The bathroom is a highly humid place. Without proper ventilation to carry this humidity out of the air, your walls and ceiling can succumb to damp problems including mold and mildew. This can be costly and tiresome to put right again. For this, you need a bathroom exhaust fan. There are many different kinds to choose from. Thus, we have put together some reviews of the best bathroom exhaust fans so that you can choose the best one for your needs. If you need a little more information about bathroom exhaust fans, you can get some assistance from our useful buying guide, which gives you some pointers on what to look for when making your decision.
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What to Consider When Buying a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
When you are thinking about purchasing a bathroom exhaust fan, there are a number of things that you should consider to ensure that you purchase the best one for your bathroom. This bathroom exhaust fan buying guide is just what you need if you want to find out the benefits of installing an extractor fan. You may even find an explanation for some of the terms that are used in bathroom exhaust fan specifications so that you know just what you are looking at. We recommend you invest in a small dehumidifier for your bathroom.
Measure Up
The first thing that you will need to do is check how large your bathroom is. Bathroom exhaust fans come with their own individual specifications and you should check the CFM rate to see how much air the fan can exchange per minute. The number given refers to the cubic meter measurement, so you need to take three measurements. Measure the width of the bathroom and the length and then finally, you will need to measure the height. Some bathrooms have higher ceilings and customers can make the mistake of forgetting this and purchase a bathroom exhaust fan that is insufficient for their needs.
Sound Check
When you are looking for bathroom fans, you should check what the sound rating is. The lower the sones number, the quieter the fan is. If you choose a fan that is noisy, it may keep you awake all night if you need to leave it on for longer and it will be an annoying noise whilst you are in the bath or the shower. Check out the whisper models for some great low-noise choices.
Some fans have an on/off indicator light to let you know if it is on or not. If the fan is particularly quiet, you may not be able to even hear that it is on. You will be grateful for being able to see at a glance whether it is off or not so that you don’t waste energy by leaving it on when you don’t need it.
The best kind of fan to get if you want to be sure that it will be quiet is one that is brushless. This kind of fan is quiet because there are no brushes to rub against other parts of the fan. As long as the motor itself is also quiet, you can be confident that these kinds of fans will be best for your needs.
Energy Rating
Your bathroom exhaust fan should be as low power consumption as possible. This will ensure that you can keep your bills down and feel better than you are reducing your carbon footprint. Just because a fan is larger does not mean that it has a higher power consumption than a smaller fan, so do not make this assumption. Instead, you will need to ensure that you read the specifications carefully and compare against all the other options to check that you are buying the one with the best power consumption.
Size
When you are going to install a bathroom exhaust fan, you will need to ensure that you will have the room in your bathroom to install it. Will you need to take out an entire tile from your bathroom wall or even remove part tiles? Will you need to cut into your wall to install a fan for the first time or are you simply replacing an existing fan? You should consider the size of the area that you currently have to work with if you are replacing an existing fan. One that is too small will require that the existing hole is filled in a little, which can have aesthetic problems whilst a larger fan will require the hole to be made larger, which requires more work and special tools. For that reason, you should try to replace an existing fan with one of identical size.
Mounting Options
You should decide where you would like to install the fan and make sure that you purchase one that is fit for purpose. One can have a wall-mounted fan or a ceiling-mounted fan. You will need to ensure that your ceiling is strong enough to support the weight of the ceiling fan and that there is somewhere to safely set the ceiling mount to if this is the kind of fan that you want. Ceiling fans should come with special brackets that minimize the noise that is caused by the vibrations of the fan against the ceiling when it is in operation.
Durability
As with any other item that you purchase, you will want to be sure that your bathroom fan will last you for a long time. They are a relatively expensive item and are not something that we particularly desire or enjoy. Thus, they can seem like a purchase that is not glamorous. To avoid needing to purchase a new fan prematurely, you should ensure that you purchase one that will last you for a long time.
