A water filter is essential for every household in Malaysia! Even if the water went through treatment at the sewerage plant! It still has numerous pipes to go through before it reaches your home!
Luckily, there are many different water filters and water purifiers available. Some are bigger (i.e. outdoor water filter). While others are for use in the kitchen!
To save you the trouble of researching them, here’s a list of the best water filters in Malaysia (2020)!
Best Water Filter Top Picks
For Outdoor
WATERBORN W-300Z Stainless Steel Outdoor Filter
Superb quality and performance! Without the need to frequently replace the filter!
Benefits:
- Get your money’s worth
- Minimal maintenance
- Environmentally-friendly (less filter changes)
For Indoor (Big Household)
BACFREE Indoor Water Filter & Water Purifier BS3A
Long term investment with reliable Swiss technology!
Output flowrate: 5L per minute
Benefits:
- Don’t have to change the filter a few times a year
- Water is safe to drink straight from the tap!
- Easy to install and move where needed
For Indoor (Small Household)
AQUASANA AQ-4000W-DVPI Water Filter
Certified to use only FDA-approved raw materials!
Output flowrate: 1.89L per minute
Benefits:
- Set up is a breeze
- Don’t have to boil the water before drinking it
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space!
How To Choose A Water Filter (Malaysia)
1. What Contaminants Are In Your Water
You should keep in mind what contaminants you are targeting to remove from your water.
It could be the following:
- Reddish marks/ stains and visible particles = rust or dirt
- Chlorine with its telltale smell
- White marks/ stains = hard water which can lead to build up of limescale
2. Types Of Water Filters
- Sieve/ screen (i.e. ceramic filters) to remove bigger particles. A silver coating is even better as this will prevent bacteria and algae build up.
- Carbon – removes chlorine and other inorganic chemicals (i.e. weird taste or look to your water). This same filter type is common in many air purifiers!
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) – gets rid of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, etc, asbestos, nitrates, fluorine, calcium (i.e. hard water and limescale) etc. It cannot remove the same things as a carbon filter.
There are other devices that use UV or steam (i.e. distillation) to further purify your filtered water. But we’re not going to talk about these in this post.
3. How Much Water Does You Drink?
A POU filter will suffice for a small household. But for larger families, it gets a little inconvenient to prepare a separate container so that there is always filtered drinking water on hand.
Still, it’s usually cheaper than investing in the more costly POE filters!
4. Where Are You Using The Filter? (POE vs POU)
When it comes to it, there are 2 systems on the market:
- Point-of-entry (POE) system
- Point-of-use (POU) system
The first one is usually the outdoor filters installed at your incoming water supply. Either at your water meter or at the water storage tank. So you get clean water for the whole house!
Point-of-use systems make more sense if you stay at an apartment or need one for your office. As these are fixed at the sink or shower (like a tankless water heater). Or under the sink!
5. What To Look For In A Filter
Other than the cost, of course:
- Is it NSF certified? –This is an American standard for quality, performance and safety
- Type of filter
- What is the flow rate (Litre per minute)?
- Is it easy to maintain?
- Size – will it suit your home?
- Ease of installation – does it come with an adaptor to fit your tap?
- Cost of replacement filter (if any) – lifepan is usually once a year
13 Best Water Filters In Malaysia 2020
At first, it might seem that water filters are universal and therefore, applicable for use anywhere in your house:
But, water filters all have limits to their filtering capabilities! So make sure you get one (or two) that suits your needs!
Best Outdoor Water Filter (POE water filter)
Outdoor filters can be expensive but they will ensure that your entire incoming supply of water to your house is free from dirt!
Recent models are more sustainable too since they have a backwash feature so you don’t have to buy a replacement filter!
1. AQUAMAN FRP 1044 Outdoor Water Filter
Glance around your neighborhood and you will probably spot one of your neighbors having a FRP 1044 outside their house!
It uses a system of 5 layers of sand of different fineness as well as activated carbon granules.
