Which bathroom fan is better: top 5 models and features of choice

Main selection criteria

When choosing a fan for artificial ventilation in the bathroom, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• Productivity , on which the air renewal rate depends. For a bathroom, the air exchange rate is assumed to be from 4 to 8. This means that in a room with a volume of 10 m3, you need to install a fan with a capacity of 40 to 80 m3/hour.
• Security level. It is recommended to choose devices with a power supply of 12 or 24 V. Selecting a model with a housing protected according to the IP24 or IP25 standard will also help ensure safety.
• Operation volume. The recommended noise level that will not affect the comfort of residents or guests is up to 55 dB.
• Dimensions. Must correspond to the cross-sectional dimensions of the air ducts. Standard fans are 100 or 125 mm.

To increase the efficiency of moisture removal and save energy, the fan may have additional functions. For example, a humidity sensor that automatically turns on ventilation, or a motion detector that starts the system when a person appears. The built-in timer will turn on the fan simultaneously with the lighting and turn it off after a while.

Rules for choosing an exhaust fan

So, if the decision to buy a fan has been made, you need to choose the right model so as not to be disappointed later. You need to choose based on several parameters at once - performance, safety, noise level and, of course, the quality-price ratio.

Performance

This criterion is the main one, because the efficiency of air exchange depends on it. Here it is important to correctly select the power of the device relative to the area, since the same fan gives different results in a small and large bathroom. According to building codes, the air exchange rate for a bathroom is 6-8 units, that is, in an hour the entire volume of air in the room should change from 6 to 8 times. As a rule, if no more than three people use the bathroom, choose a multiplicity of 6, if more than three, choose a multiplicity of 8. The calculations are not difficult: you need to find the volume of the room and multiply it by the air exchange rate.

For example: there is a bathroom measuring 1.9 x 1.7 m and a height of 2.65 m, 3 people use it. We calculate the volume of the room - 1.9x1.7x2.65 = 8.56 m. Round to 9 and multiply by the multiple - 9x6 = 54 m3.

It turns out that for such a bathroom, the optimal choice would be a device with a productivity of 54 m3/hour. Of course, it is not always possible to find a model that best matches the design parameters, so you can choose a fan with a small performance reserve.

Air exchange rate for different rooms

Typically, the performance of bathroom fans is 95 - 100 m3 / hour

Safety

For bathrooms and restrooms, fans are available with additional protection of electrical contacts from moisture, which must be indicated in the instructions and on the packaging. If you install a regular model and water gets into it, it can cause a short circuit and even a fire, so you should never take risks.

Nowadays you can find low-voltage exhaust units specifically designed for bathrooms and saunas. They have moisture and thermal protection, and can work effectively at 100% humidity and high temperatures. True, the cost of such fans is higher, and they cannot be connected to a regular electrical network, which entails additional costs, but the safety of the residents is worth it.

Look for fans in stores that are designed specifically for the bathroom.

Noise level

The noise produced by the fan should not exceed 30 dB, otherwise it will be annoying to household members. If you plan to turn on the fan at night, choose a model with a noise level of up to 25 dB. The lower this indicator, the more comfortable you will be in the bathroom when the hood is on. This is especially true for those whose fan runs continuously.

Noise that is more than 35 dB has an irritating effect on the human psyche

As for the quality of fans, it is better to focus on well-known brands whose products have already been tested by time. For example, household fans of the brand Soler & Palau (Spain), VENTS (Ukraine), Electrolux (Sweden) have a lot of positive reviews.

Surface mounted fan Soler & Palau

Hoods VENTS

Color variety of Electrolux EAFR exhaust fans

These companies value their reputation, so their products are distinguished by high build quality and durability. The main thing is to buy fans in specialized stores, where they can present the appropriate certificate for the product and issue a warranty card. This way you will avoid the risk of purchasing a cheap fake rather than branded equipment.

