Best Bathroom Fans: The 10 Best Bath Exhaust Fans for Your Bathroom

At first, many people will wonder why they’ll need a fan fitted in their bathrooms. It may not seem glaring but the benefits are just enormous. The bathroom is where a lot of moisture and humidity is concentrated. Leave this for a long time and you’ll turn the bathroom to the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew which will perfectly do damage to building materials including the drywall and wood framing. To counter this effect, you’ll need a bathroom exhaust fan. But because you may not like many of those fans on the market, we’ve compiled for you a list of the best bathroom fans from which you can easily pick anyone to help keep your bathroom ventilated and in perfect condition.

#1 Panasonic FV-11VQ5: Panasonic WhisperCeiling Ceiling Mounted Fan

Panasonic FV-11VQ5

Whenever I’m asked by people to recommend a capable fan for their bathroom, it’s none other than this bestselling fan. Panasonic fans are always outstanding but it seems they were aiming for flawless perfection while they were designing this bathroom fan.

Noise level

The bathroom fan has a sones rating of 0.3. You can just imagine how quiet it’s going to run. So, if you’ve tried out other fans only to dislike the noise and sound level at which they operate, then this Panasonic FV-11QV5 is bound to change your experience.

Airflow

The CFM is 110 so that air flow and exchange within your bathroom is quick and speedy. No longer will you have to worry about wet showers aiding the growth of mold. This Panasonic fan will take care of that for you. The higher the CFM, the more efficient and faster the air exchange process will be.

Exterior Design

The fan’s exterior is made of galvanized steel with a rust-resistant finish. There is a thermal cut-off fuse that helps to switch off the fan just in case it gets too hot without causing any damage whatsoever to your home.

Then, the double hanger bar which makes for easy installation. With some other bathroom fans, you’ll have to hire the service of an HVAC operator for installation and this in itself can be pricey as much or even more than the fan itself. With the double bar hanger, you can install this Panasonic fan yourself if you’re confident enough. However, if you aren’t that confident, the installation will still be less pricey if you compare to other bathroom fans that will need more technical work.

This quiet and affordable bathroom fan can easily qualify as the best bathroom fan. It is a perfect option if you are looking for the most affordable way to efficiently manage the humidity and moisture problems in your bathroom.

Pros
  • Highly efficient motor engine.
  • The fan can handle small to medium sized rooms
  • It is moderately priced and affordable
Cons
  • The bathroom fan is still a bit expensive but this is because Panasonic always make durable and quality bathroom fans.

#2 Panasonic FV-15VQ5 WhisperCeilingCeing Mounted Bath Exhaust Fan

Panasonic FV-15VQ5

This Panasonic bathroom fan is another worthy entry on our list. These specs are amazing and it can fit into any bathroom whether it is a small-sized bathroom or a medium-sized one.

Noise level

The problem with many of the bathroom fans on the market is the irritating noise they make while they are running. This is a turn-off for most people but with this Panasonic FV-15VQ5, noise is out of the picture. The Sones rating is 0.3 just like that of the FV-15VQ5. This is an indication that you will not get disturbed by rattling fan noise when trying to relax or shower in your bathroom tub.

Air Exchange

The previous Panasonic in our review has a CFM of 110. This Panasonic FV-15VQ5 has a CFM rated at 150. This CFM is higher than those seen in most other bathroom fans and the exchange of air between your bathroom and the outside is done within a short time to guarantee maximum cleanliness and dryness.

The fan has a dual adaptor implying you can fit it easily into either of a 4’’ or 6’’ ducts.  You can also easily fit it as a shower or tub enclosure so long as you use GFCI branch circuit wire.

Take all of these amazing quality and features into consideration and this bathroom fan would simply have been the best rated on our best bathroom fans list. The only downside to this is the cost of the fan. When you compare this price to those of others on the list, it seems a bit steep at a little under $200. The catch is this, this is a really premium, high-end bathroom fan and it will work fine in any bathroom, no matter the size. If money is not a problem, then this Panasonic FV-15VQ5 should be your priority when you’re in the market for a bathroom fan.

