Whether you prefer a relaxing warm shower or a steamy hot shower, you’ll need one of these best water heaters in Malaysia!
And although it isn’t strictly necessary in a tropical country, it’s great to have an unlimited supply of warm water when you need it! Warm water is definitely a luxury many of us take for granted!
Check out this breakdown of reputable water heaters you can find in Malaysia. And their prices!
Types Of Water Heater
Did you know there are 5 different kinds of water heaters?
1. Solar Powered Water Heater
Sunlight is a natural resource that Malaysia has plenty of!
Which is why some new houses implement solar powered water heaters! You can spot them by the solar panels on top of the roof!
Pros:
- Energy efficient (environmentally friendly)
- Saves on electricity bills
Cons:
- You may not have sufficient hot water on overcast days
- Tank has to be descaled
- Solar panels are expensive
2. Conventional Storage Tank Water Heater
You might have seen one of these before! It looks like a water storage tank. But it is insulated. And there are temperature and pressure control valves.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Long lifespan (~12 years)
Cons:
- Inconvenient for larger households
- Long water refill and heating times
- Water tank must be descaled and clean (ideally twice a year)
3. Tankless Water Heater
Because they solve the main issue with the previous types of water heater:
Tankless water heaters (or on-demand/ instant water heaters) use electric (or gas) coils to heat up water for immediate use.
Pros:
- Long lifespan (~10 years)
- Energy efficient
- Unlimited hot water
Cons:
- Have to descale the heater once a year
4. Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters (or Hybrid Water Heaters) are not at all common in Malaysia.
They typically use a pump to draw heat from the ground (or air) to heat up a water tank.
Pros:
- Uses less electricity (just for the pump)
- Cost efficient for long term
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of vertical space
- Tank has to be cleaned twice a year
- Expensive
5. Condensing Water Heater
This is another gas-based water heater that you won’t find in Malaysia:
It’s only applicable if your house is connected to a natural gas supply.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Reduced electricity bills
- Not impacted by cloud cover
Cons:
- Yearly tank maintenance required
- No small models
To know more about how to choose water heaters in Malaysia, read our guide further down this post!
13 Best Water Heaters In Malaysia 2021
- Best Budget Water Heater (No Pump) Under RM200 – Midea Non-Pump Water Heater MWH-38Q
- Best Budget Water Heater For Hot Showers (No Pump) – Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E
- Best Budget Water Heater (With Pump) ~RM300 – Midea Water Heater With DC Silent Pump MWH-38P3
- Best Budget Water Heater (With Pump) Under RM500 – Joven Instant Shower Water Heater With Inverter DC Silent Pump SL30IP
- Best Quiet Water Heater – Panasonic Jet Pump Standard Series Home Shower Water Heater DH-3RP1MK
- Best Water Heater With Pump And Rain Shower – Joven Instant Water Heater With DC Pump I88P-RS
- Best Water Heater (Longest Warranty) – Electrolux ComfortFlow™ 800 Rain Shower Water Heater With DC Pump EWE361MB-DST1
1. Panasonic Non-Jet Pump Standard Series Instant Water Heater DH-3RL1MW
Good old Panasonic is one of the best water heater brands in Malaysia!
Their Non-Jet Pump Standard Series Instant Water Heater comes with a shower head, and is SIRIM Certified. The water heater is also very user-friendly!
Installation is easy as well. With the help of the instruction book! Though some find the water jet to be too strong!
The Panasonic Non-Jet Pump Standard Series Instant Water Heater DH-3RL1MW is most suitable for homes that already have high water pressure. Since it does not have a pump!
Aside from this, you cannot adjust the flow rate or spray pattern (e.g. mist, full stream, center, etc) of the water from the small and light shower head.
And for those that can’t do without hot showers, the Panasonic DH-3RL1MW may not be hot enough for your taste!
- Type: Electric Power Control
- Booster Pump: No
- Water Pressure: 9.8 – 380 kPa
- Power Consumption: 3,600 W
- Features: Built-in ELB, Auto Thermal Cut-Off, Flow Sensor, 8 Safety Points, Filter
- Dimensions: 380 x 190 x 93 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~RM229
Pros:
- Cheap (under RM250) and from a reliable brand
- Simple operation and installation
- Lightweight
- Inconspicuous exterior that will blend with any bathroom interior
- From a reliable brand
Cons:
- Not hot enough for some
- Can’t adjust output from showerhead
2. Midea Non-Pump Water Heater MWH-38Q
This instant water heater by Midea has its own built-in safety features too. It shuts off automatically if the water temperature should go over 55°C!
