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A cold bathroom after a shower is uncomfortable, but a fan-heater combo solves it. A bathroom exhaust fan with a built-in heater removes steam and warms the room quickly. Choosing the wrong unit can result in poor heating, excessive noise, or short lifespan.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The short version: you want a fan that moves enough air (measured in CFM) to clear the mirror, a heater that warms up fast without a fuss, and a quiet enough motor that you don’t dread flipping the switch. Here is the definitive list of the best bathroom exhaust fan with heater on the market, ranked by real owner satisfaction and hard specs.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan With Heater
All combo units look similar externally. The key differences are in three specifications.
CFM — How Much Air It Moves
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, and it is the single most important fan spec. For a typical bathroom up to 100 square feet, you need at least 80 CFM to clear steam before it settles on the mirror. Bigger rooms (up to 160 square feet) call for 110 CFM or more. Choosing too low a CFM leaves the mirror foggy.
Heater Wattage and Type
Most units use a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic heater, which heats up fast and self-regulates to avoid overheating. Wattage ranges from 1300W to 1600W — the higher the number, the quicker your bathroom warms. Just know that anything above 1500W usually requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit, something to check before you install.
Noise Level — Measured in Sones
A sone is a unit of loudness. One sone is about the sound of a quiet refrigerator. A fan rated at 1.5 sones is whisper-quiet, so you can hear the water running or hold a conversation. Anything above 3.0 sones is noticeable and might annoy you over time. For quiet operation, choose 1.5 sones or lower.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Airflow (CFM) | Heater Power | Noise Level (Sones) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic FV-0511VHL1★ Best Overall | Best Overall | 50 / 80 / 110 | 1600W PTC | Whisper-quiet | Amazon |
| VEVOR 80-90-110 CFMBest Value | Best Value | 80 / 90 / 110 | 1500W | 1.5 sones | Amazon |
| breez Delta RadianceQuiet Classic | Premium Starter | 80 | 1300W | 1.5 sones | Amazon |
| VIVOHOME 160 CFM | Top Airflow | 80 / 110 / 160 | 1600W PTC | 0.1–1.5 sones | Amazon |
| breez RAD80LED | Reliable Workhorse | 80 | 1300W | 1.5 sones | Amazon |
| GROWNEER 110/160 CFM | Entertainment Hub | 110 / 160 | Built-in heater | 1.0 sones | Amazon |
| Broan-NuTone BHFLED110 | Premium Heat | 110 | 1500W | 2.0 sones | Amazon |
| Broan 100HL | Budget Classic | 100 | 1500W | Moderate | Amazon |
| Panasonic FV-0511VH1 | No-Light Option | 50 / 80 / 110 | 1600W PTC | Whisper-quiet | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Bathroom Exhaust Fan with LED Light & Heater, 50-80-110 CFM, FV-0511VHL1
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 250+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
This fan is so quiet you might forget it is running — yet it warms a cold bathroom in under a minute.
The thing owners rave about most is the noise level — or rather, the lack of it. One buyer put it plainly: “You should run your fan for 20 minutes after a shower and this is so quiet that you may not notice it running.” That silence comes from a DC/ECM motor (a direct-current motor that uses less electricity and runs smoother than older AC motors). Panasonic backs it with Pick-A-Flow technology so you can dial the airflow to 50, 80, or 110 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to match your room exactly. The 1600W PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic heater floods a chilly bathroom with warmth fast. The integrated 3000K LED light panel gives you adjustable brightness plus a low-power night light.
The caveat the review pages hint at: the heater can lose effectiveness over time if you do not clean the filter. A buyer pointed out that checking and cleaning the filter monthly keeps the heat roaring like new. Also, this unit requires a 20-amp circuit, so check your breaker box before buying.
