The 10 Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan Reviews (2020 Update)

Who makes the best bathroom exhaust fan?A long shower is definitely relaxing. But, do you know that it can also harm your bathroom? It can make the tiny space prone to mold and mildew, making it a breeding ground for bacteria! Thankfully, a good exhaust fan can solve the problem! The latter will provide the ventilation that is needed, which will be effective in managing moisture and humidity in the bathroom.

But you clueless about which one to buy? Read our best bathroom exhaust fan reviews in this short guide and we will help you come up with the right decision, making sure that your money won’t end up going to waste!

What the best bathroom exhaust fan is but I would recommend a fan with a sensor. Often times someone in the family is negligent in having the fan on during and a while after showers. A sensor will greatly help with that. Some sensors and/or higher-end fans continuously run on very low but kick into high gear when the sensor is triggered. That’s what I bought but I haven’t used my bathroom long enough to tell you if it really makes a difference long term. I’m hoping it will. I bought a Panasonic Whisper with a sensor and light and night light.

Our Top Picks Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor and Light

Take the time to read our short reviews below and you will find it easier to decide which one can provide the best bang for the buck.

Panasonic FV-08-11VF5 WhisperFitEZ Fan – Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Humidity Sensor

The brand name itself should already be enough for you to choose this over other models. An innovative feature of this model is the Pick-a-Flow speed selector, which provides versatility since you can select the speed that is desired, which is either 80 or 110 CFM.

Also, it comes with an installation bracket and adapter, which will make the assembly almost effortless. There is also a low-profile housing, which is a good thing if your bathroom occupies a limited space. It is also Energy-star Certified, which makes it consume minimal electricity.

Broan SPK110 Sensonic Speaker Fan with Wireless Technology – Best Bluetooth Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light

This is more than just your traditional exhaust fan. One of the reasons why it is better than many others is the fact that it comes with a built-in speaker. You can connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to the speaker, such as your smartphone, making it possible to listen to music while you are taking a bath.

In terms of noise, the output generated is 1 sone only, which makes it the quietest from the products that are listed in this short guide. It is also motor engineered, so there is no problem even if it is to be used for continuous operation.

Delta Breez SLM70 Slim 70 CFM Exhaust Fan for Bathroom

One thing that you will love in this bathroom exhaust fan is the brushless DC motor technology, which will allow it to deliver reliable performance for an extended period, unlike many others that can be easily prone to wear and tear.

It is made mainly of galvanized steel, a material that is known for its ability to resist corrosion. There is also an indicator light that is found just underneath the grill, making it easy to know if the fan is running or not. Plus, with its low noise output, it will never disturb your showers.

Broan AE80B Invent Single Speed Fan – Best 80CFM Bathroom Fan

Made by the same manufacturer as the product that has been mentioned above, this is another excellent choice to consider. It has an output of 80 CFM, which the manufacturer notes as suitable enough for a bathroom that is about 75 square feet.

It has a retrofit installation, which means that the assembly of the unit can be completed without the need to access the attic. It also has True Seal Damper technology, an innovative feature that has been developed to significantly reduce the noise that is generated during its operation.

Air King BFQ 90 Bath Fan – Best Bathroom Exhaust Fans with Light and Heater

If you are looking for something that is affordable without compromising performance, this is one option worth looking at. It has a plastic housing, but there is no need to worry about its durability.

The noise level is 2.5 sones, which is a bit louder than most of the products mentioned here. There is a 4-inch plastic duct collar and a damper, which is beneficial in terms of minimizing the noise that is generated during its operation. As for the airflow, it has a rate of 90 CFM. Meanwhile, the product is inclusive of a snap-in mounting system, which will make the installation a lot less complicated.

Delta BreezGreenBuilder GBR100 Exhaust Bath Fan 100CFM Bathroom Fan with Light

For green construction, this is one of the best products worth considering, especially because of its energy efficiency. In fact, as per the information from the manufacturer, it can lead to up to 86% of savings.

With this, it exceeds the requirements of the Energy Star by as much as 840%. There is no need to worry even when it is left turned on for an extended period. Meanwhile, with regards to the technical details, the noise level is 1.4 sones. With regards to construction, it is made of galvanized steel that resists corrosion.

BV Ultra-Quiet Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan

Hate fans that are too loud? You will have one good reason to pick this product. As per the technical specs from the manufacturer, it produces only 2 sones of noise, which is an indication of its ultra-quiet operation.

Despite the minimal noise that is generated by the fan, you can expect it to move a lot of air in the bathroom, making the space fresher. The motor is also heavy-duty and has lifetime lubrication for minimal maintenance on your end. Lastly, the manufacturer also offers a one-year warranty for this exhaust fan.

Tech Drive Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan Super Quiet 110CFM Bathroom Ventilation Fan

This is another affordable option that should be on your radar. Technically speaking, it has a noise output of 2 sones and an air movement of 70 CFM. Similar to most of the high-quality products you can find on the market, it is also made of galvanized steel, which is known for its ability to resist corrosion. In terms of coverage, the manufacturer states that it is ideal for a bathroom with a size of up to 75 square feet.

KAZE Appliance SE110L2 Bathroom Exhaust Fan 110CFM Bathroom Fan with Led Light

With an airflow of 110 CFM, this will make an excellent choice if you have a large bathroom. More than just being a fan, you will also love how it comes with 11-watt LED light, providing a soft illumination in the bathroom while also dealing with humidity and moisture. The functions of the fan, night light, and LED light can be combined, or they can also have individual switches. Lastly, it is covered for three years against defects, as long as you adhere with the terms and conditions the manufacturer specifies.

