Bathroom Exhaust Fans: 7 Reviews

If you are remodeling a bathroom or even building one from scratch, it’s important to pay attention to more than just the aesthetics. Though luxury touches are nice, you should still take the steps necessary to ensure that you’ve got the basics down. One of the more important bits of your bathroom, aside from bathroom heating and maybe something to control dampness, is the exhaust fan, a relatively simple piece of machinery that can have a huge impact on your bathroom.

We’re here to make sure that you’ll not only remember your bathroom exhaust fan but that you’ll have a chance to get the perfect exhaust fan for your bathroom. We’ve done the research to find the best bathroom exhaust fans on the market, helping you figure out which fans are right for your needs and where you can buy them. If you’re ready to buy a great new exhaust fan for your bathroom, you’ll definitely need to take a look at this list. 

Top Bathroom Exhaust Fans In 2021

Choosing the right bathroom exhaust fan isn’t as easy as picking the high rated options on a list. Every bathroom is different and so too is every consumer. We’ve put together a list of some of the best options on the market right now, each with their own special features. If you need a great bathroom fan, you’ll find what you need on this list. 

Broan-NuTone AE110 Invent Energy Star Qualified Single-Speed Ventilation Fan

One of the bigger problems with choosing any bathroom exhaust fan is figuring out whether or not the unit is going to be the right fit for your bathroom. Size matters quite a bit in this situation, as a fan meant for a smaller space just isn’t going to work as well as one that’s meant for a bathroom the size of your own. Going bigger is usually better, especially if your goal is to get rid of as much moisture and humidity as possible. That’s why it’s nice that products like this ventilation fan are out there, helping to really move air around even bigger bathrooms. When it comes to functionality and appearance, it’s no question that the Broan-NuTone AE110 Invent gets a high recommendation among today’s best bathroom exhaust fans.

With the ability to manage spaces of up to 105 square feet, this ventilation fan is suitable for virtually any bathroom. It has the ability to quickly and efficiently eliminate not only moisture and humidity from the air but also odors. It’s an incredibly useful unit that not only works very well in larger spaces, but that goes a long way towards proving why these ventilation fans are so popular. If you’ve ever had the luxury of using something like this in one of your own bathrooms, you should definitely look into how having such a fan can change your home. 

One of the big roadblocks towards adding one of these ventilation fans is generally the installation process. Fortunately, this is really no tougher to add to your bathroom than anything else that you might add in a basic remodel. Designed so that even those who are not particularly DIY-minded can install the unit easily, it only takes a minor bit of work to get the bathroom fan in your ceiling and working. Though there are some obvious steps that need to be taken to do so safely, simply following the instructions for the unit will allow you to get the bathroom fan Broan manufactures installed and running in no time. 

Tech Drive Very-Quiet 70 CFM, 2.0 Sone Bathroom Ventilation, and Exhaust Fan

If you’re not a fan of loud noises, you may not necessarily be a huge fan of bathroom exhaust fans. Though a certain amount of noise is necessary for these bathroom fans to do their jobs, the fact is that most of them do seem to be engineered to be just a little bit louder than necessary. If you’re concerned about the noise level generated by your bathroom exhaust fan, you’re in luck – there are some great fans on the market that are meant to operate quietly while still moving 70 CFM. One such fan is this unit from Tech Drive.

While some people absolutely invest in bathroom exhaust fans because of the noise level, the truth is that these fans aren’t always the kind of noise that most want to hear. In fact, having something that’s a little bit quieter can be great for those who don’t love dealing with any kind of foreign noise in the bathroom. The quiet operation might not be the most valuable feature to everyone, but it means the world to others.

This unit also has some other great selling points. It’s very easy to install, making it a good fit for non-experts. It’s also able to be installed over bathtubs or showers, which helps to give homeowners more options without having to worry about whether or not their fans will keep working. If you’re looking for a quiet fan that’s going to work at 70 CFM in almost any bathroom location, you’ll be happy with what you see here. This really is a great choice for many different consumers. 

Broan-NuTone AER110RGBL ChromaComfort 110 CFM Ventilation Fan

While most people see bathroom exhaust fans as purely utilitarian, there are some who still think of their bathroom fans as part of the decor. While their fans may not ever be the centerpieces of the room, that doesn’t mean that they can’t at least be a little fun. One of the very rare bathroom exhaust fans that go beyond simply functional 110 CFM of air movement is this unit from Broan-NuTone, which not only takes a few huge steps forward in terms of bathroom exhaust fan aesthetics but also makes a big leap forward in the world of connectivity. If you’ve ever wanted a ‘smart’ exhaust fan, this is the one for which you have been waiting. 

