Whether it’s a relaxing hot shower for de-stressing the mind and shedding away the physical fatigue or just the routine shower during colder months— a no pump water heater is a must-have fixture for the plumbing system even in a tropical country like Malaysia, where winters are not harsh. With its ability to provide hot water without the use of a pump, a no pump water heater is not only convenient but also the only reason it helps with water circulation and prevents bacteria from stagnating. This makes it a valuable addition to any home, improving both daily life and resale value.
However, buying the best no pump water heater is not easy, considering the market has too many options. Also, you need to distinguish them from expensive water heaters with pumps that offer instantaneous hot water supply to every nook and corner of the house by actively pumping the hot water.
We have put up this detailed guide to help you buy the best no pump water in Malaysia. We will discuss factors to consider when buying the best water heater. We will also discuss different types of water heaters without a pump. In the end, we will also review some of the best no pump water heaters that are available in the market right now.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into the discussion to know more about water heaters without pumps.
Difference Between AC and DC Water Heater
Before discussing water heater brands, we need to clear any confusion users might have about AC and DC water heaters. Here are a couple of points you need to understand about AC and DC water heaters.
- Electric heaters with pumps are often classified as AC or DC water heaters, depending on the type of pump they use. A water heater with a DC pump can also be referred to as a DC water heater. The same is the case with water heaters with AC pumps.
- DC water heaters are more efficient and less susceptible to electrical malfunctioning as compared to AC water heaters.
- DC water heaters’ efficiency and durability also make them a bit expensive than AC water heaters.
- The DC pump is quiet when in use, while the AC pumps are typically quite noisy.
Types of No Pump Waters Heaters
We can classify no pump water heaters into these categories.
- Storage Water Heater
- Tankless Water Heater
- Heat Pump Water Heater
- Solar-Powered Water Heater
Storage Water Heater
The storage water heater is the conventional water heater that has been around for decades. It’s a large appliance that features a heating element with a water reservoir and plumbing connections. Storage water heaters usually operate on natural gas. However, many newer models also offer electrical heating.
This type of no pump water heaters boasts great hot water capacity at any point in time. Therefore, it’s perfect for large households where hot water is needed at more than one tap/faucet/shower at the same time.
Benefits of a Storage Water Heater
- Offers a large hot water capacity, great for big families
- A low maintenance water heater type with a relatively lower operating cost
Downsides of a Storage Water Heater
- Offers poor efficiency due to radiant heat loss
- Installation can be a hassle and needs a lot of space
Tankless Water Heater
It is a modern variant of conventional water heaters. They are space-efficient water heaters made without tanks. They are primarily used for particular locations instead of supplying the entire house and offer an instant supply of hot water, which is not the case with storage water heaters.
Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
- Space-efficient, easy to install
- Doesn’t involve energy losses
Downsides of a Tankless Water Heater
- Can’t provide a large amount of hot supply at a time
- Not suitable for big families
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump water heater is a sustainable variant of a no pump water heater. Unlike a traditional water heater, it doesn’t generate heat through a heating element to turn the cold water supply hot. Instead, it heats the water by transferring heat from the environment (surrounding air or underneath the ground) to the water reservoir. This process also emits cooler air, which can be vented to the attic or an adjoining space using a venting kit from the manufacturer. The heat pump sits on top of the water tank, making heat pump water heaters three to five times more efficient than standard water heaters.
Benefits of a Heat Pump Water Heater
- An efficient type of water heater
- Involves minimal carbon/ greenhouse footprint
Downsides of a Heat Pump Water Heater
- Expensive to install
- Might not work in areas with a colder climate
- Can’t offer steady hot water stream amid continuous consumption
Solar-Powered Water Heater
Solar-powered water heaters are another eco-friendly no pump water heater. It’s even better than a heat pump water heater because it uses no external power at all. A typical solar-powered unit features a network of thermal solar collectors that uses sun rays to heat the water inside them.
Benefits of a Solar-Powered Water Heater
- Offers usage with no operating cost
- Doesn’t contribute to greenhouse emissions
Downsides of a Solar-Powered Water Heater
- High upfront cost
- Requires a lot of open space to offer meaningful hot water supply
- Can’t be used at night or on cloudy/rainy/foggy days
Benefits of Using No Pump Water Heater
There are multiple reasons why modern no pump water heaters, especially with tankless configuration, are so popular among homeowners.