Quiet powerful heater
- Objectively quiet — at low speeds you forget it is running
- Heater warms a medium bathroom fast, as multiple owners confirm
- Flexible installation with Flex-Z Fast Bracket and 4″ or 6″ duct options
Bulky ceiling fit
- Needs a 20-amp dedicated circuit — not a simple swap for most old wiring
- Premium price reflects the build quality, not a budget move
Ideal for small baths: Anyone who wants zero-compromise quietness, adjustable airflow, and reliable heat — the crowd favorite with 4.7 stars from hundreds of owners.
Skip if tight space: Your existing wiring is 15-amp and you are not ready to run a new circuit.
2. VEVOR Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Light and Heater, 80-90-110 CFM 1500W
At 110 CFM peak airflow and 1.5 sones (about as loud as a quiet refrigerator), this VEVOR fan moves more air than many premium units at twice the price.
It uses a premium DC motor to keep noise low, and the 1500W heater is controlled by a remote, so you can warm the room without getting out of the shower. Buyers report it is “a great fan for the price” and that “an easy install and is quite,” with the light being notably bright.
The honest trade-off heard across the reviews: a few owners say the fan is “a little loud” compared to dead-silent models like the Panasonic, and the brightness is not adjustable — what you get is what you get. But for the money, the quality and construction earn consistent praise.
Budget combo unit
- Excellent airflow-to-noise ratio — 110 CFM at 1.5 sones
- Remote control for heat, fan speed, and light from anywhere in the room
- Easy installation with quick connectors and included hardware
Noisy operation
- Not quite whisper-quiet — some find the fan hum noticeable
- Light brightness is fixed; no dimming or color adjustment
Best for tight budgets: Budget-conscious buyers who want strong ventilation, a heater, and a remote without spending a fortune.
Consider quieter models: If absolute silence is your priority, the Panasonic above earns its quieter operation at a higher cost.
3. breez Delta Bathroom Exhaust Fan Radiance – Light and Heater – 80 CFM
Noise level is what wins people over here — 211 owners single it out as the top positive, and the consensus is clear: this fan runs at a quiet 1.5 sones.
The 1300W heating element is not the most powerful on the list, but it provides instant warmth on cold mornings. The brushless DC motor (a motor that uses magnets and electronic controls instead of brushes, which wear out) is rated for 70,000 hours of use. Owners say the 100-watt equivalent light is bright enough to serve as the main bathroom light.
The recurring practical note from the review pages: the heat blows at a 45-degree angle due to the grill fins, so in a larger bathroom you may not feel the warmth directly under the unit. It is also important to wire the heater on a dedicated circuit — one buyer discovered that after a heating element failure at five years. Treat the 80 CFM as ideal for small to medium bathrooms up to about 80 square feet.
Sleek LED design: A proven, quiet performer with a long-lived motor. The heat direction is not perfect, but for the price and peace, it is a strong mid-range pick.
Reach for style: You want a well-reviewed, quiet unit for a smaller bathroom and value a brand with a long track record.
Look for stronger heat: Your bathroom is over 100 square feet or you want directed heat right below the fan.
4. VIVOHOME Bathroom Exhaust Fan with 1600W PTC Heater, Humidity Sensor & LED Light, 160 CFM DC Motor
This is the only unit on the list that hits 160 CFM peak airflow — a major advantage for larger bathrooms or steam-prone spaces.
It also has a humidity sensor (a device that detects moisture in the air) that kicks the fan on automatically when moisture rises, so you do not have to remember to flip a switch. The 1600W PTC ceramic heater has five temperature settings and a smart dry mode that runs 25 minutes of heating followed by 5 minutes of exhaust to prevent overheating.
The thing customers consistently praise is the heater performance — “heater exceeds expectations” and “heat function is very helpful” are common refrains. However, a few note the remote control is tiny and easy to lose, and installation can be complex, especially if you need custom framing. The oscillating louvers are a unique touch for directing airflow.
High wattage heat: If you have a bigger bathroom and want smart automation — the humidity sensor, multi-speed fan, and adjustable louvers — this is the most feature-rich option at a fair mid-range price.
