Had enough of stifling rooms but can’t afford to have higher electricity bills? Through these reviews, you can see which of these models is the best air cooler in Malaysia 2021 for you!
Find out what the other benefits of having an air cooler are!
And look at determining factors like size, air flow and water tank capacity before you buy an air cooler for your office or home!
Air Cooler Types
1. Personal Air Coolers Or Room Air Coolers
The most common of air cooler types:
Suitable for home use with a water tank capacity of around 20-30L.
You can use them together with your ceiling fan!
2. Desert Air Coolers
Larger than the personal air coolers, these use blowers to cool medium to large-sized rooms.
Capacity for water ranges between 30-60L.
Can be expensive.
How To Choose The Best Air Cooler
Some things to consider before picking out an air cooler to buy:
1. Evaporative Cooler Sizing (Airflow)
Where do you plan to use it? Indoors or outdoors?
An air cooler’s capability is measured in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM). As a rule of thumb, pick a cooler with a higher CFM than you need.
e.g.)
For 1,000 sq ft, go for an air cooler with CFM of 2,000-4,000.
Or for a room of 300 sq ft, a CFM of 750-2,000 is adequate.
Other factors that may hinder an air cooler’s performance:
- High ceilings
- Sunlight exposure
- Many heat-generating appliances
- Crowded rooms (i.e. body heat)
2. Water Tank Capacity
A bigger tank means you don’t have to frequently refill it.
Check how easy the tank is to refill too!
3. Air Cooler Cooling Pad Type
The type of cooling pad affects the cooling ability of an air cooler too!
There are 2 types of cooling pads. But basically, thicker cooling pads are better at cooling hot air.
Honeycomb Cooling Pads (Or cellulose)
Pros:
- Thick (and thus, efficient)
- Easy to maintain
- Long life
Cons:
- Expensive
Aspen Wood Wool Cooling Pads
These consist of wood shavings and synthetic fibers.
Pros:
- Cheap
Cons:
- More maintenance needed
- Shorter lifespan
4. Other Features To Consider
- Multiple speed settings
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Tall and narrow designs take up less floor space
- Remote-control
- Oscillating louvers
- ABS plastic (i.e. more durable)
5. Budget – What is the average price of an air cooler in Malaysia?
Aside from table top air coolers (<RM100), the personal air coolers are usually in the RM200-300 range. Double the price of the best stand fans in Malaysia!
While the bigger desert air coolers can be anywhere between RM600-1,000.
11 Best Air Cooler Malaysia 2021
- Best Air Cooler For Small Rooms – Sharp PJA36TVW
- Best Air Cooler For Medium To Large Rooms – Honeywell TC30PEUI and YET 30L Powerful Home Tank Air Cooler VM45i
- Best Air Cooler For Large Areas – Morgan MAC-COOL10A
- Best Air Cooler For Personal Use/ Spot Cooling – Honeywell 10L Indoor Air Cooler TC10PEUI
- Best Value For Money – Midea 15L Ionizer Air Cooler MAC-215F
- Best Budget Air Cooler – Sharp PJA36TVW
- Best Portable Air Cooler – Sharp 6L Evaporative Air Cooler PJA36TVW
- Best Sleep-Friendly Air Cooler – Khind Air Cooler EAC600
1. Khind Air Cooler EAC600
Locally made Khind Air Cooler EAC600 has 3 speed settings, a wide oscillating range and a timer that lasts up to 7 hours. If the water tank is empty, the cooler will turn off on its own.
Users comment that the air that comes out of this cooler is colder (even without the ice) than a regular fan, but not comparable to an air conditioner!
For further cooling, take advantage of the included ice pack! However, one user still felt like he would advise others to get another air cooler instead.
While a few users say that there is not much difference between using the ice pack, or going without it.
On the whole, it’s fine enough to cool a small room. And quiet enough to sleep with!
So if you really prioritize on reducing noise, we would suggest the Khind Air Cooler EAC600 as the best sleep-friendly air cooler for small bedrooms!
