Steam on the mirror after a long shower can make even a comfortable bathroom feel stuffy. The right exhaust fan depends on room size, noise tolerance, lighting needs, and whether you can reach the attic. These options cover everything from a basic 50 CFM unit to a retrofit model with a light and selectable airflow, giving homeowners and DIYers a practical place to start.
A Side-By-Side Look
Broan-NuTone 744 Recessed Fan
Broan-NuTone InVent 110 CFM Exhaust Fan
Broan S99110437 Lens
Broan-NuTone BEL8 LED Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, 1.5 Sones, Retrofit
Broan-NuTone 50 CFM Exhaust Fan
Broan-NuTone 80/110 CFM Exhaust Fan
More Details On Our Top Picks
The Broan-NuTone 744 Recessed Fan combines ventilation with a ceiling light, making it a sensible fit for a bathroom that already has a recessed-light opening. Its 70 CFM airflow and 1.5 sone rating place it between the quieter 110 CFM InVent and the louder 50 CFM economy model.
For a compact powder room or moderately sized bathroom, the housing offers useful installation flexibility. The 6.87-inch height fits within common 2-by-8 ceiling joists, while the round four-inch duct connection gives you a clear starting point for planning the ductwork.
Benefits That Matter
- Combines a centrifugal fan, light, and ventilation in one recessed housing.
- A 1.5 sone rating offers a middle ground between stronger airflow and louder operation.
- The trim is designed to coordinate with common recessed-light styles.
- It accepts R30 or BR30 bulbs rated at 75 watts for familiar lighting components.
Things To Consider
- The 70 CFM rating is lower than the 110 CFM offered by the Broan-NuTone InVent and selectable 80/110 CFM model.
- Check the opening, joist clearance, and four-inch duct route before removing an existing fixture.
Key Specs
Made For
This model suits homeowners replacing a recessed bathroom light who want added ventilation without moving toward the highest available airflow.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Broan-NuTone InVent 110 CFM Exhaust Fan better serves larger bathrooms where stronger airflow and a 1.0 sone rating take priority over integrated lighting.
The Broan-NuTone InVent 110 CFM Exhaust Fan brings more airflow and a lower 1.0 sone rating than the 744 Recessed Fan. That makes it a more convincing fit for a shared bathroom or an adjoining bedroom where fan noise would be easy to notice.
Its compact housing is intended to attach directly to inboard joists, which simplifies planning for both new construction and replacement projects. You still need to confirm that the available framing and duct location can support the installation.
Key Advantages
- Delivers 110 CFM for rooms listed for coverage up to 105 square feet.
- The 1.0 sone rating is quieter than both the 1.5 sone 744 and the 2.0 sone economy model.
- ENERGY STAR identification supports an energy-conscious selection for regular bathroom use.
Practical Considerations
- Unlike the LED retrofit and selectable fan, this model does not provide a built-in light, so bathroom lighting remains a separate decision.
Feature Snapshot
Right Fit For
This fan fits homeowners who want strong airflow, lower sound output, and a straightforward unit without an integrated ceiling light.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Broan-NuTone BEL8 LED Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, 1.5 Sones, Retrofit suits people who also need room-side lighting and can avoid attic access.
The Broan S99110437 Lens has a different role from the complete fans in this roundup. It is a light-lens replacement component, useful when a compatible Broan fixture needs a new lens but its ventilation hardware remains in good working order.
For a targeted repair, the specific part number and stated compatibility with various Broan models make this more useful than an unspecified decorative lens. The lens is also identified as an OEM component and was made in the United States.
Positive Takeaways
- The S99110437 number gives you a clear reference for matching the replacement part.
- It is designed to fit various Broan models, making model confirmation essential before purchase.
Details To Watch
- This is a replacement lens, not a complete exhaust fan, so it will not add airflow or ventilation capacity.
- Compatibility with your existing fixture is the central purchasing question.
- The product description does not identify a universal fit, so a similar-looking lens may not interchange.
Who It Suits Best
This lens suits homeowners repairing the light section of a compatible Broan bathroom fixture without replacing the complete ventilation assembly.
Another Choice May Suit
The Broan-NuTone 744 Recessed Fan better serves you when the goal is a new combined ventilation and lighting installation rather than a lens-only repair.
Limited attic access changes the installation problem, and the Broan-NuTone BEL8 LED Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, 1.5 Sones, Retrofit is designed around that constraint. It installs from the room side without attic access and is described as requiring no drywall cutting.
Unlike the 744 Recessed Fan, this model uses an LED light rather than a standard removable bulb. Its SlideClip grille and cover support regular cleaning, a useful detail in a bathroom where the fixture collects moisture and dust.
Real Benefits
- Room-side installation reduces the need to reach into the attic.
- The retrofit approach avoids the need for drywall cutting.
- An integrated LED light combines ventilation and illumination in one fixture.
- The 80 CFM airflow rating gives you another option between the 50 and 110 CFM models.
- A 1.5 sone rating offers moderate sound output for shared bathrooms.
Trade Offs To Consider
- Its 80 CFM rating trails the 110 CFM InVent and selectable models, so larger rooms may need stronger airflow.
- Confirm that the existing ceiling opening and wiring arrangement suit the retrofit housing.
At A Glance
Built With In Mind
This model fits homeowners completing a bathroom ventilation upgrade with limited attic access and a preference for integrated LED lighting.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Broan-NuTone 80/110 CFM Exhaust Fan fits you better when adjustable airflow matters more than a built-in light.