Fans that are brushless will not require any maintenance, as they do not have brushes that need to be replaced. You should also look out for permanently lubricated motors so that you never need to have the motor lubricated.
Of course, bathroom fans are exposed to a large amount of moisture whilst they are being used in your bathroom. Therefore, you should look at the materials that are used to make them. To protect the finish against becoming rusted or peeling, you should look out for the fans that are finished with rust-resist paint. Most of the housing for bathroom exhaust fans are also made using the galvanized metal material. For a long time, galvanizing metals has been a popular way of protecting them against damage caused by water and salt deposits. So, you can trust that this build quality will be good enough to keep your exhaust fan in the best condition for longer.
Features
Once you have worked out the minimum requirements that you need for your bathroom exhaust fan, you can consider the various different features. Bathroom fans often come in a plain style without any additional features other than functioning as a fan. However, there are others that are far more advanced.
There are some bathroom exhaust fans that come with lights or light sockets built into the fan’s body. This ensures that you are able to fit light bulbs to the exhaust fan and this allows you to have additional light in your bathroom. These kinds of fans are especially popular for those who have a bathroom without windows, or with limited lighting. If you are in the shower and have a shower curtain drawn, you will benefit from the additional light whilst you are showering, as your main lighting may not reach the shower whilst you have the curtain closed.
Bluetooth fans are the very latest kinds of fans to have come onto the market. These fans have a Bluetooth speaker built into the fan, and this will be able to be paired with your Bluetooth-enabled storage device. Connect your phone, laptop computer or your tablet to the speakers and enjoy crystal clear sounds. This allows you to listen to your favorite music in the shower or bath without needing to have any concern about your water-sensitive devices. You can change the volume of the music or change the music track with ease thanks to the control panel that comes with the bathroom fan.
Fans
When you are looking for a bathroom exhaust fan, you should consider how much you would be able to put towards one. Everyone has different budgets, and there is a fan available out there to suit everyone. If you have a higher budget, you will be able to purchase a fan that is not only high quality but one that also has special features to offer you such as inbuilt speakers or lights. People with lower budgets should choose the best quality fan that they can possibly afford.
Warranty
When you purchase any electrical item, it is always a good idea to ensure that it is protected in some way or another against faults and damages. Warranties will offer you peace of mind. Depending on the kind of warranty offered, it could also mean that you will be guaranteed to have a working exhaust fan in your bathroom for many years to come.
Look out for limited lifetime warranties. You should be cautious when purchasing a fan that offers this kind of warranty. It is usually not very extensive and only covers manufacturer’s defects and only certain parts of the fan.
Shorter warranties of 1-5 years may offer you a guarantee against not only the moving parts of the fan but also against the finish of the fan. If the galvanized metal or the rust-proof paint is not adequate enough, then they may fail to prevent the unit from becoming rusted. There are a number of problems that can arise if your bathroom fan develops rust. Therefore, a warranty that includes this protection would be an ideal choice.
Do you know what else would make taking a shower blissful? A top-quality shower valve.
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Panasonic Ceiling Mounted Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Broan SPK110 Sensonic Speaker Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Ultra Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Fan by Akicon |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Broan 655 Heater and Heater Bath Fan with Light Combination |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Broan NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Delta Breez GBR80 GreenBuilder Exhaust Fan |
| View On Amazon | |
 | Delta Breez SLM70 Slim Exhaust Fan |
| View On Amazon |
Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan Reviews (Updated List)
1. Panasonic Ceiling Mounted Fan
Here we have a ceiling fan from Panasonic with 110 CFM and only 0.7 sones, you can bet this is one of the quietest fans on our list. The unit is a combination of exhaust fan, heater, light, and nightlight. This product is Energy Star certified and complies with several other standards and codes such as LEED and Washington VIAQ.
