Best Bathroom Fans

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 13, 2024
A well-performing bathroom fan makes for a happy house. Anyone looking for a good bathroom fan for their house or other small building can take a look at one of the five high-performing models listed here. ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type and Installation
Airflow
Noise level
Extras
External Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The high performance of this fan allows you to ensure proper air flow in the room. Thanks to the programmable timer, the fan will operate in automatic mode, turning off after a specified time.

CONS

Power cord is rather short.

OUR VERDICT

Excellent choice for the bathroom. Its Moisture Resistant Plastic and Painted Shutter prevents water from entering the duct, minimizing the risk of a short circuit. Also, the device can be successfully installed in a garage or other domestic premises. Models are available for installation in ducts of other diameters.

detailed parameters
Type and Installation

Through-Wall, 10" duct

Airflow

671 CFM

Noise level

N/A

Extras

Timer

External Dimensions

11 3/8" x 11 3/8"

Warranty

90 days

PROS

Whenever the fan is turned off, the Built-in damper will provide protection against reverse draft from the ventilation shaft, thereby protecting the room from drafts. Very easy to install.

CONS

The fan tends to be pretty noisy.

OUR VERDICT

The Broan 509 exhaust fan is designed for wall mounting. Has enough high performance to sufficiently ventilate a bathroom, kitchen or other small domestic premises. Has a laconic design, and its white polymeric grille can be painted in any color to match the style of your room.

detailed parameters
Type and Installation

Through-Wall, 8" duct

Airflow

180 CFM

Noise level

6.5 Sones

Extras

Easy "twist-lock" installation, backdraft damper

External Dimensions

11-1/2" x 11-1/2"

Warranty

1-year limited

PROS

The polypropylene blades of the fan have an aerodynamic balanced shape. They are located in a compact housing, and will not bend or create unnecessary noise when working. One of the quieter models available.

CONS

Does not come with useful instructions.

OUR VERDICT

The Ventline V2262-50 is an ideal choice for saunas, shower rooms, or bathrooms. Its capacity is quite enough for high-quality and rapid removal of air from the premises of a small area, which will positively affect the climate of the whole house.

detailed parameters
Type and Installation

Ceiling, 7" duct size

Airflow

50 CFM

Noise level

Not specified

Extras

Dynamically balanced blade

External Dimensions

8" Diameter

Warranty

30 days

PROS

Thanks to the high class of protection from its waterproof IP34 material, the fan is not affected by exposure to water from any angle, which allows it to be installed in places with very high humidity.

CONS

The attached electric cable may soon need to be replaced with a new one.

OUR VERDICT

The Hon & Guan HGA-150A works quietly and has a stylish appearance that allows it to fit into any interior design. Its body and blades are made of durable ABS plastic, resistant to UV radiation, which guarantees a long service life of the fan, in whatever room it is installed.

detailed parameters
Type and Installation

Ceiling and Wall Mount, 6 inch duct size

Airflow

118 CFM

Noise level

< 1.0 Sone

Extras

IP34 protection

External Dimensions

8.07" x 8.07"

Warranty

30 days

PROS

This fan meets the ENERGY STAR international energy efficiency standards. It works in an economical mode, consuming a minimum of electricity and with no risk of environmental damage.

CONS

The lattice is painted in a slightly creamy color, which may not work well with a white ceiling.

OUR VERDICT

The Delta Breez SLM70 exhaust fan is easy to install in a ventilation duct on a wall or ceiling. It will be an excellent choice not only for bathrooms, but also for a dressing room or other living room of a small size.

detailed parameters
Type and Installation

Ceiling and Wall Mount, 3" duct size

Airflow

70 CFM

Noise level

2.0 Sone

Extras

LED indicator light, ENERGY STAR® qualified.

External Dimensions

7.6" x 9.4"

Warranty

3 years

X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Professional Grade Products 9800396

Professional Grade Quality

Most people don't pay much attention to their bathroom exhaust fan until they have to, such as when it stops working, so this can make it a little confusing to know what to look for. Their first thought is just finding one that seems to work well and fits their bathroom interior, but there's a few other things that should be paid attention to in bathroom fans. Having a high-quality bathroom fan is important for any home, but having such a high-quality, professional-grade product is a luxury that most people don't want to miss out on.

