Skip to main content

The grilling and backyard cookout essentials you should absolutely get at Costco

Stock up on these summer grilling items from Costco

Grilling season is officially here, and that means it’s time to stock up on items you use the most. The last thing you want to do is run out to the store for a forgotten item when you have family and friends coming over to grill. One of the best places to do the stocking up is Costco because their prices are generally lower, and you can buy in bulk and never run out. The subreddit page r/Costco has a wealth of information on all things Costco, including what you should be buying for your next cookout.

“What are your Costco grilling and cookout essentials?” asked one Redditor. “Summer’s around the corner, and you’re getting ready for a cookout with friends or family. What are you picking up during your Costco run? Any recommendations or advice?” Plenty of people jumped in to help!

Shutterstock/Prostock-studio

Food and beverages

Of course, you can’t have a barbecue without some favorite summer staples, and people were very specific about what they stocked up on. “Hebrew National hot dogs are a great price at Costco; we pick them up every time we’re having a cookout,” one Redditor said.

Recommended Videos

“Tri-tip seems to consistently be $1-2 less per pound than the grocery stores,” another added.

A third seemed to really know how to do summer right, adding, “Kirkland Tennessee Whiskey, Kirkland Canadian Whiskey, Kirkland Spiced Rum (several bottles of each) and a couple of cases of Beer/Hard Seltzers.” But that’s not all: “ground beef, a bag of onions, charcoal, pork back ribs, some pork rub/seasoning, hot dog & hamburger buns, Kirkland hot dogs, the Ketchup/Mustard/Relish Pack,” and a “big jar of Daves Pickles.” Can we invite ourselves over for this outing?

If you prefer seafood over beef, Costco has you covered, too, with items like ahi tuna, cod, and salmon fillets, which many people said they also buy in bulk.

Other grilling essentials

Now that the food is set, you’ll need some other items to keep you cooking into the night. “I just picked up a 30 count of aluminum pans for $10 there a couple [of] days ago,” one Redditor said, adding that this was a good price when compared to “getting a 10 count from Walmart for $6.” Another agreed on the pans, adding that they also get Kingsford charcoal and aluminum foil while they are at the big box store. Another Redditor said they prefer “a big bag of Cowboy lump charcoal,” which comes in at $26+tax for a 34 lb bag.

You can’t really go wrong with the above items. As for the alcohol, a few people did mention that their local Costco doesn’t sell booze, so you’ll want to call in advance to see the nearest Costco that does sell alcohol if you’re looking to add cocktails to your summer menu.

Editors' Recommendations

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
These Christmas table decorations are the perfect backdrop for your holiday meal
Take your Christmas table decorating up a notch with these fun ideas
Festive Christmas table setting

'Tis the season to send our tastebuds on an adventure. Maybe you'll serve turkeys and hams or maybe you'll whip up some unique side dishes and decadent Christmas desserts made from recipes passed down throughout the generations. Either way, food certainly takes center stage this time of year. However, who says your taste buds have to have all the fun on December 25?
Christmas table decorations can provide a feast for the eyes (and make your family and Instagram followers swoon). While some may think of it as another item on their to-do list, you may love getting your creative juices flowing by curating a gorgeously arranged tablescape. Allow these ideas to serve as inspiration.

Centerpieces
Tell your turkey or roast to move over. Making room on your table for a centerpiece will draw attention to the table (rather than smartphones). You have plenty of options, from subtly beautiful assortments to statement pieces. Consider these ideas:

Read more
6 easy Christmas desserts everyone will think are from a high-end bakery
Forget the Christmas cookies — here are some decadent desserts to ramp up your holiday meal
Chocolate lava cake with cranberries

You put so much care and attention into every last bit of Christmas. From the gift shopping to the wrapping and the decorating to the food -- no detail overlooked. Your Christmas desserts should be no exception. Not just the typical trays of homemade Christmas cookies, but the kind of elegant, beautiful Christmas desserts that wow you through the glass at your town’s finest bakery. But who has the budget left over for one of those pricey confections or the time to make a special trip into town on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

There’s no need to go into bakery debt! Today we've compiled six of the most elegant Christmas desserts around, each one an example of bakery-quality decadence and all surprisingly easy to make. Four are bake-at-home treats, two require no baking at all, and some you can even make ahead of time!

Read more
Christmas tree lights set the tone for your decor (what you should pick and why)
Tips for choosing the right Christmas tree lights for your home's holiday decor
lit christmas tree with presents under it next to a fireplace

The Christmas season is upon us, and with it, all of the fun that comes with getting your home all decked out for the holiday season. While you may love pulling out your heirloom nutcrackers or festooning your fireplace mantel with garland, bows, and stockings, the main holiday focal piece of most homes is certainly the Christmas tree.

Beautifully decorated with shiny glass balls and ornaments that have been passed down through generations, your Christmas tree can be a personal way to celebrate the season. Regardless of how gorgeous your tree is, or how impressive your collection of ornaments is, nothing has a bigger impact on the look of your tree than your lights. Here's how to choose the right ones.

Read more