Middle East & Africa Microwave Oven Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East & Africa region has witnessed rapid urbanization in recent decades, leading to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. As people move to urban areas and adopt busier schedules, there is a growing demand for convenient and time-saving cooking solutions. During the holy month of Ramadan, fasting Muslims break their fast at iftar, often with a variety of foods that need to be reheated quickly. Microwave ovens are commonly used during Ramadan to warm up iftar dishes, making them an essential appliance for many households in the region during this period. In some parts of the Middle East & Africa region, rising disposable income levels have led to increased consumer purchasing power. As a result, more households are able to afford kitchen appliances like microwave ovens. Microwave ovens are appreciated for their convenience and speed in reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen ingredients, and quickly preparing simple dishes. They are especially useful for working families and individuals with busy schedules. While traditional cooking methods remain prominent, there is a growing trend of incorporating microwave ovens into the kitchen for specific tasks, such as reheating, quick defrosting, and steaming. Health-conscious consumers in the Middle East & Africa region are using microwave ovens for healthier cooking options, such as steaming vegetables or cooking lean proteins with minimal added fats. Some microwave ovens in the Middle East & Africa market come equipped with multiple functions, such as grilling, baking, and convection cooking, making them versatile kitchen appliances suitable for various cooking styles. In addition to Ramadan, microwave ovens are often used during other religious and cultural celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, where families come together to share meals. Hospitality is highly valued in Middle Eastern and African cultures. Microwave ovens can be essential for quickly preparing and serving food to guests, showcasing generosity and respect for visitors. In many Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, bread plays a central role. Microwave ovens are used to heat bread and dough-based dishes like pita bread, naan, and flatbreads quickly. In some parts of the Middle East & Africa region, where seasonal produce is abundant, microwave ovens are used for food preservation. Vegetables and fruits are blanched and then microwaved to extend their shelf life. Younger generations in the Middle East & Africa region, especially those in urban areas, are more likely to embrace modern kitchen appliances like microwave ovens as they adapt to contemporary lifestyles.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Microwave Oven Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to cross around USD 700 Million market size by 2028. In some Middle East & Africa regions with hot and arid climates, microwave ovens are used for food preservation. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are dried or dehydrated in microwave ovens to extend their shelf life. Some consumers use microwave ovens to preserve and reheat traditional dishes and family recipes, ensuring that cultural culinary heritage is passed down through generations. In regions with unreliable or off-grid electricity, microwave ovens with solar-powered or battery-operated options are gaining attention as convenient cooking solutions. In regions with limited access to electricity, microwave ovens powered by alternative energy sources, such as natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), are becoming popular. Microwave ovens are being used to cater to various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic diets. Consumers are experimenting with microwave cooking to prepare specialized meals. The Middle East & Africa market has seen a surge in the availability of microwaveable snacks and desserts, such as popcorn, cake mixes, and microwaveable sweets, offering quick indulgence options Celebrity chefs and food influencers in the Middle East & Africa region are creating microwave-specific recipes and endorsing microwave oven brands, influencing consumer choices and culinary practices. Convenience stores in urban centers are offering a range of microwave-ready meals, appealing to busy commuters and office workers looking for quick and affordable dining options. The rise of remote work in the Middle East & Africa region has led to increased microwave oven usage for quick and convenient home-cooked lunches, as employees have more control over their meal breaks. Virtual cooking classes focusing on microwave oven cooking have gained momentum, allowing participants to learn and experiment with various recipes from the comfort of their homes.

According to the report based on country the market is divided into United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Saudi Arabia has a large and affluent population. Its citizens enjoy relatively high incomes, which makes them significant consumers of consumer electronics, including microwave ovens. The combination of a sizable population and strong purchasing power makes it an attractive market for manufacturers. Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid urbanization and modernization over the years, especially in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This urbanization has led to changes in lifestyles, with more people adopting modern appliances to suit their busy lives, driving demand for microwaves. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a relatively high standard of living compared to many other countries in the Middle East and Africa. This means that households are more likely to have disposable income for purchasing appliances, including microwaves. Saudi Arabia has a strong culture of hospitality and frequently hosts large gatherings and events. Microwave ovens play a crucial role in preparing and serving food efficiently during these occasions, contributing to higher demand. Like many other regions, Saudi Arabia has seen an increase in health-consciousness among consumers. Microwaves with features for healthier cooking, such as steam cooking or sensor-based cooking, can appeal to health-conscious individuals. Saudi Arabia has a significant youth population that is tech-savvy and open to adopting the latest technologies. This demographic is more likely to embrace modern appliances, including smart microwave ovens.

