The overall quality of the air in your home is largely affected by the levels of humidity inside your house. It is, therefore, crucial to regulate moisture levels in your home. Your bathroom is definitely one of the most humid rooms in your house, and for that reason, you should invest in the best bathroom exhaust fan for great ventilation. It will drastically reduce the incidences of allergies, asthma, and many other health problems caused by the spread of germs and bacteria in humid conditions.
There is a lot to consider when choosing the best bathroom exhaust fan, especially with the numerous brands and models that flood the market. We came up with this guide to help you make the best choice. We considered 32 products and narrowed down to a list of 8 finest bathroom exhaust fans in the market. Of all the products we reviewed in detail, the Broan SPK110 emerged the best overall pick. Nothing could beat its high price-quality ratio, exceptional performance, and high-end features.
We used the best sources and spent a good amount of time on research to compile this refined list of products for you. They are indeed the best bathroom exhaust fans out there. Some of the features on which we based our choices include; materials, sone rating, airflow capacity, coverage area, duct diameter, and many others. The comparison table, detailed product reviews, and a comprehensive buying guide, in the end, all contain the essential information you need to know to be able to choose the best bathroom exhaust fan for your home.
Other features: built-in Bluetooth Dual High-Fidelity Sensonic Speakers, ENERGY STAR qualified
This was the top pick for all the right reasons. It is not only a quiet fan, but it also adds music. It features wireless speakers you can connect to for a seamless enjoyment favorite podcasts, music, or radio station. Also, if you are a die-hard DIYer, you will appreciate the fan’s easy installation.
The fan is durably built with galvanized steel and plastic material. It comes in a not so beautiful large and heavy design. So, if you are after aesthetics, you might want to look elsewhere.
On the flip side, the fan has an airflow of 110 CFM, which effectively vents away humidity. It will prevent steam and condensation from building up and damaging your bathroom walls. Additionally, it will efficiently clear odor from the air.
Unlike many other bathroom exhaust fans, this Broan has a bearable noise level. You will not hear any rattling or metallic clanking going on.
This fan is a perfect option for long luxurious baths. You can connect your phone or tablet to its Bluetooth speaker for endless entertainment during your bath. At least you won’t have to worry about getting your new iPhone 11 near water. The speakers are duel hi-fidelity, commonly known to produce a great sound.
Since the fan is listed as UL safe, you can mount it directly above your shower or bathtub. It is a ceiling-mounted design and is pretty straightforward to install. It will fit best in a 2 by 8 ceiling construction, and you can only mount it from above.
Overall, this is an ingenious fun that optimizes functionality with high-end features. It is not the best looking fan out there, but it gets the job done better than most fans out there.
Other features: four-function wall switch, 1500W heating element, 100-Watt incandescent lighting, 7-Watt nightlight
Are you looking for a decorative and effective bathroom exhaust fan with premium quality, look no further! Just like many other products from Broan, this fan excels in design and performance. It is powerful ventilation, light, and heat combo with superior features that will make your bathroom comfortable every morning.
The fan comes in a flattering design that will elevate your bathroom aesthetically. It is built to last with galvanized steel and plastic.
Unlike most exhaust fans, it features bright LCD lights that will brighten your room. The lighting system is very efficient that you wouldn’t need any extra bulbs, and you can even leave it on for nightlight in case you make late-night bathroom trips.
Its white and shiny enamel is non-invasive in all kinds of design. It will match all your bathroom interior décor or paints, and you will find it quite easy to clean and maintain.
Moreover, the powerful fan features a heater that is about 1500W. It will efficiently heat up your space in no time. It is built for rooms as big as 65 sq ft, which is pretty big for such a small fan.
With a ventilating power of 70 CFM, the fan can heat up your 65 sq ft bathroom in 60 seconds. It will also remove moisture efficiently from your bathroom at an astounding rate, leaving you with a healthier and pleasant bathroom experience.
With a 4-function wall switch, you will be able to control all the functions from one place, and you can switch them to your preferred settings. Anyone can easily use the fan because of this feature.
Furthermore, you wouldn’t need the help of a professional to install the fan. It comes with everything you need for installation, and the process itself is straightforward.
In conclusion, this is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade to a quality bathroom exhaust fan. It is one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with LED lights out there. Its multiple functionality, superior features, and durable build guarantee you a lifetime of excellent performance.
Other features: 3-year limited warranty, ENERGY STAR certified, expandable extension brackets
Do you have a large and steamy bathroom? This Panasonic fan is what you need for your moisture problems. It is an efficient heavy-duty ceiling vent fan that doesn’t sound like a jet taking off in your bathroom.
The fan is larger than the typical bathroom ceiling fan and is built sturdily with heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel. The material is rust, bends, and dent-resistant. It lives up to its advertised efficiency and strength.
