It’s an indisputable fact that Costco packs quite a bit of value into the price of a membership. Where else will you get not only discounted grocery items but also savings on everything from tires to eyeglasses to vacations? If there is one thing Costco is determined to do, it is save its members money. But for as many member privileges as Costco offers, sometimes the big-box retailer has to take benefits away or stop selling certain items.

To the dismay of numerous Costco customers, the retailer has revealed that it will discontinue a beloved perk. Continue reading to learn which benefit Costco is eliminating and the significant reason behind this notable decision.

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What complimentary benefit have Costco customers relied on for years?

Coffee is definitely one of the things you should be buying at Costco, and caffeine addicts know that the best-tasting coffee comes from whole beans. For several years, Costco stores have provided shoppers with in-store coffee grinders—for free. It’s a perk that java-loving members have come to count on.

What is going on with the coffee grinders?

Regrettably, the store has decided to discontinue providing members with complimentary access to in-store coffee grinders. In fact, it's possible that your nearby Costco has already removed its machines.

One Reddit user noticed the coffee grinder missing from its usual location at a local Costco, replaced with a sign that reads, “Attention Members: Coffee grinders will no longer be provided.” Another Reddit user shared a similar sign, and in both cases, people were quick to express their disappointment in the comments.

Costco is removing coffee grinders due to a combination of factors, including safety concerns, maintenance issues, and changing consumer preferences. There have been reports of hygiene problems associated with shared grinders, as they can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Additionally, the rise of single-serve coffee options and the increasing popularity of pre-ground coffee have led to a decline in demand for in-store grinding services. By eliminating coffee grinders, Costco can streamline operations and focus on products that align better with current shopping trends.

Costco hasn’t officially commented on why the coffee grinders are being removed, but a former Costco employee took to Reddit to weigh in. “The grinders were broken at least once a week,” wrote the Reddit user, who uses the handle @Storkman1007. “Even with signs to not double grind, people would do it all day long and clog the burrs.”

Other Reddit users chimed in to share the reasons the grinders were damaged at their local Costco stores. “Saw a lady at our local Costco putting dog food in the coffee grinder,” wrote one commenter. Another Reddit user, also a former Costco employee, wrote, “Some members thought that they could crush nuts through them.”

The grinders, priced at several thousand dollars apiece, were not designed to endure such heavy misuse. The outcome? Extremely damaged and costly grinders. Although the majority of Costco members probably utilized the grinders correctly, the few customers who misused them are ultimately to blame for their discontinuation.

What are some alternative methods for grinding your coffee?

If you've been using Costco's complimentary coffee-grinding station for all your coffee bean needs, there's no need to fret. There are numerous alternatives available. Besides whole bean coffee, Costco offers a wide selection of pre-ground coffee options that eliminate the need for grinding beans entirely.

If you’re fully committed to buying whole beans, Costco sells at-home coffee grinders that can get the job done. One Reddit user shared that coffee grinders “are available online, and [Costco] occasionally [has] them in the warehouse.” While there may be a handful of things Costco won’t sell anymore, coffee certainly isn’t one of them—you’ll just have to grind it at home from now on.