It’s really unusual to be able to describe any kind of bathroom exhaust fan as ‘cool’, but this might be the rare exception. This exhaust fan actually comes with the ability to customize its color, allowing those who are really into bathroom decorating to finally have an exhaust fan that’s going to do more than quietly stay out of the way. This is perhaps not the most common feature for which homeowners ask, but it’s still a really neat feature that might become more common in the future.

This feature largely exists as an outgrowth of the fact that this is a rare ‘smart’ exhaust fan Broan has brought to the market. It can be controlled directly from your wi-fi enabled device, allowing you a chance to turn the fan on and off wherever you might be. Though this obviously isn’t how most people tend to interact with such products, it’s certainly convenient to be able to turn on or off a fan from any location in your home. If you’re looking for the best exhaust fan for your bathroom that incorporates new technology, this is definitely going to be the type of unit at which you will want to look. 

Panasonic FV-0811VF5 WhisperFit EZ Retrofit Ventilation Fan

Energy efficiency is a big deal for many homeowners. Some are concerned about the environmental impact of their homes, while others just want to make sure that their electric bills aren’t sky-high. While most bathroom exhaust fans aren’t exactly all that taxing on a homeowner’s electric bills, it’s nice to see that there’s at least one that really goes the extra mile towards ensuring that it will have a smaller environmental and financial impact. This unit from Panasonic really is one of the most efficient bathroom exhaust fans that you’re going to find.

One of the great things about this exhaust fan Panasonic has to offer is that it is actually Energy Star rated. That means that even the more environmentally-conscious homeowners out there can feel safe in the knowledge that they are picking an exhaust fan for their bathrooms that does conserve as much energy as possible. This is a great fit for those who are trying to update an older bathroom, especially because the fan can bring a small amount of savings when it replaces an older unit that might have been installed before more modern energy standards. 

Even if saving on utility bills isn’t a huge priority, you’ll still love this fan. It can work at two different speeds, allowing you to set the noise level of the fan whenever it is in use while also allowing you to deal with odors and moisture more efficiently. The exhaust fan Panasonic has designed is also very easy to put in place even if you’ve never installed one of these fans before, making it a great choice for new DIY bathroom renovators. While this fan’s big selling point is energy conservation, it’s still a fan that works remarkably well in multiple situations. 

BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM, 0.8 Sone Bathroom Ventilation & Exhaust Fan

Are you the kind of person who always leaves their bathroom exhaust fan? There are definitely plenty of people who do, ranging from those who legitimately like the sound to those who just want to make sure that the air in the room is continuously cycled. Unfortunately, many cheaper bathroom exhaust fans can run into operational problems if they are left running too long. If you are looking for something that’s going to be left on for hours at a time, it’s generally best to look at a product that’s meant for continuous use like this bathroom exhaust fan. 

Continuous usage requires a few major factors to be present in any bathroom exhaust fan that you choose. The first one is the build quality of the fan’s motor – if it’s not actually designed to be turned on all the time, there’s a better chance that it will get burned out after repeated use. You also have to look at the level of work that went into designing the housing of the fan, as any problems with corrosion or other environmental damage can be exacerbated by continuous use. Fortunately, this fan is both well-engineered and incredibly strong. 

Of course, continuous use wouldn’t matter very much if the fan didn’t do its job well. This is an excellent fan for those who just want to get moisture and odor out of there, one that’s easy to put in place and that isn’t dangerous to use above a shower or bathtub. It’s an excellent model of bathroom exhaust fan that will do its job without being noticed most of the time, allowing you to leave the fan on continuously without really worrying about what else will happen. If you know you’ll be leaving your bathroom fan on most of the time, you’ll want to take a look at this unit. 

Homewerks Worldwide 7140-50 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation

Sometimes simplicity is the most important factor in an appliance. While there are certainly dozens of great features out there at which you can look when you’re trying to find the best bathroom exhaust fan, the truth is that the best fan for you may well be the one that just works the best. If you are in a position where you just need something that’s going to easily remove odors and humidity without requiring a contractor’s license to install, you may want to take a look at this simple bathroom exhaust fan from Homewerks Worldwide. 

