Water from bathroom faucet or shower head can cause high humidity, which is a breeding ground for destructive mold and mildew. Since these micro-organisms can ruin your paintings, investing in the best bathroom exhaust fan is more than necessary.
Even so, the market boasts plenty of options and picking the best model right off the bat might be a challenging endeavor. After comparing several best bathroom fans from different brands, we think that the Broan-Nutone 9093WH Exhaust Fan takes the lead this year.
This product is an exhaust fan, heater and light combo, and would be ideal for most people. Besides, our bathroom exhaust fan reviews seek to round up 10 models worth purchasing this year, starting with our best pick. We welcome you to spare some few minutes and get to know other best bathroom exhaust fans currently available.
Table of Contents
10 Best Bathroom Fans Reviews
1. Broan-Nutone 9093WH Exhaust Fan Heater and Light Combo
Check More Photos on Amazon
Having tested more than a dozen bathroom exhaust fans from various brands, the Broan-Nutone 9093WH seems to be leading the pack this year. It does heat things up while keeping moisture at bay thanks to a built-in heater.
Actually, the reason we’re kicking off our bathroom exhaust fan reviews with this model is that it’s a combo model. It entails an exhaust fan, integrated heater, and light – providing powerful ventilation, heating, and illumination at the touch of a switch.
Its 1500-watt heating element combines with 70-CFM to provide a direct source of heat for spaces ranging from 65-100 square feet. The Broan-Nutone 9093WH Fan/Heater/Light combo uses electronically balanced centrifugal blower wheel to circulate heat evenly and provide optimum performance throughout the room.
This is one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater, which incorporates a 100-watt incandescent light (sold separately) to illuminate the room. Also, it entails a 7-watt night light which offers a soft, bright glow ideal for nighttime visits to the bathroom.
For ease of use, the Broan-Nutone includes an automatic reset thermal protection along with a four-functional wall switch that helps you take control over all functions, including temperature level.
This exhaust fan is designed to be installed or replaced through a DIY approach, because it includes all the required pieces. It has expansion-type hanger bars for joists up to 24 inches, and mounting brackets that are adjustable up to ¾-inch plaster thickness.
Its 4-inch round duct size demands a 2-inchx8-inch minimum space. Also, there’s an 8-inch diameter glass lens which extends no more than 3 inches from the ceiling to occupy the least space.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
2. Panasonic FV-0511VQ1
Check More Photos on Amazon
Panasonic is a legendary brand whose products are known for quiet operation. The Panasonic FV-0511VQ1 lives up to this reputation, with an operating noise of less than 0.3 sones.
This model is designed for people who value a bathroom fan that’s as quiet as a whisper, without compromising performance. Additionally, it befits spaces of different sizes, thanks to a Pick-a-Flow Speed Selector that lets you adjust fan operation from 50 CFM to 110 CFM.
Under normal operating conditions, the 80 CFM is suitable for 80 square feet of space, whilst 110 CFM befits rooms of 100 square feet and above. As a versatile bathroom exhaust fan, the Panasonic FV-0511VQ1 comes with the Smartflow Technology, which automatically increases speed and optimizes CFM output when the fan senses static pressure.
Through this tech function, this best exhaust fan for bathroom eliminates humidity, mold, mildew and related pollutants from the room. It also consists of a 10-watt dimmable LED chip panel alongside 1-watt LED night light that ensures a warm and efficient illumination.
The Panasonic FV-0511VQ1 measures 13 inches long, 13 inches wide, with an 8.5-inch height clearance. Installing it is a cakewalk, thanks to the Flex-Zfast bracket for positioning the fan accordingly.
The exhaust is compatible with 4 and 6-inch ducts to ensure flexible duct layout and design. This fan fits into 2x6 joist construction spaces and can be hard wired into a junction box using UL-certified wire nuts.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
3. Panasonic FV-11VH2 WhisperWarm Fan/Heater Combination
Check More Photos on Amazon
Even though the Panasonic FV-11VH2 is one of the most expensive models in our bathroom exhaust fan with heater reviews, it’s the best heavy-duty fan that never rusts. Besides, it’s installed with a wide range of key characteristics making it standout from the crowd.
