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 type of water heater:
Tankless water heaters (or on-demand/ instant water heaters) use electric (or gas) coils to heat up water.
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
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? And do they all bathe around the same time (e.g. morning or evening)?
And if you run your dishwasher or washing machine in that peak time, then take that 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
13 Best Water Heaters In Malaysia 2021
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 that comes with a shower head, is Sirim Certified. And very user-friendly!
Installation is easy too. Though some find the water jet to be too strong!
- 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
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 goes over 55°C!
And like the previous model in this list, water heater does not have a pump! Instead, it relies on your existing water pressure!
- 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
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!
- 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
4. Toshiba Instant Electric Water Heater DSK38S5MW
Packed with many safety features (to prevent electric shock or scalding):
The Toshiba Instant Electric Water Heater DSK38S5MW lives up to the high expectations many associate with this Japanese brand!
- 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
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! Just remember to turn on the pump for your shower. And turn it off afterwards!
- 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
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!
- 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
7. Joven Instant Shower Water Heater With Inverter DC Silent Pump SL30IP
Take a shower worry-free with the built-In EELS System (Surge Protection with 10mA sensitivity!). Besides adequate heat and water pressure!
This high-quality heater is quiet (below 65dB) too. And is IP-rated (IP25) to be splashproof!
- 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
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)!
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!
- 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
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!
- 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
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!
- 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
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 stunning chrome rain shower and shower unit!
The warranty for the heating element (UK technology) is for 7 years!
- 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
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!
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).
- 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
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!
It’s got 15 safety features and a fancy touch screen capability with a big digital temperature display. As well as a unique EcoShower mode to save water for when you don’t need to use the 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
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are the most popular type out of all the best water heaters in Malaysia! For their affordability! You can install them on your own too.
Best budget (RM200) heater without a booster pump: Toshiba Instant Electric Water Heater DSK38S5MW
And some come with a pump to compensate for low water pressure in your home!
Best value for money: Rubine Silent DC Inverter Pump Water Heater RWH-SSE891D With Rain Shower