The Professional Grade Products 9800396 Shutter Exhaust Fan is one that lives up to its name. Featuring a top-notch build quality coupled with a high powered motor, this model should be able to suit almost anyone's needs in a bathroom fan. This particular model is actually marketed as a general use fan meant for professional settings, so it's also quite adept at working as an exhaust fan for areas where good quality airflow is of the utmost importance, such as worksheds or other work spaces where fumes, dust, or humidity can accumulate rapidly. In such an environment, keeping a high air flow throughout the area can come down to more than just being comfortable, it can be a necessity for safety reasons. And for a fan that can be used in such areas, you can rest assured that it will be high quality enough for your bathroom.

Review of Professional Grade Products 9800396 Shutter Exhaust Fan

Perfect Ventilating Capabilities

This model comes equipped with a 10-inch fan blade that produces 671 CFM at only 40 Watts. This kind of air flow performance far exceeds what most other models meant specifically for bathrooms can produce, so you can be certain that it will be fully capable of removing both excessive humidity and unpleasant odors from your bathroom. The high build quality includes moisture resistant plastic along with a painted shutter, so that the constant exposure to humidity won't damage the fan or even hinder its performance. The painted shutter also ensures that this fan will look good and should easily match or look good with most bathroom interiors.

Along with the high performance of this fan comes a programmable timer, which allows the fan to be set to work for a specified time period. This means that after a simple programming of the timer, you can just let it run and it will shut down after the specified period of time has elapsed. This is especially important for ventilating rooms that may require high ventilation. About the only downside to this model is the short power cord, but this problem can be alleviated with any standard extension cord.

For anyone in need of a professional grade solution for their bathroom ventilation needs, then look no further. This model can provide you with exactly what you need, and more.

Professional Grade Products 9800396 Shutter Exhaust Fan in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $72.05
Stock In stock
ASIN B00M04BOJU

 

Broan 509

Well Designed and Good Functionality

The necessity of finding a good quality bathroom fan can be paramount whenever an old one breaks or no longer functions as it should. Being in a bathroom is often not the most pleasant experience on its own, and being in one without proper airflow can be even worse. Of course, when finding a replacement fan, it's best to look for one that will fit your needs as well as work well with your bathroom interior. But don't just settle for any old bathroom fan. Make sure that you find one that is made to fit all of the criteria that you require in a bathroom fan. This may vary from person to person, but there are a few criteria that should be important for everyone, regardless of your specific needs in a bathroom fan.

The Broan 509 Through-Wall Fan is made to fit pretty much all of the criteria that most people look for in a good bathroom exhaust fan. Do you need one that is high powered and good at removing excessive humidity? Do you need one that looks good inside of your bathroom and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb? Do you need one that has a good dampener to prevent back draft? If your answer is "Yes" to all of these questions, then this Broan bathroom fan is the one for you.

Review of Broan 509 Through-Wall Fan

Excellent Set of Features

This Broan bathroom fan is a through-wall fan, meaning that it is meant to be mounted through a wall. Most bathroom fans are designed as such, so if you are needing a new bathroom fan to replace your old through-wall fan, then there's no need to worry about compatibility issues. This fan is meant to work through any standard wall mount meant for through-wall bathroom fans.

Along with this compatibility comes a good set of features for a bathroom fan. This model includes a high powered motor that operates at 180 CFM, so it provides enough power to properly ventilate even large bathrooms. The 6.5 Sones of noise may be a little high for some people, but it's not any louder than most other bathroom fans, so it shouldn't output excessive noise. The 8-3/8-Inch diameter sleeve provides a suitable enclosure for the fan, and it even includes a built-in damper that is great for minimizing back drafts. The specially designed polymeric fan blade provides a degree of protection against humidity, so you shouldn't need to worry about this fan failing from excessive exposure to water.

All in all, this model should provide a great ventilation experience for anyone who needs a through-wall bathroom fan.

Broan 509 Through-Wall Fan in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $75.67
Stock In stock
ASIN B000WT8FOM

 

Ventline V2262-50

Great For Smaller Bathrooms

Those who have smaller bathrooms, especially those who live in a small house, or even in a manufactured or mobile home, don't really have a need for large, high powered bathroom exhaust fans. Many times, a small bathroom can be easily ventilated through an ordinary, low-cost fan, or even just using a house fan pointed out the window. However, this is obviously not an ideal solution, especially for those who have an entirely enclosed bathroom without a window, so that means that a dedicated bathroom exhaust fan is a must. Anyone who has these needs can sometimes have trouble with finding the right fan.

