Introduction
Bathroom extractor fans are a must in any home. They help to remove the moisture from your bathroom, which can lead to mould and mildew growth. Extractor fans also keep you feeling more comfortable by lowering humidity levels and increasing air circulation. This helps with allergies as well as dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It’s important that you choose the best bathroom extractor fan for your needs and budget. However, not all of them will be equally effective at removing moisture, stale air and smells from your space.
If you’re looking for the best bathroom extractor fan for your home, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at seven of the best fans on the market right now, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
So we’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for a quiet fan that won’t disturb your family or a powerful model that can clear out any build-up of steam and moisture.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the seven best bathroom extractor fans on the market right now.
What is the best bathroom extractor fan for you?
When choosing the best extractor fans for bathrooms, there are a few factors you need to take into account. Size of the room, ease of access to ducting, noise levels and features are all important considerations.
Size of the room
The larger the room, the more moisture will be produced from showers, baths, basins, bidets and the people using them. There is also physically more air to change, therefore the larger the room and/or the more humidity-producing items there are, the more you’ll need humid air extracted with the bathroom fan.
Access to ducting
If you are able to gain access to the space above the bathroom, then you have much greater scope to install powerful inline fan units. If there is no accessible space above the bathroom, then you will be limited to ceiling or wall mounted bathroom extractor fans.
Noise levels
If the bathroom is an ensuite, then noise level is likely to be a huge consideration. If you are looking for bathroom fans for a wc just off the downstairs utility room, then the noise level is unlikely to be a factor in your decision making.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 7 best bathroom extractor fans on the market right now, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Bathroom Extractor Fan Buying Guide
The vast majority of bathroom extractor fans fall into one of two categories: inline vs ceiling/wall mounted.
Separately there are two fan technologies you are likely to hear about: Axial vs Centrifugal
Inline also known as Mixed Flow Extractor Fans
As the name suggests, this type of extractor fan sits inline as in somewhere along the length of the ventilation ducting. These fans are typically the most powerful but require space and physical access to fit them. One inline fan could potentially draw air from multiple locations within a larger bathroom so you would not need other fans.
Ceiling / Wall Mounted Extractor Fans
These are the most commonly installed bathroom extractor fans. They are the most versatile as they can be installed on walls, ceilings, windows and panels. The downsides to this type of extractor fan are that they are less powerful than inline extractor fans and they should not be used if there is more than about 2 metres of ducting.
Axial vs Centrifugal Fans Explained
Axial Fans
Axial fans are the most common type of fan for bathroom extractor fans. If you imagine a traditional desk fan with spinning blades behind a large grille: that is an axial fan. As the fan spins on its axis, air is pushed forward over the fan blades in the direction of the axis
Centrifugal Fans
Also known as blowers, these fans draw air into the body of the fan, change the direction of the airflow and then accelerate the air out again through the impeller blades of the fan
Centrifugal fans can produce higher pressure airflow which means air can be sent through longer duct work. The flow rate (the number of litres per second of air moved) might be lower and centrifugal fans are often noisier than axial fans.
How did we compare bathroom extractor fans?
We studied the technical specifications, looked at sales figures, and considered customer feedback when making our selection. You will find a table of comparables beneath each product
Our recommendations for best bathroom extractor fan
The Comparables
| Airflow | 26 litres per second |
| Sound Output | 26.5 dB |
| Speed Settings | 1 |
| Power rating | 8 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | Timer |
| IP rating | IP45 |
Envirovent SIL100T
Extractor Fan
The Envirovent SIL100T is our top pick. It is a high-quality, ultra-quiet bathroom extractor fan that is perfect for any bathroom or WC.
Despite its small size and quiet operation, the fan is capable of producing an impressive 26 litres per second of airflow, making it ideal for quickly removing moisture and unpleasant smells from the room.
The unassuming looks of the Envirovent SIL100T belie its powerful performance, and it is one of the most cost-effective bathroom extractor fans on the market.
The motors are mounted on silent elastic blocks to ensure silent operation.
If you are looking for an ultra-quiet, high-performance bathroom extractor fan, the Envirovent SIL100T could be a perfect choice.
Power consumption is a very reasonable 8 watts.
For all these reasons and the fact that the fan can be installed in any bathroom means we believe this is the best bathroom extractor fan.
