Altimo vs Fridgemaster Fridge Freezers

Altimo and Fridgemaster are both budget brands, and their fridge freezers overlap closely on price. Altimo's 142-litre AFF144482W costs £219, and its 50/50 AFF173552W with 248 litres costs £280. Fridgemaster's MC50165ES at £209 offers 175 litres split into 122 litres for the fridge and 53 for the freezer, while the MC55240DES at £299 has 252 litres, including 158 litres for the fridge and 94 for the freezer.

The main difference lies in features. The Fridgemaster MC55240DES and MC55240DEB include an in-door water dispenser that you refill by hand, so chilled water is available without plumbing. The MC50165ES adds a reversible door and a salad crisper, both useful in a small kitchen. Altimo's AFF180552W is the frost-free model in its range and avoids manual defrosting, while the AFF144482W and AFF173552W both need defrosting by hand. For many buyers, the deciding point is whether manual defrosting is acceptable. In practice, the decision comes down to whether a water dispenser or a larger freezer share matters more.

Fridgemaster suits students, rental properties and anyone who wants a water dispenser on a budget, and the MC55240DEB at £299 is a practical choice for a family kitchen with limited space. Altimo suits landlords and budget buyers who want a fridge freezer that fits a fitted kitchen or a small space, particularly if the frost-free AFF180552W is chosen. Both brands are compact, so check the height and width of the cabinet opening and allow ventilation at the back and sides. The water dispenser tank must be refilled regularly.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if you want the 248-litre AFF173552W at £280 or the frost-free AFF180552W; choose Fridgemaster if you want chilled water from an in-door dispenser, such as the MC55240DES at £299.