And like the previous model in this list, this water heater does not have a pump! Instead, it relies on your existing water pressure!
If you like warm showers, the temperature of the water is enough. But elders or those that prefer hot showers, will be disappointed that the maximum temperature still feels just warm (i.e. not hot enough).
And compared to Joven water heaters (with no pump), the Midea Non-Pump Water Heater MWH-38Q is a little noisy too.
However, for ~RM150, the Midea Non-Pump Water Heater MWH-38Q is incredibly gentle on your budget! It is the cheapest water heater in this list too!
- Type: Electric Power Control
- Booster Pump: No
- Water Pressure: n/a
- Water Flowrate: 1.2 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,800 W
- Features: Built-in ELCB, Overheat Protection, Anti Dry-Heating Protection, Flow Sensor
- Dimensions: 330 x 224 x 93 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~RM158
Pros:
- SIRIM approved
- Works well (depending on the water pressure in your home)
- Very affordable
- With built-in safety for overheating
Cons:
- Flexible hose pipe is not included
- Build quality could be better – plastic housing feels very thin
- Doesn’t get hot
- A bit noisy even without a pump
3. Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E
Joven’s Instant Water Heater SA8E is another tankless water heater you can buy in Malaysia that comes with a showerhead.
The compact unit is stylish with just a simple dial on the front to control the temperature! And you can adjust the head for 5 possible spray outcomes!
Households with adequate water pressure will be happy with the resulting water pressure from the Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E.
For hot water, you will have to turn up the control to level 6 or 7 for a significant difference.
What’s great about this water heater is the 5 year warranty for the heating element. In addition to the 1 year local manufacturer warranty!
Which makes the Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E a better deal than the Panasonic Non-Jet Pump Standard Series Instant Water Heater DH-3RL1MW!
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: No
- Water Pressure: 10 – 380 kPa
- Water Flowrate: 2 – 8 L/min
- Power Consumption: 2,200 – 5,200 W
- Features: Thermostat With Safety Cut-Out, Double Poles EELS System, 10 Safety Features
- Dimensions: 341 x 221 x 76 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM228
Pros:
- Adjustable shower head
- Long warranty
- Inexpensive
- High power (i.e. hotter water temperature)
- With built-in safety features
Cons:
No pump
4. Toshiba Instant Electric Water Heater DSK38S5MW
The Toshiba Instant Electric Water Heater DSK38S5MW has similar advantages to the Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E:
Like the 5-year warranty for the heating element or ability to change the spray pattern of the shower head (5 options including one for massage!).
However, do mind that if you turn off the water flow (e.g. to shampoo your hair) mid-way through your shower, and turn it back on:
You may accidently scald yourself! As the water that first comes out can be hotter than you expect! Do let your household members or guests know if it’s their first time using it!
Furthermore, the flow rate is low (1.5 L/min) for this water heater. So if that’s not what you’re after, you can get the Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E instead!
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: No
- Water Pressure: 30 – 300 kPa
- Water Flowrate: 1.5 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,800 W
- Features: Whirl Water Flow Tech, Auto Cut-Off, IP25 Water-proof
- Dimensions: 400 x 200 x 97 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM250
Pros:
- Beautiful modern design
- Long warranty
- Not too expensive (Under RM300)
- With built-in surge protection (auto cut-off)
- Can adjust spray pattern of showerhead
Cons:
Low flow rate compared to Joven Instant Water Heater SA8E
5. Panasonic Jet Pump Standard Series Home Shower Water Heater DH-3RP1MK
Once again, Panasonic delivers! Its Jet Pump Standard Series Home Shower Water Heater DH-3RP1MK is one of the best water heaters with a pump that you can get in Malaysia.
It’s nice to know that the pump has a 5 year warranty too! And it’s just under RM400 too!
The water pressure from this water heater is very strong (though not consistent). Because the holes on the shower head are very fine, the water can feel prickly on your skin!
