Altimo vs Candy Tumble Dryers

Altimo keeps prices low, with the 8kg ACD812W condenser and the 9kg AHPD912W heat pump at £329 to £339. Candy competes closely, with the 9kg CSOEH9A2TE-80 heat pump with hOn app at £299, the 9kg CSOEH9A2DE-80 smart heat pump at £339 and the built-in 7kg BCTDH7A1TBE-80 at £499. The Candy BCTDH7A1TBE-80 built-in 7kg model at £499 is a different format entirely, for fitted kitchens. The 7kg built-in BCTDH7A1TBE-80 is the only model here designed to be fitted into a cupboard space.

The main difference is connectivity. Candy's smart models offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with remote control, rapid cycles, a memory function and guided drying. The CSOEH9A2TE-80 is also the cheapest 9kg heat pump in this comparison, at £299 against £329 for Altimo's AHPD912W. Altimo's heat pump has sensor drying, 15 drying programmes and an express cycle, but no app control, and its condenser offers basic drying without one either. Candy's £299 heat pump is £30 cheaper than the Altimo AHPD912W at £329, and £40 below the top of Altimo's range at £339.

Altimo suits buyers who do not need app features and simply want an affordable machine that works. Candy suits households that like smart controls and cycle guidance. For regular use, both brands' heat pump models are a better bet than a condenser, but Candy's £299 smart heat pump is the stronger value on paper. A buyer who wants Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in a 9kg machine will find the Candy CSOEH9A2DE-80 at £339 the same price as the top of Altimo's range. Both Candy 9kg heat pumps match the Altimo's 9kg capacity.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if you want simple, cheap drying with no app, choose Candy if you want a 9kg heat pump with hOn app control from £299, or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the £339 model.