How to choose a bathroom fan

Which fan is better to buy for the bathroom?

Any fan is primarily a technical device that uses electrical energy during operation. When choosing it, you should rely on the main characteristics that should be indicated in the product passport.

Performance

The purpose of the fan is to quickly update the atmosphere in your chosen room. For bathrooms, the air exchange rate is taken to range from 4 to 8. This indicator determines how many times during an hour of continuous operation of the blower the air should be completely replaced.

For a family of three, this coefficient should be taken equal to 6. If she lives in an apartment with a bathroom of 15 m3, simple calculations will give:

6 x 15 = 90

This means that when choosing a fan, you need to pay attention to models with a capacity of at least 90 m3/hour.

Fan dimensions

The geometric dimensions of the fan must correspond to the free cross-sectional area of ​​the air ducts or ventilation shaft. Most models are designed for channels with a diameter of 100 or 125 mm. We should not forget about the method of fastening the product provided by the manufacturer. The mounting holes of the device must be located opposite strong elements of building structures or a special frame must be adapted for this purpose.

Safety

High humidity, typical for bathrooms, imposes additional requirements on the electrical equipment used here. Devices operating from a 12 or 24 volt network are not capable of causing harm to human health. It is better to opt for them, taking care of purchasing a step-down transformer. But exhaust fans powered by 220 volts are also widely represented on the modern market.

The body of a bathroom fan must reliably protect the internal filling from liquid penetration. It is advisable to install equipment with protection class IP24 further than 60 cm from the shower. For protection class IP25 this limitation does not apply.

When choosing a bathroom fan, be sure to check whether this model is intended for use in bathrooms.

Noise level

Loud noises disturb the occupants' rest and cause irritation. It is believed that the noise level of household appliances installed in an apartment should not exceed 55 dB. Naturally, to achieve comfortable conditions, it is better to buy a model with the minimum possible value of this indicator.

Additional functions

Some models of modern bathroom fans have additional features. They are able to take on control functions, which has a beneficial effect on improving the quality of our lives.

Humidity sensor

This device itself monitors the relative humidity level of the surrounding atmosphere. When a critical point is reached, the fan automatically turns on. It will stop after replacing the air with dry air. With this option, fungus or mold will never appear in the bathroom. It also saves energy consumption, since it completely eliminates the risk of leaving the fan on for a long period of time.

Motion Sensor

Such a device itself detects the appearance of a person and closes the starting circuit. The settings usually allow you to set the required time after stopping movement, after which the electric motor turns off.

Built-in timer

This function communicates with the bathroom lighting system. It will turn on the fan itself when the lamps come on and stop the hood after a certain time after the lights are turned off. This way you will save energy costs and your own nerves.

Before visiting the store, you can already make a list of characteristics that the bathroom fan you need should have. The following rating of bathroom fans contains a list of reliable and efficient models. When compiling it, objective technical data, the opinion of experts and user reviews were taken into account.

Other parameters

When choosing the best exhaust fan for the bathroom, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Noise level . Sound up to 35 dB will be unobtrusive. Constant noise will negatively affect your psychological state and contribute to fatigue.
2. Installation method . Devices can be surface-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or built-in. The latter are in demand due to their stealth, efficiency, and ease of installation in the ventilation duct.
3. Safety . Since electricity is supplied to the fan, the device must be reliably protected from moisture. The optimal protection class is from IP44.
4. Additional functions . Thanks to them, the user will be able to regulate power, set the boundary level of humidity in the room for automatic on/off. Fans equipped with a motion sensor automatically turn on when you visit the bathroom and turn off if the room is empty. It is especially important to have a check valve, thanks to which dust from the air duct does not penetrate into the room. Some models are equipped with a remote control that allows you to set the operating mode of the device from a distance.
5. Diameter _ The smallest diameter is 80 mm, the largest is 200 mm. Standard air exchangers have a diameter that is a multiple of 20 mm, so a device with d 90 mm will be very difficult to find. It’s better to take a smaller device, then you won’t have to break the wall. It is enough to take a corrugation of the required size, mount the device into it, and fill the remaining voids with polyurethane foam.