Regrettably, you can’t adjust the spray pattern of the shower head.
Another setback of this water heater is that it doesn’t get very hot unless you lower the flow of water down to the minimum. Which defeats the purpose of having a water heater with a pump!
But you will barely notice that the pump is running just from listening to it from outside the bathroom! It’s that quiet!
Just remember to turn on the pump for your shower. And manually turn it off afterwards!
You can expect to use the Panasonic Jet Pump Standard Series Home Shower Water Heater DH-3RP1MK to last for years to come.
- Type: Electric Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Pump
- Water Pressure: 4.9 – 380 kPa
- Power Consumption: 3,600 W
- Features: Built-in ELB, Auto Thermal Cut-Off, Flow Sensor, 8 Safety Points, Filter
- Dimensions: 380 x 190 x 93 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump)
- Price: ~RM386.9
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Long warranty
- From a reputable brand
- Strong water pressure
- Very quiet pump
- Heats up water in a few minutes
Cons:
- Water jet can feel harsh (shower head spray pattern is not adjustable)
- Pump does not automatically shut off with the water flow
- Water pressure is not always stable
- Maximum water temperature requires you to reduce the flow rate
6. Midea Water Heater With DC Silent Pump MWH-38P3
Alternatively, you can look into this similar standalone shower unit by Midea. This quiet Water Heater With DC Silent Pump MWH-38P3 has ample built-in safety measures too.
However, if your house generally has low water pressure to begin with, you may not see much improvement in the flow rate!
But if your budget is tight and expectations are kept low, the Midea Water Heater With DC Silent Pump MWH-38P3 will do the job!
The cheaper build quality does show. As some parts of the water heater feel flimsy. With young children or heavy handed users, it may not last as long.
Another thing that may bother you is that the maximum temperature is just very warm, at most! And not hot!
- Type: Electric Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Pump
- Water Pressure: n/a
- Water Flowrate: 1.2 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,800 W
- Features: Built-in ELCB, Overheat Protection, Auto Thermal Cut-Off, Built-in Auto Flow Sensor, Anti Dry-Heating Protection
- Dimensions: 406 x 230 x 102 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 6 years (Pump)
- Price: ~RM339
Pros:
- Cheap
- Sufficient water pressure and flow
- Warm water (not hot)
- Good quality for the price
- Long warranty
- Temperature of water is maintained
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Water pressure is not high
- Highest temperature is not hot
- Pump is audible
- Thin build
7. Joven Instant Shower Water Heater With Inverter DC Silent Pump SL30IP
Take a worry-free shower with the built-In EELS System (Surge Protection with 10mA sensitivity!). Besides adequate heat and water pressure:
This high-quality heater is fairly quiet (below 65dB) too. And is IP-rated (IP25) to be splash-proof!
The Joven Instant Shower Water Heater With Inverter DC Silent Pump SL30IP is an affordable alternative to more expensive brands like Electrolux.
Without compromising on reliability or warranty!
- Type: Stepless Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: 10 – 380 kPa
- Water Flowrate: 2 – 8 L/min
- Power Consumption: 2,200 – 5,200 W
- Features: Thermostat Cut-Off, IP25 Splash Proof Standard, Single Pole EELS, Anti-Scalding Technology, 3 Spray Options
- Dimensions: 360 x 240 x 70 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM450
Pros:
- Works well
- Good build quality
- Low noise output
- Easy to install
- Splash-proof exterior
Cons:
Shower head is not easy to lift out of holder (i.e. tight fit)
8. Joven Instant Water Heater With DC Pump i88P-RS
With its DC inverter pump, the Joven Instant Water Heater With DC Pump i88P-RS is relatively quiet (below 45dB)! But we wouldn’t call it silent!
If that’s not enough, it has 10 safety features (e.g. anti-scalding, surge protector, splash proof, etc)!
And the included rain shower has sufficient water output (with the pump on). Even if you usually have low water pressure in your bathroom!
Tip: Switching off the pump gives the water more time to heat up.