First off, the fan housing comprises heavy-gauge zinc galvanized steel that’s painted to keep rust at bay. A built-in damper in the fan avoids backdraft, thus preventing outside air from entering in through the fan.
Its 110 CFM capacity is suitable for most bathrooms, especially those having 100 square meters or less. This heater/fan combo brags an enclosed condenser motor and a huge, dual suction blower wheel.
The blower wheel quietly draws air in from both sides, thus affording more room for the air to enter the wheel. The fan has a tubular, stainless-steel-sheathed heating element featuring Ni-chrome wire with magnesium oxide for enhanced heat transmission and electrical padding at elevated temperatures.
The Panasonic FV-11VH2 is quiet, but not quieter than the Panasonic FV-0511VQ1. It has a 0.6 sone rating and provides continuous, noise-free operation. Thus, it has made numerous appearances in most quiet bathroom fan reviews.
This heavy-duty fan features high-quality components and permanently lubricated motors which wear down at a slower pace. Better yet, the condenser motor has been configured to operate at lower temperatures for increased lifespan of the motor and bearings.
The Panasonic FV-11VH2 is ENERGY STAR certified and conforms to California Title24, ASHRAE 62.2, LEED and Washington VIAQ standards and codes. What’s more, the fan is compatible with 4-inch ducts and includes all the necessary mounting hardware for trouble-free installation.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
4. Panasonic FV-08-11VF5 WhisperFitEZ Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
By now, you probably know that Panasonic is a brand to trust when it comes to top rated bathroom fans. The Panasonic FV-08-11VFS is a reliable unit that provides the option of customizing your airflow based on the size of your bathroom.
This is attributed to the built-in Pick-A-Flow Speed Selector, which lets you choose either 80 CFM or 110 CFM. Aside from the customizable fan speed, this low-profile WhisperFit fan delivers quiet, effective and energy-efficient exhaust ventilation for several bathrooms in your portfolio.
At less than 0.3 sones, the Panasonic FV-08-11VFS powerfully removes air impurities from your home while ensuring whisper-quiet audio levels. Apparently, it’s hard to notice when the fan is running!
Furthermore, it consumes less energy and moves larger air volumes. In return, it records less overheating and motor failure, which translates to minimal repair costs.
This UL listed product measures 10.25x10.25x5.62 inches. Its low profile housing design fits 2x6 inch construction, which makes it ideal for hotel renovation and residential remodeling.
Installing this unit is fast, straightforward and cost-effective. For greater flexibility during installation, the unit entails a detachable installation adapter along with EZ and FLEX-Z brackets for positioning the fan.
This item includes a 4-inch duct with a 3-inch adapter. It’s also compatible with 4 and 6 inch ducts for greater convenience in duct layout and design.
The fan is made of the highest quality plastic, which is not only durable but also easy to clean. For effective cleaning, one of its sides is designed to be easily detachable to facilitate hassle-free cleanup.
More importantly, this stylish fan is designed to address the upcoming Energy Star regulations thanks to its innovative engineering. To top it all out, the unit has a 4-watt night light which comes in handy during those random night bathroom visits.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
5. RadonAway 23030-1 RP145 Radon Mitigation Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
At just under 0.5 sones, the RadonAway Mitigation Fan provides energy-efficient and ultra-quiet operation. Actually, this unit is purpose-built for quietness, energy efficiency, and prevention of dangerous radon pollution.
Ideal for most radon mitigation tasks, the fan’s 166 CFM befits residential and commercial use, and complies with all electrical code regulations. This is the best bathroom ventilation fan whose water-hardened motorized impeller design facilitates ultra-durable and long-lasting performance.
As an ETL listed and thermally protected model, this radon mitigation fan can be used as an outdoor ceiling fan. It can similarly be used indoors in line with your personal ventilation requirements.
The unit is the best fit for people living in areas with higher-than-normal radon levels. It uses special fans to filter out radon and introduce fresh, clean air to your room. Its sealed housing means that radon won’t escape during filtration.
This airborne reduction system diminishes airborne radon in three steps: diagnostic evaluation, sealing, and filtration. Essentially, it first alters the air pressure beneath the home. Then, it draws out and filters radon gas using a specially designed radon fan.