The top bathroom exhaust fans include the most popular models that meet international quality standards and do not cause mass dissatisfaction among consumers.

TOP 10 Best Models

"Vanvent VKV-315E"

Vanvent VKV-315E

6. “Vanvent VKV-315E” This is a large and heavy fan that can become part of the exhaust and air conditioning system in large, spacious rooms. Its installation diameter (the parameter is selected to match the diameter of the air duct shaft) is 30 cm, and its weight is 7.5 kg. It works loudly, but with such power nothing else is possible.

The device provides forced air exchange in the amount of 2100 cubic meters per hour. Effectively eliminates light smoke, removes odors, moisture, and dust. It looks solid, impressive, solid.

Advantages
:

• "Beast Machine"
• Strong Productivity
• Resistant to changes in temperature, pressure, humidity

Flaws:

• High power consumption
• Large dimensions
• Loud operation
• Difficult to install without calling a technician

Current prices

"Soler & Palau Silentub-100"

Soler & Palau Silentub-100

4. “Soler & Palau Silentub-100” This baby is very compact - 10*10*13 cm, and weighs only half a kilogram. The round white body and neat window with blades look very stylish and will fit well into the design of any modern bathroom. Capacity is 100 m³/h, so it is designed for ventilation in rooms with a small area.

It makes quite a lot of noise, at 37 dB. At the same time, the hood works very efficiently, without any complaints.

Advantages
:

• Small size. This device blends well with the wall, it is almost invisible
• Economical food
• Effective
• Easy installation

Flaws:

• Due to the lack of additional features, the device is not cheap
• Noisiness

Current prices

Connection, test and review of the Soler & Palau SILENT-100 CZ DESIGN fan:

TOP 10 Best bathroom fans: tips for choosing a device, review of popular models, prices + Reviews

"ERA PROFIT 6"

ERA PROFIT 6

1. “ERA PROFIT 6” In an hour, the device moves 300 cubic meters of air, which is enough for high-quality ventilation of an ordinary bathroom in an apartment. The noise is moderately loud – 38 dB (if you don’t want to hear how the device works at all, look for a model with up to 30 dB). The plastic case is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, so the microclimate of the bathroom will not affect the service life of the fan.

Advantages
:

• Low cost
• Light in weight
• Not difficult to install
• Economical electricity consumption due to low power

Flaws:

• There are no additional functions, timer, or various adjustments
• Noisy

Current prices

"VENTS TT Silent-M 150"

VENTS TT Silent-M 150

8. “VENTS TT Silent-M 150” This fan is equipped with a number of useful options: it can be tilted to direct the air flow up and down, and also rotated in the desired direction. In an hour, it moves 555 cubic meters of air with a performance of 52 W. Despite the solid performance, the device operates quite quietly - sound pressure is only 33 dB.

Advantages
:

• Efficiency and productivity
• Ability to maneuver air flow
• Can be installed in spacious bathrooms
• Quiet operation

Flaws:

• High price
• Large size and weight (6 kg, 27*26*58 cm)

Current prices

Fan VENTS TT Silent-M 150 - silent duct fan

TOP 10 Best bathroom fans: tips for choosing a device, review of popular models, prices + Reviews

Why is it important to ensure good ventilation in the bathroom?

A standard bathroom or combined bathroom is a small room that quickly fills with hot steam. Drops settle on the ceiling, walls, doors, furniture, towels. As a result, the service life of finishing materials is reduced, and the likelihood of mold and mildew, which pose a direct threat to health, increases significantly. And musty, damp air does not evoke associations with coziness and comfort. Therefore, installing a fan is a mandatory measure to create an optimal microclimate.

