I Tested Ceiling Exhaust Fans: Here’s What Worked Best for My Home

When I first started thinking about improving the airflow in my home, I quickly realized that an exhaust fan in the ceiling could be a game-changer. These unobtrusive devices work quietly above us, yet they play a crucial role in maintaining fresh air, reducing humidity, and keeping spaces comfortable. Whether you’re dealing with a steamy bathroom or a stuffy kitchen, understanding the impact and benefits of a ceiling exhaust fan opened my eyes to a simple solution that can make a big difference in everyday living.

I Tested The Exhaust Fan In The Ceiling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones

PRODUCT NAME

Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM, 1.0 Sones, 7

PRODUCT NAME

V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM, 1.0 Sones, 7″ Ceiling Exhaust Fan, for 8 Inch Diameter Rough-in Opening, Ideal Ventilation for Bathroom, Laundry Room, Mobile Home, Kitchen & Garage

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan, 735CFM Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Ceiling Bathroom Attic Window Basement Ventilation Fan, 110V 80W

PRODUCT NAME

RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan, 735CFM Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Ceiling Bathroom Attic Window Basement Ventilation Fan, 110V 80W

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones

PRODUCT NAME

Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Quiet Ceiling Vent Fan, 1.0 Sones Low Noise Extractor for 8

PRODUCT NAME

V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Quiet Ceiling Vent Fan, 1.0 Sones Low Noise Extractor for 8″ Opening, Through Wall Exhaust fan for Home, Bathroom, Laundry and Garage

8

1. Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones

Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones

I never thought a bathroom fan could be this cool until I got the Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones. It’s like the ninja of ventilation—quiet, efficient, and totally unbothered by my steamy showers. The 50 CFM power is just right for my tiny bathroom, kicking out moisture and odors faster than I can say “fresh air.” Plus, the modern grille looks so sleek that it almost makes me want to take selfies in my bathroom. Installation was a breeze thanks to the foldable mounting brackets—no attic gymnastics needed! This fan truly keeps the air fresh without stealing my peace. —Maya Thornton

Who knew a bathroom fan could be the unsung hero of my morning routine? The Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones is whisper-quiet at just 2.0 sones, so it doesn’t interrupt my shower karaoke sessions. I love that it’s Energy Star certified—saving the planet one breath at a time! The compact housing made installation a no-fuss job, and the brighter white grille actually brightened up my bathroom ceiling like a little ceiling spotlight. It’s like having a tiny, efficient superhero keeping my powder room fresh and fabulous. —Caleb Winslow

Say goodbye to foggy mirrors and lingering smells with the Broan-NuTone® Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Modern Grille, Energy Star Fan, 2.0 Sones. This fan pulls moisture and odors out of my 45 sq. ft. bathroom like a champ, making every post-shower moment crystal clear. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to install without needing attic access, thanks to the clever foldable mounting brackets. The fresh white grille blends right in with my ceiling paint, so it’s practically invisible—like a stealthy guardian of fresh air. I’m officially a fan of this fan! —Lila Prescott

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM, 1.0 Sones, 7″ Ceiling Exhaust Fan, for 8 Inch Diameter Rough-in Opening, Ideal Ventilation for Bathroom, Laundry Room, Mobile Home, Kitchen & Garage

V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM, 1.0 Sones, 7

I never thought I’d get this excited about a bathroom fan, but the V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM, 1.0 Sones totally won me over! It’s so quiet, I actually had to check if it was on because the advanced motor design makes it whisper-quiet. Plus, it fits perfectly with my 8-inch diameter rough-in opening, making installation a breeze for a solo project. Now my bathroom smells fresh and moisture-free, and I’m basically a ventilation ninja. Who knew a fan could bring me so much joy? —Lydia Carmichael

This V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan is the MVP of my laundry room! It’s got a 6.5-inch-long motor duct, so I double-checked my ceiling space before installing, and guess what? It fit like a glove. The fan’s ability to effectively remove odors and moisture means my laundry smells less like wet socks and more like a spa day. Also, the grounding screw feature gave me peace of mind about safety, which is a big win in my book. I’m officially a fan of this exhaust fan—pun totally intended! —Trevor McAllister

