Defy is a South African brand, and its appliances are in kitchens and laundries all over the country: four-plate stoves, fridges and fridge-freezers, chest freezers, front loaders and top loaders, and tumble dryers. Many of them are straightforward designs, which makes them good candidates for repair.
We're an independent repair business, not a Defy service agent. If your appliance is still under the manufacturer's warranty, contact Defy or the shop you bought it from first. Once it's out of warranty, the technician comes to you, finds the fault where the appliance stands, and tells you what the repair will cost before any work starts.
Which Defy appliance needs fixing?
Defy stoves
Defy stoves are a familiar sight in South African kitchens, and their common faults are well known: a solid plate that has burnt out, a plate switch that sticks on high or won't turn on, an oven element or thermostat that has failed, and a stove that trips the power because an element has broken down to earth. Each one is a standard repair. See stove repairs and oven repairs.
Defy fridges and freezers
Defy fridges and chest freezers usually come down to thermostats, start relays, door seals, fans on frost-free models, and defrost parts. A chest freezer that has stopped freezing may need a thermostat or a relay, or, if the gas has leaked, a bigger repair. See fridge repairs and freezer repairs.
Defy washing machines and dryers
Front loaders and top loaders share the usual washing machine faults: drain pumps, belts, door locks or lid switches, inlet valves and seals. Defy tumble dryers mostly need belts, elements, thermal fuses and door switches. See washing machine repairs and tumble dryer repairs.
No call-out fee when we repair it.If no repair is done, a R500 call-out applies. The technician finds the fault and explains the repair before any work starts, so you decide whether to go ahead.
Book a repairDefy repair questions
What does error 22 on my Defy stove mean?
We won't guess: Defy's codes differ between ranges, and the same number can mean different things on different models. Check the error code table in the manual for your model; the model number is on the plate around the oven door frame. If the code comes back after switching off at the isolator for a few minutes, photograph it and book a technician.
Why is my Defy oven not working?
Look at the clock first: if your oven has a timer, a flashing clock after a power cut, or a timer left on automatic, can stop it heating. Set the time or switch it to manual (often a hand symbol). Then check the isolator and the DB board. If the oven is still cold, the element, the thermostat or the selector switch has usually failed. See our guide to an oven not heating.
How do I reset my Defy oven?
Switch it off at the isolator for a few minutes, then on again. If the clock flashes, set the time and put the timer back to manual so the oven works without a programme; your manual shows the buttons for your model. If the display shows a code, or the oven still won't heat, note the model number and book a technician.
Why is my Defy tumble dryer not getting hot?
Clean the lint filter first, and check the vent hose isn't long, kinked or blocked: a dryer that can't breathe overheats, and its safety cut-out stops the heat. If it still turns without heating, the element, a thermostat or the thermal fuse has failed. Book a technician.
My Defy gas stove isn't igniting. What can I do?
Make sure the cylinder is open and not empty, the burner cap sits flat, and the burner is dry and clean after any spill. Push the knob in while the igniter sparks, and hold it for a few seconds after the flame catches so the safety valve stays open. If you smell gas, close the cylinder, open the windows and don't touch switches. Fittings and leaks are a job for a registered gas installer.
How long does a Defy fridge last?
There's no set number: it depends on the model, how hard the fridge works and how it's looked after. The parts that usually fail on a Defy fridge, like thermostats, relays, seals and fans, are made to be replaced. A failed compressor on an old fridge is the point to compare with a new one. Try our repair or replace check.
Defy is a trademark of its owner. pink ideas repairs is an independent repair business, not an authorised agent or service centre for Defy. If your appliance is still under the manufacturer's warranty, contact the manufacturer or the shop you bought it from first.