This RadonAway Mitigation Fan is an evitable solution to high radon levels. If your existing basement floor venting system is ineffective, then we highly recommend this model.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
6. BV Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
It’s hard to beat the BV Ultra-Quiet 90 CFM Bathroom Exhaust Fan in terms of remarkable features and improvements. This HVI2100-certified and UL-approved model is suitable for continuous operation, primarily because it features a heavy-duty motor with lifetime lubrication and thermal protection.
Thanks to permanently lubricated motors, this best humidity sensing bathroom fan is ideal for use in high-humidity areas or small bathrooms. This exhaust fan has been featured in most bathroom fans reviews as one of the most energy-conserving fans available today. Its excellent performance motor drastically reduces energy consumption and substantially saves on the monthly utility bill.
The BV Ultra-Quiet is available in multiple versions including 90 CFM, 110 CFM, and 150 CFM. You’ll be able to choose the ventilating power according to your bathroom size.
The 90 CFM airflow unit is adequate for a 90 square feet bathroom, whereas the 150 CFM is perfect for up to 150 square feet bathroom. As a result, the 150 CFM airflow unit is great for a big master bath or a bathroom consisting of numerous shower/tub combos.
As the name suggests, this model is ultra quiet and ensures noiseless operation. It incorporates the Silent-Clever technology which enables it to produce less than 0.8 sones noise output. This makes it one of the quietest models in our bathroom exhaust fan reviews.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
7. Panasonic FV-30VQ3 WhisperCeiling Ventilation Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
Admittedly, the Panasonic FV-30VQ3 is one of the most expensive exhaust fans in our bathroom fan reviews. However, it’s also the most powerful and quiet ventilation fan that improves air quality by eliminating humidity, mold, mildew and similar air pollutants from the room.
At an outstanding 290 CFM, the Panasonic FV-30VQ3 provides an excellent airflow, making it suitable for commercial applications. It’s also the best fit for homeowners who’ve got a large bathroom with several showers, toilets, and even a hot tub.
This ceiling-mounted unit can be used in the kitchen or living room to rid hot air in the summer. Despite oozing this much power, this Panasonic model is relatively quiet at just 2.0 sones.
While it isn’t exactly too quiet, that’s about half the sound output of other models with similar CFM capacity, and won’t be too upsetting in a 290-square foot room.
Also, it uses a completely enfolded condenser motor and a double-tapered, dolphin-shaped bladed wheel blower to move air quietly. Its Sirocco blower wheel is wider than normal, allowing it move a large amount of air at much lower rotations per minute (RPM) than other exhaust fans in the same pricing category.
For hassle-free operation, the Panasonic FV-30VQ3 is built with high-quality components and its motors are permanently lubricated to ensure continuous running without wearing quickly. Plus, the condenser motor has been configured to operate at lower temperatures for improved lifespan of the motor and bearings.
The fan housing sports extra-thick zinc-coated steel and painted to cushion against rusting. Hence, it can withstand the toughest bathroom environments without corroding.
This Energy Star-certified model uses only 64 watts, which means it cuts down on your utility bills. It integrates a damper that prevents backdraft, which bars the external air from entering the room through the fan.
As for installation, you can mount it inside any shower or tub enclosure. The mounting opening is 12 square inches and the duct diameter measures 6 inches. And, although it includes all the necessary hardware, we think that installation should be left to an experienced pro.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
8. DELTA ELECTRONICS LTD BreezSlim SLM70 70 CFM Exhaust Bath Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
The Delta Electronics SLM70 is the best bathroom exhaust fan with led light in our list. It consists of the LED indicator light which turns on when the unit is running. A green light indicates the unit is ON.
Aside from the LED, the SLM70 has a low-noise rating of 2.0 sones. It lets you shower in peace without being concerned about disruptive, high-pitched sounds.
Equipped with an innovative DC brushless motor, this exhaust fan is associated with quiet operation, low power consumption and improved lifespan. The potent motor is poised to guarantee up to 85% energy savings, making it easy on your wallet.
At 70 CFM, the SLM70 exhausts plenty of fresh air covering up to 70 square feet of a bathroom. So, it’s ideal for small bathrooms.
