Altimo vs Bosch Cookers

Altimo and Bosch sit at opposite ends of the price range. Altimo's cookers here start at £209 with the CESS502W 500mm single cavity cooker, with the CETC502W at £289 and the CEDC602W 600mm double oven cooker with ceramic hob at £349. Bosch's Series 8 built-in ovens are £1,699 for the HRG7764B1B with steam, £1,919 for the HSG7584B1 steam oven, £1,939 for the HMG7764B1B with microwave and £2,039 for the CMG778NB1 compact oven.

The gap is £1,490 between the cheapest Altimo at £209 and the cheapest Bosch at £1,699, and £1,690 between the CEDC602W at £349 and the CMG778NB1 at £2,039. The difference is in technology. Bosch offers steam functions for juicier roasts and better bread crusts, microwave combination cooking on the HMG7764B1B and CMG778NB1 to shorten cooking times, and Home Connect app control. Altimo's cookers are basic, with dial controls, manual oven cleaning and ceramic hobs that are slower than induction, though the CESS502W has a 1400W grill and double glazed doors.

Altimo suits landlords, first-time buyers and households that need a simple electric cooker at the lowest price, including compact kitchens with a 50cm gap. Bosch suits a keen cook fitting a premium kitchen who wants steam, microwave or smart features in a built-in oven. Bosch's ovens are built-in only, so a separate hob is needed. Altimo cookers combine hob and oven in one unit, so one purchase covers cooking. Check the housing and circuit before buying either.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if you need a basic electric cooker from £209, or a 600mm double oven from £349 on a tight budget. Choose Bosch if you are fitting a premium kitchen and want steam or Home Connect control in a built-in oven, from £1,699.