- Type: Personal Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: n/a
- Air Volume: 300 m³/hr (177 CFM)
- Effective Area: 10 m² (107 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 65 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Ice Pack and Remote Control
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM260
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Has a handle on top and wheels for portability
- Manual is easy to understand
- Comes with an ice pack
- Turns off automatically when there’s no more water
- Quiet operation even at higher speeds (it has sleep mode)
- Not difficult to assemble or operate
Cons:
- Not that cold
- Water tank location is not convenient to refill (bottom)
- Sometimes you get 1 ice pack instead of 2
2. Honeywell 10L Indoor Air Cooler TC10PEUI
At ~RM300, this durable and lightweight 10L Indoor Air Cooler TC10PEUI by Honeywell has a honeycomb cooling pads. And a washable dust filter!
You can use the remote control to operate it. Or the control display on top! The cooler will alert you if the water tank needs refilling!
Refilling the tank usually ends up with some water spilling since the drawer is shallow and cannot be taken out.
Features aside, this air cooler works better than a fan. But can’t replace the effectiveness of an air conditioner.
According to one user, it provides adequate ventilation and cooling for a room size of 3x3m. And can be transferred easily even if it’s not very light.
Users are pleased with the build quality and that the unit includes an ionizer. However, they observe that the airflow only comes from the front of the unit. So it’s best to place it closer to you (within 1.5m)!
It doesn’t make much sound but again (one user compared this to his Khind cooler and found this one to be quieter and better built), the fan speed also does not get very high.
A deal breaker for some users is the fact that you can’t add any ice packs in (i.e. small opening)!
- Type: Personal Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 10 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb
- Air Volume: 330 m³/hr (194 CFM)
- Effective Area: 11 m² (120 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 40 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Built-in Ionizer, Washable Dust Filter
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM333
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Great for spot cooling
- Can be remotely controlled
- Looks nice
- Reputable brand
- Quiet
- Provides cooling (2 to 3°C drop)
Cons:
- Pricier than other brands of the same size
- Average performance
- Air flow does not cover a wide area
- Can’t remove the refill tank
3. Midea 15L Ionizer Air Cooler MAC-215F
Midea 15L Ionizer Air Cooler MAC-215F works well for a small room. And while it won’t be as cooling as an air conditioner, it helps save on electricity bills! The highest speed is cool (without ice packs).
It is a little on the noisy side though! But the airflow is enough for an average-sized room. And more effective when you turn on the ceiling fan as well! More so if you use the ice packs!
Users like the wide opening for the water tank at the back of the air cooler. The same tank can be filled from the top easily too!
The air cooler doubles as an air purifier too with its built-in ionizer. And the water and timer will last for up to 7 hours.
It may not be the quietest air cooler, but users still recommend it! You can tell from its popularity on online sale platforms that the Midea 15L Ionizer Air Cooler MAC-215F offers great value-for-money!
- Type: Personal Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 15 L
- Air Volume: n/a
- Effective Area: n/a
- Recommended Room Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 60 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Ionizer, Speed Control, Aromatizer
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM339
Pros:
- Water level is visible from the outside, with min and max markings
- Acceptable noise output even at the highest speed
- There is a dedicated tray to put essential oils
- 4 wheels
- Makes the room feel cooler
- Easy to refill
Cons:
- Manual is not that helpful
- Noisier than other brands
- Quite bulky
4. Sharp 6L Evaporative Air Cooler PJA36TVW
Lighter than it appears and with wheels, it does not take much effort to move the Sharp 6L Evaporative Air Cooler PJA36TVW!
Most users are satisfied with build quality and the cooling capability (for small spaces only). Others don’t find it cool enough unless they put all of the ice packs and cold water in.
According to reviews, the airflow (320 m³/hr) can reach 2-3 meters.
Although it seems small, the water tank capacity can last for 6-8 hours.
Users are on the fence about the sound level but it appears to be acceptable to most people. But their favorite thing about this air cooler is its portability. It is very light (7kg)!
With its price and features, the Sharp 6L Evaporative Air Cooler PJA36TVW is our top budget pick for an air cooler in Malaysia ! As long as you use it for a small room!