This fan needs to be vented outside. What is more, it has two fans, one that draws air from outside, heats, and releases it in your bathroom. And another exhausts the steam from the bathroom to the outside. What is more, both fans are controlled by separate switches. Bear in mind that no switch comes with the fan. You need to purchase a three-function switch and ducting separately. The box includes the fan, the bulbs, and the mounting screws and brackets.
Inside the fan’s box is a backdraft preventer, so external air doesn’t enter your bathroom through the unit. Also, the product uses CFL bulbs, but you can replace them with LEDs if you want. It may sound unrealistic, but you can use this product’s heating function as a substitution for a wall heater. Such types of bathroom heating devices can be a safety hazard, especially if you often leave towels or clothes on them. This fan gives you a better and safer option to keep your bathroom warm.
Panasonic is a well-known brand that takes pride in all their quality products. You won’t be sorry if you choose their fan for your bathroom if your budget allows it.
2. Broan SPK110 Sensonic Speaker Fan
If you think that bathroom exhaust fans are boring and mundane, think again. How about a bathroom exhaust fan that can double up as an entertainment system? Yes, you read that right! The Broan SPK110 is not only a great bathroom exhaust fan, but it also comes with an inbuilt speaker. Instead of hearing an annoying fan noise from the appliance, you can hear your favorite music!
If you have a Bluetooth-enabled device that can transmit files as well as receive them, you will be able to pair it with this exhaust fan. That is how you get the music to the fan. The Bluetooth technology means that you don’t need any special wires and you can leave your device outside the room. The high-quality speaker will ensure that you hear your favorite music crystal clear. In addition, you will have full control over the volume of the speaker too.
Not only is this exhaust fan a great sound system, but it will effectively and efficiently extract the humid air out of your bathroom. The quiet operation of the fan ensures that it won’t be an annoyance even if you are not using the speaker. If you are using the Bluetooth music player, you can be sure that the fan will not interfere with the quality of the sound output.
This fan can be safely installed over your bathtub or your shower if you wish as it is UL listed. You will need to remember to use a GFCI protected branch circuit when you are installing the fan, though. The motor engineering that has gone into the design of this fan ensures that you will be able to enjoy continuous operation at all times.
3. Ultra Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Fan by Akicon
This is an ultra-quiet fan from Akicon, which also acts as a light or a nightlight. If you’re looking for a stylish looking fan for your bathroom, you can check out this product. This Akicon bathroom exhaust fan doubles as a lamp. What is more, it has the option of a night light, too. A good thing about their product is that you can wire the two functions – fan and lights – separately or together. What is more, you can use LED lights on this unit.
This fan is suitable for bathrooms up to 100 sq. ft. It’s a bit pricy unit, but there are several good reasons why. The style of the fan is unique, but it’s the ball-bearing motor that makes it durable and worth the cost. What is more, this bathroom exhaust fan is HVI certified.
The airflow noise levels this fan makes are all the way down to 110 CFM. For your ease of mind, this fan and light combination comes with three years warranty. The diameter of the fan’s base from edge to edge is about 17 inches. You’re supposed to install the fan on the ceiling. If you need it vertically installed, you may need a professional with good imagination to do it, but it’s not impossible. You’ll still need a regular household 110 volts power supply for the fan.
4. Broan 655 Heater and Heater Bath Fan with Light Combination
For a great exhaust fan at a low cost, you should consider this Broan 655 heater, light, and bathroom fan combination. It has been designed to be as functional as possible whilst also being highly effective in its main function as a bathroom fan.
With 70 CFM and 4.0 sones operation, you can be sure that this fan will be great in small to medium-sized bathrooms. It will safely and efficiently remove any humidity and odors in the atmosphere. It features a white polymeric grille so that you don’t need to worry about it standing out in your bathroom. Most people have at least got a white ceiling. So, the fan does not look too out of place regardless of your existing décor.
