10 Best Bathroom Extractor Fan Reviews UK 2020 - Top Rated Models Compared
Last Updated on September 8, 2020
Are you looking for a bathroom extractor fan? We’ve got you covered with our list of best bathroom extraction fans. We share top-rated appliances designed to remove unwanted moisture, humidity, and odour from your bathroom.
These bathroom extractor fans will also help keep yucky algae films from your tiles and prevent the spread of mould. Do you need any other reason to blow steam off your bathroom?
Best Bathroom Extractor Fans On The UK Market Reviewed In 2020
The best bathroom extractor fans is the new 100mm Extractor Fan Outlet By Airflow. We gave this option 5/5 stars.
The Airflow iCON ECO is reasonably priced and best-rated. Buyers will be assured that the fan meets current building regulations and utilises 9.2 watts. One of the best things about this product is you may add various types of cover-plates to match your bathroom’s decor. It also fits flush with the wall or ceiling, keeping it a discreet addition to the bathroom.
The The Airflow iCON wall-ceiling fan has a high quality iris shutter that keeps air from blowing back into the bathroom and the basic unit works best by switch duct. You may add plug-in modules for best additional features like pull cord operation, runs on a timer, motion sensors, continuous running, delay start, and variable speed. This bathroom extractor fan humidity sensor module is actually one of the best extractor fans in the UK.
This bathroom extractor fan includes a efficient motor located outside, and a set of screws and fixings needed for installation. However, If you have uneven walls or ceiling where you are installing it, we would best recommend using cantilever fixing lugs, which will allow easier installation job on these uneven surfaces. To give you peace of mind, this Airflow iCON comes with a three years warranty included for the best customer experience
.
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Pros
- It has a three-year warranty.
- It has a low profile and coloured plates.
Cons
- Additional features require additional purchase.
- Appropriate for smaller spaces.
Second best bathroom fan available for purchase is the new Mixed Flow in Line Extractor Fan By VENTS. We gave one of the best bathroom extractor fans 4.5/5 stars.
This extractor model will save you the drama of dealing with or trying to control hot and humid air in your house, office, or workspace. And if for any reason there are undesirable odours, you can expect this appliance to create room for fresh air to flow into the room.
Our second choice is lightweight and suitable for solid or flexible ducting of 100 metres or four inches. This machine offers excellent performance with an airflow extraction rate of up to 187 cubic mph and a high-pressure mixed flow impeller. It has a sound level of 27 decibels to make sure of less noisy exhaust.
What’s more, it can be loft mounted so that you can place it at the most suitable and convenient location. It comes with two power settings which can be selected during installation. It is also possible to get a high or low speed depending on the terminal you connect the device’s live cable.
Pros
- High power
- Long life
Cons
- Larger size
- It is more expensive than other available models
Third best air extraction unit you can buy is the Bathroom Extractor Fan By Envirovent. We gave this option 4.5/5 stars.
Envirovent's Bathroom Extractor Fan is a well-regarded bathroom extractor fan suitable for bathrooms and toilets. One of the reasons this product made it to our review list of the best extractor fans is because it won the 2013 Quiet Mark award for its low sound output of 26 decibels and an extremely low wattage of 8.
Operation is easy—The silent fan will switch on and switch off with the light button, as do most basic fans. The envirovent add a built-in back extractor fan humidistat shutter, as with similar appliances, which comes as standard to help keep heat in the house. This unit also features great air extraction rate.
Finally, the timer function on the envirovent silent fan requires a permanent live, switched live, and neutral connection. Anyone with only two of three of these required insulated wires will not be able to add the timer function. Also, when installed properly, the over-run timer can be set up to 30 minutes.
Pros
- It is reasonably priced.
- This model has a high extraction rate (26 litres per second).
Cons
- There is no stated warranty.
- The timer function requires additional wiring.
- The back draught flaps seem flimsy.
Fourth best air extraction unit you can buy is the Extractor Fan with Timer By Vectaire brand. We gave it 4.5/5 stars.
The Vectaire A10/4T Extractor Fan is a reasonably priced fan on the market. The product comes with an over-run timer but is only available in white. Operation is simple - you can control it by turning it on and off using the light button, as with most standard fans. When the light is turned off, the extractor fan continues to run on the timer for a preselected amount of time. This wall/axial fan is also easy to install in no time to ensure maximum user convenience.
Also, a notable point is that this product has an air extraction rate of 27 litres of water per second! Finally, it works with a wattage of 15 (which is quite high) and has a slightly higher noise level than many competitors, sitting at 41 decibels.
Pros
- Solid extraction-rate.
- It is reasonably priced.
Cons
- Relatively higher energy consumption versus other highly-rated fans.
- It may be too loud for some users.
- It has a thick profile.
Fifth best bathroom extractor fan available for purchase is the Quiet Extractor Fan with Timer By Manrose. We gave it 4.5/5 stars.
The Manrose Quiet Extractor Fan is a best-seller in its category on Amazon and a great option if you are on a budget. Manrose was chosen by Amazon because of its top reviews and high demand. To become a best seller on Amazon requires that manrose must be of a good standard.
