Altimo vs Bosch Microwaves

Altimo is represented by Altimo MMW701S (£54), with the MMW701W white and MMW701B black 700W 20L models, both at £54. It sits as an ultra-budget 20L freestanding line, aimed at very low-cost solo microwaving. Bosch counters with Bosch FFL023MS2B Series 2 (£149), alongside the FFL023MW0B at £139 and FFL020MS2B at £129. The choice is less about one winner than about fit, cooking style and budget.

Technically, Altimo MMW701S brings a 700W, 20L solo format with five cooking power levels, quick defrost and a manual kitchen timer, available in silver, white and black. Bosch FFL023MS2B Series 2 brings an 800W freestanding solo design, offered in white and stainless-steel finishes, with the Series 2 range focused on everyday defrosting, reheating and uncomplicated programmes. So compare installation style, litre capacity, wattage and whether the appliance is solo, grill or full combination. Finish matters: a fitted gloss or stainless look feels very different from a plug-in worktop microwave.

Altimo suits students, landlords, spare rooms, offices and anyone needing basic reheating for the smallest outlay. The £54 price is the main value case; it will not replace an oven, but it can handle drinks, ready meals and defrosting cheaply. Bosch suits renters, offices, utility rooms and households that want a recognised brand without paying for grill or convection functions. Running-cost payback is not the headline; the attraction is a moderate price, compact placement and easy replacement. Energy payback is usually modest on microwaves, so value is more about avoiding wasted oven use, saving worktop space or keeping replacement cost low.

Bottom line: "choose Altimo if you need the lowest-cost 20L 700W microwave with manual controls / opt for Bosch if you want a straightforward 800W freestanding microwave from a mainstream brand"