Enter the Ventline V2262-50 Ceiling Exhaust Fan, an ideal model for someone with a small bathroom or other small room that needs a ventilating fan. This model has just the right features and power to meet your needs, and also operates quietly, which makes it perfect for small bathrooms. This model will fit perfectly into the 7-inch ceiling exhaust outlet of any smaller home, including manufactured and mobile homes, and even has a modestly nice appearance to it, which means it won't clash with your bathroom interior. In fact, the small footprint means that it will barely be noticeable.

Review of Ventline V2262-50 Ceiling Exhaust Fan

Quiet Yet Powerful

This model, while relatively modest in comparison to other high-end bathroom exhaust fans, provides plenty of power for a small area. Featuring a 7-inch fan with dynamically balanced polypropylene blades, this fan will work for hours on end in a quiet manner, without the worries of the motor burning out from overuse. The polypropylene material used for the blades also ensures that they won't warp or bend out of shape, and also provides a measure of protection against excessive humidity. The fan operates at 50 CFM, which is low in comparison to many other higher-end models, but is still plenty powerful for ensuring the proper ventilation of your bathroom. This low powered motor also helps to ensure that extended use of the fan won't run up your electric bill.

The only negative to this Ventline bathroom fan is that it doesn't seem to come with useful installation instructions, which can make installation a little tricky for those who have no experience with replacing or installing bathroom exhaust fans. However, those who do have experience with installing these types of fans should have no trouble with it. Despite this small drawback, once it is installed, the great features coupled with its low price means that you'll be happy with its performance for many years.
Ventline V2262-50 Ceiling Exhaust Fan in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $41.80
Stock In stock
ASIN B00FFAX2A0

 

Hon&Guan HGA-150A

Quality and Affordability

When looking for products of almost any type, people always want to find a product that has the right balance of a quality build and feature set, yet being affordable for their price range. Anything that can match the feature set that they want or need and fits in their price range is probably going to be the first on anyone's list. This is especially true for a home appliance such as an exhaust fan, which is a product that generally shouldn't be replaced often, and as such, anyone looking to buy one wants to make sure they get the right one.

The Hon&Guan 6" Home Ventilation Fan Bathroom just might fit into the right balance of quality and affordability that most people will need. Geared as an all-purpose exhaust fan, this model boasts some of the better performance out of most of the bathroom fans that we have looked at so far. Made with high-quality parts, with a good build quality and a pleasant exterior design, this bathroom fan will look stylish inside almost any interior while still providing the best performance in ventilation. The looks are good enough for pretty much any room in which it is needed, while it has high enough performance to ventilate a large garage, even one filled with fumes or dust.

Review of Hon&Guan HGA-150A Bathroom Ventilation Fan

Sleek White Design

This is definitely one of the better looking low profile bathroom fans that are available on the market. Featuring a sleek looking white design, and meant to be mounted on a ceiling or through-wall, it can blend in with almost any type of interior. The solid white plastic cover hides the fan blades and exhaust vent while keeping the noise generated to a minimum, which means that it will remain nearly unnoticed wherever it is installed.

Looks aren't the only thing this bathroom exhaust fan has going for it, though. It features a low power motor that draws minimal electricity while still providing the air flow of 118 CFM. The motor is made of high-quality materials, and is resistant to overheating, so there is no problem with using it for extended periods of time. The body of the fan is made of UV resistant durable ABS plastics that provide excellent protection of any kind of water damage, and allow it to work well even in rooms that have excessive humidity. It is even very easy to install, especially for those who have never installed a bathroom exhaust fan before.

With all of these carefully crafted features coupled with its excellent performance, this model can provide both excellent looks and performance and a very affordable price.

Hon&Guan HGA-150A Bathroom Ventilation Fan in the use
Last updated price $43.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01MZ6C3HT

 

Delta Breez SLM70

Quiet and Green

One of the considerations in bathroom exhaust fans that is important for many people is in how quiet it operates. Fans that operate excessively loud tend to be distractions, filling the room with noise pollution and therefore taking away from any of the comforts provided by the room. Excessive exposure to harsh noises can also be damaging to one's hearing, so it is extremely important to find a good quality exhaust fan that generates only minimal noise. Not only is minimal noise generation important, but high performance is as well. so it is usually a priority to find a fan that can operate both quietly and efficiently.

The Delta Breez SLM70 Slim Exhaust Fan is made to operate quietly, providing the lowest possible noise generation while also being both efficient and "green friendly". Being lightweight as well as featuring a pleasant design, this model is both powerful and compact, and features a powerful yet quiet motor that is engineered to provide maximum performance while being both quiet and ENERGY STAR compliant. This makes this model one of the most efficient bathroom exhaust fans available on the market, all while still providing maximum performance without running up the electric bill.