This best bathroom exhaust fan with light is built to last. It sports a galvanized steel construction, which endows ever-lasting performance while keeping corrosion at bay. Its sturdy frame construction and metal components facilitate unmatched durability.
The SLM70 is powerful, compact and lightweight. It measures 7.2” x 7.25" x 3.94 and weighs less than 5 lbs, making it ideal for installation in confined bathroom spaces. You can install it on the ceiling or on the wall depending on what works best for you.
The SLM70 is UL listed as perfect for wall mount or ceiling mount installation or retrofitting into an existing space. This makes it a bona fide candidate for your next single-family or multifamily project.
For passionate DIYers, installing the unit is a breeze. It has a mounting opening of 7.5 square inches and a duct diameter of 3 inches. What’s more, the SLM70 includes a generous 3-year warranty and offers the best bang for your buck.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
9. Hauslane BF100 Electric Bathroom Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
The Hauslane BF200 is designed with avid DIYers in mind. Installing it is fast, simple and straightforward thanks to the inclusion of a double hanger bar system for positioning the fan.
Also, the best bathroom vent fan has a standard housing that easily fits in between most ceiling joists. The extractor comes equipped with a 4-inch vent connector and all components are separable, making it the ideal electric bath fan for replacing an existing unit.
This compact bathroom fan has a high air circulating speed. The Hauslane BF200 supplies a 120 CFM of speed, hence a worthwhile option for a larger-sized bathroom.
The electric fan combines powerful ventilation and suction to clear out unpleasant smells and odors in rooms up to 120 square feet. It is purpose-built to minimize condensation and keep every home clean, dry and mold free.
In addition to being powerful, the Hauslane BF200 is quiet, unobtrusive and ideal for shared housing or busy bathrooms in large family homes. It achieves 1007 RPM speed at less than 1.2 sones fan rate, which means it operates quietly and minimizes unnecessary noise.
This 45W bathroom extractor also doubles up as the best bathroom exhaust fan with led light. It conveniently integrates a 6-Watt 5000K LED light panel, whose function is to gently illuminate the bathroom space for convenient nighttime bathroom visits.
More importantly, the Hauslane BF200 is crafted from high-quality materials to guarantee the longevity. It is also UL or ETL certified for your utmost peace of mind throughout the operation.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
10. Broan-NuTone QTXE110FLT Very Quiet Ventilation Fan
Check More Photos on Amazon
Our bathroom exhaust fan reviews can’t be complete without the Broan QTXE110FLT. We consider the Very Quiet Broan QTXE110FLT as the best bathroom fan with light model available on the market today. It brings forth a rare combination of high power and low noise.
This ultra-quiet model is rated at 0.7 sones and produces 110 cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow. It uses a dynamically balanced centrifugal wheel blow to provide noiseless and efficient performance.
This innovative ceiling-mount fan filters bad odors, blasts away moisture and improves air quality in bathroom spaces up to 105 square feet. The fan’s plug-in motor is permanently lubricated to ensure continuous operation.
Moreover, the UL listed motor is ideal for use over shower or tub with a GFCI circuit, allowing you to position your fan exactly where you need it for optimized ventilation effectiveness.
The Broan QTXE110FLT Fan/Light Combo includes two energy-efficient 18W GU24 fluorescent bulbs which guarantee a total of 36 watts of illumination. It also works with a 4-Watt night lighting bulb (bulb sold separately) whose perfect glow is ideal for bathroom use at night.
The Broan QTXE110FLT features a rugged, galvanized steel housing construction that’s sure to last for years to come. Its grille sports the polymeric construction and innovative design for superior performance.
For effortless installation or replacement through a DIY technique, the unit has a 6-inch round duct and a hanger bar system that makes installation or replacement fast and flexible in 2" x 8" ceiling construction spaces.
The white polymeric grille is also great for decorative purposes, since it blends into ceiling and provides a cohesive look to nearly every décor. What’s more, the Broan QTXE110FLT is Energy Star certified and HVI approved for every user’s peace of mind.
