Altimo vs Haier Washing Machines

Altimo and Haier cover different ground on the same budget. Altimo's line runs from the AWM6122W 6kg 1200rpm at £229 through the AWM8142W 8kg at £259 to the AWM10142W 10kg at £299. Haier starts with the HW80-B14939S8 8kg I-Pro Series 3 at £379, followed by the HW90B14939S8UK 9kg graphite model at £399, the HW100B14959S8U1U 10kg WiFi graphite model at £429 and the HW90B14959S8U1UK 9kg WiFi graphite model at £479.

Haier's machines use direct-drive motors, which turn the drum without a belt, so there are fewer moving parts and usually less noise. The WiFi models connect to the hOn app for remote starts, cycle monitoring and downloadable programmes. The range also includes Smart Dual Spray, an Anti-Bacterial Treatment and a Vapour Refresh programme, and the 9kg graphite model and the 8kg I-Pro have a 24-hour time delay. Some Haier models spin at 1600rpm. Altimo offers none of these features: no WiFi, no steam and no automatic dosing, and its 6kg and 7kg machines stop at 1200rpm.

Altimo suits shoppers who do not need an app, a finish other than white or connected features, and who simply want clean laundry at the lowest price. Haier suits busy households that want a larger drum, quieter running and remote control from a phone, particularly if the machine sits in an open-plan kitchen. A WiFi reminder that stops a forgotten load sitting damp is a practical argument for the £180 difference between the 10kg Altimo at £299 and the 9kg WiFi Haier at £479.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if you want basic capacity at £229 to £299 with no app, steam or special finish. Choose Haier if you want WiFi, a graphite or anthracite finish and a direct-drive 9kg or 10kg machine, and you are willing to spend from £379 on the 8kg or from £429 to £479 on the connected models.