With so many cookware brands in the market, it can become challenging to keep track of them all. However, when investing in a cookware range, it makes sense to look into who the manufacturers are.
Cookware is something that you’ll use daily, perhaps even several times a day, and it should last you for many years to come.
In this article we’re looking at Kirkland cookware and who makes it. If you’re in the market for some new saucepans, keep reading!
Who Makes Kirkland Cookware?
Kirkland Cookware – How Did It All Start?
We have all seen Costco selling the Kirkland cookware as their own brand, but the cookware brand is actually produced in Thailand. The brand has a long history but Costco has been stocking it as their house brand since 1995.
Kirkland cookware is headed up by Craig Jelinek – he is the founder, president, and CEO of Kirkland cookware. The company is located in Kirkland, Washington, hence the name.
In fact, the signature cookware is designed and produced by Costco which has the buying power to directly liaise with the biggest and best producers in pretty much all of the product categories they stock as the Kirkland brand.
Costco has trademarked the brand and is the sole stockist of it. They maintain extremely high-quality standards and the brand has built up a good reputation over the years.
The Kirkland cookware range offers an array of cookware options to meet the different needs of the users. They have all the cookware one needs in any kitchen.
- Stainless steel (probably their most popular range)
This range has a polished stainless steel exterior plus an aluminum core. This will help distribute the heat evenly across the pot or pan all the way up the sides with no hot spots as soon as the burner is turned on.
- Hard-anodized non-stick aluminum
This attractive black and silver cookware set contains the most pieces (15) so it’s probably the best value for money of the lot. It has 18/10 stainless steel handles that are riveted on and tempered glass lids. The anodized exterior is twice as hard as stainless steel. The interior has a Teflon non-stick coating. This range is oven safe to 400˚F.
Kirkland’s enameled cast iron cookware gets excellent reviews with many reviewers putting it on a par with Le Creuset cookware.
Some of Costco’s cookware items are available online through eCommerce websites such as Amazon. For instance, the stainless steel and hard anodized cookware range are available on Amazon, but other ranges are only available in authentic Costco stores.
However, if you purchase directly from Costco stores, you will get a warranty card, and sometimes even a discount.
Who Makes Kirkland Cookware?
At this point, it is pretty evident that Kirkland cookware is operating under the umbrella of Costco. The pieces are apparently manufactured in Thailand, but some may be produced in other countries.
Choosing your Cookware Range
Kirkland cookware comes highly recommended by influencers and reviewers alike. Here are a few watchpoints to help you with your decision:
- If buying stainless steel, check if it’s triply (ie, does it have an aluminum and copper core to help with even heat distribution?) hint – Kirkland has this. Is it 18/10 stainless?
- Check how the handles are attached. Are they welded, bolted, or rivited? The majority of Kirkland cookware is integrated with stay-cool handles, irrespective of whether you purchase a premium cookware range or something more affordable.
- How are the lid handles attached? Are lids replaceable?
- Good cookware comes with a 25-year warranty. Kirkland comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- What is your budget? We recommend buying the best possible range within your budget.
The Bottom Line
Kirkland cookware is a well-known brand and has been certified by NSE. Craig Jelinek launched Kirkland cookware in 1995, and they haven’t looked back since. There has always been confusion about who owns Kirkland cookware.
To answer that, Costco has the trademark rights, and they manufacture the cookware in Thailand as they have a manufacturing facility there. We hope this clears up any confusion about Kirkland cookware.