Pros
  • The fan can effectively handle most bathroom sizes
  • It is UL-listed and can be fitted on the tub
  • It can also be fitted without the need for professional installation.
Cons
  • The price is a little on the high side but this is because of its quality

#3 Broan SPK110 CFM 110 Sensonic Speaker Fan

Sensonic Speaker Fan

If you need a techy bathroom fan with features beyond normal air exchange, then maybe you’ll like the Broan SPK110. This particular model operates at a low sound level and talking about sound, it can play your favorite tracks as you try to have a nice shower in the tub, we’ll come to that later.

Noise Level

The Broan SPk110 has a Sones rating of 1.0. That is low enough for you not to be disturbed by the rattling noise of running fans as with many of the other bathroom fans on the market. The sound is kept that low so the voice does not turn off or spoil the moment since the bathroom is supposed to be a peaceful tranquil place.

Air Exchange Rate

With a CFM rating of 110, consider the work done. The Broan SPK110 will perfectly keep your shower moist and dry after you’re done. Your bathroom will be less foggy and you’ll clearly see yourself in the mirror each time you step out. The Broan SPK110 is capable of serving small to medium-sized bathrooms efficiently. With this bathroom fan, humidity and moisture will no longer have a lasting place in your bathroom.

Sensonic Speaker

It is not every day you’ll see a bathroom fan that can play your favorite songs while you’re enjoying a cold shower. The SPK110 has a Bluetooth-enabled speaker that through which you can sync and play your favorite tracks while in the shower. You don’t have to bring in your device into the shower. The Bluetooth connectivity will handle that. So, instead of being worried by the sound of rattling fans, you can groove to the latest jam while enjoying a shower in the bath. If you’ll wish to install this fan in your shower or bathtub, it is UL-listed and so that’s not a problem. Just remember to use a GFCI circuit when installing the fan.

Pros
  • The bathroom fan can handle most bathroom size.
  • This fan has a Bluetooth speaker for added features
  • It is UL-listed so fitting it on a tub is no problem
Cons
  • The sones rating of 1.0 still make a little sound
  • Installation of the fan could be somehow tricky so you’ll be fine with an installer.

#4 Bathroom Exhaust Fan Broan 690

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Broan 690

Looking for some of the most affordable bathroom fans right now? Then maybe you should look this way. ThisBroan 690 has been on sale for a while and has garnered tons of reviews like the other best bathroom fans have managed to do. Those who have bought and managed to drop a review love the fan, it is clear the fan is efficient because it is highly rated. When you consider the specs with the price tag this fan carries, then it’s a great bargain, coming in at a little less than $50. Let’s take a brief look at the specs it has for this price range.

Noise Level

The quiet bathroom exhaust fan has a sones rating of 3.0. Although this is high compared to some other bathroom fans on our list, the noise is still not enough to make it a turn off. You can still have your shower without the humming sound to disturb you just the way it is with many of the bathroom fans that could not make their way into this list.

Air Exchange

The basic function of a bathroom fan is to exchange air and reduce the humidity and moisture that can be damaging to your bathroom in the long run. The Broan 690 does that with a CFM of 60. It will easily manage to do a good job in any bathroom of a small or medium size.

Even though it’s still not yet a household thing like many of its counterparts on this best bathroom fans list. The Broan 690 has moderate features with a very affordable price tag. Right now, people are just getting to know it and it will be interesting to see how long it can hold up the great ratings it’s currently getting.

Pros
  • It is one of the most affordable bathroom fans.
  • It has a white grille finish to complement your bathroom.
Cons
  • At 3.0 sones rating, the fan is a little bit noisy and can be heard if you are under it.

#5 Panasonic FV-08VQ5 WhisperCeiling

Best Bathroom Fans

Quality does not have to cost you an arm and leg the same way affordability does not mean you should end up with a mediocre product. Panasonic fans are known for their quality and efficiency. While some are a bit steep in price, some are very moderately priced. Among these moderately priced bathroom fans is where we’ll find this highly efficient Panasonic FV-08VQ5.