This fan also comes with a 1300 watt heater built-in. Maybe you don’t have to heat in your bathroom already. Maybe you don’t want to turn on your entire heating supply just to warm your bathroom whilst you shower. This heater can keep your bathroom warm while the fan is in operation. The heater offers you an efficient and even heat distribution around your bathroom. Also, you will be able to choose whether you want to use the fan, the heater or both at the same time. In case you need a separate heating supply for your house, check out our whole house electric tankless water heater reviews.
This fan combination also offers you an attachment for a 100-watt capacity bulb. This is not included, but if you wish, you can fit a bulb up to 100 watts to enjoy extra light when you need it.
5. Broan NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan
Just like other products in the long-lasting history of Broan, this ventilation fan will not disappoint you. The compact unit is designed to suit the needs of freshness in your bathroom. Not only that it functions appropriately, offering both light and ventilation, but it also comes at a great price that will not empty your wallet.
First comes installation. You will find this process very easy and straightforward. What might create an obstacle would be if you wanted to replace an old ventilation fan. Nonetheless, you will still manage to get there and enjoy the renewed, fresh air in your bathroom. There is no need to refill the tank with oils as the fan has a permanently lubricated motor. This will ensure long-lasting use.
This fan combines both ventilation and lighting. When you turn it one, it will suck excessive moisture and mildew. Soon all unpleasant odors will be gone from your bathroom. The lighting capacity can support bulbs of up to 100 watts. The lens is shatter-resistant and disperses light in smaller spaces.
Talking of space, note that this ventilation fan can cover bathrooms of up to 45 square feet area. If you mount it in a bigger room, the light will not be dispersed evenly. Moreover, the fan will not be able to cover the whole area adequately. However, if the fan is chosen accordingly to the size of the room, you will be provided with fresh air in no time. Another great advantage of this unit is that it comes in a versatile design that will blend with the contents of any room. Rest assured that the fan will not trouble you with annoying noises. If something is not okay with the product, contact the manufacturer in regards to the 1-year warranty.
6. Delta Breez GBR80 GreenBuilder Exhaust Fan
If you want great quality, power, and efficiency with your bathroom exhaust fan, you should check out this Delta Breez GreenBuilder GBR80. It is affordable for most budgets and you won’t lose out on any performance even at such a low price. This fan is perfect for smaller bathrooms as it has an airflow rate of 80CFM and the volume of this fan is quiet at just 0.6 sones.
You don’t need to worry about maintenance with this fan thanks to its brushless design. Brushless fans are preferable these days, as they don’t have brushes that require replacement when they wear. Brushless motors such as the one found in this fan allow the appliance to have very low power consumption and it is highly reliable.
Another feature that is favorable, especially in smaller bathrooms is the smaller profile of the fan. As it is smaller than many other fans with the same performance, it will not stand out so much in your smaller bathroom. Galvanized steel construction protects the unit against rust.
When you’re looking for a quiet fan for your bathroom, this fan from Delta is a great choice. It operates at just 0.6 sones thanks to the brushless technology. It also saves up to 74% energy based on a comparison of the energy consumption of fans with a similar specification.
As this fan is so quiet when it runs, there is a LED underneath it. This allows you to see whether it is on or not, even if you can’t hear it working.
7. Delta Breez SLM70 Slim Exhaust Fan
This Delta Breez slim exhaust fan is a small size fan that will not overpower your other bathroom features. It features one of the lowest noise outputs on this list of reviews, at just 2.0 sones. Even if you really try to listen well, you would be highly unlikely to hear this fan when it is on.
As this fan is so quiet, you may be wondering how you will be able to tell whether it is on or not. At the base of the grille, you will notice that there is an indicator light. This light will only come on if the fan is on.
To avoid the problems that can be caused to the body of metal items in a humid environment, this fan has galvanized steel housing. This will prevent moisture from causing this fan to rust or corrode.