Review of Delta Breez SLM70 Exhaust Fan

Low Profile and Energy Consumption

The engineering design of this Delta bathroom fan is one of the best that we've seen. Being quite lightweight for what it is, it weighs less than 5 pounds, and can be either ceiling or wall mounted. The galvanized steel construction provides maximum resistance to corrosion while still giving it a very solid and well-built feel. The exhaust vent covered is grilled and lies almost flat to the wall, which means that you can install it anywhere, in almost any interior without it being noticeable. It also operates at just 2.0 sones, which means it's among the quietest bathroom fans available.

Not to be outdone in its appearance and noise level, this model is also one of the few exhaust fans that is ENERGY STAR compliant, which will be a blessing to your energy bill. It features a DC brushless motor that offers extreme reliability along with great performance, so it is powerful enough to provide the necessary amount of ventilation to almost any room. The only negative that we can state about it is that the cream color of the grill may not work well with a white ceiling, but this is a very minor complaint. When compared to most other models, this one is definitely one of the best bathroom fans available.

Delta Breez SLM70 Exhaust Fan in the use
Last updated price $52.50
Stock In stock
ASIN B00C2N9CS4

 

What Is a Bathroom Fan?

As you might have already guessed, a bathroom fan is a device aimed at providing better airflow in your bathroom to remove excessive humidity and improving air quality. They can also be used for odor control. As to how they operate, they remove moist air together with unpleasant smells through a duct. This process becomes possible thanks to a motor installed inside a device that runs on electricity. Bathroom extractor fans are of two types - in-wall and in-ceiling – that allow you to install them in accordance with your interior features. As for the available shapes of these appliances, they are either square or round, with an open or covered duct so that you can choose that exact design that will fit your bathroom interior better. Despite the different shapes of the exterior, the duct diameter of the majority of bathroom fans is standard, 100 mm. The manufacturers of these appliances also equip fans with additional features such as lighting or humidity sensors that give them added functionality to improve the overall experience. If you want to make your bathroom a more pleasant and functional place, a medicine cabinet will come in handy. And one of the bathroom TVs will make your bathroom experience more entertaining.

What Features to Compare

The Airflow

The first thing you want to keep in mind when choosing a bathroom ventilation fan is the airflow it can provide. It’s also important to take into account the size of your bathroom since it influences the airflow capacity you’ll choose. The thing is that the larger your bathroom is, the more airflow capacity your fan should possess. Otherwise, a not very powerful fan won’t remove all humidity and will turn out to be inefficient, and you’ll hardly want to spend about $30 on a tool and some time on its installation to get disappointing results.

The Noise Level

Another important feature of your potential bathroom fan you want to pay attention to is its noise level. We bet no one wants to listen to the loud sounds of spinning blades that remove excessive humidity. Moreover, you don’t want to disturb your neighbors, especially in the mornings and evenings. That’s why noise level should be one of the most important specifications you consider before deciding on the fan model you’re going to buy.

Additional Features

Finally, bathroom fans can boast additional features that make their use more convenient. Depending on the manufacturer and model, you can find the following features:

- Adjustable timers allow you to control the operating time of your bathroom fan. You can set different intervals at which your fan will turn on automatically as well as the shut-off time so it doesn’t work when it's not needed. This smart option not only makes the use of a fan convenient but also helps you save money on electricity bills.

- Humidity sensors give you the option to choose preferable humidity levels. Thanks to this handy feature, your device will work until it reaches the chosen level to provide a pleasant atmosphere.

- A lot of fans have different waterproof levels. It’s a sensible decision to choose such devices since their waterproof qualities will prolong their service life.

- The size of a bathroom fan. Although the majority of the fans have the same duct diameter, they differ in external dimensions so you can choose a bigger or smaller model. It isn’t crucial to the functionality of a device but will influence its look in your bathroom.

Did you know?

Bathroom Fan Installation

Bathroom exhaust fans are not something that most people have a lot of experience with installing or replacing. In most homes, they come already installed, and if problems happen, people tend to have either a serviceman come to fix or replace the fan, or sometimes they just don't replace it at all. Anything that tends to be installed in a wall or ceiling always seems to have a degree of difficulty with fixing or replacing, and bathroom exhaust fans are no exception. However, they really aren't that difficult to install, even if the room in question does not have a pre-existing hole for it. For those who would like to install their own bathroom exhaust fan, here are some simple things to keep in mind. This is by no means a complete guide to installation, but these are some good tips to know when installing a bathroom fan by yourself.

