Choosing the best bathroom fan for your home is an important decision. A good quality bathroom fan will efficiently remove moisture, odors, and pollutants from your bathroom while operating quietly. With so many bathroom fan brands on the market, it can be tricky to determine which one is truly the best. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the top bathroom fan brands by performance, noise level, installation, features, aesthetics, warranty and cost. Read on to learn which bathroom fan is the best choice for your home.
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Top factors to consider when choosing a bathroom fan
Here are the key factors you should evaluate when selecting a bathroom fan for your home:
- CFM rating – The CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures the airflow volume. A higher CFM means the fan can exchange more air in the bathroom per minute. Look for a CFM of at least 50 – 80 for a small bathroom and 80 – 110+ for a large bathroom.
- Sones – Sones measure how loud the fan is during operation. The lower the sones, the quieter the fan. Look for 1.5 sones or less for a quieter fan.
- Ventilation – Choose a fan that vents air directly to the outside via ductwork. Ductless/recirculating fans are not as effective.
- Efficiency – Look for an ENERGY STAR certified fan for energy efficiency and cost savings.
- Size – Measure your ceiling space to ensure the fan will fit. Fans come in 4″, 6″, 7″ and larger sizes.
- Controls – Controls like humidistats, timers and motion sensors allow for automated operation.
- Style – Consider the style and finish to match your bathroom decor.
- Warranty – A longer warranty provides peace of mind. Look for at least 2 years.
- Budget – Bathroom fans range from $50 – $500+ depending on the features.
Top 10 bathroom fan brands
Now let’s take a look at 10 of the top bathroom fan brands on the market:
1. Panasonic
Panasonic is one of the most trusted names in bathroom ventilation fans. Key features include:
- Powerful airflow from 110 – 200 CFM
- Ultra quiet operation from 0.3 – 1.5 sones
- ENERGY STAR rated for efficiency
- Innovative WhisperCeiling and WhisperFit fans
- Adjustable speed settings
- Sleek, low-profile designs
- Motion sensor and humidity sensor options
- Flexible installation for 4” – 8” ducts
- 2-year warranty
Panasonic bathroom fans deliver excellent airflow and near-silent operation. They’re a great choice for homeowners who want a powerful, energy efficient fan.
2. Broan-NuTone
Broan-NuTone is a leading brand for quiet, high performing bathroom fans. Key features include:
- Airflows from 50 – 220 CFM
- Ultra quiet down to 0.3 sones
- ENERGY STAR certified models
- Innovative centrifugal blower
- Low profile, visually appealing designs
- Flexible housing fits 6” – 8” ductwork
- Humidity sensing technology
- 3-year warranty
Broan-NuTone offers a wide range of powerful, quiet bathroom fans perfect for any sized space. Their quality construction ensures durability.
3. Delta Breez
Delta Breez is known for their advancedRadiance line of bath fans. Key features include:
- Airflows between 50 – 110 CFM
- Ultra quiet at 0.3 to 1.5 sones
- Motion sensor operation
- Sleek low profile design
- Seamless 6” – 8” ducting
- Night light, heater and Bluetooth speaker options
- DC motor technology with advanced Radiance line
- 3-year warranty
Delta Breez fans feature innovative technology like DC motors for highly efficient and quiet operation. They are a great high-end option.
4. Fantech
Fantech specializes in durable bathroom ventilation fans. Key features include:
- Airflows between 50 – 330 CFM
- Low sone ratings from 0.3 – 2.5
- Galvanized steel contruction
- Thermally protected motor
- Designed for continuous use
- Ducted and ductless options
- ENERGY STAR certified models
- 2-year warranty
Fantech makes commercial grade bathroom fans designed for reliability and continuous use. They are a great choice for large bathrooms needing powerful ventilation.
5. Hunter
Hunter specializes in creating stylish, affordable bathroom fans. Key features include:
- Airflows from 50 – 110 CFM
- HVI certified for quiet performance
- Grow-with-you expandable sizes
- Contemporary low-profile designs
- Plug-and-play installation
- ENERGY STAR certified models
- Motion sensing and humidity sensing options
- 1-3 year warranty
Hunter offers a nice range of attractive, price-conscious bathroom fans ideal for homeowners on a budget.
6. Air King
Air King makes a variety of ventilation fans for bathrooms. Key features include:
- Airflows between 50 – 230 CFM
- Low noise levels from 0.3 – 3.5 sones
- Stylish, functional designs
- 4” – 8” installation options
- Humidity sensing technology
- Night light and heater options
- 1-year warranty
Air King provides an affordable range of bathroom fans in many sizes and styles to meet different needs. Their fans deliver good airflow and quiet operation.