But to this Panasonic bathroom exhaust fan, being affordable does not mean being cheap, the fan is aimed at those consumers trying to maintain a tight budget and still looking to get a quality product. If you find yourself in this category, then the Panasonic FV-08VQ5 will help you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Noise Level

Expect Panasonic to keep that as low as possible. This Panasonic bathroom exhaust fan has a Sones rating of 0.3. You would be surprised at the low noise level at which this quiet bathroom exhaust fan works. If you want it to disturb your bath, then you’ll need to really have it pinned to your ears, but would you? Funny?  You wouldn’t.

Air Exchange CFM

The CFM is maintained at 80 to ensure the proper exchange of air between your bathroom interior and the exterior. The fan will work perfectly no matter the size of your bathroom as far as it’s not as large as a hall.

Panasonic fans are a symbol of quality and they are built to last. These fans come with long warranties and consumers are always pleased with them. This affordable fan has been bought and used by so many people who are highly pleased and have dropped great reviews. The Panasonic FV-08VQ5 WhisperCeiling bathroom fan is your best shot at quality and affordability and it will do a good job of keeping your bathroom as dry as it should be to protect against excess moisture and humidity.

Pros
  • The bathroom fan is very quiet that you will not hear it working.
  • It is affordable when you consider the quality and brand.
  • The bathroom fan is proudly made in the USA
Cons
  • The fan has a CFM of 80 that can only do perfect in small bathroom

#6 Delta BreezGreenBuilder  GBR80LED 80CFM Bathroom Fan with Light

Bathroom Fan with Light

You see, one of the perks that come with being one of the best is the patronage that comes with that tag. This Delta Breez GBR80 is one of the best bathroom fans in the market and this has been shown by how much people are willing to buy this awesome bathroom fan. The fan is simply a combination of quality, power, and maximum efficiency. Because the manufacturer does not want your needs compromised in any area, the fan has been manufactured to offer the best and so it has a somewhat moderate price tag. We won’t call it cheap and it isn’t expensive, it surely will fit into most budgets.

Airflow

The CFM is kept at 80 and so it’s ideal for most small bathrooms. This is not to say it won’t do well in medium-sized rooms, it will still do fine too. Airflow between your bathroom and the exterior is maintained and no longer will moisture and humidity tear down the paint on your bathroom walls.

Sound level

The fan has a Sones rating of 0.6. You won’t hear a thing when it is working. With this rating, the noise is kept at bay and bath and maybe relaxation in the tub.

Maintenance

You can easily maintain this fan. There should be no worries whatsoever about maintenance as the fan has a brushless design. Brushless motors, like the one in this Delta Breez fan, have very low consumption power and are very reliable. The exterior is also made of galvanized steel so you don’t have to worry about rusting at a later time.

This fan has a small profile and will not bulge or stand out in your bathroom. It has a LED to provide notifications when it is on because the sound is so low you won’t hear it working. If you’re looking for the perfect way to enjoy quality and affordability, then this bathroom fan is one of the best and will not disappoint you.

Pros
  • It is moderately affordable
  • This Delta breez is a bathroom fan with light to provide illumination
  • It is Energy-star certified for low power consumption.
  • The bathroom fan is rust-resistant
Cons
  • The mechanical design is a little below par
  • It may be a bit challenging to personally install

#7 Delta Breez SLM70 Slim 70 CFM Exhaust Fan

Exhaust Fan

This is another Delta Breez bathroom fan with outstanding efficiency. The SLM70 model has a CFM of 70, perfect for small bathrooms and a Sones rating of 2.0 that will keep the sound very low.

Airflow

The Delta Breez SLM70 has a CFM of 70. This 70 CFM rate is enough to handle a medium-sized bathroom. You can rest assured that the problems with humidity and moisture are gone with this fan in your bathroom.