Best for cold rooms: Homeowners who want the highest CFM, automatic humidity control, and a heater that lets you dial in exactly the right temperature.
Think if low ceiling: You want a straightforward swap-in replacement — the install can require extra framing and electrical work.
5. breez Bathroom Exhaust Fan RAD80LED – LED Light & Heater – 80 CFM
Noise level is the headline here — 37 owners specifically praise how quiet this fan is. At 1.5 sones, it is barely audible.
The dimmable 13W LED light offers high color accuracy for a well-lit space. The 80 CFM airflow is enough for standard bathrooms up to about 80 square feet, and the 1300W heater warms the room in minutes according to owners.
A few owners mention the airflow is modest — one said they “would like it to move more air” — and the installation can be tricky if you are replacing an old odd-sized unit. But for a compact package that blends modern looks with solid performance, this breez model is a reliable workhorse.
Integrated LED light: A very quiet, dimmable LED fan-heater that fits neatly into standard ceilings. The airflow is adequate for small bathrooms but not for large master suites.
Reach for brightness: Quiet operation and a bright, adjustable light are your top priorities over raw airflow.
Consider better CFM: The VIVOHOME above if you need more CFM or a humidity sensor.
6. GROWNEER Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Bluetooth Speaker and Heater, 110/160 CFM
This fan-heater-light combo adds a Bluetooth speaker and RGB lighting.
It moves 110 or 160 CFM at a very quiet 1.0 sones, making it one of the quietest fans here while shoving out serious airflow. The heater has two temperature settings and a smart shower mode that runs 60 minutes of heat followed by 15 minutes of ventilation.
Customers note the sound quality from the speaker is decent — “loud enough for shower” — and the Bluetooth connection is easy. The heater is described as “hot” but some find it mild. The remote has a learning curve and the instructions could be better. At 19.8 pounds, this is a heavy unit, so make sure your ceiling joists can support it.
Built-in Bluetooth
- Built-in Bluetooth speaker for shower tunes or podcasts
- 9 RGB lighting modes for a spa-like atmosphere
- Smart shower mode: 60 min heat + 15 min exhaust
Complex installation
- Remote control icons are hard to decipher in the dark
- Sound quality is acceptable for a shower, not for serious listening
Best for music lovers: Anyone who wants a fun, entertaining bathroom experience — the Bluetooth speaker and colored lights make every shower a mini event.
Not for simple setup: Purists who only want silent, no-nonsense ventilation and heat.
7. Broan-NuTone BHFLED110 PowerHeat Bathroom Exhaust Fan, Heater, and LED Light Combination, 110 CFM
This Broan unit is built around its heater — a 1500W forced-air system that owners call “a winter essential.”
The LED light is dimmable with three color temperatures (2700K, 3500K, 5000K), so you can set the mood from warm to daylight. It moves 110 CFM at 2.0 sones — slightly louder than the Panasonic but still quieter than most older fans.
The common thread in the reviews: the heat is instant and powerful. One owner called it their “favorite vent fan” and said they would “buy this again and again.” The downside is installation. The housing is large (16 x 10-1/4 x 5-7/8 inches) and requires a 2×6 ceiling joist space. Reviewers point out it is tricky for a DIY replacement and may need a professional install. The fan draws 12 amps, so a 20-amp circuit with 12 AWG wire is mandatory.
Reliable Broan brand: If heat is your #1 priority, this Broan delivers the warm blast. The installation is not beginner-friendly, but the performance is excellent once it is in.
Best for basic needs: Cold-climate bathrooms where fast, powerful heating matters more than whisper-quiet operation.
Think if large room: You are planning a DIY installation in a tight attic space — consider hiring an electrician.
8. Broan 100HL Bathroom Fan, 100 CFM with Light & Heater
This is the straight-forward, no-nonsense option. It moves 100 CFM (perfect for bathrooms up to 90 square feet) and packs a 1500W heater that owners confirm warms a room quickly — one said it heats a 100-square-foot bathroom fast.