Hunter 83002 Ventilation Sona Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light

The design of this exhaust fan separates it from those that have been mentioned above, allowing it to give the bathroom a unique appeal. It has a noise output of 3 sones, which is quite louder compared to the other models mentioned in this guide.

It has an airflow of 110 CFM, making it great even for larger bathrooms. One thing that also makes this exceptional is the fact that it is dual purpose since it already comes with a light. It is also good to know that this product comes with a five-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Is an Exhaust Fan Required in a Bathroom?

If you think that an exhaust fan is an unnecessary expense, you are completely wrong. Below are some of the most compelling reasons for you to install an exhaust fan in the bathroom:

• Get Rid of Odors: One of the best things about the use of an exhaust fan in the bathroom is the elimination of odors. A well-ventilated bathroom will smell fresher!
• Controls Humidity: The main reason why people install a bathroom exhaust fan is to control the humidity in the indoor environment. If there is excessive moisture in the bathroom, it can destroy paint and doors. Also, humidity control is important for the prevention of mold and mildew.
• Eliminate Airborne Contaminants: Without a doubt, the bathroom is one of the unhealthiest places at home. This can be addressed by installing an exhaust fan, which will minimize the likelihood of inhaling contaminants that can put your health at risk.

What is the best CFM for bathroom fans?

If your bathroom includes just a shower and a toilet, it needs a 100 CFM fan, while a bathroom with a jetted tub, toilet, and shower needs a 200 CFM fan.

Calculating Cubic Feet: The first step in determining what size exhaust fan is needed, is to calculate the volume of the room. To do this, you’ll simply multiply the length of the room times the width of the room time the height of the room.

Example:

• Length = 10 ft.
• Width = 8 ft.
• Height = 8 ft.

->10 ft. * 8 ft. * 8 ft. = 640 ft.

Determine Required CFM: Exhaust fans are sized using Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM), so you’ll have to use the two values calculated above to determine the size of the required fan. To do this, you’ll use the chart below (you’ll always round up).

Using our example numbers, we’ll place our left finger on 640 cu. ft.. Then place our right finger on 90 ft. (because we have to round up). When we slide our left finger to the right, and our right finger down. we’ll see that we need a fan rated for at least 150 cubic feet per minute.

6 Things To Consider When Buying A Bathroom Fan

In this section of this buying guide, we will give you a glimpse of some of the most important considerations when deciding which one is best to purchase.

Airflow Rating

The airflow rating is important because of its direct impact on the performance of the exhaust fan. This is measured in CFM, which stands for cubic feet per minute. The CFM will be decided upon based on the size of the bathroom where it will be installed.

The larger is the bathroom, the higher is the number of the CFM that you should be looking for.

More often than not, the CFM rating of bathroom exhaust fans ranges from 50 to 110 CFM. If your bathroom is about 60 square feet, a fan with a 60 CFM airflow will be more than enough.

If the airflow is lesser than what the room needs, the fan may end up being ineffective in delivering its anticipated benefits.

Noise

It is annoying to be in the bathroom with a fan that is generating a lot of noise. This is especially true if you are trying to have a relaxing bath! Therefore, pay attention as well to the noise that it generates.

The technical term for the noise output of an exhaust fan is sone. The higher the number is, the louder is the fan. As much as possible, choose exhaust fans with less than 2 sones. The lower the rating, the better!

Installation

If you are into DIY tasks, you can successfully complete the installation of an exhaust fan on your own. No need to rush to a technician to do the job for you!

However, make sure that the installation is one thing that you can complete even on your own. The manufacturer must provide detailed instructions and all the tools needed should be included.

It is also good if you can choose a fan that does not need an access to the attic to be able to complete the installation.

Construction

As you try to differentiate the possibilities on the market, you should look at the overall construction and the materials that are used in the exhaust fan.

Often, the cheaper ones are made of a plastic housing. However, if you want it to be longer lasting, a better option would be one that is made of galvanized steel housing. This is a material that is known for its ability to resist corrosion.

Speaking of construction, it will also be good if the exhaust fan comes with a sort of dampener, which will be effective in the reduction of the noise that it generates.

Energy Efficiency

Similar to the case of buying a household appliance, the energy rating is also an important consideration. After all, you won’t surely want to have a power-hungry fan as it could cause your utility bills to skyrocket.

You should pick a model that comes with an Energy Star certification, which means that it has been tested and proven to be energy efficient.

Addition Features

To be provided with the best bang for the buck, you should also look at the other features that can prove to be beneficial.

For instance, especially the more expensive ones, exhaust fans can be multipurpose. They can also function as a LED light or nightlight. Meanwhile, there are even other models that can double as a speaker to make bath time more relaxing!

Another feature that you should be looking for should be customizability. This means that there should be options to adjust the speed or other settings of the fan depending on what is required in a specific situation.

Although not necessary, there are also advanced models that are equipped with a motion sensor. The latter will allow the fan to automatically activate once a movement has been detected.

Wrap Up

Your bathroom should be a relaxing sanctuary, not a place that is infested by mold and mildew, as well as foul odor. The right exhaust fan can help solve the problem. With the products that have been mentioned above, you can have a well-ventilated bathroom that you will love and not dread using!