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Rated best value air conditioning brand across several factors Daikin’s visual appearance and reliability are highly regarded. Daikin products generally have a higher price tag but their air conditioning offers a lot more features, including reliability and efficiency. Kelvinator has been delivering fridges and air conditioning to Australian families over 90 years, after being founded in the United States. They are part of the Electrolux Group, one of the world's largest and most popular producers of appliances including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers, etc.
Daikin’s residential range are family and allergy friendly, acknowledged by the Sensitive Choice program for their air filtration and purification technology. Certain units include a lock system and temperature limits to avoid waste. The units deliver high performance, with Wi-Fi capabilities and a wide range of easily programmable controllers and control.
Albeit small, Kelvinator’s range of air conditioners offer energy efficiency and remote connectivity. They feature a concealed, dimmable digital display to assist in delivering a good night’s sleep. This range is easy to clean and operate, with flexible installation options and compact design. Some of Kelvinator’s units can be installed in mobile homes for those travelling. They can also be controlled remotely in the case of both split systems and window / wall units.
Daikin have a wide range of split systems including the US7 Series; Zena Series; Cora Series; Alira Series; Daikin Lite Series; Nexura Series and Floor Standing Series. This range is designed to provide comfort in varied Australian climates, covering all types of and homes. The split systems are energy efficient, with controllers offering high-tech features.
Kelvinator’s split system units contain a Demand Response Enabled Device. This means an electricity supplier can utilise the function to reduce usage when the electrical grid is under strain, for example in the case of extreme weather. Users with this function can receive financial rewards in some states. Kelvinator users can clean some of their split system filters themselves rather than having to buy new ones, reducing waste.
Our scoring system take into account reliability, energy efficiency, affordability, breadth of systems, kW capacities, features and other factors. Daikin's split system range was rated at 4.5 out of 5 and Kelvinator’s at 4 out of 5. These scores suggest that both brands are good options to consider while you are looking for the unit to fit your specifications.
Daikin’s main ducted ranges are: Premium Inverter Ducted Series; Inverter Ducted Series; Slim-Line Ducted Series; Bulkhead Ducted System Series. Daikin’s ducted series are compact and efficient. The new inverter series and bulkhead systems are specifically designed to fit into tight spaces in any modern building. They fit well with surrounding décor as the the controller, return air and discharge grilles are the only visible parts inside your home. Our team rated Daikin's range at 4 out of 5.
The Altherma Bi-Bloc Hydronic Heating Series is Daikin’s Hydronic system. The system provides heating, cooling and hot water for the kitchen, laundry, showers and baths. It offers energy efficiency, cutting energy costs and needing less space, as a gas system isn’t required. The hydrobox can be positioned inside the house for those lacking in outside space. Our team rated Daikin's Hydronic Heating range at 3.5 out of 5 overall
Daikin’s VRV IV-S and SUPER MULTI NX (R32) units are ideal for apartment living, or anywhere external space is limited. They require just a single unit to control multiple inside air conditioning units. The VRV IV-S can cover large spaces of up to 14 rooms while the SUPER MULTI NX (R32) can heat or cool up to 5 rooms. Depending on the inside unit Daikin’s multi-system units can feature purification and sensors. We rated this range at 4 out of 5.
Daikin and Kelvinator have developed commercial products that can be used in diverse environments. Both brands offer support to help clients select the right systems to meet their needs. Of the two Daikin has the wider range of applications.
Daikin’s Super Multi NX (R32) L-Series, DTXF-T Series, Cora Series, Daikin Lite, Floor Standing Series, Nexura Series (Floor Standing) and US7 Series offer options suitable for commercial needs, including kitchens and retail outlets. To fit different spaces wall mounted or floor standing options are available.
Kelvinator’s split system range can deliver a solution for smaller rooms including individual offices or staff kitchens and bathrooms. They are particularly suited to one storey or independent office buildings. Kelvinator’s range can provide comfort for small or larger rooms, with multiple spaces conditioned through one outdoor unit.
Daikin offers an impressive range of choice in this area, whereas Kelvinator’s is limited but effective. The review team rated Daikin’s range 4 out of 5, with Kelvinator receiving 3 out of 5.
Daikin’s commercial ducted units have a variety of capacities up to 16.0 kW, making them appropriate for a wide range of spaces. They are part of Daikin’s Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) range as below and were rated 4 out of 5
Daikin’s VRV systems offer climate management solutions in a commercial space. This group includes; Gas Heat Pump Outdoor Unit, VRV Air Handling Unit Series, VRV H Heat Pump, VRV III-Q Outdoor Unit, VRV IV Water Cooling Outdoor Unit and the VRV IV-S. These are designed to work with indoor units on large sites, for example shopping malls, schools and office blocks etc. Built to handle higher capacities this series was rated 4 out of 5
Kelvinator’s Window Wall units are easy to keep clean and ideal for where space is at a minimum such as in a moveable office on a construction site. These units provide comfort without the need for an outside unit so they are space saving and ideal for temporary structures. Our team gave Kelvinator’s range a 4 out of 5 as they are flexible and cost-effective.
Daikin’s Light Commercial Applications deliver energy saving functions. Their wide-angle airflow and long air throwing capabilities reach all parts of the room and can be used in smaller commercial spaces like shops, restaurants and small offices. Solutions in this range include Ceiling Suspended Sky Air, Fully Flat Cassette SkyAir, Round Flow Cassette SkyAir, and Wall Mounted SkyAir. This range was rated at 4 out of 5.