Easy to Use
No pump waters are easy to use in every sense of the word. If we particularly talk about the modern tankless variants, they don’t occupy large spaces. You can easily install them on bathroom and kitchen walls without much hassle. Since they don’t occupy a horizontal footprint, they are great for places with small square footage. Additionally, tankless water heaters do not require a pump, making them even easier to use and install. In fact, they can even be hooked up to a non-pressurized water source, such as a bucket of filtered river water, using a standard garden hose hookup. However, it is important to properly vent the heater to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Apart from easy installation, their modern control panels don’t involve complex operations and handling. Anyone can use them without skimming through the user manual first.
Save Energy and Bills
A modern no pump water heater also saves energy and subsequently cuts down utility bills. Like their storage tank counterparts, tankless no pump water heaters don’t give off radiant heat losses. Also, since they don’t feature an AC or DC pump, their overall power consumption remains low.
In the long run, it means you need less energy per gallon to heat the water. On the one hand, this efficient use of energy reduces the greenhouse footprint of your household. On the other hand, it will save you a significant amount of money every month.
Offers Utmost Comfort
No pump water heaters with tankless configuration offer the hot water comfort that most Malaysian consumers strive for. To begin with, they can get the instant hot water supply without needing to flush out the cold water from the pipes and wasting gallons of clean water every month. Moreover, they can easily setup those no pump electric heaters into a hot shower appliance using pex piping for maximum efficiency and comfort.
On the other hand, no pump electric heaters with storage are great for big families where people need hot water in multiple bathrooms at the same time. They supply hot water well, ensuring that everyone in their own house can comfortably enjoy a warm shower, as well as use hot water for other purposes such as filling a bathtub or using a washing machine, without waiting for others to close the hot water tap.
Things to Consider When Buying a No Pump Water Heater
Let’s look at the factors you need to consider when you have to pick a no pump water heater from multiple options available.
Budget/Cost
You can find pump water heaters lying at a range of price points. From options lingering around a couple of hundreds of dollars to heater units north of three-figure price tags, you will find no pump water heaters for all sorts of budgets. The cost primarily varies based on the size and brand of the water heater, with potential savings of thousands of dollars over the product’s lifespan.
Capacity
If you are looking for a water heater for large family requirements, a storage unit becomes an automatic no pump water heater choice. A storage water heater with 50-60 gallons of capacity is good enough for a family of 3-4 and multiple consumption points. With tankless, no pump water heaters, you need to factor in their flow rate to determine their capacity and temp. Make sure to consider the amount of hot water your household uses and verify that the heat pump water heater can supply enough hot water for your needs, or consider using a pressure tank to increase the capacity of your water heater.
Tankless water heaters can offer a flow rate in the range of 2-12GMP (gallons per minute). Here, we will give you a rough estimate on how to pick the right size tankless water heater for your requirements: If you are using a shower and two taps with hot water at the same time, you will need a tankless system with approximately 3-5GPM flow rate. For individual use, the flow rate in a couple of litres would also suffice for low flow fixtures such as a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, dishwasher, and washer. However, it is important to consider the capacity of the heater, as a higher GPM does not necessarily mean a higher capacity.
Energy Efficiency
If you are an eco-conscious consumer and also want to keep your utility bills in check, you will need an energy-efficient water heater with a hot water recirculation system. A tankless/instant hot water heater with a recirculating pump is a great option for energy efficiency, as it heats water on demand and continuously circulates hot water through the pipes. This method is more energy-efficient than traditional tank-based water heaters, which constantly use energy to keep the water hot. Additionally, electric tankless/instant hot water heaters with a recirculating pump offer even better efficiency than old gas-powered units. Choosing an energy-efficient hot water recirculation system, such as a thermosyphon hot water system, is an important step in reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on utility bills.
Warranty
An extended full warranty on any water heater indicates its great functionality, durability, and failsafe use. However, the duration of the warranty might also affect the price of the heater unit. For instance, a water heater with a 3-year warranty will be expensive than a heater with a 1-year warranty featuring the same configuration, capacity, and functions. Additionally, sediment buildup can reduce the lifespan of your water heater, so it is important to regularly maintain and clean your unit to ensure it remains covered under warranty. Some units offer several years worth of warranty for the heating element in the water heater, making it a wise investment to hire a professional plumber to ensure proper installation and maintenance.
Location
Location is another thing you might have to consider when picking a water heater. Storage water heaters are primarily installed at the main water supply. Meanwhile, a tankless water heater without a pump will be installed at an individual point of use (e.g., a shower).
All the above information will come in quite handy in picking the best no pump water heater for your use.