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: 10 – 380 kPa
- Water Flowrate: 2 – 8 L/min
- Power Consumption: 2,200 – 5,200 W
- Features: Thermostat Cut-Off, Double Poles EELS System, 10 Safety Features
- Dimensions: 358 x 237 x 70 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM668
Pros:
- Strong water pressure
- High flow rate
- With a rain shower that works decently well
- Long warranty
- Mechanical dials are easy to operate
- Multiple safety features
Cons:
Pump is a little noisy
9. Toshiba Instant Water Heater With DC Pump DSK38ES3MB
Other than the digital temperature control, the Toshiba Instant Water Heater, DSK38ES3MB has a DC inverter pump that saves 60% power and is quiet (38dB).
Plus, the pump is auto activated whenever the incoming water pressure is too low!
When in operation, the pump remains quiet. But in some homes, you may not see a significant difference in water pressure!
It will heat up your water although there may be some fluctuations in the water temperature. Which is also visible since there is a temperature display on the front of the panel water heater!
So we would not suggest the Toshiba Instant Water Heater, DSK38ES3MB if you are very particular about water pressure or temperature!
For something more powerful, you can pay a little more for the Alpha Water Heater Smart 18i With DC Pump!
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: 30 – 300 kPa
- Water Flowrate: 1.5 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,800 W
- Features: Smart Control System With LED Display, Whirl Water Flow Tech, Auto Cut-Off
- Dimensions: 400 x 200 x 97 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM490
Pros:
- Automatic pump operation
- Relatively quiet pump
- Hot and warm water is achievable
- Modern exterior with temperature display
Cons:
Not the most powerful for this price range
With Rain Shower Option:
Toshiba Instant Water Heater With DC Pump DSK38ES3MB + Rain Shower – Check Price
10. Alpha Water Heater Smart 18i With DC Pump
Another SIRIM-approved water heater with a low noise DC pump (<40dB):
The Alpha Water Heater Smart 18i With DC Pump has a UK-made heating element and electrical protection. Including a line fault indicator light!
As for its daily functions, the water will be warm enough (~37°C) and the pump is clearly audible but not exceptionally loud.
The water pressure is powerful. And a nice thing about the Alpha Water Heater Smart 18i With DC Pump is that the pump will automatically turn off when you close off the water!
If you previously used an older Alpha water heat model, you may notice a significant improvement in the pump performance!
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: 20 – 380 kPa
- Water Flowrate: 3 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,600 W
- Features: Smart Auto Test, Line Fault Indicator, ELCB, Safety Thermal Cut-Off
- Dimensions: 413.5 x 230 x 91.3 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM549
Pros:
- Powerful pump
- Not unbearably noisy
- Wide water temperature range
- Pump switches off on its own
- Long warranty
- SIRIM-approved
Cons:
No rain shower
11. Rubine Silent DC Inverter Pump Water Heater RWH-SSE891D With Rain Shower
Local brand, Rubine has a DC Inverter Pump Water Heater RWH-SSE891D that can be installed together with an equally ultra-sleek chrome rain shower and shower unit!
Offering style with substance, the Rubine Silent DC Inverter Pump Water Heater RWH-SSE891D With Rain Shower supplies good water pressure. And without much noise too.
We have to point out that the warranty for the heating element (UK technology) is for 7 years as well!
The Rubine Silent DC Inverter Pump Water Heater RWH-SSE891D With Rain Shower is a little expensive at ~RM600.
At this price, you can look into the comparable Joven Instant Water Heater With DC Pump I88P-RS too. Especially if you’re really struggling with low water pressure in your home!
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: 20 kPa (Min)
- Water Flowrate: 2 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,600 W
- Features: Extra Safe DPDT Protection System, Safety Auto-Cut, Smart Control
- Dimensions: 440 x 190 x 75 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 7 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM599
Pros:
- Long warranty
- Elegant modern design
- Good water pressure
- Pump works quietly
Cons:
Not cheap
12. CENTON EcoSerene Series Instant Shower Water Heater With DC Silent Pump
If you don’t mind supporting a local brand, the CENTON EcoSerene Series Instant Shower Water Heater is a very affordable tankless water heater. With a DC pump!
That DC pump provides strong water pressure but is acceptably quiet! It does not take long for this water heater to heat up your water too!
If you do like steamy hot showers, think twice about the CENTON EcoSerene Series Instant Shower Water Heater With DC Silent Pump. But for most people, the water is warm enough!