Performance is the most-praised aspect here, with 175 owners calling it out. The light socket accepts up to a 100W incandescent bulb (sold separately), so you can choose your own brightness.
The recurring pattern in reviews: the heater is fantastic but has had reliability concerns over long-term use. Several buyers mention the heating element burning out after a few years, though Broan replaced the assembly under warranty. The noise level is moderate — not whisper-quiet, but acceptable for the price. It fits standard 2×6 ceiling construction and comes with a 24-inch adjustable hanger bar system for easy installation.
Compact 100 CFM: A proven, affordable combo that delivers fast heat and decent airflow. The long-term heater reliability is a concern, but Broan’s warranty support helps.
Best for ventilation: Budget-minded buyers who need simple, effective heat and ventilation in a small bathroom and are comfortable with a little fan noise.
Consider combo units: The VEVOR above for a quieter DC motor with remote control at a similar price.
9. Panasonic WhisperWarm Ceiling Mount Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Heater, 50-80-110 CFM, FV-0511VH1
This is essentially the fan-heater-only version of the top pick. It keeps the same 1600W PTC heater, the same whisper-quiet DC/ECM motor, and the same Pick-A-Flow technology (50, 80, or 110 CFM at a switch).
What you give up is the integrated LED light and night light, which makes sense if you already have a separate ceiling light. The Flex-Z Fast Bracket makes installation doable from inside the bathroom without attic access.
Reliability and noise are the twin strengths here — 46 owners praise each. The fan is “extremely quiet” and “inaudible during normal conversation” according to the review data. The heater warms a room in 2-5 minutes. The installation is rated as medium difficulty by experienced DIY-ers, and it needs a dedicated 20-amp circuit with 12 AWG wire. A recurring note: the control board has been known to fail on some units, and customer service has been described as poor when that happens.
Panasonic WhisperWarm: A no-light, no-fuss version of the best fan on the market. Perfect for those who want Panasonic’s quiet heat without paying for an extra light they will not use.
Best for quiet fans: Anyone replacing an existing fan in a bathroom that already has good ceiling lighting — no need to duplicate.
Think if budget tight: You want an all-in-one solution with a built-in light; the FV-0511VHL1 is a smarter choice for that.
Understanding the Specs
CFM — Cubic Feet per Minute
This is the measure of how much air the fan moves every minute. For a bathroom, the rule of thumb is you need at least 1 CFM per square foot of floor space. A 100-square-foot bathroom needs 100 CFM to clear fog quickly. Adjustable fans (like Panasonic’s Pick-A-Flow) let you dial up or down depending on your room, which is great for seasonal changes.
Sones — How Loud It Sounds
Sones are a scale of loudness. One sone is roughly the hum of a quiet refrigerator. A fan rated at 1.5 sones is very quiet — you can whisper during a shower and still be heard. At 3.0 sones, the fan will be noticeable, like a normal conversation. If you plan to run the fan 20 minutes after a shower (as many recommend), a low sone rating matters because you will not want to listen to a loud hum while you get ready.
FAQ
Will a bathroom exhaust fan with heater fit my existing ceiling opening?
Do I need a dedicated electrical circuit for a bathroom fan heater?
How long does a bathroom exhaust fan with heater last?
Can I install a bathroom fan heater myself, or do I need a professional?
What CFM do I need for my bathroom size?
Is a PTC heater better than a standard metal coil heater?
Can a bathroom fan heater run while the shower is on?
How noisy is a 1.5 sones bathroom fan in real life?
Do these fans come with a remote control?
What is the difference between the Panasonic FV-0511VHL1 and the FV-0511VH1?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best bathroom exhaust fan with heater is the Panasonic WhisperWarm FV-0511VHL1 because it combines whisper-quiet operation, adjustable airflow from 50 to 110 CFM, and a powerful 1600W PTC heater in a well-engineered package that thousands of owners swear by. If you want the highest CFM with automation and a humidity sensor, grab the VIVOHOME 160 CFM. And for a budget-friendly option with a remote control,