Additional fan functions

Soler & Palau DECOR 300 C

A reliable and efficient 23 W model is suitable for installation in bathrooms with an area of ​​15–25 m2. Fan capacity is 250 m3 per hour, power supply is 220 V, noise level during operation is not higher than 46 dB. The device can withstand temperatures up to 40 °C and is designed for installation in air ducts with a diameter of 150 mm. To increase strength, its front panel is reinforced with stiffening ribs, and to protect it from splashes, the case received protection according to the IPX4 standard.

With a fairly high price for a fan of 3,600 rubles, the model is in demand due to its good performance and reliability, neat appearance and thoughtful protection. Not only moisture does not get inside the housing, but also most of the dust, from which you do not have to clean the blades.

Among the disadvantages are an increase in noise levels after just a few months of operation and the need for a large air duct. In narrow ventilation shafts the device will not work as efficiently.

Which bathroom fan to choose: types

Today there is a wide range of fans that create forced air exchange. First of all, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the principle of operation.

Axial

An axial fan
is a wheel with blades mounted on the axis of an electric motor. During operation, air is captured by the rotating blades, thereby moving around the room. Such devices can be installed directly into the ventilation shaft. This type of fan is very popular as it is very easy to install. Its main disadvantage is considered to be increased noise.

Radial

The main work is performed by a blade wheel located in a spiral casing. This type is considered a budget version of the device. Radial fans are easy to install and provide excellent ventilation. But due to the fact that they are more massive, they are rarely used in small rooms;

Central

It is very popular due to its stylish appearance and easy installation. Such devices are used in areas larger than 15 square meters. m. Such a forced ventilation system is ideal for a combined bathroom.

Roof

Roof fan is relevant for private houses
Used in private houses. These devices are more complex and consist of many structural elements. Such ventilation systems are installed by professionals, as they require proper handling.

Attention! To effectively choose a fan for the bathroom, you need to measure the cubic capacity of the room. The technical data sheet of each device indicates the performance taking into account this particular parameter.

Electrolux EAF-150

A model costing about 4.5 thousand rubles, designed to serve premises with an area of ​​10–15 m2. Suitable for getting rid of excess moisture in large bathrooms. The maximum productivity of the device is 320 m3/hour, power is 25 W, the connection is made to a regular single-phase power supply of 220 V.

The fan has a durable housing made of ABS plastic. The noise level, in accordance with the technical specifications, should not exceed 35 dB, which makes it possible not to notice the operation of the device even at night. However, some users still complain of noticeable noise after using the hood for a long time.

The list of advantages of the device includes effective removal of moist air and the presence of a check valve, which allows you to avoid unpleasant odors entering the room. And also - a completely modern design and simple installation, high-quality assembly and reliable construction.

Top 10 Best Bathroom Fans

DiCiTi AURA 4 8.4 BT

Standard and inexpensive domestically produced products. This design is ideal for a small bathroom. The fan is quite weak and consumes little electricity, but even its power is quite enough to ensure air exchange at a speed of up to 90 cubic meters per hour. This model operates almost silently - when turned on, it emits no more than 25 dB. The manufacturer has provided the device with a reliable overheating protection system.

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It is quite acceptable to leave this fan on for quite a long time. Consumers claim that the power of such a device is quite sufficient not only for the bathroom, but also for a separate toilet and even a spacious kitchen. The design of the device is quite standard; there are no distinctive details here, although the fan looks quite attractive.

Advantages:

• It works very quietly - the noise level is only 25 dB;
• Careful and high-quality protection against overheating is provided;
• Reasonable cost;
• The engine runs on ball bearings;
• Consumes a fairly small amount of electricity;
• Easy to install.

Flaws:

• The engine is rather weak - its resource is not enough for a spacious bathroom.

DiCiTi AURA 4 8.4 BT

Blauberg Quatro 100 14 BT

The model indicator of this device is even lower - only 88 cubic meters per hour, but this is fully compensated by the presence of a special check valve in the device. With its help, it will be possible to prevent unpleasant odors from entering the room from the ventilation shaft. In addition, this fan can be mounted directly in the ceiling.