What We Loved
What Could Be Better
How to Choose the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan
CFM Rating
Abbreviated as CFM, a cubic feet per minute determines the fan’s capacity to improve airflow in the entire bathroom. You should pick a bathroom fan based on the size of your bathroom. For instance, if your bathroom is about 90 square feet, a CFM of at least 100 will suffice.
In this case, a CFM of 80 won’t be enough to carry the airflow necessary to provide sufficient ventilation in the whole bathroom. Thus, you might end up with a sticky, unpleasant bathroom that never loses the humid feeling.
Noise Level
The noise level rating of an exhaust fan is measured in “sones”, where the higher the sone rating, the higher the noise level. Different fans exhibit diverse sone ratings, and the manufacturer has to indicate this on the product label.
Models with 1 sone are quieter compared to ones with 4.0 sones. We recommend aiming for anything with 1.5 sones or less, because it’s gonna make the bathroom peaceful and relaxing.
Energy Efficiency
It’s worth paying attention to energy rating when choosing the best bathroom ventilation fan. Most models are designed to run steadily without hitches, but some might end up blowing your energy bills.
We recommend opting for energy efficient fans, especially those ones using DC motors. AC motors are largely considered more on the energy consuming end – but it’s good to compare the energy ratings for more units and pick the most convenient option.
Bathroom Fan & Light Combo
Models with a bathroom light/fan combo are a great solution for bathrooms that have neither natural nor artificial light. The best bath fans come with this combination, helping illuminate and brighten a dim shower or bath stall.
We encourage you to select a bathroom ceiling fan that integrates a light and a dimmer switch, because the switch facilitates changing mood settings in the bathroom. Actually, having this amalgamation can be handy to any bathroom.
Built-in Sensors
Exhaust fans may come with sensors which automatically switch on the device based on different factors. For instance, there are models using a motion sensor to activate the exhaust fan, so it instantly turns on when you enter the bathroom.
You can also get the best bathroom exhaust fan with humidity sensor. This one uses the level of humidity in the room to activate the fan, so it turns on when the humidity is too high.
Heating Lamps
Bathroom fans comprising heating lamps are a nice addition to any bathroom. Models that include a heater are especially great for folks who get chilly easily after taking a hot shower on a cold morning.
Our bathroom exhaust fan with heater reviews have covered units consisting of built-in heaters. These are also helpful for bathrooms whose walls or floors consist of tile or natural stone. The reason’s that these materials make bathrooms more difficult to heat.
Size
When installing a bathroom fan for the first time, you must ensure that the available space is enough for installation. Experts suggest installing fans over the shoulder to enhance the air flow. If installed in a corner, you won’t reap as much benefits.
If you’re replacing an existing fan, make sure that you chose an identical size, not too small or too big. If too small, you’ll have to fill in the existing hole in order to fit in snugly, causing aesthetic mishaps. And if too big, the existing hole must be expanded, and you might end up requiring special tools for the purpose.
Ease of Installation
The ease of installing a bathroom fan is mainly a key aspect for avid DIYers. If you’re planning on installing a new ceiling exhaust fan on your own, it’d be better to opt for one designed for ease of installation.
Bathroom fans that are simple to install through a Do-It-Yourself approach have standard joist construction as well as adjustable mounting brackets. Similarly, they come with clear-cut guidelines showing how to install or replace a fan/light combo.
Final Verdict
The best bathroom exhaust fan is a useful piece of equipment that makes your bathroom cleaner and ameliorates a healthier lifestyle. There’s no reason to endure unpleasant smells, poor air quality and foggy mirrors in your bathroom when you can invest in one of the best bathroom exhaust fans with light and heater.
When shopping for the best bathroom fans, we recommend assessing the primary characteristics of every unit, such as the noise level, durability, energy rating, ease of installation, and other vital qualities worth considering.
With the help of our bathroom exhaust fan reviews, it’ll become easier to select the finest exhaust fan on the market. We highly recommend the Broan-Nutone 9093WH Exhaust Fan due to its impeccable CFM rating, energy conservation and DIY installation.
This is an exhaust, heater and light combo and would befit most users. However, if it doesn’t meet your needs or bathroom standard, we encourage you to scan through our reviews again so you can pick the right CFM rating for your unique bathroom size.