A bathroom exhaust fan is a perfect way to add airflow to your shower.
Increased airflow helps reduce steam and moisture in your bathroom. Also, a bathroom fan will help dry out your shower after use.
A dry shower is less likely to grow mold and other nasties. Also, with less steam you’ll have less foggy mirrors so you can actually see yourself in the mirror once you get out.
If you have poor ventilation in your bathroom with small or no windows you definitely should invest in a bathroom fan. Without a fan your shower and bath will stay wetter for longer. This gives mold and mildew a greater chance to grow and make a mess of your bathroom. Also, if you bathroom is moist and damp for a very long time, moisture can start to absorb into the dry wall. This will damage your bathroom walls and eventually be very expensive to replace.
What fan capacity (CFM) do I need?
Rough guidelines:
| Bathroom size | Small (5ft x 8ft) | Standard (9ft x 11ft) | Large (9ft + x 11ft +) |
| CFM you need | 50 | 110 | 150+ |
When choosing a bathroom fan you want to pick one that is powerful enough. How much power do you need? Well I’m glad you asked.
You need a fan that is powerful enough to move all the air in your bathroom in a reasonable amount of time.
Ideally your bathroom fan is powerful enough to recycle the total cubic feet of air in your bathroom every 7.5 minutes, or fully recycle 8 times every hour.
So you need to know cubic feet of your bathroom to figure out the CFM (cubic feet per minute) you need.
Cubic feet = length of your bathroom x width of your bathroom x height of your bathroom.
For example: Most ceilings are 8ft high as standard. A lot of standard bathrooms are 9ft wide and 11ft long/deep. So the cubic ft = 8 x 9 x 11 = 792 cubic ft.
If we want to recycle 792 cubic feet every 7.5 minutes we need a flow rate of 792 divided by 7.5 or 106 CFM.
If your bathroom was much smaller, say 5ft wide and 8ft deep, you would only need a CFM of around 43. However, please note, most building codes will stipulate a minimum fan of 50 CFM.
Read also : Best Steam Shower Reviews and Buying Guide 2023
Things to consider when buying a bathroom fan
- Cubic flow per minute (CFM). Make sure your fan is powerful enough to do its job. Read above and calculate the size of your bathroom and choose a fan to match. Too small a fan and it won’t generate enough airflow to stop mold. Too big a fan and you’ll spend money you didn’t need to.
- Noise. Choose a fan that is quite to run. It’s generally good to run the fan for a little while after your shower as well as during your shower. You don’t want a noisy fan disturbing you. Check the product information and reviews to check how noisy or quiet the fan is.
- Unit size. Make sure you have enough room to install the shower fan unit in your ceiling. Ideally you’d like the fan directly above your shower for best results. However, if your shower is tucked in a small corner your larger fan might need to be place elsewhere.
- Color and finish. Choose a fan that matches your ceiling color to blend in, or a classy finish that matches the other fittings in your bathroom.
Top Bathroom Fan Reviews
Bestseller No. 1
Broan-NuTone 671 Ventilation Fan, White Square Ceiling or Wall-Mount Exhaust Fan, 6.0 Sones, 70 CFM
- VERSATILE FAN: Ventilation fan helps eliminate , tobacco smoke, and cooking odors and can be installed in either the ceiling or wall
- EFFICIENT: Operates on 70 CFM and has a 6.0 Sone rating to ensure a peaceful surrounding when in operation
- EASY INSTALLATION: Torsion springs grille mounting – no tools necessary for a quick and easy installation. Compact housing fits easily between ceiling joists or wall studs. Our instillation guide is located above the reviews on this page.
- DECORATIVE: Paintable polymeric grilles allow you to ensure the fan is cohesive with your existing decor
- FEATURES: Plug-in, permanently lubricated motor with the Broan-designed polymeric blower wheel for high-quality operation every time
- 70 CFM and 3.5-Sones
- Powerful centrifugal blower wheel
- Wall and ceiling mount
- Compact housing fits easily between ceiling joists or wall studs
- Backed by 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Bestseller No. 2
KAZE APPLIANCE SNP100 | 100 CFM | 0.8 Sone | No Attic Access Required Bathroom Ventilation Exhaust Extractor Fan
- CEILING OPENING SIZE – Please note the ceiling opening requirement is 9 x 9 inch, resizing your ceiling opening will be needed if existing fan size is different.
