Talavera Style Ceramic Planter
- Price: $149.99
Polished and chic, the Talavera Style Ceramic Planter looks good on the surface, but it only has a three-star rating. Most unsatisfied reviewers complained that the 48-quart, ceramic clay potter arrived broken.
Flexon Contractor Grade Hose
- Price: $34.99
A hose is a backyard essential, but the Flexon Contractor Grade Hose isn’t a hit with customers. Rated just 3.4 stars, several reviewers complained the hose kinks easily and is prone to leaks.
Keter Cortina Mega Storage Shed
- Price: $579.99
Buying a shed to store your summer outdoor items can be a good idea, but the Keter Cortina Mega Storage Shed might not be the best choice. It’s rated only 3.1 stars, with many unhappy reviewers complaining it arrived damaged or with missing parts.
Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix With Compost
- Price: Varies by location
Rated just 1.8 stars, Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix With Compost is supposed to protect against over- and under-watering. However, unsatisfied reviewers have a variety of complaints, such as in-bag bug infestations, plants dying after use and poor drainage.
FlamePro Steel Patio Pellet Heater
- Price: $279.99
Summer nights can be chilly, so you might consider investing in the FlamePro Steel Patio Pellet Heater — but you might be better off reconsidering. Reviewers gave it just a 3.4-star rating, with many complaining the heater arrived broken, was difficult to use and didn’t emit much heat.
Gorilla Playsets Tahoe Treehouse Playset
- Price: $2,499.99
Equipped with a variety of entertainment options, the Gorilla Playsets Tahoe Treehouse Playset looks fun, but it’s only rated 3.1 stars. Complaints from unsatisfied reviewers included frustration that the product was backordered and more time-consuming to assemble than expected.
Evolution Spas West Port Rotomolded Spa
- Price: $4,799.99
Offering seating for up to seven, the Evolution Spas West Port Rotomolded Spa looks like it’s made for summer fun. However, unsatisfied reviewers complained this 40-jet hot tub arrived damaged and was made from poor-quality materials.
Palram Canopia Victory Orangery Greenhouse and Solarium
- Price: $2,299.99
Rated 3.2 stars, the Palram Canopia Victory Orangery Greenhouse and Solarium has failed to impress many buyers. Several unsatisfied reviewers complained about missing pieces, difficult assembly and poor-quality materials.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of March 14, 2025 and subject to change.
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