- Type: Personal Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 6 L
- Air Volume: 320 m³/hr (188 CFM)
- Effective Area: 15 m² (161 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Small
- Power: 65 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Timer (15 Hours), Ice Compartment, 4-Speed Fan Setting
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~RM265
Pros:
- Durable – lasts for 6-7 years
- Timer can be set for up to 15 hours
- Attractive and space-saving design
- Remote control, 4 ice packs and batteries (for the controller) included
- Simple to use
- Water tank can be pulled out fully
- Highly portable (with wheels and handle)
- Built-in safety feature (water lacking protection)
- Possible to add ice packs
- Light enough to be carried up and down the stairs easily
Cons:
- Right and left swing angle limited to 75° on auto
- Short power cable
- Need an adaptor (uses a 2 pin plug)
5. Sharp 20L Air Cooler PJA200TVB
Sharp 20L Air Cooler PJA200TVB will keep your room cool with constant airflow and 4 speed settings (soft, low, med, high).
From speed 2 and onwards, users remark that it is noisy but cooling enough for larger spaces, with just tap water.
With the ice packs, it’s possible to get a 1-3°C drop in room temperature. Some users feel that the number of ice packs given (4) is not enough to provide the cooling effect continuously.
Nor can you expect the same cooling effect that you can get with an air conditioner!
A couple of users had some difficulty inserting batteries into the remote control. But other than this, there’s nothing to complain about, regarding the build quality of the air cooler.
Compared to the smaller and cheaper (by RM200) PJA36TVW, the 20L PJA200TVB has a larger water tank, wider range of swing (120° vs 75°), and double the power (and weight) and air flow!
Watch it in action:
It does however have a shorter timer setting (8 hours instead of 15). And is noisier too! So you may just want to stick it in an open area (e.g. your living room)! Instead of in a bedroom!
- Type: Personal Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 20 L
- Air Volume: 750 m³/hr (441 CFM)
- Effective Area: n/a
- Recommended Room Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 145 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: n/a
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM448
Pros:
- Strong airflow
- Good quality build
- Beautiful design
- You can increase the cooling effect with ice cubes
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- No built-in ionizer function
- Bulky and heavy (13kg)
- Water tank lasts about 4-5 hours
- Not quiet
6. MaxCool 30L Evaporative Swamp Air Cooler HS-35A
If you are able to overlook the short motor warranty of 6 months:
Built of ABS plastic and light for its capacity, the MaxCool 30L Evaporative Swamp Air Cooler HS-35A can cover a larger room due to its double layer air flow. With 3 panels of honeycomb cooling pads to cool the air.
PS: One user felt that the wire is a bit short (5 ft). So you may want to prepare an extension cord.
It has an acceptable noise level (less than 75dB) as well as a low water-level alert system. From what reviews say, the water tank can last up to 10 hours on the lowest speed.
For small areas, it’s very effective at cooling (even without ice) because of the strong air flow! Which can be felt from a distance of 15 feet.
Overall, reviewers find it an adequate substitute for an air conditioner!
- Type: Desert Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 30 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb
- Air Volume: 5000 m³/hr (2943 CFM)
- Effective Area: 25 – 40 m² (269 – 431 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Medium to Large
- Power: 120 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Ice Pack Compartment
- Warranty: 6 months
- Price: ~RM499
Pros:
- Water tank capacity can last long
- Cooling (2-4 degrees drop in temperature)
- Possible to clean the filter
- Powerful air flow
- Acceptable noise level
Cons:
- Only in 1 color option
- Short warranty
- Can’t remove the water tank from the unit
- Replacement pads not easily available
7. Honeywell 30L Portable Air Cooler TC30PEUI
Honeywell 30L Portable Air Cooler TC30PEUI provides spot cooling where you need it. You can push it from location to location with its hardy caster wheels.
Control the overall moisture level the filter emits with the adjustable humidity control.
And when it’s time to clear the carbon dust filter, simply run it under the tap! This is something we can appreciate about this air cooler! Instead of running around to look for a replacement filter!
The reviews for the Honeywell 30L Portable Air Cooler TC30PEUI are mixed. Some users find it a wonderful air cooler for their living room. With decent air flow and speed (even at the lowest setting).
It does not make much noise either! In addition, you can add iced water to get cooler air as well.
Other users find the performance just average, with no discernible drop in room temperature. Because the coverage is limited to the front (i.e. wind is blocked from the sides) of the air cooler.