The bathroom in the apartment is a room without a window, so fresh air enters only through the ventilation duct in the wall. Natural ventilation is provided for by the house design, but its effectiveness largely depends on the passage of air flow. As practice shows, such ventilation systems are ineffective and do not cope with their function. You can see this for yourself if you attach a sheet of paper to the grille of the hole in the wall. If the ventilation is working, the leaf should be pressed against the grille under the influence of the air flow. But most likely he will fall.

The efficiency of the ventilation duct may be reduced due to blockages. There are several signs that indicate that a fan needs to be urgently installed in the bathroom:

• condensation on plumbing, walls, ceilings, furniture;
• mirror fogging;
• unpleasant smell.

Installing a fan is a mandatory measure to create an optimal microclimate in the bathroom

"Soler & Palau TD-160/100 N SILENT"

Soler & Palau TD-160/100 N SILENT

7. “Soler & Palau TD-160/100 N SILENT” The device is equipped with a speed switch, there are two modes. Dimensions are average (15*15*20 cm, weight 1.5 kg), productivity is 180 m³/h. The main positive feature is its noiselessness, the sound pressure level is only 24 dB.

Advantages
:

• Increased functionality (several speed modes)
• Low sound level
• Neat appearance
• Convenient mounting (to wall, ceiling)
• Can be installed in long ducts
• Excellent build quality

Flaws:

• To change the speed you need to move the wire to a different connector. But you can buy a special switch for an additional fee
• Expensive

Current prices

Review of the TD 160/100 N Silent fan. Network connection. Noise test.

TOP 10 Best bathroom fans: tips for choosing a device, review of popular models, prices + Reviews

"Blauberg Centro-MZ 150"

Blauberg Centro-MZ 150

9. “Blauberg Centro-MZ 150” The sound level is 46 dB, and the amount of blown air is 455 m³. This device provides high-quality forced ventilation even in rooms without access to fresh oxygen. Quite compact size, weight 3.5 kg.

Advantages
:

• High power performance
• Build quality
• Smoke removal function
• Effectively removes dust and moisture
• Can be installed in long ducts

Flaws:

• Expensive
• Noisy
• Difficult to install without professional help

Current prices

"VENTS 160 VKMz"

VENTS 160 VKMz

5. “VENTS 160 VKMts” This device is intended for spacious bathrooms, saunas, baths, verandas and kitchens. In an hour it moves 455 cubic meters of air. The fan is powerful and therefore requires a significant amount of power.

Let us separately mention its stylish appearance, which will fit well into the design of a room in the Art Nouveau, high-tech, loft, brutalism and other modern genres. It makes a lot of noise, but this is inevitable with devices with high performance.

Advantages
:

• Suitable for spacious bathrooms, for example in country houses
• Looks good
• Quickly removes unpleasant odors
• Effective

Flaws:

• Dimensions (hard to miss)
• Uncomfortable sound pressure level

Current prices

Review and connection of the Vents VKMts fan

TOP 10 Best bathroom fans: tips for choosing a device, review of popular models, prices + Reviews

Principle of operation

Principle of operation

Let's look at how the device works:

1. After power supply is applied, the impeller begins to rotate
2. Pressure is created, causing air to be drawn through the grille
3. Inside, the flow collides with the rotating blades, the pressure increases
4. The air mass passes further into the duct

The body is most often made of high-quality plastic, but there are models made of metal. In bathrooms, the fan is most often connected to electrical wiring. Thus, it turns on simultaneously with the light (or a switch is mounted to independently regulate the start of work).

"DiCiTi CYCLONE-EBM 100"

DiCiTi CYCLONE-EBM 100

3. "DiCiTi CYCLONE-EBM 100" At a relatively low price, this fan has great power and strong performance. In an hour, it moves 265 m³ of air masses, while removing dust, steam particles, and odors. The case is plastic, waterproof, the build quality is a solid “five”.