Moreover, the included hand shower has different spray patterns. And the water heater is not without the usual safety features (e.g. surge protector, overheating, etc).
However, we’re personally not a huge fan of the way this water heater looks, but that’s just our opinion! And you might feel otherwise.
The giant temperature control dial in the middle is admittedly, very practical.
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: 380 kPa (Max)
- Water Flowrate: 2 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,600 W
- Features: Built-in Flow Sensor, Double Function Thermostat, Auto Cut-Off
- Dimensions: 376 x 246 x 98 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 5 years (Heating Element)
- Price: ~RM370
Pros:
- Affordable DC inverter pump model
- With long warranty
- Shower head is adjustable (spray patterns)
- Adequate water pressure and flow rate
- Built-in safety
Cons:
- No rain shower
- Water is not hot enough for some
13. Electrolux ComfortFlow™ 800 Rain Shower Water Heater With DC Pump EWE361MB-DST1
Electrolux products always seem to cost more:
And the Electrolux ComfortFlow™ 800 Rain Shower Water Heater With DC Pump EWE361MB-DST1 is no exception!
The Electrolux ComfortFlow™ 800 Rain Shower has some improvements over former models too. For one thing, it’s much quieter!
If you’re used to mechanical knobs or dials for temperature control, this water heater could take some getting used to:
It’s got 15 safety features. As well as the unique EcoShower mode to save water for when you don’t need to use the heater!
And a fancy touch screen capability with a big digital temperature display where you can select your desired temperature. There is an indicator for water usage too.
However, the water doesn’t get very hot. And the water pressure of the regular shower head is just adequate. For stronger water pressure, you’re better off with Joven water heaters.
On the other hand, if you want a rain shower, this Electrolux ComfortFlow™ 800 Rain Shower is better than the one by Joven!
Besides this, how often do you see a 10-year motor warranty for a water heater?
- Type: Electronic Power Control
- Booster Pump: DC Inverter Pump
- Water Pressure: n/a
- Water Flowrate: 2 L/min (Min)
- Power Consumption: 3,600 W
- Features: Dynamic Power Control, Safe Ready, EcoShower, 15 Safety Features, Smart Intuitive Touch Screen
- Dimensions: 401 x 220 x 80 mm (H x W x D)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years (Pump), 5 years (Heating Element), 10 years (Motor)
- Price: ~RM779
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature
- Sleek and stunning modern design
- Great rain shower
- Long warranty (e.g. 10 years for the motor)
Cons:
- Water pressure is average for shower head
- Water does not get very hot
- Expensive
How To Choose A Water Heater
We really have it easier than four-season countries when it comes to choosing water heaters:
Because of the Malaysian climate where the water supply temperature doesn’t vary far from the comfortable shower temperature!
And since most houses (if not all) are not connected to gas lines:
That further simplifies our choices to solar, conventional and tankless water heaters!
1. Capacity And Flow Rates
How many people do you have in your family? Do they all take their showers around the same time (e.g. morning or evening)?
If you run your dishwasher or washing machine during the same time, then take this into account as well!
Obviously, the easiest course of action for large families is to go for the tankless water heaters! Where the hot water supply is basically unlimited!
2. Location
Like water filters, there are individual (point-of-use) water heaters and those that are meant to be installed right at the water supply!
3. Pump Or No Pump?
How is the current water flow in your house? If you find it to be lacking, get a water heater with a pump!
A pump will help too if your water tank happens to be on ground level and most of the bathrooms are upstairs!
DC Pump Vs AC Pump
DC pumps are less prone to electric shocks than AC pumps. They come at a higher cost but are more efficient!
4. Cost
You can get water heaters for as low as a few hundred Ringgit!
5. Other Features
- High energy efficiency (also more environmentally-friendly) saves on electric bills
- Long warranty for the pump
- Built-in electrical safety
- Scalding prevention
- Automatic shut off for the pump
- SIRIM approved
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are the most popular type out of all the best water heaters in Malaysia! For their affordability and convenience for larger households!
And some come with a pump to compensate for low water pressure in multi-story homes! Pricier models include a rain shower.
PS: If you want high water pressure, pick a water heater from Joven.