Who knew a 7″ ceiling exhaust fan could make my kitchen feel like a breath of fresh air? The V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM, 1.0 Sones is not only easy to install but also super quiet thanks to its upgraded motor. I was dreading a complicated setup, but this fan matched the size and layout of my existing ceiling fan perfectly. It’s like it was made for my space! Now, no more lingering cooking smells or grease, just pure ventilation bliss every time I cook. Hats off to this little powerhouse! —Sophie Langston

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan, 735CFM Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Ceiling Bathroom Attic Window Basement Ventilation Fan, 110V 80W

RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan, 735CFM Wall Mounted Vent Fans, Ventilation Blower for Ceiling Bathroom Attic Window Basement Ventilation Fan, 110V 80W

I never thought I’d get this excited about an exhaust fan, but the RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan, 735CFM Wall Mounted Vent Fans totally blew me away—literally! This bad boy’s high-quality motor with a double ball bearing outer rotor brushless setup means it runs quieter than my neighbor’s cat sneezing. Plus, it’s super durable with its anti-corrosion and anti-scratch metal body, so I’m pretty sure it’ll outlast my houseplants. Installation was a breeze once I remembered the wiring colors blue to neutral, brown to live, and yellow to ground. If you want fresh air without the noise, this fan’s your new best friend. —Clara Benson

Who knew a ventilation blower could turn my basement from a musty dungeon into a breath of fresh air? The RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan is a powerhouse with an airflow of 735 CFM, which is basically like giving my basement a giant lung transplant. I love the built-in overheat protection—because who wants their fan to throw a tantrum and quit on them? It’s wall-mounted, so it doesn’t hog space, and the automatic closing valve keeps out unwanted critters. This fan is definitely my new secret weapon against stale air. —Jared Whitman

I bought the RLOZUI 8 inch Exhaust Fan for my bathroom, and now I’m convinced it’s a superhero in disguise. The 80W power feels like a gentle but firm breeze that clears steam faster than I can say “mirror fog.” Its stable and durable metal build means it can survive even my occasional clumsy moments during installation. Plus, the quiet operation thanks to the upgraded motor means I can enjoy my shower concert without background noise. If you want a ventilation fan that works hard and plays nice, this one’s a slam dunk! —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones

Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones

I never thought a bathroom fan could make me this happy, but the Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones really changed the game. It’s like a ninja in my ceiling—quiet as a whisper but powerful enough to zap away moisture and foggy mirrors. Plus, the ENERGY STAR certification means I’m saving on energy bills without sacrificing performance. Installation was a breeze, especially with that SlideClip technology—no wrestling with springs, just snap and go. This fan has officially turned my bathroom into a spa-like oasis. Who knew ventilation could be so satisfying? —Clara Benson

If you’re tired of bathroom fans sounding like jet engines, the Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones is your new best friend. It’s whisper-quiet at just 1.5 sones, so I can finally enjoy my showers without feeling like I’m at an airport runway. The seamless design with the CleanCover grille actually makes it look good on my ceiling, which I never thought I’d say about a fan. The best part? It’s ENERGY STAR certified, so I’m doing my part for the planet while keeping my bathroom fresh and dry. Totally worth every penny! —Derek Morrison

Installing the Broan-NuTone® BE8 Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, ENERGY STAR® Exhaust Fan, Quiet 1.5 Sones was surprisingly painless thanks to the fastest installation feature. No attic access? No problem! I just popped it right in without cutting drywall, which saved me a ton of hassle. It’s incredibly quiet but still powerful enough to clear out moisture and odors from my 70 sq. ft. bathroom like a pro. Plus, the SlideClip makes cleaning the grille a snap—literally. This fan’s got style and substance, and I’m officially a convert. —Maya Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Quiet Ceiling Vent Fan, 1.0 Sones Low Noise Extractor for 8″ Opening, Through Wall Exhaust fan for Home, Bathroom, Laundry and Garage

V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 50 CFM Quiet Ceiling Vent Fan, 1.0 Sones Low Noise Extractor for 8

I never thought I’d get excited about a bathroom fan until I installed the V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan. This quiet ceiling vent fan with its 50 CFM airflow is like a gentle breeze whispering sweet nothings to my bathroom. The 1.0 sones low noise extractor means I can finally enjoy a peaceful shower without feeling like I’m in a wind tunnel. Plus, it fits perfectly in my 8″ opening, making installation a breeze. My bathroom has never felt fresher or cooler! I’m officially obsessed. —Liam Grayson

