In the world of warehouse-style chain stores, Costco is well-known for offering bulk quantities of groceries and everyday items at affordable prices. Their reliable quality and generous return policy have made them a favorite among consumers. Periodically, Costco also introduces high-end products, and their recent release of a kitchenware set priced at nearly $5,000 has caught the attention of many. So, what makes this product so expensive?
Consumers who enjoy “treasure hunting” on the Costco website may have noticed that Costco is currently selling the ultimate cookware set from the well-known French kitchenware brand Le Creuset for $4,999.99, which includes 170 items.
This kitchenware set is the most extensive and costly cookware set featured on the Costco website. At the current price, the average price per Le Creuset kitchen tool in the set is around $29.
But what makes it so valuable, and what are the unique features of this kitchenware set? According to the product description, the Le Creuset Ultimate Cookware Set includes everything needed to transform your kitchen into a professional chef’s culinary domain. This unique set comprises frying pans, Dutch ovens, baking dishes, cutlery, serving dishes, a cookbook, and accessories.
Most of the products in the set are in Le Creuset’s iconic “Marseille” blue color, which is described as one of the brand’s “most popular” colors on their website.
The Le Creuset cast iron cookware, ceramic products, and stainless steel cookware in the set all offer exceptional performance and are highly favored by consumers.
According to the Le Creuset company’s website, Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware was the world’s first colored cookware. For nearly a century, it has set the global benchmark for color and quality standards. Since 1925, each Le Creuset enameled cast iron pot has been handcrafted by skilled artisans in France using high-quality materials. Each pot involves at least 15 artisans and is individually cast in a disposable sand mold, making each one unique.
The Le Creuset cast iron cookware’s exceptional heat retention and distribution bring out the freshest flavors in ingredients, keeping them moist and tender even after the dish is served. Additionally, this cookware is durable, resistant to cracks, easy to use, and clean. It requires no special maintenance, is non-stick, and dishwasher safe.
The 170-piece Le Creuset kitchenware set also includes ceramic utensils. According to the company’s website, premium ceramic utensils provide excellent heat distribution and insulation, ensuring even cooking and perfect food every time. Scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe, with durable color glaze resistant to stains, they are easy to clean.
The stainless steel cookware in the set features a design driven by refined performance to tackle any cooking challenge.
It’s worth noting that this item is only available for a limited time on Costco’s website and cannot be found in their physical stores across the United States. Costco also does not offer delivery services for this product to Puerto Rico, Alaska, or Hawaii.
Costco charges non-members a 5% surcharge when shopping on their website. In their latest annual report, the warehouse chain store stated that their e-commerce business “provides convenience and a broader selection of goods and services for members compared to the physical stores.”
The annual report indicated that in 2024, e-commerce accounted for approximately 7% of Costco’s total annual net sales.
This is the latest large Le Creuset kitchenware set offered by Costco. Last fall, Costco also sold a 157-piece Le Creuset kitchenware set for $4,499.99.
Costco is renowned for its “treasure hunt” atmosphere and has previously succeeded with high-end products. In September 2023, the retailer began selling gold bars to members, which quickly sold out. Costco has also sold silver coins. Just last month, the retailer started selling platinum bars.