Just like its size, the fan is much more powerful than the standard bathroom fans. With 290 CFM, it can move a large amount of air within a very short period. It eliminates steam and condensation issues that could lead to mold and fungus build-up efficiently.
You will, therefore, be able to enjoy a long hot shower without any dripping condensation on your walls and mirrors. It is also effective in removing bad odors from your bathroom.
Another plus for this fun is its entirely enclosed motor and double-bladed blower wheel that successfully muffle the fan noise. It is significantly quieter than many other models in its class and other smaller fans.
The fan can be safely installed in shower or bathtub enclosures for maximum moisture removal, but professional help will be needed. Doing it yourself will be so hectic because it is heavy, and it demands a larger opening than the standard fan. Though it is not a complicated process, you will put in a few extra hours of work.
Another drawback is, it does not come with in-built light, so you will have to get an above-shower or tub light fixture separately.
With a 3-year warranty, it is almost impossible to get such a robust and high-quality bathroom exhaust fan at this Panasonic’s price. It is the best Panasonic fan that is heavy-duty and operates quietly.
Other features: built-in thermostat, 7.6 CFM/Watt, 26-watt CFL lamp, 1300W heating element
This is one of the best bathroom ceiling exhaust fans in the market. It is multi-functional with the ability to ventilate, heat, and light up your bathroom. With its DC brushless technology, it will efficiently clear moisture from your bathroom without blowing up your ears.
The fan comes with a casing made from galvanized steel for increased durability. It features a metal guard that protects its heating element by preventing direct contact with the heated wire. There is also a detachable plastic duct adapter that offers more protection to the whole unit.
You can forget about the loud noise irritation in the bathroom, especially when you want to take a long, quiet, and peaceful bath. This Delta breeze fan is built to produce the lowest sound at 1.3sones. It is one of the quietest fans you can get in the market.
Moreover, it features a powerful motor with a powerful rating of 120volts. For your safety, the motor is equipped with an automatic power-off feature, a built-in soft start feature, and a thermal cutoff fuse.
Also featured is a powerful energy-efficient heater of 1300W. It will efficiently warm your entire bathroom.
Installing it is relatively simple and doesn’t require a lot of work.
What’s more, the fan has a dedicated high-quality 26-watt bulb that provides sufficient lighting to your entire bathroom.
With a 3-year warranty, stunning beauty, silent operation, and all its superior features, this is one of the best ventilation units you can get for your home bathroom. In fact, it is the best quiet bathroom exhaust fan on this list.
Other features: ENERGY STAR certified, indicator light, DC brushless motor, 3-year limited warranty
Here is another ceiling-mounted bathroom fan that will give you great returns. If you are on the market for something small and easy to install, this is your ultimate pick. It is best suited for small bathrooms and can also be used as an added ventilation feature in larger rooms.
This little fan has a robust body built with high-quality galvanized steel for added durability. It can cover an area of about 70 sq ft. It comes in an unobtrusive and compact design that will perfectly fade into the background of more decorative light fixtures in your bathroom.
This fan packs a lot of power in its small frame with a powerful motor rated at 120volts. The ventilator will remove moisture from your bathroom quietly and efficiently. More power does not usually translate to more noise.
In fact, this fan operates so quietly that the manufacturer included a small light that comes on to confirm that it is running.
Other than running quietly, the DC brushless motor uses less power and lasts longer than regular motors.
Another plus for this little fan is that you can easily install it from below without the hassle of accessing the attic. This is especially handy when you buy it as a replacement fan. You will not have any trouble trying to fix in any opening you have available. Its negligible weight also contributes to its easy installation.
The only drawback to this fan is that it doesn’t come with a built-in light. You would have to get lighting fixtures separately.
With an impressive quality, convenient pricing, and a 3-year warranty, you will not regret buying this fan.
Other features: indicator light, ENERGY STAR qualified, 11-Watt LED light, 3-year limited warranty
If you are on the market for a bathroom exhaust fan with great lighting features, this is your best bet. It features cool lighting features and runs quietly but efficiently to ventilate your room properly. Plus, it is from a reputable brand, famously know for high-quality fans.
Just like other Delta fans, this one is made from durable galvanized steel and ABS plastic material for a longer lifespan. Its motor is also protected from corrosion and overheating for added durability.
You can easily install it anywhere in your bathroom, and its simple, white compact size won’t disturb the interior décor in your bathing space. The installation instructions in the manual are very simple to follow, and the fan comes with everything you need to install it.
This fan will save you money. It should never cost you a fortune in power bills to ventilate your bathroom, and a good choice of a fan can make a huge difference. Its motor is optimized to run for longer periods while consuming less energy.
