Choosing a bathroom fan with a built‑in heater can make chilly mornings more comfortable and help control moisture after showers. The picks below focus on ventilation performance, heating power, noise level, and useful features like lighting, timers, and smart modes. Use the summary table to compare core specs at a glance, then read individual product notes for installation and feature details.
| Product | Airflow (CFM) | Heater | Sones (Noise) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan‑NuTone BHFLED80 | 80 CFM | Integrated Fan/Heater (wattage not listed) | 1.5 Sones | Dimmable LED With CCT Color Control |
| GROWNEER Bathroom Fan With Heater | 110 / 160 CFM | Two Adjustable Heating Settings | 1.0 Sone | Bluetooth Speaker, RGB Light Modes |
| Panasonic WhisperWarm FV‑0511VH1 | 50 / 80 / 110 CFM | 1600W PTC Heater | Whisper Quiet (DC motor) | Pick‑A‑Flow Air Selection, Flex‑Z Bracket |
| Delta Breez Radiance | 80 CFM | 1300W Heating Element | 1.5 Sones | Energy‑Saving Brushless DC Motor |
| WELNEK 13.8in Exhaust Fan With Heater | 110 CFM | 1800W Heater | 1.0 Sone | High Heat Output, Compact Panel |
Broan‑NuTone BHFLED80 80 CFM Combo
The Broan‑NuTone BHFLED80 is a combination unit that integrates an exhaust fan, a heater, and a dimmable LED light. The fan delivers 80 CFM at about 1.5 sones, suitable for typical bathroom sizes where moderate ventilation is needed.
Lighting options include three CCT settings—2700K, 3500K, and 5000K—allowing selection between warm, bright, or daylight tones. The LED is dimmable and can function independently of the heater and fan. The grille design is modern and intended to blend with standard bathroom decor.
Use cases: Good for small to medium bathrooms where integrated lighting and moderate ventilation are priorities. The unit’s separate controls for fan, heater, and light increase flexibility during use.
GROWNEER Fan With Heater, Light & Bluetooth
The GROWNEER unit pairs a powerful exhaust (110/160 CFM) with a heater and advanced lighting options. It reports 1.0 sone operation, prioritizing quiet ventilation while maintaining effective airflow for spaces up to roughly 160 sq. ft.
Heating offers two adjustable temperature settings and a Smart Shower Mode that applies 60 minutes of heat followed by 15 minutes of ventilation to reduce humidity after bathing. Lighting supports 2700K/4000K/5000K plus 9 RGB modes, and the unit includes a remote for convenience.
Additional features like a built‑in Bluetooth speaker may appeal to users seeking multimedia or mood lighting in the bathroom. The combination of higher CFM, quiet operation, and smart modes suits larger bathrooms or shared household bathrooms.
Panasonic WhisperWarm FV‑0511VH1
Panasonic’s WhisperWarm emphasizes quiet performance and flexible airflow. It features a 1600W PTC heater and a DC/ECM motor with Pick‑A‑Flow selection for 50, 80, or 110 CFM. The ability to select the airflow makes it adaptable to different bathroom sizes and duct configurations.
Installation is simplified with the Flex‑Z Fast Bracket, which lets installers position the unit without attic access in many cases. The PTC heater provides rapid warm air while maintaining safety features inherent to PTC elements.
For homeowners prioritizing energy‑efficient, whisper‑quiet operation with precise airflow control, the WhisperWarm is designed for long‑term, low‑noise performance in varied bathroom layouts.
Delta Breez Radiance 80 CFM Heater Fan
The Delta Breez Radiance combines an 80 CFM exhaust fan with an integrated 1300W heating element and a thermostat option. Its brushless DC motor is rated for long service life and good energy efficiency, reported at about 7 CFM per watt.
Noise performance is listed at roughly 1.5 sones, providing relatively quiet operation compared with older fan‑heater combos. The unit emphasizes durability and energy savings with a motor rated for extensive runtimes.
Best suited for bathrooms that need a balance of energy efficiency, continuous performance, and integrated heating. The Delta motor longevity can be an advantage where frequent use is expected.