The Comparables
| Airflow | 50 / 60 / 68 LPS |
| Sound Output | 20 / 22 / 24 dB |
| Speed Settings | 3 |
| Power rating | 20 / 23 / 25 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | Speed Selection |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Manrose MF100T Inline
Extractor Fan
If you can gain access to the space above the bathroom (i.e. the loft space, or at a pinch between the ceiling joists), this is the fan you should choose – it is the best bathroom extractor fan.
If you’re looking for the best of the inline fans at a reasonable price the Manrose MF100T is a brilliant option.
With three speed settings (which you can either pre-select or control via an optional control panel), the Manrose MF100T’s powerful motor can handle even the largest, steamiest bathrooms as well as bathrooms with multiple ventilation grilles.
An impressive 50 litres per second is how much air this bathroom fan will move at its lowest speed setting. At medium, it will move 60 litres per second, and an incredible air extraction rate of 68 litres per second on high.
Quiet operation at just 20 dB on low, 22 dB on medium and only 24 dB on high. The low noise figures make this a nearly silent bathroom extractor fan. It is recommended to use anti-vibration mounts. It’s so quiet, you’ll never even know it’s running.
As the extractor fan is hidden away from view, you can use any grille design to cover the ventilation duct, and it will fit with your chosen bathroom decor.
The only reason that this extractor fan is not our top choice is that it cannot be installed in every single scenario: you have to have access to the space above the bathroom.
The Comparables
| Airflow | 15 / 21 LPS |
| Sound Output | 16 / 29 dB |
| Speed Settings | 2 |
| Power rating | 6.3 / 7 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | Timer / Humidity |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Xpelair C4HTS Extractor Fan
The Xpelair C4HTS Extractor Fan has both an overrun timer and humidistat control and is, therefore, a great choice for anyone looking for a fan with a humidity sensor.
The built-in humidity sensor automatically detects the room’s humidity level and will start and stop the fan automatically to keep moisture levels under control. The fan has two speed settings, so you can choose the level of noise that’s best for you, and on the lower speed setting, it is one of the quietest fans.
As the fan will automatically start and stop, you should be able to leave it on the lower setting as it will get rid of trapped humidity and excess moisture whenever it senses it.
Trapped humidity turns to surface moisture, allowing mould and mildew to grow and flourish. Both of these things are unsightly, but the spores they release can be very bad for your health.
The lower speed setting and subsequent lower power consumption makes this fan very energy efficient at just 6.7 watts.
This aesthetically pleasing extractor fan’s interchangeable round or square facia should fit in with your bathroom decor. The facia can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.
This is the most expensive bathroom extractor fan on the list so far, but we think it is an excellent extractor fan for the above-average bathroom.
The Comparables
| Airflow | 21 litres per second |
| Sound Output | 27 dB |
| Speed Settings | 1 |
| Power rating | 5 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | Timer |
| IP rating |
Manrose QF100T Quiet
Axial Extractor Fan
Manrose QF100T Quiet Extractor Fan is a rugged, no-nonsense extractor fan with a timer function. It’s only half a decibel louder than the quietest of the wall fans when running at full power. It also has a very affordable price point.
If you’re looking for an affordable and durable extractor fan, the Manrose QF100T Quiet Extractor Fan is a great budget bathroom extractor fan.
It’s perfect for the average-sized bathroom with numerous family members or shower room, it can be installed on the bathroom wall or be ceiling mounted. It can run very quietly without disturbing your peace. All in all, it is a great choice for a near-silent bathroom extractor fan.
Pros: Cons:
The Comparables
| Airflow | 6 / 21 LPS |
| Sound Output | |
| Speed Settings | 2 |
| Power rating | 2.7 / 4.8 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | Timer |
| IP rating | IPX5 |
Vent Axia Lo-Carbon
Silent Fan VASF100T
If you’re looking for a top-quality bathroom extractor fan that is both silent and efficient, the Vent-Axia Silent Fan VASF100T is a great option to consider.
It features an IPX5 rating for water resistance (which means protected against low-pressure water stream from any angle), making it suitable for use in all non-submerged environments so that it will be fine within even the shower rooms or in very close proximity to the bath.