Maintenance

This model of the Delta Breez bathroom fan also works using a brushless motor. Brushless motors are highly power-conserving, reliable and need less maintenance. This also makes them suitable as low-noise fans because of this brushless motor engine in use and they can conserve up to 74% more energy when compared with other bathroom fans in their category.

Pros
  • The bathroom fan is affordable
  • The noise is fairly okay.
  • The brushless motor in use is highly durable
Cons
  • This fan is only suitable for very small bathrooms.

#8 Panasonic FV-11VH2:  Panasonic WhisperWarm 110 CFM Ceiling Exhaust Bath Fan With Light and Heater

CFM Ceiling Exhaust Bath Fan

It’s just as if Panasonic brands are the best. You don’t have to worry so much if you’ll be buying a Panasonic bathroom fans as we have like three or four featured as some of the best bathroom fans on our list.

Airflow

This particular model has a CFM of 110 to effectively handle your bathroom, whether small or medium-sized. So, whatever the size of your bathroom, you don’t have to worry as this CFM of 110 will successfully handle your bathroom’s moisture and humidity clearance.

Noise Level

The fan also has a Sones rating of 0.6 making the sound level extremely low that you’ll barely notice it making any sound. Most Panasonic bathroom fans always operate with the barest minimum of sound output and this is not an exception. You won’t get bothered by a rattling and humming sound overhead while using your bathroom.

Motor Performance and Durability

The motor is designed to handle the most extreme of temperatures so it will last very long. Because the bathroom would mostly be cold, this affects the long-term performance of several bathroom fans. This particular fan’s motor has been engineered to handle such temperature extremities and is bound to last longer where others fail.

Exterior Finish

The exterior finish is also a combination of white and cream to fit your ceiling and make it a part of your bath. If you’re in the market for a really good bathroom fan, this Panasonic FV-11VH2 Whisper Warm 110 will not disappoint you.

Pros
  • The bathroom fan is highly durable
  • The CFM can handle small to medium sized bathrooms
  • The exterior finish is made to perfectly fit in your kitchen
  • The fan does not at sound noisy when working
Cons
  • The unit is a little bit bulky

#9 Delta Breez Radiance RAD80L: Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light and Heater

Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light and Heater

CFM and Sones Rating

This bathroom fan has A CFM of 80 along with a 1.3 sones rating for a quiet, efficient operation.

Motor Engine

The fan incorporates the use of a brushless motor and so the durability is not in question. Brushless motors conserve more energy and are mostly durable compared to those bathroom fans using other motor engine technology

Exterior finish

The galvanized steel housing and the exterior finish is perfectly fitting and will protect against rust.

Delta Breezbathroom exhaust fan with heaterhas a built-in thermostat to keep the bathroom temperature at a balanced level. It also comes with a light, inbuilt to conceive the appliance and make it fit in the bathroom environment effortlessly. If you end up with the RAD80L Delta Breez Radiance bathroom fan, you can rest assured that your bathroom will be well maintained and properly regulated.

Pros
  • The bathroom fan is affordable
  • It has a thermostat to control temperature
  • The fan comes with light to provide illumination
  • It is galvanized and rust-resistant
Cons
  • Can only handle small rooms

#10 Broan 668 Ceiling and Wall Mount Fan

Ceiling and Wall Mount Fan

You seriously need a bathroom fan but do not have a budget to accommodate even the moderately priced fans, right?  How about a bathroom fan that will cost you less than $20? A lot of users love this and you may also like this bathroom fan on our list. Ordinarily, you may not agree with it being the best but when you consider what you get along with the price you pay, then you can certainly call it the most incredibly affordable among the best bathroom fans.

Features

The Broan 668 has moderate features with its very modest price. The bathroom fan has a Sones rating of 4.0, the highest on our list and so you may hear a little movement of the fans while you’re bathing. It also has a modest CFM of 50 which will be best enjoyed in a small bathroom.

You can either choose to fit it on the ceiling or on the wall, whichever you like. The Broan is the most affordable good bathroom fan you can get anywhere and so it is the reason why it featured on our list of the best bathroom fans. It will certainly work in your small bathroom.