WELNEK 13.8″ Fan With 1800W Heater
The WELNEK panel is built around powerful heating, featuring an 1800W heater intended to deliver fast warmth after a shower. Ventilation is rated at 110 CFM with 1.0 sone noise, offering a strong yet quiet exhaust for medium‑sized bathrooms.
Design notes include a 13.8″ panel with an 11.22″ cutout dimension and a 3.15″ duct diameter—important details for retrofit installations. The package commonly includes a controller for selecting heat/fan/light modes.
This unit is appropriate where rapid, noticeable warmth is a priority—for households with colder bathrooms or where quick drying of damp surfaces is desired. Contractors and DIY installers should confirm ceiling cutout and electrical requirements before purchase.
Buying Guide
Selecting the right bathroom fan with heater depends on room size, desired warm‑up speed, noise tolerance, and installation constraints. Use the following considerations to match a unit to your needs.
Airflow (CFM) And Room Size
CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures ventilation capacity. For most bathrooms, aim for 50–110 CFM depending on size and fixtures. Smaller bathrooms or half baths can work with 50–80 CFM, while larger rooms or those with multiple shower heads benefit from 100 CFM or more.
Heater Type And Wattage
Heater designs vary: PTC heaters offer fast, self‑limiting heat and commonly appear in premium models. Infrared/bulb heaters use heat lamps and can be efficient for spot heating but require bulb replacements. Wattage (e.g., 1300W, 1600W, 1800W) correlates with warm‑up performance—higher wattage yields faster heat but increases electrical load.
Noise Level (Sones) And Comfort
Sones quantify perceived loudness. Values under 1.0 sone are very quiet; 1–2 sones are acceptable for bathrooms; higher values can be intrusive. Choose lower sones if your bathroom is near bedrooms or if quiet operation matters.
Controls, Modes, And Convenience
Look for independent controls for fan, heater, and light, plus timers or smart modes that run the heater then ventilate to clear humidity. Features like remote control, thermostats, and preset shower modes enhance ease of use.
Lighting Options
Integrated lighting ranges from basic LEDs to dimmable CCT lights and RGB mood lighting. Choose dimming and color temperature control if vanity tasks or night visits are considerations.
Installation And Duct Compatibility
Confirm ceiling cutout, duct size (4″ or 6″), and mounting method. Some models include fast‑bracket systems that simplify retrofit installation without attic access. Check electrical requirements—higher wattage heaters may need dedicated circuits or specific wiring.
Energy Efficiency And Long‑Term Costs
Brushless DC motors and energy‑rated units reduce runtime electrical use. Compare CFM per watt and motor life ratings to estimate operational cost. Higher wattage heaters increase one‑time warm‑up power but may be used briefly.
Safety Features
Look for thermal cutoff fuses, enclosed heating elements, and certifications such as UL or equivalent safety listings for bathroom products. PTC elements and thermal fuses add redundancy against overheating.
Maintenance And Part Availability
Consider accessibility to change bulbs, clean filters or grilles, and replace motors or heating elements. Simpler grille removal and widely available replacement parts reduce long‑term maintenance hassles.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Bathroom / Half Bath: Prioritize compact units with 50–80 CFM and integrated light if space is limited.
- Large Bathroom / Multiple Fixtures: Choose units with 100+ CFM or multi‑speed options and higher wattage heaters to keep the room comfortable quickly.
- Noise‑Sensitive Spaces: Favor DC motor units and sub‑1.0 sone ratings for minimal sound.
- Fast Warmth Vs Energy Use: Higher wattage (1600–1800W) delivers quicker warmth; if used briefly this may be efficient, but extended use increases electricity consumption.
- Retrofit vs New Construction: Check bracket systems and cutout size. Models with quick‑mount brackets or shallow housings simplify retrofit installs.
Before purchasing, measure your bathroom, verify electrical capacity, and review installation instructions to ensure compatibility. Prioritize the features that matter most—airflow, heating speed, low noise, or advanced lighting—and select a model that balances those needs with installation practicality.