Microwave for sale: practical choices for South African kitchens

Microwave for sale: where to start

When we look for a microwave for sale, the most helpful questions are simple: how much counter space do we have, what will we cook most, and how much do we want to spend? Microwaves range from compact reheaters to full convection ovens that replace a second cooker. Thinking in those practical terms makes shopping faster and reduces returns.

Measure the space first

Take the counter depth and width where the microwave will sit. A common mistake is buying on visual style instead of fit - leave 5-10 cm clearance at the back for ventilation. For built-in cavities check the appliance’s cut-out dimensions, and if you’re unsure, measure with a tape and note the height, width and depth in centimetres.

Use case: reheating, cooking, or baking?

• Everyday reheating and simple meals: a compact to mid-size microwave (20-25 L) usually suffices.
• Family cooking or larger plates: choose a 30 L+ cavity with a turntable diameter of at least 31 cm.
• If you bake, roast or want crisp finishes, look for convection or grill-convection models that double as small ovens.

We keep stock of compact and built-in styles in our Microwaves collection - explore options on the Microwaves (shop) page to compare sizes and features. Microwaves

Power and controls: what really matters

Power (watts) affects how quickly food heats. For most homes, 700-900 W is fine; 1 000 W+ shortens cooking times but can be harsher on delicate reheats. Simple rotary dials are durable and good for low-tech kitchens; electronic controls and presets add convenience and often cleaning modes. If we plan to reheat soups and defrost regularly, look for clear defrost programmes and multi-stage cooking.

If you want to see how microwaves sit among other kitchen appliances, our Appliances (shop) section groups compatible items to help plan the counter layout. Appliances

Features, pricing bands and buying tips

We find it useful to think in three price bands - these are approximate South African retail ranges (estimates):

• Value/compact: R900-R2 500 - good for basic reheating and small households.
• Mid-range: R2 500-R5 000 - larger cavity options, grill functions, better controls and longer warranties.
• Premium/convection: R5 000+ - convection baking, inverter technology, touch displays and fitter aesthetics for integrated kitchens.

Durability, warranties and repairs

We check warranty length and what it covers - parts and labour, and whether the magnetron (the part that generates microwaves) has longer cover. Local service networks matter; models with a nationwide service footprint help avoid long waits for repairs. If you live far from a major centre, factor in possible courier or call-out costs when comparing final prices.

Buying with confidence

When shopping for a microwave for sale, compare the following before you buy: usable cavity volume, power (W), presence of grill/convection, external dimensions, and warranty details. We also suggest checking user reviews for the exact model - they often reveal noise, reliability or control quirks not obvious from specs.

If you want inspiration for recipes that work well in a convection microwave, our Kitchen & Dining articles have practical ideas for quicker family meals.

Ready to choose? We make it simple: filter by size, power and type (microwave, grill, convection), check delivery options and view warranty information on each product page. For freestanding or built-in planning, compare the exact external dimensions with your counter or cavity before checkout.

Sources

• Bash - Microwaves collection
• South African Bureau of Standards - product safety and standards
• South African Government - consumer protection resources

We’re here to help you pick a microwave that fits real life - not just specs. Explore models, compare dimensions and use our filters to narrow choices quickly. When you’re ready, use the product page to check delivery and warranty details before you buy.