Another complaint with this model is the narrow opening for refilling the water tank. But you can remove the water compartment if needed.
And when it comes to durability, there was one unfortunate user whose unit failed in just over a year. However most reviews on Honeywell 30L Portable Air Cooler TC30PEUI are positive.
- Type: Personal Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 30 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb
- Air Volume: 800 m³/hr (470 CFM)
- Effective Area: 26 m² (280 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Medium to Large
- Power: 120 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Built-in Ionizer, Washable Dust Filter
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM565
Pros:
- Neat slot to keep the remote control together with the unit
- You can wash the dust filter
- Ionizer function
- Water compartment is removable
- Quiet
- Has wheels to move around with ease
- Does not eat up a lot of space
Cons:
- Not that convenient to refill
- Short warranty for the price
8. NIPPON 30L Air Cooler NAC-130D
Get breezes in your home with the NIPPON 30L Air Cooler NAC-130D together with its air purifying benefits too.
Set the timer from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours (max) if necessary. There are 3 speeds available as well as a sleep mode.
There are not too many reviews for the NIPPON 30L Air Cooler NAC-130D but users do agree that the air flow from this air cooler is strong! You can put ice but it’s not necessary with this unit.
One user remarked that the airflow can be felt from 1m away. Suitable for an office or study area.
Besides this, the water tank is large enough that you don’t have to keep refilling the tank. And even when you do, it’s easy!
- Type: Desert Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 30 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb (48mm thick)
- Air Volume: 1400 m³/hr (824 CFM)
- Effective Area: n/a
- Recommended Room Size: Medium to Large
- Power: 130 W
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Ionizer
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM649
Pros:
- Powerful wind output that is cool without ice
- Has an ionizer function and water lacking protection
- Convenient to top up the water level
- Comes with 2 ice packs
Cons:
- Expensive
9. Firenzzi 42L Air Cooler FAC-1848
While it won’t replace the need for an air conditioner, you’ll still feel the difference in room temperature with the Firenzzi 42L Air Cooler FAC-1848 and its Twin Turbo Centrifugal Fan!
One user feels that the temperature does not vary much from 30°C though.
But at medium speed, it is good enough for most users. The reach of the breeze from this air cooler extends up to 30 feet. In fact, its coverage area is between 25 to 30m2.
It’s quiet too at 55-65dB! And as large as it is, you can remove the water tank for cleaning. Refills are needed daily.
Compared to models around the same price range like the Honeywell 30L Portable Air Cooler TC30PEUI or NIPPON 30L Air Cooler NAC-130D, it lacks some functions.
If you’re ok with missing out on those, you’ll get to enjoy the higher wind output from the Firenzzi 42L Air Cooler FAC-1848!
- Type: Desert Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 42 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb (60mm)
- Air Volume: 4500 m³/hr (2649 CFM)
- Effective Area: 25 – 30 m² (269 – 323 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Medium to Large
- Power: n/a
- Control Type: Remote Control
- Water-lacking Protection: n/a
- Features: Touch screen control, 12-hour timer
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM675
Pros:
- There is a preset timer
- Water lasts for a day
- Adequate airflow to not need an air conditioner
- Quiet
Cons:
- Not cheap
- No extra features (ionizer, dust filter, water lacking protection, etc)
10. Morgan 60L Semi Outdoor Heavy Duty Air Cooler MAC-COOL10A
MAC-COOL10A is top of the line of all the air coolers by Morgan. Featuring an automatic water-refilling system!
This evaporative air cooler can be noisy. But you can switch to a lower setting (there are 3).
It’s fairly large (weighing 19kg) so check the dimensions (675(W) x 430(D) x 1045(H) mm) first before getting it! Users keep it in their living room. With ice, it can reduce the temperature of the room.
One user had theirs working for more than 2 years so the quality seems to be alright. It does have caster wheels that you can lock too.
We think that its features, capacity and area coverage make the MAC-COOL10A an obvious choice if you are looking for an air cooler that can cover a large space/ room!