In terms of key parameters, the model turned out to be of quite high quality, which is not too surprising, since it is produced by a German factory. The highest quality plastic is used for production. The assembly is excellent, so we managed to achieve very good waterproof parameters. This model is produced in several color options - white, gray and yellow. It is not too noisy during operation - only 33 dB.

Advantages:

• Presence of a check valve;
• It is possible to mount directly into the ceiling;
• The case is carefully protected from moisture penetration;
• It works quite quietly;
• Reasonable price.

Flaws:

• Air exchange rates could be higher.

Blauberg Quatro 100 14 BT

CATA E-120 GTH 15 BT

The model is very expensive, but the workmanship is also at a very decent level. This axial design has a standard installation diameter of 118 mm. The product looks very stylish, largely thanks to the front panel made of high-quality, carefully tempered glass, which allows the fan to optimally fit into the modern interior of a kitchen or bathroom. The air exchange of the fan is about 210 cubic meters per hour - quite a decent figure, so these products are often installed in spacious rooms.

The case has received high-quality moisture protection, so the device tolerates high humidity conditions well. The model is equipped with a display, has a built-in humidity sensor, a shutdown delay function and a 15-hour timer. The device operates quite quietly - it creates only 33 dB of noise.

Advantages:

• Stylish and attractive appearance - fits optimally into any interior;
• Expanded functionality of this model;
• Reliable protection against moisture ingress;
• The device operates quite quietly;
• Equipped with a timer and display.

Flaws:

• It's very expensive.

CATA E-120 GTH 15 BT

Dospel Styl 100 S 15 BT

Despite the quite reasonable price, this Polish-made exhaust fan easily copes with the functions assigned to it and is characterized by very high performance qualities. With a product power of 15 W, air exchange reaches 100 cubic meters per hour. Manufacturers saved a lot on design - the device turned out to be very simple and, to some extent, even nondescript. It is completely unobtrusive, which pleases many users, since this device will fit organically into any interior of the room.

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The fan has a fairly long service life. Its body is made of reliable plastic, which is resistant to serious temperature changes, exposure to moisture or other aggressive environments. It will retain its original appearance for a long time.

Advantages:

• Reasonable cost;
• Long period of operation;
• Modest external design;
• Excellent plastic quality;
• It is easy to care for this device.

Flaws:

• One of the noisiest devices in our entire review.

Dospel Styl 100 S 15 BT

CATA E-100 GTH

Another model from a well-known Spanish company that produces a large variety of overhead fans of the most modern type. This device has advanced functionality and a very unusual appearance. There is a timer equipped here that can turn off the device strictly at a given time. In addition, the fan is also equipped with a display that has a built-in humidity level indicator. The power consumption of the device is quite insignificant - it only needs 8 W, but this factor does not in the least prevent the device from driving up to one hundred cubic meters of air through itself within an hour.

The product has a very long service life, largely due to the excellent build quality and materials used in production. It has a unique switch-off delay feature that will keep the device on for some time. The front panel is available in white or gray colors. The design is stylish, all lines are strict.

Advantages:

• Convenient and functional display with humidity sensor;
• There is a timer;
• The housing is completely sealed;
• There is a built-in thermometer;
• Attractive appearance.

Flaws:

• It's very expensive.

CATA E-100 GTH

Soler & Palau HV-300 A

The most expensive product in our entire review. However, it is really capable of impressing with its useful characteristics. First of all, this model is distinguished by very high power - it consumes about 68 W of energy, which allows you to achieve excellent air exchange rates that reach 1100 cubic meters per hour. This overhead fan is able to ensure uniform air circulation in the room in the shortest possible time and create optimal humidity levels.

The device comes with a remote control, which is very convenient during operation. With its help, you can quickly select the most suitable speed mode - the fan blades can rotate at one of two speeds. The device was developed specifically for large bathrooms. It is usually purchased for themselves by owners of country houses and fairly large apartments.

Advantages:

• Excellent fan efficiency;
• If desired, you can control it remotely via the remote control;
• Possibility of installation on glass;
• Resists wear well;
• There is a check valve.

Flaws:

• The cost is very high;
• Consumes a lot of electricity;
• Quite a noisy device.

