Commercial exhaust fans
Industrial exhaust fans, also known as commercial exhaust fans, are used in a multitude of locations. Whether you have a barn, hall, factory, workshop, shop, greenhouse, shed or any other type of space, they definitely come in handy. Below are a range of products that show the best exhaust fans you can buy. Reviews are also a great indicator about the true operation of the fan. Reviews are included below the product for your convenience. A table at the bottom of this page shows a large selection of fans ordered by CFM, so you can easily choose the right fan for your application. Refer to the table of contents for easier navigation.
Uses of Industrial Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are used to control the interior environment by taking out particulates, odours, moisture, smoke and other pieces of matter which may be in the air. These fans act to primarily take matter, such as dust or gas and remove it to an external space. These fans can also be implemented into systems for heating and cooling. While regular fans can be used in more domestic applications, the industrial variety are used for larger spaces. They typically need more power, are larger and can apply larger exhaust capacity.
For example, exhaust fans are used in some woodwork shops to ensure the sawdust and other fine particles are removed from the environment so people don’t inhale the particles. These may also be installed in residential type places, to be used as a fan, or exhaust system in a building’s attic, used to circulate air in the building or home. They can sometime sometimes be confused with attic ventilators, which just exhausts hot air from the attic to the outside though an opening (unpowered). Restaurants rely on exhaust fans to keep their kitchens clear of smoke or fumes from cooking.
Warehouse Ceiling Fans and other big ceiling fans
If you’re looking for something to place on the ceiling to circulate air or cool down your area, look at our page about large industrial ceiling fans. These may be suitable for your for factories, garages, warehouses, and retail stores. There is also more information about high CFM ceiling fans here.
Wall mounted exhaust fans
The best exhaust fans are the wall mounted kind. These fans sit in a hole in the wall, and, as described above, remove the particles in the air from one side to the other.
High CFM exhaust fans
Industrial fans have high CFM. CFM stands for Cubic feet per minute, and is a measure of air flow that can be extracted by the fan. The higher this flow rate is, the faster contaminated air can be extracted to the outside. It is recommended that a high CFM is used for industrial purposes as safety can be a large concern. Generally, high CFM exhaust fans are better. Electronic circuitry provides the initial torque needed to start up the large fan blades for this high CFM. A higher CFM in a smaller area will just mean that the space will be refreshed more often.
Warehouse exhaust fans
Many of the exhaust fans on this page are suited specifically for warehouse applications. Some have very big CFM capabilities which might be great for your shop application, barn or warehouse. Industrial wall exhaust fans should have the appropriate CFM rating (and dimensions) for your sized space. If you need a basic outline in order to select a basic warehouse ventilation system, continue reading into the next paragraph which helps you select a commercial exhaust fan.
What CFM do I need?
Generally, the bigger CFM the better. Some exhaust fans here also include different speed motors, so you can be flexible about choosing that particular model. There are different methods to calculate what different exhaust cfm you need. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need about 0.1 to 1 CFM per square foot of space for your application. The lower end (0.1 CFM per sq.ft) is for cleaner, less moist environments. The higher end (1 CFM per sq.ft) would apply to stuffy, hot and moist or dirty areas like garages, offices and warehouses. If in doubt, pick a higher CFM. I’ve also made a handy CFM calculator that you can use to obtain an estimate for your application here.
TPI Corporation CE10-DS Direct Drive Exhaust Fan
Click here to buy the VES 24″ Exhaust Fan Now
This CE 10-DS is a single phase 10-inch diameter direct drive exhaust fan. It has a built-in shutter mechanism and is a great fan for interfacing with the outside.
The blade system (steel hub and spider) holds three aluminum paddles. These paddles are enclosed by front steel spiral wire guards for higher durability and strength. The built-in shutter mechanism allows the fan to be installed from inside, which is a huge plus. External framing isn’t needed, and the self-closing shutters protect the fan from the elements (such as rain and snow) when not in use. This fan can also run at variable speeds thanks to the permanent split capacitor. The motor of the CE10-DS exhaust fan is fully sealed, making it suitable for use in conditions that regular motors are not suited for, such as around dust.