- SUPER QUIET – Powerful 100 CFM and quiet operation at 0.8 Sones. Suitable for bathroom size up to 100 square feet.
- INSTALLATION – No Attic Access Required. See photos and manual for installation instructions.
- DUCTING – Detachable 4 inch polymeric duct with back draft prevention damper.
- RELIABILITY – Proudly stand behind our products.
Bestseller No. 3
Homewerks 7140-50 Bathroom Fan Ceiling Mount Exhaust Ventilation, 1.5 Sones, 50 CFM, White
- OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE: This Homewerk’s bath fan ensures comfort in your home by quietly eliminating moisture and humidity in the bathroom. This exhaust fan is 1 sone at 50 CFM which means it’s able to manage spaces up to 50 square feet
- BATH FANS HELPS REMOVE HARSH ODOR: When cleaning the bathroom or toilet, harsh chemicals are used and they can leave an obnoxious odor behind. Homewerk’s bathroom fans can help remove this odor with its powerful ventilation
- BUILD QUALITY: Designed to be corrosion resistant with its galvanized steel construction featuring a grille modern style.Wash grille with mild soap and water, dry with a cloth
- EASY INSTALLATION: This exhaust bath fan is easy to install with its no-cut design and ceiling mount ventilation. Ceiling Opening (L) 7-1/2 in x Ceiling Opening (W) 7-1/4 x Ceiling Opening (H) 5-3/4 in and a 4″ round duct connector.
- HOMEWERKS TRUSTED QUALITY: Be confident in the quality and construction of each and every one of our products. We ensure that all of our products are produced and certified to regional, national and international industry standards. We are proud of the products we sell, you will be too. 3 Year Limited
Bestseller No. 4
Panasonic FV-0511VF1 WhisperFit DC Fan 50-80-110 CFM Retrofit Bathroom Exhaust Fan – Quiet Energy Star-Certified Energy-Saving Bathroom Ceiling Fan
- Bathroom exhaust fan with revolutionary ECM motor and SmartFlow Technology for optimal CFM output
- Built-in Pick-A-Flow airflow selector allows you to select an airflow of 50, 80, or 110 CFM for your vent fan with the flip of a switch
- Single-hinged Flex-Z Fast bracket provides flexible, fast, and easy bathroom ceiling installation
- Vent fan with low-profile 5-5/8 housing depth that fits in 2 x 6 joist size or larger
- This Vent Fan Can Be Used To Comply With Ashrae 62.2, Leed, Iap, And California Title 24
Bestseller No. 5
Harrier Hardware Very Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Ventilation Fan 70 CFM, 2.0 Sone
- Quiet 2.0 sone ventilation fan (approximately 40 decibels)
- Great for use in your bathroom and other small rooms
- Galvanized steel housing, quick-connect wiring
- UL Listed for over tub and shower with GFCI
- 3-inch duct outlet, joist mount installation
SaleBestseller No. 6
Broan-NuTone 678 Ventilation Fan and Light Combo for Bathroom and Home, 100 Watts, 50 CFM,White
- FAN COMBO: Exhaust fan and light combo helps reduce foul smell and and is powerful enough for rooms (including bathroom) up to 45 sq. ft. for your convenience
- EFFICIENT: Bright 100-watt lighting capacity (bulb not included) with shatter-resistant light diffusing lens to provide high-quality lasting use
- EASY INSTALLATION: Easy to install and/or replace existing product for DIY’ers. Includes polymeric duct connectors with tapered sleeves for easy, positive ducting and a plug-in, permanently lubricated motor. Our instillation guide is located above the reviews on this page.
- DECORATIVE: Designer styled white polymeric grille complements virtually any decor. Recommended Room Size (Sq. Ft.):45
- SAFE: UL listed for use over bathtubs and showers when connected to a GFCI-protected branch circuit. The Type IC (Insulation Contact) unit features an efficient polymeric fan impeller to ensure quality use
- Brighter white grilles blend in to match most common ceiling paint
Bestseller No. 7
Zeyzer Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED Light Square Quiet Modern Ceiling Mount Ventilation Fan Combination for Shower/Restroom/Office, 110 CFM 1.0 Sones 4 Inches Duct 110V, White
- Exhaust Fan with Light: This exhaust fan effectively removes moisture and reduces sweltering heat. It is very quiet when the 1.0 sones powerful exhaust is running. Power: 30W, Voltage: 110V, 6500W LED bright light.