- What It Filters: Dirt
- Filter Life: n/a
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 33L/min
- Size: 10inch diameter
- Warranty: 10 years warranty for the casing and a 1 year warranty for the control valve
Pros:
- It comes in dark grey which makes it less conspicuous!
- Cheaper than most other filters (~RM300)
- Doesn’t need electricity to run
- Fast installation
Cons:
- Self-maintenance once a week with backwash
2. WATERBORN W-300Z Stainless Steel Master Filter Outdoor Filter
On the other end of the price spectrum, you can consider investing in this high-quality stainless steel model by established Australian brand, WATERCO.
Which uses graded zeolite to help reduce chlorine, hard water and the presence of iron!
- What It Filters: Chlorine, rust, sand and dirt
- Filter Life: n/a
- Capacity: n/a
- Size: 9.8 inch diameter for the body, 12 inch diameter for the base
- Warranty: 5 year warranty for the main vessel, 1 year warranty for accessories
Pros:
- Reliable and efficient customer service
- Looks sleek and elegant
- You’ll get very clean and clear water
Cons:
- Self-maintenance via backwash method once a month
- Pricier than others (~RM1,600)
3. WATERCO Micron W250 Fibreglass Wound Filter Master Filter Outdoor Filter with Australia Zeoplus Filter Media
Like the W300, the W250 fiberglass model by WATERCO utilizes a 3-stage filtration system (i.e. sieving, depth filtration, adsorption) to filter out sediment and other impurities off the incoming supply.
It can filter particles as small as 0.01mm!
- What It Filters: Chlorine, dirt, rust and sand
- Filter Life: n/a
- Capacity: n/a
- Warranty: 5 year warranty for the container, 1 year warranty for accessories
Pros:
- Effective
- Fiberglass has additional benefits – seamless construction (i.e. no leaks!), won’t corrode or leave stains!
Cons:
- The fiberglass housing increases the price by another ~RM200
- Self-maintenance (backwash)
4. 3M Aqua Pure AP902 Outdoor Water Filter
The American brand, 3M has an outdoor water filter of its own that is available in Malaysia!
As one of the AP900 series, the AP902 can filter out particles as fine as 0.05mm using a non-woven pleat filter media in a 1-stage system. Less stages means faster output! So it’s great for a large household!
- What It Filters: Chlorine and sediment
- Filter Life: ~12-18 months for the cartridge (AP910R: 56210-01)
- Capacity: 75.7L/min
- Size: ~4.5 inch diameter
- Warranty: 25 years for the stainless steel head
Pros:
- No backwash required
- Easy to replace cartridge with no need for tools
- Smaller than other outdoor water filters
- NSF certified (components)
Cons:
- Middle price range ~RM1000
- Must change out filter cartridge
- Have to dispose of the used cartridges yourself
- Costly cartridge replacement (~RM1000)
5. 3M Aqua Pure Mini POE Outdoor Water Filter
Besides filtering out larger impurities:
The 3M Aqua Pure Mini POE Outdoor Water Filter prevents limescale build up in your appliances (e.g. coffee machine, water heater, etc) with its Anti Scaling Technology!
- What It Filters: Sand, Sediment, Rust & Soil down to 5 micron
- Filter Life: Up to 12 months
- Capacity: 37.8L/min
- Size: 11 (W) x 33 (H) cm
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Suitable for apartments
- Easy cartridge replacement methodology
- Affordable (~RM500)
Cons:
- Have to replace cartridge (not sustainable)
- Filter cartridge replacement costs ~RM400
Best Water Filters for Drinking Water (POU water filter)
The thing about outdoor filters is:
You may still want to use them in conjunction with a Point-Of-Use (POU) filter as the outdoor filters alone cannot remove heavy metals, VOCs and inorganic chemicals (e.g. pesticides).
6. AQUASANA AQ-5300+ Water Filter Water Purifier Filter, Made In USA
Surprisingly costing the same as an outdoor water filter, the American-made AQ-5300+ fits neatly under the sink out of sight!