- Type: Desert Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 60 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb
- Air Volume: 2800 m³/hr (1648 CFM)
- Effective Area: 80 m² (861 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Medium to Large
- Power: 220 W
- Control Type: n/a
- Water-lacking Protection: n/a
- Features: Automatic Water Refilling System, oscillating louvers
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM780
Pros:
- Bigger room coverage
- Uses a honeycomb cooling pad
- Large water tank (plus automatic refill)
Cons:
- Large and heavy
- Quite noisy
11. YET 30L Powerful Home Tank Air Cooler VM45i
Offering high CFM, the VM45i by YET surprisingly doesn’t use a lot of power! You can turn on the ionizing function from the control panel.
It’s definitely not quiet! One user said she heard a rattling sound from hers.
That aside, the airflow is powerful enough to keep a living room cool. You may not need the higher speed settings.
However, you might notice that the tank is relatively small for its airflow rate. And like the rest of the air coolers in this list, it works best with some ice in the tank!
Although the water tank can hold enough for 4-6 hours, some users still complain that they always have to top up on ice and water. And feel that the ice compartment could afford to be bigger.
Tip: Put the ice in from the top, and water through the water inlet. So that the ice does not melt so fast!
Hopefully, you don’t have to move the unit too often. Because the wheels are not very smooth.
Of the cooling pads, there are 3 with 75mm thickness. It costs RM80-90 per replacement piece. But you don’t have to worry about that for the next 4-5 years!
- Type: Desert Air Cooler
- Water Tank Capacity: 30 L
- Cooling Pad Type: Honeycomb + Fiber
- Air Volume: 4500 m³/hr (2649 CFM)
- Effective Area: 25 – 50 m² (269 – 538 ft²)
- Recommended Room Size: Medium to Large
- Power: 120 W
- Control Type: n/a
- Water-lacking Protection: Yes
- Features: Triple-function of Fan/ Air Cooler/ Ionizer
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM875
Pros:
- Comes with an instruction manual
- High air volume
- With water lacking protection and ionizer function
- Possible to get replacement cooling pads
- Uses honeycomb cooling pads
- Does not take up a lot of horizontal space
- You can add ice
Cons:
- Relatively frequent refills (Every 4-5 hrs)
- Expensive
- Not as cool as an air conditioner
- Wheels are not smooth
How Do Air Coolers Work?
Evaporative air coolers as their name suggests, work by drawing in hot air.
The hot air passes through water-soaked pads and is cooled. Before being blown out again.
They work best with a fresh air source (i.e. open window) close by.
Pros & Cons Of Air Coolers
Advantages Of Evaporative Air Coolers (Evaporative Air Cooler Benefits)
Because they don’t rely on expensive refrigerants and compressors
- Air coolers are much more cost-effective
- With a smaller carbon footprint!
- If you don’t fill it with water, you can use it as a regular fan outside
- Air that comes out of a cooler is moisture-laden. Good for your skin, throat and eyes!
- Usually easy to move from room to room
Disadvantages Of Evaporative Air Coolers
- Can be noisy
- Have to refill the water tank often
Air Cooler Vs Air Conditioner
Air coolers are also not to be confused with the best portable air conditioners in Malaysia:
| Criteria | Air Cooler | Air Conditioner |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Not necessary | Required |
| Cooling Medium/ Method | Water | Refrigerant & Compressor |
| Effectiveness | Sufficient | Higher |
| Ventilation Ability | High (needs windows to be open) | Low (have to close windows) |
| Power Consumption | Low | High |
| Can Be Moved | Yes | No |
| Humidity Level | High | Low |
| Application | Indoor and outdoor | Indoor only |
| Filter | Yes | Yes |
How To Maintain An Air Cooler
Here are some things to do once in a while. They don’t take long to do but will help your air cooler last longer!
- Clean the filter as needed
- Wipe down the exterior to prevent buildup of dust
- Wash the water tank with soap and water
And when you are not going to be using the air cooler, ensure that it is completely dry before putting it in storage!
Conclusion
Unlike air conditioners, the best air coolers in Malaysia will not rack up the electricity bills! Which makes them the next best thing to beat the heat!
Just don’t expect them to feel as cold as an air conditioner! For small rooms, try Sharp PJA36TVW. And for medium to large rooms, Honeywell TC30PEUI and Morgan MAC-COOL10A respectively!
