If you’re remodelling your bathroom, then it’s easy to forget about the all-important extractor fan, but without it, you’ll be sure to get your fair share of black mould build-up that’ll undoubtedly spoil your fresh coat of tile paint or leave windows, showers and mirrors covered in water spots.
Our picks are not only cost-effective, but they’re some of the most power-efficient and high-performing extractor fans available in the UK. Many of them are also whisper-quiet.
How do I install a bathroom extractor fan?
If you're replacing an old bathroom fan, replacing the unit is as simple as unscrewing the mounted unit from the wall, ensuring that the mains supply of power is off and attaching the wires to the new unit.
If, however, you do not currently have an extractor fan, you'll need a certified builder to install the unit as a hole must be made to reach your outer wall. This hole cannot be placed anywhere and must be evaluated by a professional.
Related: DIY Kits
What qualities should I look for in an extractor fan?
Of course, this is entirely down to the preference of the user, but optimally, to ensure that your bathroom remains condensation-free, you should choose a unit with a high flow rate, around 20 litres/sec will keep your bathroom mildew and mould free.
There's also aesthetics. Whether or not you want to notice the extractor fan, most fans are made to blend into your bathroom walls and be unnoticeable. Yet, of course, this is entirely up to you!
Envirovent Silent Bathroom Extractor
Best extractor fan
Credit: Envirovent/ AmazonOne of the best-selling extractor fans available, Envirovent’s SILENT-100T extractor fan is simple, discrete and well-built for excellent bathroom ventilation.
Despite not having the bells and whistles of the Xpelair contour extractor fan, its solid build quality, simple design and unobtrusive quiet extraction ensure your bathroom will remain mould-free for the foreseeable future.
With an extraction rate of 26 litres per second - the highest on our list, it’s clear why Envirovent’s Silent 100-T deserves the top spot on our list.
| Dimensions: | 13.6 x 16 x 16.6 cm |
| Weight: | 250 grams |
| Volume: | 26 dB |
| Wattage: | 8 W |
| Flow Rate: | 26 l/sec |
Best discrete fan
Credit: Xpelair/AmazonQuite easily our most modern pick, this beautifully sleek extractor fan will seamlessly blend into your bathroom and is practically silent.
It’s also one of the most effective extractor fans available, with a moisture extraction rate of 21 litres per second. For a lower power (and even quieter) option, the Xpelair Simply Contour Extractor Fan can operate at a still-impressive 15 litres per second.
There are several model versions available of the Xpelair, with greater customisation options such as a timer, perfect for cutting down on energy usage, a 'humidistat' which automatically starts when moisture is detected, or a timer and pullcord for ultimate convenience.
Its panel design is also extremely simple to clean within seconds, perfect for a busy household.
| Dimensions: | 18.01 x 13.67 x 18.01 cm |
| Weight: | 82 g |
| Volume: | 16 dB |
| Flow Rate: | 15/21 l/sec |
| Wattage: | 7.7 W |
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ManroseA good value extractor fan from a well-known manufacturer such as Manrose, this wall-mounted extractor fan will surely not disappoint. Despite having an incredibly simple design with a basic timer, its largely unobtrusive design will blend well into practically any bathroom and is convenient to install.
This is, however, our noisiest pick on the list, so it may be best avoided if you’re particularly noise-conscious!
| Dimensions: | 18.8 x 18.6 x 18.4 cm |
| Weight: | 920 grams |
| Volume: | 39 dB |
| Wattage: | 10.7 W |
| Flow Rate: | 20 l/sec |
Best aesthetic fan
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KnightsbridgeSpecifications:
Dimensions: 15.6 x 15.6 x 4 cm
Weight: 760 grams
Volume: 35 dB
Wattage: 13 W
Flow Rate: 25 l/sec
Overview:
Certainly a flashier design, yet appealing - the Knightsbridge’s Backlit extractor fan is fitted with a stainless steel front plate that is incredibly durable and simple to clean.
Along the edge of the front plate, this extractor fan has LED backlighting, in complete opposition to most of the extractor fans on this list. But with a design as slick and modern, Knightsbridge’s fan deserves some attention.
Aside from its aesthetic, this extractor fan has a superb flow rate of 25 l/s, is acceptably quiet at 35 dB, and is reasonably priced for its terrific build quality. What’s not to love?
Review:
“I was very pleased with this purchase, it is well made, very smart and easy to install. I love it when I just switch the fan on without the main bathroom lights as it looks FAB.”
best value fan
VentsSpecifications:
Dimensions: 9 x 11 x 15 cm
Weight: 590 g
Volume: 26 dB
Wattage: 7
Flow Rate: 22 l/sec
Overview:
While not as aesthetically pleasing as some of our other choices, Vents Silent Bathroom Extractor Fan is a cost-effective solution to mould and mildew in the bathroom and kitchen.
Easy to set up, light and yet durable, Vents have made an incredibly solid extractor fan with a great flow rate for a much cheaper price than most fans on the market today.
There’s also some additional available features such as a timer, humidity sensor and pull cords that are all effective ways of keeping your energy bills as low as possible.
Review:
"I was pleasantly surprised at how good these low-cost fans are, having installed two around 3 months ago. Though not silent, they are very quiet as fans go. I live on top of a hill with serious north winds- the backdraft stopper is very effective against these"