The Middle East and Africa have rich culinary traditions that include various grilled dishes. Grilling is a popular cooking method for a wide range of meats, including lamb, chicken, beef, and fish, as well as vegetables. The preference for grilled food aligns with the grill microwave oven segment, making it an attractive choice for consumers who want to replicate traditional cooking methods. Grilling imparts a unique taste and texture to food, characterized by smoky flavors and grill marks. Grill microwave ovens are designed to simulate this grilling experience, making them appealing to consumers who seek the taste and texture of grilled dishes without the need for an outdoor grill. Grill microwave ovens are known for their efficient cooking capabilities. They can quickly cook or grill food items, reducing cooking times compared to traditional grilling methods. This efficiency is valued by busy consumers who want to prepare meals more quickly. Grilling is often perceived as a healthier cooking method because it allows excess fat to drip away from the food. Consumers in the MEA region are becoming increasingly health-conscious, and grill microwave ovens align with this trend by offering a healthier cooking option. Extreme weather conditions in some parts of the Middle East and Africa, such as high temperatures or heavy rainfall, can limit outdoor grilling opportunities. Grill microwave ovens allow consumers to enjoy grilled dishes regardless of weather conditions. The influence of Western cuisine and dining habits has led to an increased demand for grilled dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables. Grill microwave ovens cater to these changing culinary preferences.

Furthermore, many countries in the Middle East & Africa region are experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth. As more people move to urban areas and set up households, the demand for household appliances, including microwave ovens, naturally increases. Microwave ovens are essential kitchen appliances in households for various cooking and heating tasks. As urban lifestyles become busier, households are increasingly looking for convenient cooking solutions. Microwave ovens offer quick and efficient heating and cooking, making them an ideal choice for busy families and individuals. They are especially valuable for reheating leftovers and preparing quick meals. Household microwave ovens come in a wide range of price points, making them accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers in the Middle East & Africa region. There are affordable entry-level models as well as high-end options with advanced features. This variety accommodates different budget constraints. Many modern microwave ovens are designed to be energy-efficient, which is appealing to households looking to reduce energy consumption and lower their utility bills. Energy efficiency is a significant consideration in regions where electricity costs can be high.

Economic growth and increasing affluence in some MEA countries have led to a growing middle class with greater purchasing power. As disposable incomes rise, more consumers are investing in home improvement and kitchen renovations. Built-in microwave ovens are often considered a premium kitchen appliance, and consumers looking to upgrade their kitchens may opt for these integrated solutions. Built-in microwave ovens are designed to seamlessly integrate with kitchen cabinetry and overall kitchen aesthetics. They offer a customized, cohesive look those appeals to homeowners who value the appearance and design of their kitchens. As homeowners prioritize aesthetics, the demand for built-in models increases. Modern kitchen design trends often emphasize efficient space utilization. Built-in microwave ovens help optimize kitchen space by eliminating the need for countertop or freestanding models. In regions where kitchen space may be limited, built-in ovens are a practical choice. Built-in microwave ovens often come with advanced features and technology, such as touchscreens, smart controls, and sensor cooking. These features enhance the cooking experience and are appealing to consumers seeking high-end appliances for their kitchens.

Moreover based on distribution channel, in many parts of the Middle East & Africa region, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, consumers have a strong preference for shopping in physical retail stores. Traditional shopping experiences, including visiting brick-and-mortar appliance stores, remain ingrained in the culture. Consumers often prefer to physically examine and test appliances like microwave ovens before making a purchase. Offline stores allow customers to see the product, open and close doors, check controls, and ask questions to knowledgeable sales staff. This hands-on experience builds trust and confidence in the product. Shopping is often considered a social and cultural activity in many Middle East & Africa countries. Offline stores provide a social setting where consumers can interact with sales personnel, seek advice, and negotiate prices. This cultural aspect of shopping contributes to the popularity of physical stores. Some consumers in the Middle East & Africa region may have reservations about online transactions, security, and the reliability of e-commerce platforms. They feel more comfortable making purchases in established brick-and-mortar stores with a physical presence.

Companies Covered in this report:

Robert Bosch GmbH, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V, Whirlpool Corporation, Electrolux AB,LG Corporation, Miele & Cie. KG, Haier Group Corporation, Arçelik A.Ş., Samsung Electronics, Sub-Zero Group, Inc., Gorenje, Havells India Limited, Smeg Group S.p.A, Breville Group Ltd, Groupe SEB, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Middle East & Africa Microwave Oven market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Microwave Oven market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Country covered in the report:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Type:

• Convection
• Grill
• Solo

By End user:

• Household
• Commercial

By structure:

• Built-in
• Counter top

By Distribution:

• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the Microwave Oven industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.