Pros
  • You can fit this either on ceiling or wall.
  • It is highly affordable
Cons
  • The fan is noisy and you’ll hear sounds when it is working.

Verdict

If you are in the market for one of the best bathroom fans and money is not one of your problems, then you can easily pick the Panasonic FV-15VQ5 as it offers some of the best features and qualities you’ll see in a bathroom fan that claims to be the best. The Panasonic FV-11VQ5 WhisperCeiling is perfect for a moderate budget and if you want the cheapest among the best, you can make the Broan 668 Ceiling and Wall Mount Fan your choice and you will still be doing your bathroom a lot of good.

Things to look out for when buying a bathroom fan

  • Fan Capacity (CFM)

You may have seen this term being bandied around whenever a bathroom fan is being discussed. The term clearly stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and it is an indication of how capable your bathroom fan can handle of different sizes.

Normally, for a small bathroom of about 5ft x 8ft, a CFM of 50 will be just fine. Medium sized bathrooms of about 9ft by 11ft will need a CFM that is not less than 110 to ensure a balanced air flow. Larger bathrooms will require over 150 CFM and above. So, it is important you consider your bathroom size to know your appropriate CFM before splashing out the cash.

  • Sones Means Noise

Sones ratings are an indicator of how loud the fans will be when they are working. Fans with sones ratings lower than 2 are fine and will normally not be noisy. Those with ratings of 4 and above may seem noisy. It is important to check the specifications and be clear about what you want before you make a purchase.

  • Color and Finish

It is appropriate to go for a fan that will perfectly fit into your bathrooms. Most of the best fans will have a creamy or white finish as these will fit the color of most ceilings. However, if you’ll need something different, it’s appropriate you check this before you make a purchase.

  • Size of the Unit

There are those small bathroom fans as well as those big ones. It is important to rectify the size of the unit you’ll need and most times this will depend on how large your bathroom is. Small units will fit best into small bathrooms and vice versa.

  • Energy Rating

You won’t want a fan that will add significant chunks to your energy bills. The product of your choice should be energy efficient so you don’t incur more costs in the long run. Luckily, all of the fans on our best bathroom fans list are energy efficient and some will even save you up to 74% when compared to other fans in their categories.

  • Durability

The durability of your fan should also be given proper consideration. Will it last long? How often would you replace the fan? All of these should be ironed out before you buy. The fans on our lists are from reputable brands in the electronic industry known for their durability and reliability. Some fans also feature the use of brushless motors which are more energy efficient and durable.

The Best Panasonic Bathroom Fans with Light

Along with the basic features as humidity and moisture clearance appliances, the best bathroom fans normally have some perks as far as features are concerned. Some have these in form of heaters, some in form of light and some combines both. Right here, we’ll discuss about those Panasonic bathroom fans with light so it can help in your search if you’ll be needing something of such.

How to install Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The easiest method is to hire the service of an HVAC operator but if you are confident enough, you can install most of the best bathroom fans by yourself. How do you do this?

Map out where you’ll fit the fan

This is the first step in installing a bathroom fan. Be sure you have enough space to fit it in the roof cavity and that electrical wires are out of the way.  After this, you can then proceed to the next step.

Cut out the hole you have mapped and marked

Make a pilot hole with a drill and you can then use a saw to cut out the mapped area.

 Install the fan into the hole

Install the fan into the hole you have cut and remember to put the cord over the motor where your electrician will be able to reach it easily. Tighten the screws so they can grip the plasterboard. After this, you can then push the cover over the fan.

Note: Remember to follow safety procedures while doing this and you may do well to have another person help you through the process.

Conclusion

These best bathroom fans are really helpful in their own unique ways. If you’ve not given these appliances a thought before now, it is high time you do. The little amount it will cost today will save you much and you won’t have to spend much on future bathroom renovations. You can take this step today and eliminate excess moisture and humidity from your bathroom and make it cleaner, healthier and long-lasting.

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