We have reviewed some top-quality best water heaters available in the Malaysian market to help you further in picking the right option.
Best No Pump Water Heater Malaysia
1. DEKA Water Heater without Pump [D50]
Best Budget Option for Individual Use
If you are looking for anything under RM200 for your individual use, this no pump water heater by DEKA is certainly an option worth considering. This water heater offers a seamless flow of 1 liter of hot water every minute with its extra-durable ceramic stop valve.
We also like this water heater for its multiple protection features. Its thermostat has an anti-scaling coating, and its entire body boasts an IP25 rating, which means it is splash-proof. This no pump water heater also features a double-pole ELSD cut-off switch for maximum electric safety.
Another impressive bit about this budget water heater is its extended warranty. When most budget options come with a one-year warranty, you get seven years of manufacturer’s warranty for the heating element with every DEKA water heater without a pump.
Specifications:
- Power: 3.6kW
- Splash-proof to International IP25 Specification
- Water Flow Rate: 43.5 p.s.i Min.
- Water Flow Rate: 1 Litre/min
- Product Dimension (H x W x D) 340 x 240 x 86mm
2. Toshiba Water Heater with No Pump [DSK38S5MW]
Best Budget Option from a Big Brand
Contrary to popular belief, you can buy a budget water heater from a top-quality brand. Case in point: this Toshiba Water Heater with No Pump. This Toshiba appliance is a suitable option for individual use with its 1.5-liter per minute flow rate. The heater features a smart control with an LED display to offer hassle-free temperature management and a copper heating element for efficient heating.
Toshiba has used a dual heating element to ensure better efficiency. Moreover, its propriety Whirl Water Flow technology prevents any accidental scalding by stabilizing the temperature all the time.
Real-time earth connection monitoring of this Toshiba no pump water heater is also worth mentioning. It keeps the use of the heater hazard-proof. Also, the heater comes with a showerhead that boasts five different spray patterns.
Specifications:
- Stepless Control
- Built-in Auto Flow Sensor
- Rated Power: 3800W
- Rated Voltage: 240V
- Rated Frequency: 50Hz
3. Joven Instant Water Heater [SC33M]
The Best Water Heater for Showers
If you don’t want to compromise on your hot showers, consider this Joven Instant Water Heater. The water heater offers up to eight liters of warm water supply per minute. This means you can stand in the shower for as long as you like with a continuous spurt of hot water.
This Joven water heater is also great with its visual profile. It boasts a slim casing with a double-layer 2K paint finish in white, dark silver, and dark gray colors with IP25 splash-proof rating. The shower extension has a chrome-plated slider bar set with a triple reinforced hose. In short, the shower will maintain its look even after extensive use.
Joven Instant water heater also fares great on the safety front. It features anti-scalding technology, thermal cutout, and surge/current leakage protectors.
Specifications:
- Built-In ELCB
- Auto Flow Sensor Switch
- Splash Proof Casing IP25
- Silent Plus DC Inverter Pump
- 5 Spray Pattern Luxurious Hand Shower
4. Alpha Water Heater without Pump [X5E]
A Basic Water Heater for Shower
Alpha Water Heater is another suitable option for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly heating option for hot showers. It is a perfect connection for 15mm water outlets with its minimum flow rate of 3-liter per minute. Like any good-quality no pump water heater, this one also covers all the needed bases for efficient water heating.
To begin with, it has a splash-proof rating and thermal cutoff switch to prevent any damage to the heater. Moreover, its internal casing made of strong and non-conductive nylon fiber further improves its protection index and offers users complete electric safety.
The electronic panel of the Alpha Heater makes for easy temperature control. The water heater also comes with a standard warranty.
Specifications:
- 3600W
- Built-in ELCB Splash Proof Casing – IP25
- Standard Flow Switch System Anti-Leak Tank
5. ELBA Water Heater [EWH-G3660]
A No-Nonsense Water Heater
A basic water heater design with no frills offers easy water usage and less room for any possible malfunctions. This ELBA Water heater is exactly that. Its basic design ensures you can use it right away after installation without any slip-up and help.
The water heater offers a flow rate of 2 liters per minute that’s enough to have de-stressing showers. ELBA also boasts all the safety features that any 1-point connection water heaters should have to prevent water damages to the machine and save users from electric and heating hazards.
