A Deep-Dive Price Showdown of South Africa’s Front-Loaders, Top-Loaders & Twin-Tubs
1. Why this battle matters
Between soaring utility bills and Eskom-induced laundry backlogs, finding washing machines that’s gentle on clothes and the wallet feels like striking the rinse-cycle jackpot. South Africa’s big-box bruisers, Game vs Makro, both tout “We beat any price” bravado—so we put their 2025 online catalogues under the magnifying glass on 26 June 2025 to see who really spins the best bargain.
2. How we compared
- We matched like-for-like (capacity, brand, model) wherever possible.
- Prices were taken directly from each retailer’s live product page or category listing.
- All prices are inclusive of VAT and shown in rand (ZAR).
- Delivery fees, warranties and financing options were also weighed.
3. Quick price snapshot
| Capacity & Model | Game Price | Makro Price | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 9 kg Front Loader (WW90T3040BS/FA) | R 6 999 | R 8 999 | Game – R 2 000 cheaper |
| Defy 6 kg Front Loader (DAW382 / DAW 382) | R 4 850 | R 4 499 | Makro – R 351 cheaper |
| Defy 14 kg Top Loader (DTL 160) | R 5 499 | R 5 799 | Game – R 300 cheaper |
| Defy 15 kg Twin Tub (DTT 151) | R 4 299 | R 4 899 | Game – R 600 cheaper |
Prices correct at time of writing; promotions change fast—check links before you swipe the card.
CHECK OUT: Price Check: How Much Do Essential Grocery Items Cost At Makro vs Game?
4. Category deep-dive
4.1 Entry-level front loaders (6 kg and under)
Makro’s Defy 6 kg DAW 382 at R 4 499 undercuts Game by about the price of a family Steers combo. If you’re apartment-bound or washing solo, Makro edges it here.
4.2 Mid-range family front loaders (9 kg)
Game drops the Samsung 9 kg digital-inverter model to R 6 999—a full R 2 000 below Makro—making it the no-brainer buy for larger households that still want an A-rated energy sip.
4.3 Super-size top loaders (14 kg)
Need to blitz rugby kits in one go? Game’s Defy 14 kg top loader is R 300 cheaper than Makro. Not earth-shattering, but enough for a week’s electricity to run it.
4.4 Budget twin-tubs (occasionally off-grid)
Twin-tub loyalists will cheer: Game sells the Defy 15 kg DTT 151 for R 4 299, beating Makro by R 600—and that’s before you count Game’s frequent bundle detergents.
5. Hidden costs, sweeteners & logistics
- Delivery: Both retailers waive the delivery fee once your cart tops R 500—otherwise Makro slaps on a R 50 surcharge. Game’s page simply states “free delivery for online orders above R 500.”
- Warranties: All units compared carry a two-year manufacturer warranty; neither retailer charges extra for standard cover.
- Financing: Makro’s Mobicred and Game’s RCS store accounts both offer up to 24-month terms—check the small print for interest rates.
- Returns: Makro’s 14-day policy mirrors Game’s 7- to 14-day appliance returns, but Game occasionally ties returns to original packaging, so keep the Styrofoam!
6. Verdict – who wins the spin-off?
| Scenario | Go to… |
|---|---|
| Best overall bargain basket (9 kg, 14 kg, twin-tub) | Game |
| Cheapest small front loader | Makro |
| Fastest nationwide delivery (urban hubs) | Tie |
| Easiest click-and-collect | Game (wider mall footprint) |
In plain English: Game rules the mid-to-large washer game, slicing hundreds—sometimes thousands—off Makro’s tags. Makro, though, squeezes out a win on compact front-loaders. So pick your capacity, pick your retailer, and let those drums roll.
Also read: Game vs Makro: Which Retailer Offers the Most Affordable Laptop?