7. ACT
ACT manufactures bathroom fans designed for easy installation. Key features include:
- Airflows from 50 – 110 CFM
- Low noise down to 0.3 sones
- Tool-free installation brackets
- Built-in junction box
- Humidity sensing capabilities
- Affordable pricing
- 1-year warranty
ACT bathroom fans are designed for quick, hassle-free DIY installation. They offer reliable performance at budget-friendly price points.
8. Canarm
Canarm makes powerful bathroom ventilation fans in Canada. Key features include:
- Airflows between 50 – 280 CFM
- Quiet operation from 0.3 – 2.5 sones
- Galvanized or stainless steel housing
- Corrosion resistant construction
- Humidity and motion sensing controls
- ENERGY STAR certified models
- 2-year warranty
Canarm’s bathroom fans are built to withstand humidity and prevent corrosion. They offer robust ventilation suitable for Canadian climates.
9. Ventamatic
Ventamatic provides a wide array of bathroom fans. Key features include:
- Airflows from 50 – 740 CFM
- Noise levels ranging 0.3 – 7.0 sones
- Multiple sizes from 4” – 12” ducting
- Stylish grilles and shutters
- Humidity sensing technology
- Night lights available
- 1-year warranty
With a huge selection of fans, Ventamatic offers solutions for bathrooms both large and small. Their products provide versatile, reliable performance.
10. VanEE
VanEE specializes in DC motor bathroom fans. Key features include:
- Super quiet operation down to 0.1 sones
- Powerful 90 CFM airflow
- Bluetooth speaker capability
- Sleek low profile design
- Smartphone app integration
- Auto humidity sensing
- ETL safety certified
- 2-year warranty
VanEE’s DC motor fans operate extremely quietly while saving energy. Smart features like app control provide next-level convenience.
Direct comparison between the top brands
Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of key specifications for some of the top bathroom fan models:
| Brand | Model | CFM | Sones | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic | WhisperFit FV-0511VQ1 | 110 | 0.3 | ENERGY STAR, motion sensor |
| Broan-NuTone | 710330 | 110 | 1.5 | Humidity sensing |
| Delta Breez | SRE130 | 130 | 0.7 | DC motor, motion sensor |
| Fantech | FG110 | 110 | 1.0 | Galvanized steel housing |
| Hunter | 99122 | 100 | 2.8 | Humidity sensing, ENERGY STAR |
| Air King | AF300 | 50 | 2.5 | 4″ ducting, night light |
This comparison shows the range of specs available across different brand models. Consider noise, power, smart features and style based on your bathroom needs.
Key considerations when choosing a bathroom fan
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting the best bathroom fan for your home:
Bathroom Size
Larger bathrooms need more powerful fans. Look for CFMs of at least:
- 50-80 CFM for small bathrooms up to 50 sq ft
- 80-110 CFM for medium bathrooms 50 – 100 sq ft
- 110+ CFM for large bathrooms over 100 sq ft
Noise Level
Fans rated at 1.5 sones or less are considered quiet. Look for the lowest sone rating you can afford:
- 0.3 – 0.7 sones for ultra quiet operation
- 0.7 – 1.5 sones for quiet but still noticeable airflow
- 2.0+ sones for loud fans best for utility rooms
Fan Size
Measure the ceiling space to ensure the fan will fit. Common sizes include:
- 4 inch for small spaces
- 6 – 7 inch for medium rooms
- Larger than 7 inches for big bathrooms
Ventilation Type
Look for ducted fans that remove moisture outdoors. Avoid ductless/recirculating fans if possible.
Smart Features
Controls like motion sensors, humidistats and timers allow for automated, hands-free operation.
Style
Choose a stylish fan that matches your bathroom’s decor. Look for finishes like chrome, brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.
Installation tips
Follow these tips for proper bathroom fan installation:
- Turn power off at the circuit breaker before wiring.
- Vent the fan to the outside using rigid or flexible ducting.
- Seal all duct connections with aluminum tape to prevent leaks.
- Secure the fan unit directly to joists, rafters or framing.
- Use a roof or wall vent cap outside to protect from rain and debris.
- Connect the fan to a dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuit.
When in doubt, hire a professional electrician to install the bathroom fan to ensure proper functioning and safety.
Conclusion
When selecting a bathroom fan, key factors to consider include CFM airflow, noise level, size, features and aesthetics. Leading brands like Panasonic, Broan-NuTone, Delta Breez and Ventamatic offer quiet, energy efficient bathroom fans to suit any space. Measure your bathroom, choose the right ventilation CFM and reduce moisture and odors with a quality bathroom fan.