It’s really easy to see how this kind of exhaust fan would really be the best for those who favor simplicity. The modern-style grille is really the only thing on the unit that isn’t fully functional, with all of the other parts existing simply to ensure that the unit works as well as possible. This means that it’s not only easy to put in place, but that it’s corrosion-resistant to the degree that you really won’t have to worry about it getting damaged over time. This is a unit that’s made to get put in a ceiling and to be largely forgotten.

Being largely forgotten, in this case, means that the unit just works as it is supposed to work. It does a really solid job of removing moisture and odor from the air, leaving you with a cleaner and more pleasant bathroom after the fan runs. It may not have any fancy extras that will make it stand out from the crowd, but that’s not what most consumers are looking for in this kind of product. If you love fans that just do their job without requiring much for you as a homeowner, you’ll definitely want to give this bathroom fan a look.

Broan-NuTone 678 Exhaust Ventilation Fan and Light Combination for Bathroom and Home

There are plenty of high rated exhaust fan models on the market. But when it comes to finding the best bathroom exhaust fan, this handy new unit is a must-have. The Broan-NuTone 678 Exhaust Ventilation Fan and Light Combination for Bathroom and Home lives up to its name in fine style. 

The unit includes the capacity for a very bright 100-watt light bulb, although the bulb itself is not included. Once you install it, the bulb will be protected by a light-diffusing lens that is completely resistant to shattering. 

When it comes to choosing bathroom exhaust fans, safety should always be your ultimate concern. The present model comes complete with a Type IC unit. It also features a fan impeller that is fully polymeric. 

The unit is UL listed for use in bathtubs and showers when linked up to a GFCI-protected branch circuit. This gives the user even more protection against an accidental surge. Overall, this is one of the safest models on our list. 

The unit is lightweight, portable, and very easy for home users to put in place in any convenient location. It includes polymeric duct connectors with tapered sleeves for quick and efficient positive ducting. Also included is a plug-in motor that has been permanently lubricated for a long life of continuous usage. 

The model can be used in any location in your home. It has a range of up to 45 square feet. Its specially designed white polymeric grille will form the perfect complement to practically any kind of home decor. The unit is backed with a full warranty of guaranteed quality direct from the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Makes the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

Is your bathroom ventilation fan living up to its promise? This is a concern you can’t afford to be behind on. The very best bathroom exhaust fans that guarantee the best quality of air movement per minute over a high area of square feet. If your bathroom exhaust fans can’t do this, it may be time to for you find a new set. 

When it comes to deciding who makes the exhaust fan for a bathroom, you need to consider carefully. There are a number of crucial factors that should come into play. When it comes to choosing exhaust fan bathrooms is the natural venue. The size and general condition of this room should be your first point of criteria.

Of course, there are also many other points that need to be surveyed when choosing exhaust fans for bathrooms. For example, the size and power of the fan Panasonic makes has drawn rave reviews from industry experts and homeowners alike. The exhaust fan you choose should be an Energy Star model and the purchase should be cost-effective. 

After careful research, we have concluded that the new Panasonic FV-0811VF5 Whisper Fit EZ Retrofit Ventilation Fan is the very exhaust fan for the bathroom. This is not to say that the recent fan Broan makes is a bad one. But the exhaust fan Panasonic has features that easily trump it.

This leading model of modern exhaust bathroom fans comes with a 5 and 5/8 inch housing depth. The bathroom exhaust fan has been specially designed to fit in a 2 x 6 construction unit. The included Pick-A-Flow Speed Selector will give you the option to select the level of air movement you desire. You can choose from 80 CFM or 110 CFM.

The bathroom fan is permanently lubricated for quiet operation at the minimum possible noise level. It’s a bathroom exhaust fan that also includes a night light and other handy features. Overall, this is one of the very best bathrooms for home use on the market. This high-quality model is easy to put in place and very safe to operate. 

There are plenty of fans to choose from on the market. But when it comes to building the best bathroom exhaust fans, Panasonic just seems to do it most often. For this reason, we believe that the next set of bathroom fans you buy for your home should come from this company. This present model is our most favorite example. 

How Many CFM Do I Need for My Exhaust Fan?