- Size Parameters: 9.8 x 9.8 inches/ 25 x 25 cm (L x W), Mounting Hole Size: 8.07 x 8.07 Inches/ 20.5 x 20.5 cm (L x W), Duct Diameter: Ø4.0 inches/ Ø10 cm. Confirm the size before purchasing, and the product is directly fixed to the dropping ceiling by screws.
- Fan and LED Light Installation: The fan function has three wires, according to the color Black: L, White: N, Green: ground wire. The light function has two wires, Blue: L and Brown: N. You can control both functions individually or separately.
- Gorgeous Exterior and Solid Interior: The fan is made of ABS plastic, which is strong enough and durable enough to have a fair price. The uniquely designed fan blades can reduce air leakage and work effectively. The copper motor guarantees a long product life.
- Purchase Notice: Don’t worry about the life of the LED light, it can work for a long time. If there is a problem that it cannot be used in a short time, you can ask us to replace it. Trust our products and we will give you a great value for money experience.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Tech Drive Very-Quiet 80 CFM, 1.5 Sone No Attic access Needed Installation Bathroom Ventilation and Exhaust Fan
- Very quiet bathroom fan (1.5 sones) and Strong air movement (80CFM) for bathroom up to 85 Sq. Ft
- Easy-to-Install: No cut housing with no attic access installation and replaces most small bathroom standard fans using existing opening. it can be done entirely from the room-ceiling side – no attic access needed installation.Please note that the housing height of this fan is 6 inches. If you replace an old fan with a housing height of 4 inches, make sure that the ceiling is installed deep enough before replacing.
- Housing size: 7.5in x 7.25in x 6in with 4in duct. ceiling mounting Opening: 7.6in x 7.3in.
- Efficient and quiet,excellent motor perfomance, working at least 25000 hours
- Energy Star qualified, UL and HVI certified for performance assurance.Acceptable for use over a bathtub or shower when installed in a GFCI-protected branch circuit.
Bestseller No. 9
Ventilation Fan Ceiling Bathroom Exhaust Fan Extractor Fan Wall Mount Fan (No Attic Access Required) (120 CFM 1.2 Sones) White
- HIGH-QUALITY VERSATILE FAN： Quiet, energy efficient exhaust fan operates with 110 CFM and 1.0 Sones to help control air quality is powerful enough for rooms (including bathroom) up to 105 sq-ft.Duct Diameter 4 inch
- HOUSING SIZE – Please note the size of the housing is 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 inch, resizing your existing ceiling opening will be needed if your current fan housing is smaller.
- INSTALLATION – Torsion springs grille mounting – no tools necessary for a quick and easy installation. Compact housing fits easily between ceiling joists，No Attic Access Required.
- EFFICIENT: Powerful ventilation reduces to quickly eliminate fogged mirrors at 110 CFM, so your vision will always be clear and your surroundings will always be comfortable
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: Detachable 4 inch polymeric duct with back draft prevention damper.Nalle Vent fans reduce air leakage by up to 50% compared to competitive models, resulting in better home performance via blower door tests and reducing cold and warm air backdrafts
SaleBestseller No. 10
Broan-NuTone AE110 Invent Flex ENERGY STAR Qualified Single-Speed Ventilation Fan, 110 CFM 1.0 Sones, White
- HIGH-QUALITY FAN: Quiet, ENERGY STAR certified exhaust fan operates with 110 CFM and 1.0 Sones to help control air quality is powerful enough for rooms (including bathroom) up to 105 sq. ft.; Duct Diameter 4″
- EFFICIENT: Powerful ventilation reduces to quickly eliminate fogged mirrors at 110 CFM, so your vision will always be clear and your surroundings will always be comfortable
- EASY INSTALLATION: Easy to install new/replace existing product with retrofit installations that can be done entirely from the room-side – no attic access required. Our instillation guide is located above the reviews on this page.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With our TrueSeal Damper Technology, InVent fans reduce air leakage by up to 50% compared to competitive models, resulting in better home performance via blower door tests and reducing cold and warm air backdrafts
- GREAT FOR BATHROOM: UL Listed for use over tubs and showers with a GFCI circuit so you can capture the steam before it spreads throughout the room by placing your fan exactly where you need it the most