We particularly like this Elba Water Heater’s 3-in-1 compact valve. It doesn’t just stop and allow the flow of hot water but also filters it before it leaves the showerhead.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption (kW) : 3.6kW
- Type of Pump : NON PUMP
- Voltage (V) /Frequency (Hz) : 240V ~ 50Hz/60Hz
- Min Water Pressure (Bar) : 0.2 bar
- Max Water Pressure (Bar) : 6 bar
- Min Flow Rate (L/min) : 2L/min
- Product Dimension(cm) : 44.0 (H) x 19.0 (W) x 8.9 (D)
6. Midea Water Heater without Pump [MWH38Q]
A Pocket-Friendly Water Heater for Showers
Midea has hit it out of the park by introducing this no pump water heater. It is easy on the pocket but without any feature cut and quality compromise. You get a 1-year warranty of parts and labor and a 6-year warranty on the heating element.
Apart from the basics of a thermal cutout, ELCB switch, and splash-proof casing, this water heater also features dry heating prevention. This safety feature activates and shuts off the heating element when the water flow through the heater drops below 1.2 liters per minute.
Moreover, glass fiber wires are used in this Midea water heater to further improve its safety index. The glass fiber securely insulates the wires and also improves their heat resistance.
Specifications:
- Package Dimension : 265W x 125D x 645mmH
- Package Weight : 1.6KG
- Product Dimension : 230W x 102D x 406mmH
- Product Weight : 3KG
7. Joven Water Heater without Pump [SA10e]
A Sleekly Designed Water Heater with Good Flow Rate
This is another Joven water heater on the list. It has made it to our list of best no pump water heaters because it strikes a perfect balance between design and capacity. It has a compact body frame with sleek white finishing and offers a maximum flow rate of 8 litres per minute. The Joven MWH-38Q is a 3.8kW electric water heater that does not come with a pump, making it a great option for those looking for a simple and efficient water heating solution with necessary accessories included. With a capacity of 38 liters, it is suitable for small to medium-sized households.
Its stepless electronic power control ensures hassle-free and energy-efficient use. Moreover, the built-in EELS system with a surge protector ensures no voltage damages to the device and electric shocks to the user.
We also like its slider bar set that complements well the sleek design of the heater. The quarter-turn ceramic SF valve of this Joven water heater is also worth mentioning. This ergonomic valve features a ceramic seal that ensures long-lasting use to control water volume. Apart from controlling the flow, it also filters the water.
Specifications:
- Built-In EELS System with Surge Protector
- Stepless Electronic Power Control
- IP25 Splash Proof Protection
- Quarter Turn Ceramic SF Valve (Built-In Filter, Water Saving Volume Control and Stop Valve)
8. RUBINE FLUSSO Water Heater With No Pump [RWH-FS390N-MAW]
A Water Heater with a Great Warranty Offer
Finding a budget-friendly water heater with good warranty credentials is no mean feat. We have picked this RUBINE FLUSSO water heater for our list because it boasts great warranty details. To begin with, this personal water heater with a 1-liter per minute flow rate offers the full 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on internal parts.
Then, there is a 7-year warranty on the heating element and a whopping 10-year warranty against leaks. If operated in line with given instructions, this pocket-friendly water heater can easily run for a decade without needing any significant maintenance or part replacement.
This RUBINE FLUSSO Water Heater also boasts a simple yet elegant design with hassle-free analog control. You also get the shower extension with this quality budget water heater with a multipoint adjustable showerhead.
Specifications:
- Wattage: 3.6kW 240V 50Hz
- Type: Non Pump
- 5 Spray Pattern Hand Shower Extra Safe DPDT Protection System
- Splash Proof Protection (IP25 Standard) UL-Approved High Quality Heating Element Technology From UK
- Built-in Auto Water Flow Switch
- Stop Valve With Filter
9. JOVEN Instant Water Heater [i90e]
One of the Slimmest Water Heaters on the Block
If you are looking for a water heater for your bathroom that doesn’t cram your bathroom space, consider the i90e Water Heater by Joven. The 7cm width of this 2-liter water heater makes sure that the heater’s horizontal projection doesn’t restrict your movement in the bathroom.
Like any top-of-the-line in Joven water heater, this one also features the EELS system along with thermal cutout and IP25 splash-proof casing to guarantee failsafe use. Moreover, the FCF valve filters the hot water stream and allows you to efficiently use the water in the shower.
We also like its newer in-mold casing that looks clean and stylish with a light and dark gray color combination. Its one-touch operation is also worth mentioning for its ease-of-use and water conservation attributes.