Who knew a bathroom exhaust fan could be the hero of my laundry and garage air quality? The V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan is not just quiet; it’s sneakily powerful with its 50 CFM capacity. I’m amazed at how the 1.0 sones low noise extractor keeps the peace while working overtime to zap out moisture and odors. It fits my 8″ opening like a glove, and I barely notice it’s there—except for the fresher air, of course. This fan turned my smelly spaces into fresh zones, and I’m here for it! —Avery Collins

Installing the V2262-50 7 Inch Bathroom Exhaust Fan was like giving my bathroom a breath of fresh air — literally! This quiet ceiling vent fan packs a 50 CFM punch while keeping noise at a whisper-quiet 1.0 sones. I love how it fits snugly in my 8″ opening, making setup quick and painless. It’s perfect for the bathroom, laundry, and even my garage, where it keeps everything smelling clean and feeling airy. Who knew a small fan could make such a big difference? I’m officially a fan fan now! —Maya Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why an Exhaust Fan in the Ceiling is Necessary

From my experience, having an exhaust fan installed in the ceiling makes a huge difference in maintaining a fresh and comfortable environment. I’ve noticed that it effectively removes excess moisture, especially in areas like the bathroom and kitchen, which helps prevent mold and mildew buildup. This not only protects the walls and ceiling but also keeps the air healthier to breathe.

Another reason I find ceiling exhaust fans essential is their ability to reduce unwanted odors quickly. When cooking or after a shower, the fan helps clear out steam and smells, making the space feel cleaner and more inviting. Plus, since it’s installed in the ceiling, it doesn’t take up any wall or floor space, which is a big advantage in smaller rooms like mine.

Overall, my ceiling exhaust fan has improved air circulation and kept my home feeling fresh and comfortable. I’d say it’s a simple addition that makes a noticeable difference in daily living.

My Buying Guides on Exhaust Fan In The Ceiling

When I decided to install an exhaust fan in the ceiling, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just picking any fan off the shelf. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right one for your space.

1. Understand Why You Need a Ceiling Exhaust Fan

For me, the main goal was to improve ventilation and reduce humidity, especially in my bathroom and kitchen. Exhaust fans help remove stale air, odors, and moisture, preventing mold and keeping the air fresh. So first, think about the specific reason you want the fan: moisture control, odor elimination, or general air circulation.

2. Measure Your Space Accurately

I measured the square footage of the room where I planned to install the fan. This helped me determine the right capacity, usually measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The bigger the room, the higher the CFM you need. For example, a small bathroom needs about 50-80 CFM, while larger spaces require more powerful fans.

3. Choose the Right Size and Power

I found that buying a fan with the right airflow rating is crucial. An underpowered fan won’t ventilate properly, while an oversized fan can be noisy and waste energy. Checking the manufacturer’s recommendations based on room size helped me pick a balanced model.

4. Consider Noise Levels

One thing I didn’t think about initially was noise. Some exhaust fans can be quite loud. I looked for models with a low sone rating (a measurement of sound), ideally below 1.5 sones, so it wouldn’t disturb me during use.

5. Look for Energy Efficiency**

Energy-efficient fans save electricity and reduce running costs. I searched for models with ENERGY STAR certification or those specifically marketed as energy-saving. These fans use less power but still perform well.

6. Check Installation Requirements**

Since ceiling installation can be tricky, I made sure to pick a fan that suited my ceiling type and ductwork setup. Some fans require a certain ceiling height or specific duct sizes. If you’re not doing it yourself, discussing these details with a professional can save headaches.

7. Explore Additional Features**

Some fans come with added features like built-in lights, humidity sensors, or timers. I opted for one with a humidity sensor so the fan automatically turns on when moisture levels rise. These conveniences make a big difference in everyday use.

8. Set a Realistic Budget**

I balanced my budget with quality. While cheaper fans might save money upfront, they often lack durability or perform poorly. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand paid off in reliability and quieter operation.

9. Read Reviews and Ratings**

Before buying, I checked user reviews to learn about real-world performance and possible issues. This step helped me avoid models that looked good on paper but had common problems like motor failures or excessive noise.

10. Maintenance and Warranty**

Finally, I considered how easy it would be to clean and maintain the fan. Removable grills and washable filters are a bonus. Also, a good warranty gave me peace of mind in case anything went wrong.

I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect ceiling exhaust fan that fits your needs and makes your home more comfortable!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.