Altimo vs TCL Fridge Freezers

Altimo is the budget name in this comparison, with models starting from £179 and frost-free options for under £300. TCL is a newer arrival to UK appliances, but it offers much larger capacities at competitive prices, with Total No Frost American-style fridge freezers from £499 and the 605L RC605SXD0UK at £999.

Altimo keeps things simple. The AFF180552W is frost free at £299, with a 165L fridge, 82L freezer and LED lighting, while the AFF173552W at £280 and the 142L AFF144482W at £219 both need manual defrosting. TCL's models are built around Total No Frost, so ice does not build up in either compartment. The RP436FXE0UK at £499 and RP631SSE1UK at £599 add an inverter compressor, with AAT and Multi Air Flow on the first and Swing Flow on the second. The RP320FXE0UK at £549 offers 191L fridge and 129L freezer capacity with Multi Air Flow, and the RC605SXD0UK adds a humidity slider crisper and Power Cool and Freeze.

Altimo suits landlords, students and fitted kitchens that need an affordable integrated model. TCL suits families who want large storage on a budget, particularly where there is room for an American-style fridge freezer, and buyers who want a frost-free combi in inox, quartz grey or black. Measure width, depth and door clearance for the bigger models, and allow ventilation space around the appliance, since large models use more electricity. TCL's prices sit well below many established brands, which is why it appeals to families.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if you want the lowest price and a basic 142L to 248L fridge freezer, or the frost-free AFF180552W at £299 to avoid defrosting; choose TCL if you need a large American-style layout with Total No Frost and an inverter compressor, starting with the RP436FXE0UK at £499.