The manrose qf100t quiet extractor comes with a timer for use when you leave the bathroom; manrose overrun timer can be adjusted between one to thirty minutes (which is really good compared to other fans of a similar price range). Another reason why the Manrose qf100t quiet extractor fan is one of the best sellers is that manrose operates at a reasonably quiet 27 decibels, 60% less than comparably-sized fans.
Also, another notable point is that the qf100t quiet extractor fan includes a backdraught shutter to help keep the heat in your kitchen and rooms. Manrose is efficient at extracting water, coming in at 21 litres per second. And finally manrose even uses a low energy design motor to help lower your bills and save some money if you want. All these features make it one of the best bathroom extractor fans available today. Though, the one bad thing about these low noise bathroom fans is that they are not suitable for installing on windows.
Pros
- This is a quiet model.
- It is inexpensive.
Cons
- You cannot mount this model on the window.
- There is no stated warranty.
Sixth best bathroom fan available for purchase is the 200W Bathroom Extractor By CATA brand. We gave it 4/5 stars.
The Cata Bathroom Glass Extractor Fan is more expensive than the other extractor fans for bathrooms meaning you'll spend more money on it. But, in a market that focuses mostly on functionality, this popular and powerful extractor fan is built for both looks and performance. It is designed to fit beautifully on your bathroom wall or ceiling.
The design of the cover has a dark grey glass where the rest of the fan is made of top-grade plastic. Part of the offering includes a display informs the user of temperature and relative humidity. Also, the humidity sensor detector range is between 40% to 90% humidity which comes in handy for knowing when to turn your fan on. This fan is also easy to install in no time.
There is also a backdraught shutter available as an accessory, should you wish to have this as well. When cleaning, an additional tool is used to remove the glass front. Once it comes off you may also adjust settings here. It has two-speed settings, with a low wattage of 8, and even has an over-run timer which can be set up to 15 minutes. Finally, the standard sound output is 31 decibels which is also a fairly quiet bathroom fan to choose for your standard household.
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Pros
- It is an attractive addition to your interior décor.
- It has low energy consumption.
Cons
- It is significantly more expensive than other listed fans.
- There is no stated manufacturer’s warranty.
Seventh best bathroom extractor fan available to buy is the Energy Saving and Quiet Bathroom Extractor By VENTS brand. We gave it 4/5 stars.
The Silenta Extractor Fan is one of the models that comes at a reasonable price range on our review of the best extractors and offers great value for money. The product comes with a timer and is perfect for use in the wet areas of the home, namely the bathroom and toilet & shower areas. Operation is simple—it switches on and off with the light button, as do most standard fans.
This duct ventilation fan comes in a brilliant white finish and the over-run timer can be set from two to thirty minutes. Also, a fan grille is built to optimise airflow and efficiency and control the noise. While it is not a silent model, the noise associated with this moisture extraction fan is low.
Pros
- It is an affordable extractor fan.
- It has an efficiency-boosting fan grille.
Cons
- There is no stated manufacturer warranty.
- It is a basic, white-coloured fan.
Eighth best bathroom extractor fan available for purchase is the Modern Extractor Fan with Timer and Humidistat By Awenta. We gave it 4/5 stars.
The Awenta Modern Extractor Fan WLS100H is a low cost bathroom extractor fan offering an over-run timer and humidity sensor. This model comes in a silver satin colour, making it a delightful and also attractive fan that will fit right in all bathrooms.
The extractor fan protection (external plate) on this product is removable for easy cleaning, which you should do every so often with every fan. Finally, with a wattage of 14, it is slightly higher than average and is 100mm in size.
Pros
- The humidistat activates automatically, it’s sensitivity is adjusted by the user.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- Relatively higher energy consumption versus other highly-rated fans.
- No anti-draught shutter.
Ninth best available fan is the Bathroom Extractor with Timer By DOMUS. We gave one of the best bathroom fans 4/5 stars.
The Silavent SDF100TB Bathroom Extractor Fan is one of the best low-cost options for removing humidity in the bathroom and toilet in an efficient and powerful way. The square, low noise unit is 165mm x 165mm making ideal for mounting on a wall or ceiling. Window mounting requires additional hardware, the kit for which can be bought from Silavent.
Extraction wise, this bathroom extractor fan has an extraction rate of 20 litres/second using only 12 watts of power whilst doing so. Operation is simple—it will switch on and off with the lights button, as do most standard fans. Finally, this bathroom extractor fan abides by 2010 Building Regulation standards and the bathroom ventilation unit comes with a two years warranty which means it's the ideal shower or bath extractor fan. On a side note, if you are in the market for a bathroom extractor fan kit with a timer this one also checks that box!
Pros
- It boasts a two-year warranty.
- Silavent is a known, reputed extractor fan manufacturer.
- It comes with a timer.
Cons
- Basic operations.
- Not the most long-lasting model.