Soler & Palau HV-300 A

VENTS 100 Quiet

Products of excellent quality at a very affordable price. The fan itself has compact overall dimensions - 15.8 x 15.8 x 10.7 cm, so it is suitable even for small valves. The device is characterized by low power parameters - it consumes only 7.5 W, which ensures air exchange at the level of 95-100 cubic meters per hour.

Perfect for a small bathroom - it quickly removes excess water vapor, preventing it from being absorbed into the walls and ceiling of the room. The fan itself is equipped with high-quality protection against water penetration under the housing, making the device reliable and durable. The device is equipped with a check valve that prevents contaminated air from entering the room. The fan operates almost silently.

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• Creates a noise level of only 25 dB;
• Very powerful engine with a lot of revolutions;
• Compact design;
• Elementary device;
• Insignificant mass.

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Flaws:

• The outer part is large, so it is too conspicuous.

VENTS 100 Quiet

ERA AURA 5

The top three best fans for the bathroom are opened by a Russian-made model, which is very popular among users. It is characterized by optimal operating parameters: the power is 10 W with an air exchange of about 180 cubic meters per hour. Such indicators can ensure the most efficient circulation of air flows in the room, while maintaining an optimal level of humidity. The design is quite simple, but very reliable.

The fan has a useful function: high-quality protection against overheating. The device operates relatively quietly - the noise level is 30-32 dB, it also has low weight and compact overall dimensions.

Advantages:

• The body is made from reliable and durable materials;
• Reasonable cost;
• Quite good efficiency;
• The warranty period is 5 years;
• A powerful and modern engine is installed.

Flaws:

• For a medium-sized bathroom, its power will not be enough.

ERA AURA 5

Electrolux EAF-150

The device was developed by Swedish engineers, but is produced at Chinese production facilities. It proved to be most effective in its work. The device turned out to be quite powerful - it consumes 25 W of energy. Thanks to this, the design creates fast and efficient air circulation inside the room. It copes with its task perfectly and can be used even in spacious bathrooms and kitchens.

The air exchange rate is significant - 320 cubic meters per hour. The design is characterized by high performance and excellent wear resistance. The housing is carefully protected from moisture penetration.

Advantages:

• Stylish appearance;
• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• Decent power level;
• Available in several color options;
• Suitable even for fairly spacious rooms.

Flaws:

• Some people are still prejudiced against Chinese-made products.

Electrolux EAF-150

Soler & Palau SILENT-100 CZ

The leader in the ranking of the best bathroom fans turned out to be a fairly simple device, which is also distinguished by its quite affordable cost and optimal performance indicators. The fan here turns on along with the light in the bathroom and continues to work as long as a person is there.

The design type of the device is axial, the fan itself is placed in a moisture-proof housing, the air exchange rate is about 95 cubic meters of air per hour. This is the best option for a small bathroom. The noise level is also low - 27 dB.

Advantages:

• Reliable protection against moisture;
• Easy to use;
• Reasonable cost;
• Works quietly;
• Long service life;
• Decent quality product.

Flaws:

• Not very convenient to clean.

Low noise exhaust fan Soler and Palau Silent 100 CZ: unboxing and test

Soler & Palau SILENT-100 CZ

Electrolux EAFM-100

Compact exhaust fan, capable of operating in high humidity conditions and designed for rooms with a volume of up to 15–25 m3. The design includes a check valve to protect against foreign odors entering the room, a humidity sensor and even a shutdown timer. The device can automatically turn on if the air is too humid and turn off after 1-20 minutes of operation. The special shape of the impeller ensures a noise level of up to 33 dB.

The advantages of the fan include an affordable price, small size and weight, and a high level of automation of its operation. The advantages are ease of installation, build quality, noiselessness and design. However, due to the decorative panel, the performance of the device is relatively low.

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Types of exhaust fans

The design of an exhaust fan is quite simple: a housing, a motor, an impeller with blades. There are models equipped with a non-return valve, which does not allow foreign odors from other apartments to enter the room, which is very important for high-rise buildings.