A 70 CFM airflow allows you to place this bathroom exhaust fan into a smaller bathroom or a larger family bathroom. You can be sure that it will still be able to efficiently remove the humid air quickly. You can choose whether you’d like to install this fan in the ceiling or on the wall. Its mountings are suitable for both and it comes with a standard 3” duct.
The brushless motor is the reason why this fan is so quiet. It also means that you will not need to worry about anything going wrong with the fan. It is likely that this high-quality fan will outlast most of the other appliances in your bathroom.
Bathroom Exhaust Fan Brands
When it comes to choosing the best bathroom exhaust fan for your home, you should think about which manufacturer you would choose. Different manufacturers offer different collections of products, and some brands can be better than others too when it comes to choice, price, and durability.
Panasonic is a great brand that has been around for a long time. Not only do they make bathroom fans, but they have also been successful in selling other electronic items for years from TVs to razors. Most of Panasonic’s customers are happy with the quality of their products and there is strong brand loyalty with this brand. You can find a good range of fans available for most budgets and most of these fans are incredibly quiet in their operation.
Broan is another manufacturer offering high-quality products. This is a slightly lesser-known brand than Panasonic. However, if you want trendy and reliable appliances, this is a good brand to search for. The wireless Bluetooth speakers that are built into the SPK110 model, for example, will ensure that you can listen to your favorite music. Thanks to their quiet operation fans, you will not need to worry about Broan fan being too noisy. One of the setbacks that you may come across when choosing a Broan fan is that the CFM airflow rating doesn’t change much between models. Therefore, you might not be able to get the balance quite right if you have a particularly small or large bathroom.
Another brand to look out for is Delta. Delta offers some of the most affordable bathrooms exhaust fans around without sacrificing any of the quality with it. You will be able to choose an ultra-quiet fan from Delta. These come with an indicator light at the base of the fan to let you know that it is even on.
What you can combine with a bathroom exhaust fan ideally is a fogless shower mirror as it will help to solve your bathroom humidity problems.
How to Install an Exhaust Fan
Whilst it can be more convenient to hire someone to come and fit it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to install your bathroom exhaust fan yourself and save some money. Some people feel confident enough to do this and your fan will usually come with clear user instructions for fitting the fan for themselves.
- Mark out the hole. You need to choose a spot for your ceiling fan to go. Mark it carefully and remember that if you are going to install it into the ceiling, you will need to check the roof cavity for a space in your joists. Make sure that you avoid any electrical wires. Clear insulation out of the way first. Mark a circle so that you know where to cut.
- Cut the hole. You need to ensure that you lay down sheets to protect your furniture and floors before you begin. Make a pilot hole with a drill and then use a saw to cut out the hole.
- Install the fan. Place the fan in the hole that you have cut out and ensured that you keep the power cord over the motor so that your electrician can reach it easily. Tighten the screws whilst you are holding the fan so that the screws can grip the plasterboard. Once you’ve done this, you need to push the cover over the fan.
Remember that you should practice proper safety when you are carrying out this task. You will need to climb up a ladder, so make sure that there is someone else with you. Whilst you are using tools, you should wear protective gloves so that you don’t cause injury to your hands. You should also wear protective eyewear when you are sawing or drill to prevent any dust from getting in your eyes.
Wrap Up
No matter what your budget is, as you can see from these bathroom exhaust fan reviews that there are different fans available to suit everyone. Whether you want something that features the latest technology that can play music whilst you are in the shower, or if you simply want a fan to remove the damp air from your bathroom, we have made some suggestions that are bound to contain the kind of fan you’re looking for.
If you’re a little confused about the terminology used when it comes to the best bathroom exhaust fan specifications, then we hope that our helpful buying guide has helped to clarify this information for you. Hopefully, our information about the best manufacturers of bathroom exhaust fan will help you to look out for the best names. Consequently, you can be sure that you will be purchasing a high-quality item. Remember that you can save money by installing the fan for yourself.
Please visit our homepage for more bathroom accessories such as the best sliding shower doors or highest-quality rain showerheads.