Daikin MCK55W Air Purifier & Humidifier – Hands-on Review!

Full Review

The Daikin MCK55W is one of the few 2-in-1 air purifier and humidifier devices that I have tried.

It’s a premium device featuring excellent build quality, high-grade filters, and impressive results across all of our tests.

After using it for some time, I’ll be sharing the full test results along with a detailed analysis of all its features and specifications in this article.

How We Tested the Daikin MCK55W?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Daikin MCK55W in two separate performance tests, one in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and the other in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Daikin MCK55W run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Daikin MCK55W in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

As with every air purifier we have tested so far, we tested the airborne particle removal performance of the Daikin MCK55W. We placed it in two rooms of different sizes.

In addition, I used the Daikin air purifier in my living room for some time, and what I can say is that this is a very effective air purifier, especially in turbo mode and with the Streamer technology enabled.

However, I expected it to be somewhat more effective at neutralizing bad odors, VOCs, and smoke. For that purpose, I would still go with a model such as the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. or perhaps the IQAir HealthPro Plus.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), which is slightly smaller than the recommended dimensions, the Daikin MCK55W reduced PM2.5 particle levels from 105.3 to 6.3 µg/m³.

That represents an air quality improvement of approximately 93% in just 60 minutes of running at maximum speed.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In the second test, this time in a room slightly larger than the manufacturer’s recommended dimensions, the Daikin once again delivered fantastic results.

In just 60 minutes of running at maximum speed, it improved air quality by approximately 90%.

However, compared to similar air purifiers in its class, I can’t say the Daikin stands out in terms of performance, especially when you factor in the price.

For example, the Levoit Vital 100S improved air quality by around 94% in the same test, while being several times more affordable. A few other models also achieved similar or slightly better results. See the chart below for a more detailed comparison.

All in all, I’d say the Daikin delivered excellent performance test results, but I did expect slightly better given the device’s premium price tag.

The Daikin MCK55W has four fan speeds. I tested the noise levels at each fan speed individually using a specialized noise measurement tool.

At the lowest speed, the Daikin MCK55W produces just 40.1 dBA, which is very quiet, especially for an air purifier of this size.

At maximum speed, it produces 57.6 dBA, placing it among the best noise-optimized air purifiers I have tested.

Just take a look at the chart, and you’ll see what I mean. All of the air purifiers I compared against the Daikin are significantly louder, particularly at maximum speed.

For example, the Bosch Air 2000 produces 62.7 dBA at max speed, despite being much smaller than the Daikin and having a lower CADR.

All in all, I would say the Daikin MCK55W is one of the best noise-optimized air purifiers I have tested.

When it comes to power consumption, although the Daikin MCK55W uses a 58W motor, it doesn’t draw full power at all times. Essentially, when the humidifier feature is turned on, it will consume slightly more power.

We tested energy consumption at all fan speeds. At maximum speed, the Daikin draws 50.6W. This means that if you were to run this air purifier at max speed, 24 hours a day for a full month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $4.44.

Honestly, this is much higher consumption than I expected. Compared to other air purifiers in the same category that I have included on this list, the Daikin is by far the biggest energy consumer. The next highest consumer, as you can see in the chart, is the AirFanta 3Pro, which would cost just $2.89 under identical conditions.

In addition to electricity costs, there is also the cost of replacement filters. While the replacement filter is somewhat more expensive, it isn’t a major expense since it doesn’t need to be replaced very often, at least according to the manufacturer’s claims.

All in all, although the Daikin consumes more electricity than its competitors, it uses a filter that lasts up to 10 years, making it quite affordable to maintain on an annual basis.

Filtration Technology

The Daikin MCK55W uses what Daikin calls a “Catch and Clean” approach, a multi-stage filtration system where pollutants are first physically captured and then actively decomposed.

It uses four-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, an electrostatic HEPA filter, a deodorizing catalyst, and Streamer technology.

The key distinction from most competing air purifiers is that the MCK55W doesn’t just trap pollutants; it actively breaks them down at a molecular level while they sit on the filter.

This is meant to keep the filters cleaner for longer and prevent captured bacteria or allergens from being re-released into the air.

Pre-filter

The first filtration stage is a pre-filter that’s attached to the filter cover.

It’s a nylon mesh whose main purpose is to capture large particles such as dust, hair, pet hair, and similar.

However, I actually don’t like it when the pre-filter is “glued” to some other part, as that makes it harder to clean it properly.

Electrostatic HEPA Filter

Unlike traditional HEPA filters that rely solely on the physical fineness of their mesh to trap particles, Daikin’s filter fibers are charged with static electricity, collecting particles efficiently through electrostatic forces.

This makes the filter resistant to clogging and results in low pressure loss, allowing a larger volume of air to pass through. A standard non-electrostatic HEPA filter needs an increasingly fine mesh to catch smaller particles, which inevitably leads to higher airflow resistance and faster clogging.

Daikin’s approach sidesteps this trade-off: the electrostatic charge attracts particles to the fibers regardless of mesh density, so the filter maintains consistent airflow performance over time.

The filter removes 99.97% of fine particles at 0.3 microns, meeting true HEPA standards.

Daikin claims the electrostatic HEPA filter doesn’t need to be replaced for 10 years thanks to its resistance to clogging, though real-world longevity may vary depending on environment and usage intensity.

Deodorizing Catalyst

The third filtration stage is the deodorizing catalyst, whose main purpose is to neutralize and remove bad odors, smoke, and VOCs from the air. This filter captures and absorbs odors without becoming saturated the way traditional activated carbon filters do.

The reason for this is the regeneration cycle: the deodorizing filter absorbs and then decomposes odors, and its deodorizing capacity is maintained because the absorption capacity is regenerated by the Streamer discharge.