Bathroom fan device

The air duct of the exhaust device is connected to the general ventilation system or ducted separately through the wall to the outside. According to the mounting method, all exhaust fans are divided into ceiling and wall, as well as built-in and overhead.

Bathroom Ceiling Fan

Wall hood

Ceiling ones are less in demand, although they are characterized by high performance and easy installation. This fan is capable of actively circulating a large volume of air, so it is perfect for spacious bathrooms. But most consumers still choose wall-mounted models, both built-in and surface-mounted. They are easy to install, convenient to use, easy to clean and replace. Thanks to their compact size and modern body design, they look quite aesthetically pleasing, fitting perfectly into any interior.

The photo shows an axial fan for the bathroom

Depending on the internal device, fans are divided into:

• electric - simple models with a built-in or external switch. That is, apartment residents need to independently turn on and off the device as needed. A very common option is when such a fan is connected to a general switch in the bathroom, and then the hood is turned on simultaneously with the lamps. True, in this case the moisture does not always have time to completely escape into the ventilation, but electricity consumption is reduced;
• automatic – exhaust devices equipped with special sensors. Models with humidity sensors turn on automatically as soon as the moisture level exceeds the norm, and turn off when the condensation has completely evaporated. Models with motion sensors turn on when a person appears and turn off when the room is empty. There are also automatic fans with timers that only run for a set amount of time.

Hidden bathroom fan

The picture shows an exhaust fan with lighting

Exhaust fans are also classified by design type. In the domestic sphere, the most popular are axial and channel devices, which are suitable for multi-storey and private houses.

Axial fans

In axial fans, air movement occurs along the axis of rotation of the blades, which explains the name. The design is very simple: a housing (usually cylindrical), an impeller with blades, and an electric motor. Many models have a manifold installed at the front, which improves aerodynamic properties. The structure of the blades reduces resistance to air flow, making the fan highly efficient. Depending on the type of installation, such devices can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted.

Axial fans

Most modern axial fans are characterized by low power consumption and reduced noise levels, unlike models of the previous generation. They can work for a long time without stopping, are easy to clean, and have an attractive design. For these devices to be effective, the length of the air duct should not exceed 4 m. The same applies to the area of ​​the bathroom - the smaller the room, the more effective the hood.

axial exhaust fan

Duct fans

Duct fan

For large bathrooms, duct or centrifugal fans are optimal. Their design is noticeably different from axial devices: inside a cylindrical body there is a drum with many narrow curved blades. With the help of the centrifugal force generated by the blades during rotation, air is drawn in and directed into the ventilation duct.

CATA fans for duct installation

Such fans work effectively with air ducts over 4 meters in length and are installed both on the ceiling and on the wall (depending on the modification). The hood can be continuous, but usually the device is connected to a bathroom switch or to a hygrostat. This allows for more economical energy consumption and extends the service life of the fan. Many models are designed for concealed installation and are relatively quiet, making them virtually unnoticeable in the bathroom.

Exhaust diffuser in the bathroom

duct exhaust fan

CATA E-100 GTH

Multifunctional axial fan costing about 12 thousand rubles. With a capacity of up to 100 m3/h, it is suitable for efficient operation in rooms of 5–10 m2. It features minimal power consumption (8 W), low noise level within 31 dB and many additional devices. Among them are a humidity control sensor, a timer, and even a screen that displays information about the microclimate in the bathroom.

The advantages of the CATA E-100 GTH model include a stylish design, an informative display and convenient setup. Users also praise the device for its economical energy consumption, which is provided by both humidity sensors and the design feature of the impeller. The only downside is the relatively high cost of the device.

ERA 4C

When choosing which bathroom fan is best, you should pay attention to one of the most budget options - the ERA 4C model. It will cost only 900 rubles, although it is even equipped with a check valve and works very quietly - the noise level does not exceed 35 dB. There is also overheating protection and LED indication on the front panel, and the device’s productivity reaches 97 m3/hour.

Features of the device are good design, low noise level and easy installation. The main advantage is the affordable price. Among the disadvantages is the high probability of extraneous noise and vibration from the impeller after several months of operation.