Altimo vs Smeg Washing Machines

Altimo and Smeg sit at opposite ends of the market. Altimo's line runs from the AWM6122W 6kg 1200rpm at £229 through the AWM8142W 8kg 1400rpm at £259 to the AWM10142W 10kg at £299. Smeg is a design-led mid-premium brand whose range starts with the WNP84SECUK 8kg at £499, followed by the WNP96SLAAUK 9kg with Steam and Autodose at £599, which is also the price of the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK1 1600rpm model.

Altimo keeps its technology intentionally simple, focusing on capacity, everyday programmes and 1400rpm spin on its larger machines. Smeg's technology centres on Autodose, which doses detergent automatically from a built-in tank, and on steam cycles that refresh garments and reduce creasing between washes. The 9kg WNP96SLAAUK1 spins at 1600rpm for faster drying, and Smeg also offers a 10kg wash and 6kg dry washer dryer, the WDN064SLDUK. Noise ratings differ too: the 8kg WNP84SECUK is A rated at 72dB, while the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK is C rated at 78dB. Altimo has no steam, smart or automatic dosing features.

Altimo suits budget-focused households, landlords, students and anyone who needs a dependable machine without extras. Smeg suits design-conscious kitchens, buyers who already own Smeg appliances, and people who want automatic dosing and steam. The range is small, so Smeg is a choice for buyers who have already decided on design and convenience. The step from the 10kg AWM10142W to the 8kg WNP84SECUK is £200, and that premium is best justified by Autodose and the design.

Bottom line: choose Altimo if you want the most capacity for the least money, with the AWM10142W at £299 the strongest choice. Choose Smeg if you want Autodose, steam and a design-led finish, starting at £499 for the WNP84SECUK 8kg or £599 for the Steam and Autodose WNP96SLAAUK 9kg.