Not all bathroom exhaust fans are created equal. The fact of the matter is that you are going to need certain types of fans for certain types of areas. This will include sizing out the model you need by taking notice of how much CFM it can generate. CFM is a unit of measurement and also an acronym that stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. 

The full extent of CFM that your bathroom exhaust fan will generate is measured in terms of the amount of air movement. As noted previously, this figure will be measured in cubic feet per minute. The standard application of this measurement is applied to bathrooms that measure out to a total of 100 square feet or less. 

The rule of thumb for CFM is easy enough to learn and apply. It simply comes down to the fact that you will require a minimum of 1 CFM per square foot of room area. If the total extent of the area in your bathroom measures out to 140 square feet, you will thus need a total of 140 CFM to ventilate it. Doing so will ensure your safety and comfort.

The next thing to consider is how large your bathroom really is compared to the general sizes that most bathroom exhaust fans come in. For example, if your bathroom is an odd measurement such as 53 inches, your best bet will be to buy an exhaust fan unit that generates 60 CFM. You always want to move a slight size above in power. 

You should also note that special conditions apply if your bathroom should be fitted with special features. For example, if you have a jetted tub or separate alcoves in the area, you may need to include a series of bathroom fans rather than just one. Each one will have to have a CFM level that is appropriate for its specific area.

It’s also worth remembering that the absolute minimum legal fan size in this particular category will be no less than 50 CFM. This means that if the bathroom in your property is a total of only 39 square feet, you will still need to purchase at least a 50 CFM bathroom exhaust fan. Safety and efficiency guidelines mandate this. 

Finally, you should note that a bathroom exhaust fan with a higher output of CFM will cost you a great deal less energy and money in the long run. This is because the higher the CFM, the less strenuously the fan in your bathroom will need to work. Being able to shut down at times will conserve plenty of energy and save money.

Where Should I Vent My Bathroom Exhaust Fan?

One of the cardinal rules of bathroom exhaust fan placement is that proper ventilation is key. This means that you need to place the fan in the area where it is most likely to be of assistance. The goal should always be to help to circulate fresh air all through your bathroom and, if need be, the surrounding area around the room as well. 

To do this, you should always place the exhaust fan in an area where it will draw up the most moisture. For example, it may be wise to place the unit above your shower or sink areas. These will be the places where the most moisture, sometimes in the guise of steam, is generated. An exhaust fan here will save you time, energy, and money. 

When you vent your bathroom exhaust fan, you need to be sure that the area is being vented to the outside. You don’t want the escaping air to be vented into your attic area. This is because the moisture that collects in an enclosed space can lead to the unchecked growth of dangerous microbes. These can include mildew and black mold. 

There are a number of prime areas where you can most readily facilitate the proper venting of a bathroom exhaust fan. These can include through the roof, through an outside gable wall, or through a vent in your gable. If you find yourself out of options, you can also try to ventilate your exhaust fan unit through a soffit vent. 

When it comes to improving your overall level of bathroom venting, you need to reduce the amount of air resistance in the actual vent pipe. To do this, you will need to keep the extent of your pipe straight and short. Your best bet will be to use a smooth, straight metal pipe. Ductwork is not recommended because it is too flexible. 

Does More CFM Make for a Better Bathroom Fan?

The final thing to keep in mind is whether or not you want to really conclude your ventilation research in the correct manner. The best resolution to such a search will be to find a bathroom exhaust fan that really does ventilate the area in an efficient and cost-effective fashion. This will be where the issue of CFM rises to the fore. 

Bathrooms that feature higher ceilings or are larger in size than the average model will tend to require larger and more powerful fans. This is because the need to trap moisture and disperse it in a safe fashion will be more acute. You will also have a much greater need to keep your total level of humidity at a safe and comfortable rate.

The more CFM your fan can boast, the better. Of course, this figure will be modulated by the total square foot of your bathroom area. For a bathroom that is 60 square feet, you will need an exhaust fan that can give you a total of 60 CFM. 

It should be kept in mind that, even if your bathroom is slightly smaller at 53 square feet, a 60 CFM model is best. This is because it’s always better to size slightly up rather than risk overworking your fan in a situation where it will not be equal to the task.

In the end, a fan with more CFM power will work less and more efficiently. This means that you will no longer have to worry about keeping your bathroom dry and comfortable. It also means that you will not have to fret over the thought of having to absorb a major blow to your budget. Your fan will last longer and cost you a great deal less.