In practical terms, the Streamer continuously breaks down the absorbed substances on the deodorizing filter, freeing up adsorption capacity so the filter can keep working without losing effectiveness over time.

This is a fundamentally different approach from a standard activated carbon filter, which gradually fills up and must be replaced once saturated.

However, I found that even with this advanced technology, air purifiers such as the Austin Air HealthMate Jr., which uses a pellet-based carbon filter, perform much better in odor neutralization and removal than the Daikin.

Flash Streamer

Flash Streamer is Daikin’s patented plasma discharge technology, developed in 2004, that generates high-speed electrons capable of powerful oxidative decomposition.

Here’s how the three-step process works: first, the Streamer discharge generates high-speed electrons; second, those electrons collide with nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air to produce highly reactive compounds; third, those compounds attack and break down the surface proteins of harmful substances, effectively destroying them.

Compared to standard plasma discharge (glow discharge), Daikin’s Streamer operates over a wider three-dimensional range, resulting in an oxidative decomposition speed over 1,000 times greater at the same electrical power. Daikin compares the decomposition strength to thermal energy of approximately 100,000 °C.

It inactivated 99.97% of SARS-CoV-2 after 3 hours of irradiation, and effectiveness has also been demonstrated against influenza, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and over 30 types of allergens. That said, these are controlled lab tests on the Streamer component itself, and real-world performance in an actual room will differ.

Humidifier Function

Besides cleaning the air, the Daikin MCK55W can also change the humidity in the air. The humidifier is turned on and off by pressing the Hum On/Off button.

Water consumption ranges from 200 ml/h at the lowest speed to 500 ml/h at maximum, meaning a full tank lasts roughly 13.5 hours at minimum speed and about 5.5 hours at maximum speed.

You should know that the air purifier function can’t be turned off; it’s always working.

It has a filter, so we can say that this humidifier is an evaporative type. This also means that you can use tap water in the water tank without worrying about white dust. Actually, Daikin recommends not using distilled or a similar type of water. You shouldn’t ever pour essential oils or similar into the water, as this is a water-only humidifier.

While this is a pretty good, efficient, and well-made humidifier, I would always recommend getting a standalone humidifier device. In the past few months, I have tested dozens of humidifiers, and in the following months, I plan to publish some reviews in this category, so I will have better recommendations and insights on this topic.

How to Replace the Daikin MCK55W Filter?

The procedure for replacing the filter is slightly more complicated than the procedure for some air purifiers I have tested.

Still, there isn’t anything special to do, and there’s nothing you can’t do by yourself.

According to Daikin, you should only replace the electrostatic HEPA filter; all the other filters don’t need to be replaced, or they only need to be cleaned, such as the pre-filter, for example.

For the replacement procedure, you would need more than 10 minutes.

Installation and Setup

The Daikin MCK55W doesn’t require any special preparation before the first start, but it still requires some steps to be completed.

First, you should check if all the filters are in place. Then, if you plan to use the humidifier feature, you should fill the water tank with tap water.

Then, just place it in the desired location, plug it in, and turn it on.

Design

Frankly, it looks like a typical Japan-made device. It doesn’t resemble a modern US or European air purifier.

Still, the build quality is extraordinary, everything is in its place, and the plastic is of pretty good quality.

What I also like is that it has four wheels that you can attach to the bottom of the device, which would definitely make it easier to move from room to room.

It’s available in white, and overall, I would say that even though it looks a bit outdated, it will find its place in most homes.

Controls and Display

The Daikin MCK55W has controls and indicators on the control panel that’s placed on the top front of the device.

The controls are well arranged, but in my opinion, there are a lot of buttons, indicators, and icons, and everything looks a bit messy.

It would be much easier, better, and more user-friendly if it had a smart app.

Airflow

The air inlets are located on the sides and at the bottom of the device.

The air is then filtered and exits through the fan grilles on the top of the device.

Size and Dimensions

The Daikin MCK55W is a bulky air purifier with the dimensions of 27.6 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches (70 x 27 x 27 cm) and a weight of 20.9 lb (9.5 kg).

Luckily, it has an option to attach the wheels on the bottom, so moving it from room to room won’t be a problem.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the Daikin MCK55W, you will get all the filters pre-installed, wheels, a humidifier filter, a user manual, and a remote controller.

Features Overview

The Daikin MCK55W isn’t a smart air purifier, but it still has many advanced features that I’m going to mention below.

Triple Sensor System

The MCK55W has three sensor types: a dust/PM2.5 sensor (displayed in 3 stages), an odor sensor (displayed in 3 stages), and a humidity sensor (displayed in 5 stages).

These sensors work together to give the unit real-time awareness of air quality. The indicator lamps on top of the unit change color based on what the sensors detect, so you get a visual readout of how dirty or clean the air currently is. These sensors also work with auto mode.

What I like about the sensors is that the odor sensor calibrates itself during the first minute after the power plug is inserted.

Daikin recommends plugging the unit in when the air is clean and odor-free, so the sensor has a proper baseline.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is an excellent feature for anyone looking for automation of their air purifier.

When in auto mode, the device will change the fan speed based on the current air quality in the room. It will get the data through the air quality sensor.

ECONO Mode

ECONO mode automatically switches between Quiet and Low fan speeds based on contamination levels detected by the sensors. Compared to auto mode, ECONO mode uses significantly less energy.

However, the trade-off is that fan speed is limited to Quiet and Low only, so air purifying and humidifying capacity is reduced.

This mode is best suited for nighttime or when you want minimal power draw in an already relatively clean room.

FAQ on Daikin MCK55W