You can put it on top of the counter too. It can filter out 0.05mm sized particles.
3 stages (of activated carbon, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration) are sufficient to ensure 99% filtration of 77 contaminants including heavy metals like lead, asbestos, chlorine, cysts, pesticides, etc.
- What It Filters: 77 contaminants
- Filter Life: ~3000L before replacing the filter (AQ-5300+R) (i.e. once a year)
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 2.7L/min
- Size: 12.5 inches tall
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
- You can drink the water immediately after it has been through the filter
- Hidden from view
- Small size
- Decent flow rate
- You can set it up yourself
- Easy to replace the filter cartridge
- NSF certified
Cons:
- Costs ~RM1000
- Need to replace the filter once a year (i.e. not a sustainable practice)
- Filter cartridge costs ~RM350
- Alarm system to change the filter is currently only available in USA
7. AQUASANA AQ-4000W-DVPI
A smaller countertop version of the AQ-5300+, the AQ-4000W is half the price! With the same function and benefits!
However, the flow is significantly less.
- What It Filters: 77 contaminants including traces of chlorine and heavy metals
- Filter Life: Once a year to change the cartridge (AQ-4035)
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 1.89L/min
- Size: 10 inches tall
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
- Small
- Drink straight from the tap with this filter! Resulting water will have pH7.5-8.5 (mild alkaline)
- Can be set up on your own
- Easy cartridge replacement
- NSF certified
Cons:
- Replace the cartridge once a year
- Must be placed on the counter
- Replacement cartridge costs ~RM320
8. Coway Genie P07IU Water Purifier
South Korea’s Coway has an affordable alternative for a water purifier. Extremely compact, the P071U even has a pressure indicator for when it’s time to change the filter!
For its size, it has an impressive flow rate! And with a 3-stage filtration system too (filtration size: 0.05mm)!
- What It Filters: Rust, sand, VOCs, and harmful contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals
- Filter Life: 1-2 years to replace the filter (CCSFM8-P07I)
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 4L/ min
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Fast flow rate
- Can be placed under the sink
- Reasonable price! ~RM400
- NSF certified
- Drink right from the faucet (i.e. you don’t have to boil the water first) – pH of 7.4
Cons:
- Need to replace the filter
- Filter costs ~RM190
9. 3M Aqua Pure CTM02 Water Filter for Indoor Drinking Water
CTM02 is a sleek countertop water filter by 3M with 0.05mm filtering capability using a carbon block. It claims to reduce the presence of chlorine among other unwanted contaminants.
Improving the taste of your drinking water too! It is manufactured in Mexico.
- What It Filters: Chlorine, asbestos, cysts, lead, mercury and others.
- Filter Life: 6 months – 1 year before replacement
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 2.8L/min
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Fuss-free installation
- No drilling required
- NSF certified
- Small size
- Provides drinking-grade water
- Under RM1000
Cons:
- Replacement filter costs ~RM300
10. BACFREE Indoor Water Filter & Water Purifier BS3A
Connect the BACFREE Indoor Water Filter, Water Purifier BS3A straight to your kitchen tap for drinking water!
3 types of filter to choose from:
- Swiss-Tech Filter Element (for removing heavy metals, chlorine, organic chemicals and some bacteria)
- Multi-Tech Filter Element (like the Swiss-Tech Filter Element but removes chloramine too)
- pH-Tech Filter Element (has the additional mineral stones to alkalize your water pH)
Whichever filter you choose, they comprise of a ceramic filter (down to 0.2micron) and an inner activated charcoal filter.
- What It Filters: bacteria sediment, chlorine, organic chemicals and heavy metals
- Filter Life: Up to 12 months
- Capacity: 5L/min
- Size: 6 (D) x 35 (H) cm
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros:
- Don’t have to boil your water to drink it
- Elegant design with stainless steel casing
- You can bring it with you easily if you move house
- Should be able to set it up on your own
Cons:
- Have to replace filter after a year
- Instruction manual is not very clear
Best Water Filters for Cooking
You might be wondering:
What’s the difference between a filter for cooking and for drinking water? The filters under this category have a low price point which casts some doubt over the quality!