  • Make sure the hole is of the proper size. Many bathroom exhaust fans will require a specific sized hole. Make sure that the hole is of the proper size for your fan.
  • Never vent to an attic or basement. Make sure that the ventilation hole will carry the air outside of the house or building. Venting to an attic or basement will only serve to vent moisture into those rooms, which will, in turn, cause mold or mildrew to build up.
  • Clear the ventilation hole of any obstacles. The vented air needs a clear path to outside of the house or building, and anything that obstructs this path will prevent proper ventilation of the room.
  • Make sure that the wiring for the fan is of the proper length and that it is shielded well and without any cuts or breaks in the shielding. This generally shouldn't be a problem for a brand new fan, but it never hurts to check before installation.
  • Ensure that the fan is properly wired to the switch. Regardless of whether it is going to share the same switch for the room's overhead light, or if it will be on its own switch, make sure that it is installed correctly and verified to work before completing the installation.
  • Always use flexible ducting. for providing a path between the bathroom fan and outside. In many homes, it's impossible to have a perfectly straight path to the outside from the bathroom, so make sure that you are using ducting that is properly flexible for any twists and turns in the hole.

Bathroom Fan Maintenance

Once a bathroom exhaust fan has been installed, it should last a good long while without requiring maintenance. However, at some point maintenance will be a necessity. Here are a few tips on how to keep your bathroom exhaust fan in peak working order.

  • Remove the fan from the housing periodically to clear up any built-up dust or moisture. Dust and moisture can work hand in hand to help clog up the fan blades and motor, so keeping it clean will help extend the operational life of the fan immensely.
  • Don't leave the fan on any longer than absolutely necessary. Although some bathroom fans have special overheating controls built in their motors, leaving a fan running continuously increases the risk of it overheating. Whenever it's not required, make sure that the fan is not running.
  • Keep the motor oiled. As with all kinds of motors, some kind of lubrication is necessary to help prevent overheating or lock-ups. Lubricating the motor periodically will prevent this risk.

FAQ:

Q: What exactly is a bathroom exhaust fan?
A: A bathroom exhaust fan is a home appliance meant to be installed in a bathroom for the purpose of providing proper hair ventilation, as well as for removing excess humidity.

Q: Does my bathroom need an exhaust fan if it doesn't already have one?
A: Most bathrooms can really benefit from having an exhaust fan, as they tend to be smaller rooms where excess humidity can build up rapidly due to running water. Excessive humidity that's left in a bathroom can lead to mildew and mold building up, so keeping the bathroom ventilated is very important. They can also help to remove bad odors.

Q: Can I install a bathroom exhaust fan by myself, or does it need to be installed by a professional?
A: Bathroom exhaust fans are not the easiest things to install, especially if your bathroom does not already have a hole for one. However, they also aren't as difficult to install as many people think. Anyone who is good at doing home repairs on their own should be able to install one. However, if you lack either the proper knowledge or experience or don't have the right tools, there are plenty of professionals available who can install it for you for a reasonable price.

Q: Are bathroom exhaust fans only suitable for bathrooms, or can they be installed in other types of rooms?
A: This depends entirely on the model. Lower powered models tend to be ideal only for small bathrooms or other similarly sized rooms, but higher powered models are often labeled as being general purpose, which means they are powerful enough to vent larger rooms, such as garages or workshops.

Q: Most bathroom fan models measure their power in "CFM". What exactly does this mean?
A: "CFM" stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, which measures how many cubic feet of airspace in a room can be completely vented per each minute of use. Obviously, the higher the number, the larger of a room that the fan is suitable for.

Q: Many bathroom fans show a measurement of loudness in "Sones". What exactly does this mean?
A: A "Sone" is a unit of measurement for measuring the perceived loudness of a device. It is a different measurement than "decibels", which measures the intensity of a sound. Sones are often used to measure the loudness of any type of fan. In general, the lower the number, the quieter it is.

Q: Does it matter where exactly I install a bathroom exhaust fan in a room?
A: This depends on the fan. Some are meant to be installed as "through-wall", whereas others are meant to be installed specifically in a ceiling. Many models can be installed in either place. It's always best to check the specific model to see where it is meant to be installed and compare it to the most suitable location in your bathroom.

Q: What extra features do I need in a bathroom exhaust fan?
A: Any extra features will depend on your own preference. Many fans include very few extra features, whereas some may include things lick back draft suppression or overheating protection, so it is best to weigh the extra features of a fan against what your exact needs for it are.

Sources:

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later

Publish Date: 2018-02-20 07:33:44