The dimmed LED light is a rare feature that sets this fan apart from its peers. It allows you to control the light’s brightness to your liking. They are incredibly energy-efficient and will outlast many light fixtures out there.
This fan is not only powerful but also remarkably quiet. It can circulate the air in an 80 sq ft space without any annoying rackety fan noises. It is an ideal choice for having peaceful and relaxing baths or showers.
Overall, this a fantastic choice if you want more control of the light in your bathroom as it performs quietly and consistently. It is a huge steal, given it has multiple surprising features at such an affordable price.
Other features: 1-year warranty, 5-3/4-inch height
If you don’t want to dig deep into your pockets but still want a bang for your bucks, this fan might be down your alley. It is another great option from the respected brand Broan. It is a ceiling room-side installation that runs quietly and is highly energy-efficient.
This fan will outlast most of the appliances in your home with its durable 26-gauge galvanized steel and plastic materials. The materials are corrosion resistant and won’t break or rust easily.
You can easily install the fan directly above the shower or bathtub as it is safe and protected against electrocution hazards.
As typical with Broan fans, this one offers a powerful performance. It packs a punch with an airflow capacity of up to 80CFM. It can ventilate a room of up to 75 sq ft efficiently and eliminate moisture in the room within a very short period.
With this fun, you can forget about the loud, buzzing, and chunking noises that come from average bathroom exhaust fans. Thanks to its 1.5-sone rating, it produces a faint gentle hum in the background, which is less destructive.
What’s more, it is super energy efficient, and this will show on your monthly power bills. Plus, it features a powerful TrueSeal Damper technology that prevents backflow from the outdoors.
With a 1-year warranty, this is one of the best modern, efficient, and easy-to-install bathroom exhaust fans in the market. It runs quietly, reduces your power bill, gets the job done, and, most of all, it is very affordable.
Other features: 1300-watt heater function, 20-amp circuit, used with the 3-way switch
If you are looking for a bathroom exhaust fan with luxurious features and an aesthetically appealing design to add to the ambiance of your small to medium size bathroom, this is your best bet. The heat and ventilation combo has superior features that will offer you premium comfort in your bathroom.
The fan is built to last with plastic and 23 gauge steel in a compact design. The materials are corrosion resistant and highly durable, thus, increasing the fan’s lifespan. Its motor is also protected against leaks and overheating to increase its lifespan.
This fan’s powerful motor is specially designed to run for longer periods while consuming the least amount of energy possible. This is what sets it apart from other regular bathroom exhaust fans. Btw! The quality of your fan will show on your monthly power bill.
Another plus for this fan is its cozy heating feature. It makes it one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with a heater. It allows you to control the temperature for maximum comfort, especially when you get of the shower on a cold day.
Installation of the fan is relatively simple, whether you are the most beginner of home improvement DIYers or not. The process is very straightforward on the user manual.
With a 3-way switch, you will be able to control the fan with much ease.
Moreover, the fan features an LED light fixture that adds a soft glow to your bathroom or bathing space.
In conclusion, this is one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with light. Its compact and decorative design will give your bathroom a clean and cohesive appearance. You also don’t have to break the bank for it.
In this section, you will learn how to find the best bathroom exhaust fan that will powerfully ventilate as well as remove moisture and bad odors from your bathroom within your budget. You will get to know how an exhaust fan works, the benefits of owning one, and the features to consider when choosing one.
Unlike large whole house fans, an exhaust fan works by sucking humid or hot air from a small localized area, then allowing fresh air to enter from any opening like a door or vent. The warm, moist air sucked by the fan is then pulled through a ducting system and released outside.
Some fans use sensors that make them activate automatically when they sense any steam or humid air in a room.
Each part of your house requires a proper ventilation (there are special fans for basements, solar fans for attics, etc.). If you are wondering why on earth you would have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, consider the following benefits:
A fan will vent the dampness and humidity that cause mold or mildew, which trigger health hazards like asthma and other respiratory problems. It also helps clear bad odor that comes after you flush the toilet.
Mold and mildew grow on showers or bathtubs because of the hot, wet, and humid air they create in the bathroom. If not controlled, they can spread to the outside of your bathroom and cause various health hazards in your home. An exhaust fan will vent out the hot, humid air out of your bathroom, leaving your home mold or mildew-free.
You can forget the annoying process of wiping down a foggy mirror after taking a hot shower in your bathroom if you install an exhaust fan. It will vent out the warm air.
Without proper ventilation and moisture removal in your bathroom, your precious decorative fixtures will get rust damage. A fan will make the environment unconducive for them to rust, thus increasing their lifespan.
Moisture in your bathroom will cause blisters on the paint and peeling on your wallpapers. You will be forced to repair them all the time, which is not so cheap. Investing in the best bathroom exhaust fan will save you a lot of money spent on unnecessary repairs.