Specifications:
- Sleek and In-Mould Casing Technology
- 1 Touch Push On/Off Shower Button
- Energy Saving Inverter DC Pump 50%
- Silent Below 45dB
- Colour Options of 2 Colours
- Stepless Electronic Power Control
10. Joven Water Heater without Pump [SA20e]
A No Pump Water Heater Full of Features
This Joven no pump option has all the features that consumers want in a contemporary water heater. In terms of finishing, the water heater has a sleek and stylish casing with a 2K spray paint coating. This paint finish maintains its sheen amid all the moisture for a long time.
Like other Joven heaters, this one also features ten safety features— from anti-scalding technology to an SF valve with a built-in filter. We also like the shower extension of this Joven Water Heater. It consists of a slim slide bar with chrome finishing and a 5-feet long triple-reinforced hose.
Unlike other shower hoses, this one doesn’t develop leaks, rust, or discoloration even after years of use. Moreover, the showerhead offers three spray patterns (jet, maxi, and wide) so that you can tailor your shower in line with your mood.
Specifications:
- Sleek and Stylish Casing
- 2k Spray Paint Finish with 2 Colour Options
- Step-less Electronic Power Control
- 3.8” Shower Head (Pattern Pending)
- 3 Spray Shower Head
- Splash Proof IP25 Casing
11. Joven Instant Water Heater [SA8E]
A Stylish and Budget-Friendly Instant Water Heater
If you don’t want to spend too much on a shower water heater with one point connection, you can mull over SA8E by Joven. This water heater without a pump offers the minimum water flow of two liters per minute with its stylish, slim frame and stepless electron control.
We particularly like the combination of red and white in this Joven water heater. The bright white body features dark red bordering around the control knob, making the heater easy on the eyes when installed on a bathroom wall.
It also boasts ten safety features that have become a standard among almost all the latest Joven water heaters. Moreover, the shower extension features five spray patterns and comes with an inclinable wall bracket for convenient use.
Specifications:
- 3.8” Showerhead (Pat.Pending)
- 3 Spray Showerhead
- ¼ Turn Valve for turn On/Off Shower
- Triple Reinforced Hose
- Double Poles EELS System with 10mA sensitivity
- Splash Proof IP25 Casing
12. Joven Water Heater Rainshower [SB11e-RS]
A Water Heater with Complete Shower System
We are rounding off our list with yet another Joven no pump water heater. This water heater stands apart among all the models we have discussed because it doesn’t just come with a showerhead. Apart from a 4-inch showerhead, you also get an 8-inch rain shower with Joven SB11eRS.
With the rainshower of Joven SB11eRS, you can have immersive hot baths without needing a bathtub. This water heater with a comprehensive shower system also maintains all the Joven safety standards. Similarly, it also comes with a slim slider bar and an ergonomic quart-turn valve with ceramic sealing.
We also like its showerhead for its versatile patterns. From mist to massage spray, the showerhead allows you to customize your showers the way you want.
Specifications:
- Energy Saving Inverter DC Pump 50%
- Silent Below 35dB
- Double Layer 2K Spray Paint Finish with 4 Colour Options
- Stepless Electronic Power Control
- Extra Power On/Off Knob
Conclusion
We hope that this buying guide, along with product reviews, helps you pick the best no pump water heater for use. By now, you must have realized that you can easily get a water heater without breaking your bank. In fact, that luxurious hot shower may cost less than you think.
If we are to make any suggestion, we would recommend Toshiba Water Heater or Joven SB11eRS to our readers. We suggest the Toshiba water heater because it’s a top-quality personal water heater with impressive durability at a good price. On the other hand, we recommend Joven SB11eRS because it comes with a complete shower system.
If you find this guide helpful, please don’t forget to share it with your fellow homeowners looking for a top-quality no pump water heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a water heater with a pump and without a pump?
A water heater without a pump uses the regular pressure in your plumbing lines to move the hot water stream to the point of use (showerhead, tap, etc.). On the other hand, a water heater with a pump has an active component to move the water through the pipes. Water heaters with pumps come in handy when you have to move the heated water against gravity (to the upper floor) or need it instantly in multiple taps at once.
2. Are water heaters worth it?
Yes, a modern no pump water heater is worth your money, given the convenience and comfort it offers. They come at an affordable upfront cost with hassle-free installation and guarantees low operating expenses with their efficient features. Without breaking your bank and exhausting yourself in setting it up, you can improve the functionality of your bathroom by adding a no pump water heater to it.
3. How often should you replace your water heater?
When you should replace your water heater varies from model to model and your particular use. Nonetheless, if you install a top-quality water heater, you won’t have to replace it for at least 8-10 years.