Tenth place goes to the Silent Contour Extractor Fan By Xpelair. We gave this option with great design 4/5 stars. Feel free to take a close look at the price and see the details on the Amazon website links below.
The Xpelair C4TS Simply Silent Contour Extractor Fan is a best seller in its category on Amazon. It has been in regular supply on Amazon. It is available in plenty of versions: standard type, with built-in humidistat fan and timer, with pull cord, and with a simple old timer that you may set. Xpelair has a smooth external casing is easy to clean without the need for extra chemicals, equipment, and work.
The Xpelair simply silent contour extractor fan has two adjustable speed settings: 15 litres per second and 32 litres per second. As a plus, the Xpelair fan has BEAB certification and comes with a two years warranty. Your purchase will include the Simply Silent fan, an instruction manual, and required fixings. Xpelair is a very quiet moisture extraction fan, quieter than most if not all silent bathroom extractor fans competing models, making it the perfect bathroom ceiling extractor fan.
Pros
- It is an affordable model.
- There is a two-year warranty.
- It can be mounted in multiple areas.
- Various variant models are available.
Cons
- Despite its claims, users suggest that it is noisy.
A Helpful Guide To Bathroom Extractor Fans
With so much steam flowing from an electric shower, using your electric shaver or bathroom scale can be next to impossible. The steam fogs the screen on your bathroom scale as well as your bathroom mirror.
Although a portable air conditioner can get rid of the steam, a bathroom extractor fan would be more powerful and efficient.
It is large and specially designed to draw out moist air from the bathroom. For smaller spaces such as cars, a small dehumidifier is a better option. We will guide you through choosing the best bathroom extractor fan for your home.
What To Consider Before Buying Your New Bathroom Fan
It’s easy to pick up the first unit you come across, but that doesn’t mean it suits your bathroom. Here are some key things to consider as you search for a bathroom inline fan:
Capacity Based On Room Size
There are a few things that are good to know before buying a fan. When selecting a bathroom inline fan, pick a unit that has the capacity to work in your bathroom. This is measured in cubic foot per minute (CFM rating). CFM rating ranges from 50 to 110 and on average, most bathrooms require one cubic foot per minute of air movement per square foot. 50 CFM rating is the minimum ventilation level required in a standard bathroom, including those with less square footage.
Extraction Rate Of Your Bathroom Fan
This refers to how much moisture the extractor fan can extract and is by far the most important feature of all. It is measured in Metres Cubed per Hour (m3/hr) or Litres per Second (L/s). Building regulations require all domestic fans to remove 15L/s in an average bathroom.
Fortunately, many 4-inch models on the market exceed this requirement. An appliance with a very high extraction rate may be tempting but its powerful nature is its bane, especially in a standard bathroom. This is because it can mess with the air pressure and leave your bathroom feeling like the North Pole. That's no way to enjoy a shower.
Size Of The Bathroom Fans
Domestic bathroom extractor fans typically come in two sizes: 4 inch/100mm and 6 inches/150mm. A 4-inch bathroom extractor fan will suit your average bathroom while the 6-inch models are best suited for bathrooms that are bigger than nine metres squared, or if you have a large household and everyone uses the shower or bath in quick succession. Bathrooms with no natural ventilation or those that feel cold can make use of a 6-inch product.
Noise level - Some Can Be Very Noisy
Quiet extractor fans are simply more comfortable and preferable, even if you don’t mind a bit of working noise here and there while you shower. Go for a product that produces no more than 30 dB. Any higher and it will drive you up the wall.
Specific Fan Efficiency (SPF)
SPF (Specific Fan Efficiency) is a parameter that checks the amount of electricity required to power an extractor fan while considering how much air is being driven out. A product with Low SFP efficiency reduces the power consumption which translates to lower power bills for you.
Energy Efficiency Rating
An energy-efficient bathroom extractor fan is eco-friendly and reduces power consumption, which is good for your pocket, right? Contrary to popular opinion, a large fan doesn’t necessarily consume more energy than a smaller unit, so don’t overlook a unit because of its size. Check the rating on the manufacturer's specifications first.
Humidity Sensor
Bathroom extractor fans that feature built-in humidistat sensors detect moisture in the air. Once the humidity level in the bathroom reaches a certain threshold, the extractor fan automatically turns on or off, leaving the room free of condensation and odour. It saves you from manually flicking the switch and is suitable for households where family members forget to turn on the fan. Humidity sensors are becoming increasingly popular and several best extractor fans on the market include this feature, but in some cases, you may have to pay more money for it.
Back Draught Shutters (Needed In Windy Locations)
A back draught shutter helps prevent random gusts of cold wind from blowing back through the fan and into the bathroom. If the unit you bought doesn’t have a shutter, simply buy one separately and have it installed it in the ventilation duct.
Over-run Timer
The over-run timer keeps the fan running long after you have turned it off to ensure all the damp air is eliminated. The settings for the over-run timer are usually configured during installation, and the time can range from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. Power consumption is low and on an average fan is likely to make use of around 8 watts. For proper ventilation, it’s advisable to lean towards the latter end.