For you to make the right purchase, there are certain features that you have to put into consideration before buying a bathroom exhaust fan.
This is also referred to as CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), and it is the most essential factor in choosing the right exhaust fan. It lets you know how much air the fan can move in minutes. The larger your bathroom is, the more powerful and high velocity fan you need.
You should pick airflow capacity according to the size of your room. For instance, if your bathroom is 50 sq ft, you should get a fan with a 50 CFM or above like the Broan SPK110 reviewed above.
This is the measure of noise level. Nobody would want an annoying endless buzzing noise in their bathroom. The higher the sone rating, the noisier the fan. Go for a fan with a 1.0 sone rating or less, but you have to be ready to dig deeper into your pockets.
If you are looking to save money on your monthly power bills, then you better go for energy star bathroom fans. They use about 70% less energy compared to the standard models. Moreover, they consume low watts, are quieter, and have powerful performance.
Personal preference plays a huge role here. Plus, if you are going to install the fan yourself, then you better go for a small and lightweight model that would be easy to carry. Heavyweight models are bigger and weigh more as well. So, the size of your bathroom will determine the size of a fan you choose.
There are ceiling and wall-mounted fans. Once you have established where you want the fan installed in your bathroom, you can go ahead to choose a model with an appropriate size duct adapter for your home’s ductwork.
It is advisable to mount your fan in a way that it will vent air outside of the home through ductwork and nearest outlet rather through the attic as this would cause more problems in other areas of the house.
Since they are not so cheap, you better go for a bathroom exhaust fan that will last you a while before getting a replacement. Ensure they are made of durable materials like galvanized steel and ABC plastic, which are corrosion and rust-resistant.
The motor should also be protected from leaks, corrosion, and overheating for an increased lifespan. The Delta BreezGreenBuilder GBR80LED reviewed above is amongst the best durable fans you can get in the market.
Anything could happen to a fan in a bathroom since it is an electrical device in a moist environment. Ensure you settle for a fan with a warranty. Other than assuring you of its quality, you can contact the manufacturer in case you encounter any problems in your usage.
Most manufacturers offer a warranty of 3 years or less on the fan. Some manufacturers also offer a warranty on the motor part of the fan—the more extended the warranty, the better.
This is not so essential, but it is a huge bonus to get a fan with lights. It will save you the cost of buying a lighting fixture separately. Plus, fans with lights will uplift your bathroom aesthetically. Most fans that come with lights use the energy-efficient LED lights, and the on/off switch usually turns both the fan and light on or off.
Some fans come with a wireless speaker that you can use to listen to your favorite jams or podcasts while taking a shower or a bath. On top of ventilating and removing moisture from your bathroom, they entertain you as well. The Broan SPK110 reviewed above is a good example.
This means that it is safe to install your fan directly above your shower or tub. It is essential, as installing the fan above the shower/tub ensures optimum removal of moisture and warm air from the bathroom.
So, if you decide to install or replace your bathroom exhaust fan yourself, here is what you have got to do:
First off, you have to choose the correct fan size for your bathroom for optimum performance. Check the CFM rating that suits your bathroom’s size.
The fan must vent outside. So, you have to check for a duct leading to a sidewall vent. They usually are installed when a house is being built, and if you don’t have one, you can call a professional to help you. You can also vent through the attic, but it is not advisable as moisture will build up on the underside of the roof.
If your fan has lights, you will need to install new wiring to be able to operate a double switch. This might not be necessary if you are doing a fan replacement unless your previous fan had no lights.
Make a hole in the ceiling that fits your fan. If you are doing a replacement, adjust the hole to fit the size of your fan perfectly. Then attach the duct to the fan’s housing. It will easily slide in the slots. You can then put the fan in position and secure it to the joists. The final step is finding the shortest and most direct route to the outside of the house. Remember, the longer the duct pipe is, the less efficient the fan will be.
There are so many specifications to consider before buying a bathroom exhaust fan. Plus, there are so many models and brands to pick from that choosing the best that suits your needs and is within your budget can be daunting. This guide will solve the puzzle for you. You will be able to make a buying decision you will never regret if you read the wholesome information in the comparison guide, product reviews, and a comprehensive buying guide.
Of all the products we considered, the Broan SPK110 emerged the best overall pick. Its excellent value, multiple superior features, and high ventilating capabilities could not be surpassed. Its Bluetooth speakers feature set it apart from the rest. The Broan-Nutone 9093WH and the Panasonic FV-30VQ3 followed in rating and ranking. They both offer premium quality, top-notch functionality, and powerful performance. Additionally, they are big on saving energy, thus reducing your monthly power bills.