It comes with a range of handy features, such as variable speed control and a long-life motor rated for 40,000 hours of runtime.
The 40,000 hours of runtime means you could switch the fan on now, and leave it running 24×7 for four and a half years. Of course, we don’t recommend you do that, and typical usage is a fraction of that for average bathroom fans, so we can confidently say that the Vent-Axia
Lo-Carbon extractor fan will be circulating air for a great many years to come.
The Comparables
| Airflow | 19 litres per second |
| Sound Output | 28.8 dB |
| Speed Settings | 1 |
| Power rating | 9.4 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | |
| IP rating | IPX4 |
Airflow iCON 15 Extractor Fan
Airflow iCON 15 is a high-end bathroom extractor fan which features a unique iris shutter that prevents back draughts and operates silently.
The stylish design of the Airflow iCON 15 makes it ideal for use in any room where its eye-catching appearance will add to the décor. This bathroom extractor fan comes in white, silver, sandstone, chrome or anthracite finishes and has an airflow capacity of up to 19 litres per second.
The Airflow Icon bathroom extractor fan is perfect for bathrooms with limited available space as well as kitchens and other areas where you need ventilation without noise disruption.
There are interchangeable control modules available to match your installation requirements.
Pros: Cons:
The Comparables
| Airflow | 10 litres per second |
| Sound Output | 19 dB |
| Speed Settings | |
| Power rating | 2 watts |
| Sensors/Controls | Odour, Humidity, Timer, Intermittent, Light, App |
| IP rating | IPX44 |
Vent-Axia PureAir Sense
Extractor Fan
Vent-Axia’s PureAir Sense is a sleek, modern bathroom extractor fan with an abundance of features.
It is the first bathroom extractor fan with Odour sense technology that will automatically detect unwanted odours in the air and trigger a purge which will draw in fresh air
The light sensor will turn the fan on and off automatically to match the light levels in your room, whilst the automatic humidity sensor will sense any signs of moisture and activate the dehumidifying function to get rid of damp air.
This bathroom extractor fan doesn’t just work hard – it looks good too! It has an LED touch panel that allows you to customise the fan’s operation at the touch of a button.
This Vent Axia fan has a removable impeller for easy cleaning and maintenance.
If you’d prefer not to touch the extractor fan, it has an App compatible with Android and IOS devices that will allow you to configure the settings, such as the adjustable timer.
The Vent-Axia PureAir Sense has been designed specifically for bathrooms. It also includes an optional magnetic front cover to protect against dust and dirt as well as any accidental contact with the fan blades.
This bathroom extractor fan has a very low noise level of just 19dB and comes with a 7-year warranty, so you can be sure that you’re making a sound investment. The power consumption is the lowest of all the fans on our list at just 2 watts making this extremely quiet and very energy efficient.
If money is no object, and you want an absolutely feature-packed bathroom extractor, then this is the extractor fan for you.
Summary
Any of these seven fan options would make an excellent choice for your home.
Whatever your needs, we’re sure that you will find the perfect bathroom extractor fan in our list of seven top picks.
FAQs
Which is the most powerful bathroom extractor fan?
The most powerful bathroom extractor fan on our recommended list is the Manrose MF100T axial inline extractor fan with an air extraction rate of up to 68 litres per second.
What is the best bathroom extractor?
There are a number of excellent bathroom extractors on the market, but our top pick is the Envirovent SIL100T because it is a good quality, quiet, and powerful bathroom extractor fan that will work in any situation.
If you are able to gain access to the space above the bathroom, then the Manrose MF100T inline Extractor fan is the one we’d choose.
If money is no object, then the Vent-Axia PureAir Sense is the fan to have. It has a sleek design, an abundance of features and it is very easy to use. It also comes with a 7-year warranty, making it a sound investment.
What is the best inline extractor fan for a bathroom?
The best inline extractor fan on our list is the Manrose MF100T axial inline extractor fan with an air extraction rate of up to 68 litres per second whilst producing only 24 dB of noise output.
How do I know if my bathroom needs an extractor fan?
If you’re noticing high levels of humidity in your bathroom, it’s likely that you will need an extractor fan. Other signs that your bathroom may need ventilation are:
– condensation on windows or mirror
– mould or mildew on walls or ceilings
– a musty smell in the room
