Budget-friendly microwave deals for South African kitchens compared side by side
Affordable Microwaves: The humble microwave—lifesaver of leftovers, popcorn wizard, and oat porridge hero. But with rising living costs in South Africa, even heating up last night’s curry needs a clever spending plan. So, who’s giving you the hottest microwave deals in 2025? We put Checkers and Pick n Pay through the heat test, comparing real-time prices on popular microwave models from brands like Defy, Hisense, and Russell Hobbs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!All prices are based on cash payments sourced from each retailer’s online appliance catalogues as of 3 July 2025.
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Which Store Has the Most Affordable Microwaves in SA?
Price Showdown Table
| Microwave Brand & Model | Size (Litre) | Checkers Price | Pick n Pay Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defy 20L Manual Microwave | 20L | R 999 (promotion) | R 1 199 | Checkers |
| Hisense 20L Microwave H20MOMS10 | 20L | R 1 199 | R 1 499 | Checkers |
| Russell Hobbs 30L Digital Microwave | 30L | R 2 199 | R 2 399 | Checkers |
| Samsung 40L Mirror Finish Microwave | 40L | R 3 799 | R 3 799 | Draw |
| Midea 20L Manual Microwave | 20L | R 899 | R 999 | Checkers |
Note: Prices may vary by location and stock availability. Promotional prices valid as of 3 July 2025.
Brand-by-Brand Heat Test
🔌 Defy: South Africa’s Microwave MVP
Defy’s compact 20L model remains a best-seller—and at R 999 at Checkers, it’s a solid R200 cheaper than Pick n Pay’s offering. For students or those equipping a second kitchen, this is your go-to buy.
📡 Hisense: Reliable and Spacious
The Hisense 20L microwave is another household favourite. Checkers lists it at R 1 199, while Pick n Pay charges R 1 499—ouch. That’s a full R 300 saved by going Checkers.
💫 Russell Hobbs: For Style & Size
Need more litres and digital class? The 30L Russell Hobbs beauty is R 200 cheaper at Checkers. The black glass design also looks sleek and modern—ideal for open-plan kitchens.
🪞 Samsung: Premium but Price-Stable
Both stores offer the elegant Samsung 40L microwave at R 3 799. It’s not cheap, but for families who rely on defrosting, reheating and grilling in large volumes, it’s a stylish investment. No winner here—just availability.
⚙️ Midea: The Budget Beater
Midea’s compact 20L model is R 100 cheaper at Checkers, proving again that if you’re pinching pennies, the orange army wins.
Verdict: Where Should You Buy Your Microwave?
Let’s tally up the cart:
- ✅ Checkers wins 4 out of 5 microwave matchups
- ⚖️ 1 model (Samsung) is priced identically
- ❌ Pick n Pay doesn’t beat Checkers on a single unit
So if you’re hunting for affordable microwaves in 2025, Checkers is the clear winner—especially across the most popular budget and mid-range models. That’s money saved for your next grocery run, or maybe a slab of chocolate you’ll reheat on low power later.
Also read: Takealot vs Amazon: Which is Better for Shopping in 2025?