Advantages
:

• Strong machine, suitable for large bathrooms
• Can be installed in baths and saunas
• Good wear resistance

Flaws:

• It works loudly, the noise level is 52 dB (the parameter exceeds the limits of comfortable sensations)
• Quite a large device

Current prices

"VENTS 100 Quietline"

VENTS 100 Quietline

2. “VENTS 100 Quietline” The strength of this device is considered to be its noiselessness (25 dB) - it is inaudible even in complete silence. Productivity is only 100 m³/h, which, with low power, is only suitable for a small bathroom. In such conditions, it does its job perfectly; users note durability and the absence of problems during operation.

Advantages
:

• Doesn't make noise
• Works well
• Compact
• Low power consumption

Flaws:

• Poor location of the electrical supply (to the center of the fan), many complain that they have to drill the air duct
• No additional features
• Not suitable for large bathroom

Current prices

Review of the VENTS 100 Quiet fan

TOP 10 Best bathroom fans: tips for choosing a device, review of popular models, prices + Reviews

"OBR 200M 2K Bahcivan"

OBR 200M 2K Bahcivan

10. “OBR 200M 2K Bahcivan” These fans are successfully used in industry, agriculture, and for domestic needs. The productivity of the device is as much as 1800 m³/h, and the power is 60 W. It works loudly, but effectively.

The one-way suction device provides high-quality ventilation in damp rooms with unstable temperature background.

Advantages
:

• Great power
• Solid performance
• Metal body
• Can be installed in long shafts

Flaws:

• High price
• Consumes a lot of electricity
• Volumetric dimensions

Current prices

Dust fan Bahcivan OBR 200 M-2K SK

TOP 10 Best bathroom fans: tips for choosing a device, review of popular models, prices + Reviews

Channel type ventilation and its features

Duct exhaust fans belong to a single distributed system mounted directly inside the air shaft. With equal probability, the channels used can be round, square and rectangular in shape. In addition, if there is a technical or situational need, mixed air ducts can be used.

The main advantage for a hood of this type is the extreme simplicity of laying communications and the overall compactness of the design. Due to the lightness of the materials used, the main part of the air duct is often sewn between the load-bearing ceiling and the suspended ceiling. The result is a fairly large system that does not significantly affect the appearance of the interior - the design possibilities are expanded, and the quality of ventilation does not suffer.

Let's consider the types of duct ventilation systems:

1. Exhaust fans with round ducts are often used in simple designs. They are practical primarily because they have minimal resistance. In combination with them, it is customary to use an axial type of fan, although sometimes you can see centrifugal models.
2. Square-section pipelines are installed in shafts of the appropriate shape, which can significantly reduce the overall percentage of vibration of the system. In terms of throughput, they are close to the previous type, but are used a little less frequently. This is due solely to the fact that the material consumption for them is higher with similar performance indicators.
3. Rectangular channels have found their use in conjunction with suspended ceilings. Even for a small distance between the decorative frame and the main ceiling, it is possible to select an air duct with the required aspect ratio. In this case, centrifugal type fans are most often used.

Current offers

Now I will give you some examples of those fans that you can find in specialized stores:

Model "Vents":

Sample of the Vents model

Model "Domovent":

Sample of the Domovent model

Model "Awenta":

Sample of the "Awenta" model

Model "Electrolux EAFM":

Sample model "Electrolux EAFM"

Model "CATA X-MART":

Sample model "CATA X-MART"

Model "Blauberg":

Sample model "Blauberg"

Model "CATA SMT":

Sample model "CATA SMT"

Model "CATA E100GTH":

Sample model "CATA E100GTH"

How to choose a reliable device

A square device is built into a square-shaped air duct

When choosing a fan for the bathroom, consider the following parameters:

1. Compliance of the device with the shape of the air duct. Find the optimal dimensions
2. Productivity (how many cubic meters of air the device will extract per hour)
3. Volume during operation
4. Air flow speed (optimally 10-15 m/s)
5. Availability of additional options (if needed)
6. Type of working mechanism
7. Price

How to choose the right device?

Our rating is based on the level of demand, the number of positive reviews and the availability of devices in stores. For convenience, the devices are sorted by price. A visual table will help you quickly assess the power and main characteristics of each model.