Best to be safe and boil the water afterwards too!
11. Panasonic Water Filter TK-CS20
Less than RM200, the TK-CS20 is highly affordable. Even the filter cartridge (P-6JRC-ZEX (P-6JRC)) is less than RM100!
Another selling point of this filter is the fast flow rate! The filtration method relies on non-woven fabric and activated carbon in powder form.
- What It Filters: Rust, mold, chlorine, dirt particles
- Filter Life: 12,800L or every 6 months
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 6L/min
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Fast flow rate
- Has a cartridge life span checker
- Easy to set up
- Switch between filter and no filter mode
Cons:
- Relatively frequent replacement of filter needed
12. Joven JP200 Water Purifier
Locally made Joven JP200 will get the job done at a fraction of the cost. Ideal for rental situations and office use!
The lightweight plastic build is food grade safe. It works using 3 layers of non-woven fabric and powdered activated carbon. Much like the Panasonic TK-CS20 earlier.
- What It Filters: Dirt, rust and chlorine
- Filter Life: 12-18 months
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 8L/min
- Size: ~8.5 inches tall
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Valve for toggling between filtered and unfiltered water
- Connect to your tap and use
- Stainless steel outlet pipe
- Simple appealing design
- Fast water flow
- Good quality for the price
- Cheap replacement cartridge ~RM50
- Uncomplicated removal of cartridge
Cons:
- Not effective in removing metals
- Still need to replace the filter once a year
Best Water Filters for Tap/Faucet Water
If you don’t mind changing them out every 3 months, faucet water filters are another budget-friendly alternative!
They’re about the same size as a socket adapter or your fist too!
13. Panasonic PJ-225R-ZMA Water Purifier
You’ll mount this Japanese made tap filter directly to your tap. It uses a combination of non-woven fabric and activated carbon to filter out impurities.
- What It Filters: Chlorine and dirt
- Filter Life: Change when the flow rate decreases. (Replacement part number, P-225JRC)
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 2.2L/min
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Simple set up
- High quality
- Space-saving
- Can be used even on a flexible faucet
Cons:
- Replacement cartridge costs < RM100
- Pricey for a little thing ~RM130
14. BIRUITE Kitchen Faucet Tap Filter
With 4 steps, you can attach this 3-inch high water purifier by Biruite to your tap. It uses a 5-system filtering system that includes a ceramic filter.
- What It Filters: Chlorine, algae and dirt
- Filter Life: 6 months
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: 2L/min
- Warranty: No warranty
Pros:
- Improves taste and smell of water
- Should not affect the flow rate of your tap
Cons:
- No warranty
- Must change the filter out quite often
- Advisable to boil the water before drinking
- Replacement filter is ~RM50 – same as buying a new one
Best Water Filters for Shower
If you notice that your incoming water supply has a high amount of chlorine, it is likely causing you to have drier skin and hair.
A filter specific for your shower can eliminate this problem!
15. AQUASANA AQ-4100NSH Shower Filter Water Filter
The dual-stage filtration via copper zinc and carbon media of this particular filter will improve water quality and pH levels!
- What It Filters: VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and chlorine
- Filter Life: 6 months
- Capacity/ Flow Rate: n/a
- Size: About the size of a water bottle
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t take up that much space
- Effective at removing chlorine
- Inexpensive (~RM250)
Cons:
- May not fit on a rain shower
- Need to replace the filter every 6 months
- Replacement filter costs ~RM160
Conclusion
It’s in your best interest to find a suitable water filter to ensure clean drinking water for your family.
With all the urbanization happening in Malaysia, many unseen contaminants like bacteria and pesticides can reach our homes through the pipeline!
The right filter will save you from having to buy lots of bottled water. And it’s better for your health in the long run!