The Broan-NuTone 50 CFM Exhaust Fan takes a direct approach to ventilation. Its 50 CFM capacity and 2.0 sone rating make it most appropriate for a small bathroom, half bath, or other compact space where operating sound is less of a concern.
The louvered grille and galvanized steel housing give you two practical points to consider, while double-strength mounting flanges support installation. A removable motor assembly can also simplify servicing compared with a fan whose motor cannot be taken out for access.
Positive Points
- The 50 CFM rating targets the ventilation needs of a smaller bathroom.
- A galvanized steel housing provides a straightforward material choice for the core enclosure.
- The removable motor assembly makes the motor easier to access during service.
Worth Noting
- Its 2.0 sone rating is louder than the 1.0 and 1.5 sone options in this roundup.
- The 50 CFM capacity is lower than every other complete fan listed here.
- This model has no integrated light, so a separate bathroom light remains necessary.
The Right Fit
This fan suits a compact bathroom project where straightforward airflow and service access matter more than quiet operation or integrated lighting.
Look Elsewhere When
The Broan-NuTone InVent 110 CFM Exhaust Fan is a better fit for a larger bathroom or a location where lower noise takes precedence.
The Broan-NuTone 80/110 CFM Exhaust Fan gives you two airflow settings in one unit, which is useful when a bathroom needs more ventilation at peak times but does not require maximum airflow every day. You can change speeds with a switch located on the housing.
Its room-side retrofit design also avoids attic access, making it easier to plan around spaces with limited overhead access. Compared with the BEL8 LED model, the main advantage is airflow choice rather than built-in illumination.
Useful Strengths
- Two airflow settings provide flexibility at 80 or 110 CFM.
- The housing switch makes airflow adjustment accessible at the fixture.
- Room-side installation removes the need to plan around attic access.
- You can raise the airflow setting for a steamy room or use the lower setting for lighter ventilation needs.
Points To Keep In Mind
- The speed control is located on the housing rather than being described as a standard wall-switch control.
Quick Facts
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
This model suits homeowners who want adjustable airflow and a room-side retrofit but do not need the fixture to provide bathroom lighting.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
The Broan-NuTone BEL8 LED Bathroom Exhaust Fan, 80 CFM, 1.5 Sones, Retrofit better serves people who want integrated LED lighting and simpler grille removal for cleaning.
Start With the Room and Installation
Room Size and Airflow
CFM means cubic feet per minute, the volume of air a fan moves each minute. Compare that figure with the bathroom’s size and use the room-coverage guidance as a starting point, not a substitute for checking duct layout and existing framing.
The 50 CFM model makes sense for a compact powder room, while the 110 CFM options provide more capacity for larger bathrooms. The 70, 80, and 80/110 CFM choices sit between those endpoints, so the available airflow depends on the opening and room rather than a single universal rule.
Sound in Daily Use
Sones measure perceived sound. A 1.0 sone fan is the quietest complete model here, while the 2.0 sone 50 CFM option may be more noticeable in a small room or a bathroom beside a bedroom.
Think about how the fan will be used rather than comparing sound figures in isolation. Short showers may call for less attention to noise than a shared bathroom used throughout the evening.
Installation Access and Lighting
Attic access can determine which retrofit design is practical. The BEL8 and selectable models install from the room side, while the InVent’s compact housing is designed to mount directly to inboard joists.
Check ceiling clearance, duct placement, wiring, and the existing opening before selecting a unit. Integrated lighting adds convenience, but fans without a light require a separate fixture, and the Broan S99110437 Lens serves only a compatible light-replacement need.
Before the Installation Starts
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Do not choose airflow by appearance alone, since a 50 CFM unit and a 110 CFM unit serve very different room sizes. Measure the opening and check framing, duct direction, wiring, and lighting before ordering.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Higher airflow, lower sound, integrated lighting, and easier room-side installation can make an upgrade worthwhile. The added value depends on your bathroom rather than a universal rule, so match those features to the actual installation conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose an exhaust fan for a bathroom?
Start with the room size, ceiling opening, duct location, and desired sound level. The fan should move enough air for the space without creating unnecessary noise or a complicated installation.
What does CFM mean for a bathroom fan?
CFM measures the volume of air moved each minute, with higher figures indicating greater airflow capacity. Match the rating to the bathroom’s size and the manufacturer’s room-coverage guidance.
Is a 1.0 sone bathroom fan quiet?
A 1.0 sone rating indicates a lower sound level than the 1.5 and 2.0 sone models in this roundup. Actual noise can vary with duct design, airflow setting, and installation conditions.
Can I install a bathroom fan without attic access?
Room-side retrofit models are designed for installations that do not require attic access. You still need to confirm that the existing opening, wiring, and ductwork can accommodate the replacement.
Should I replace a light lens or the whole fan?
Replace the lens only when a compatible Broan fixture needs a new light component and its ventilation system works properly. Choose a complete fan when you also need stronger airflow, quieter operation, or updated lighting.
The Takeaway
The right bathroom exhaust fan is the one that fits the room, opening, and installation access without exceeding your needs. Match airflow to the space, use the sone rating to judge sound, and check lighting and ductwork before ordering. The right fit will make the bathroom feel more comfortable with less guesswork.