Quick specs of the CE10-DS industrial exhaust fans
| Motor | 3-speed, 1 amp, 120 volt, single phase, 1/12 horsepower, permanently lubricated, totally closed ball bearing motor with permanent split capacitor |
| Switch type | Pull chain |
| Cord | No cord, junction box provided for direct wiring |
| Blades | 3, Aluminium |
| Blade guards | Steel spiral wire |
| Cubic feet per minute (CFM) | 680 / 540 / 460 |
| Weight | 11 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 13.125 x 13.125 x 11.935 inches (H x W x D) |
Other models
If you need a larger fan, or a CFM that’s different, have a look at these:
- TPI CE-14DS, 14 inch diameter, 1520 CFM.
- TPI CE-16DS, 16 inch diameter, 2100 CFM.
- TPI CE-18DS, 18 inch diameter, 2300 CFM.
- TPI CE-30DS, 30 inch diameter, 3950 CFM.
Reviews: Read more great reviews here.
MaxxAir IF14UPS Industrial Exhaust Fan
This heavy-duty MaxxAir Ventamatic 4 Exhaust Fan blades are driven by a thermally protected motor. This fan is shipped fully assembled in a durable 20-gauge galvanized steel housing with integrated shutters. This fan is a also a good solution for bringing air into industrial and other commercial spaces, and evacuating the bad stuff. The the MaxxAir IF14UPS comes in 3 sizes: 14 inches, 16 inches and 18 inches so you can better tailor your required CFM output. Also significantly, the shutters of this fan also open and close automatically which is great.
Quick specs of the MaxxAir IF14UPS exhaust fan
| Motor | Amps 2.65, 1,100 RPM, Volts 115, Needs to be Hardwired. Vertical installation only. |
| Blades | 4 |
| Cubic feet per minute (CFM) | 1400 |
| Weight | 27 pounds |
| Dimensions | 13 x 18 x 18 inches |
Reviews: (Read more great reviews here)
Other models
If you need a larger fan, or a CFM that’s different, have a look at these:
Fantech 2SHE1021 Exhaust Fan
This fan is a 5 shutter, 4 blade exhaust fan. The 2SHE1021 ventilators are UL 705 standard listed. The guards have a heavy duty polyester coating to resist corrosion and rust. The guards are also OSHA compliant which is obviously ideal. The motors are also totally enclosed for optimum operation. The speed is also controllable and not fixed. Shutter frames come with prepunched mounting holes allow for easy installation. The 3 blades are also manufactured from aluminium.
Quick specs of the Fantech 2SHE1021 Exhaust Fan
| Motor | Voltage 115 V, Frequency 60 Hz, Phase 1, Power (P2), motor 24.9 W, Current 1.4 A, Max. airflow, impeller speed 1725 r.p.m. |
| Blades | 3, (aluminium) |
| Cubic feet per minute (CFM) | 585 |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
Reviews: (The good) Read more great reviews here.
Fantech 2SHE1221 Series 12″ Shutter Mount Exhaust Fan
Click here to buy the Fantech 2SHE1221 Exhaust Fan Now
This fan boasts similar features to the previous Fantech, but it a slightly bigger and beefier version. However, this fan has a 5 flap vent. The guards have a heavy duty polyester coating to resist corrosion and rust. The guards are OSHA compliant, much like the 1021 Fantech. The motors are also totally enclosed. The speed is also controllable and not fixed.
Quick specs of the Fantech 2SHE1221 exhaust fan
| Motor | Voltage: 115V, Frequency: 60Hz, 1 Phase, 1.4 A current draw, 1570 rom motor, 119W input power |
| Blades | 3 |
| Cubic feet per minute (CFM) | 792 |
| Weight | 21 lbs |
Reviews: (The good) Read more great reviews here.
VES 24″ Exhaust Shutter Fan, Wall Mount
Click here to buy the VES 24″ Exhaust Fan Now
The VES 24 inch is one of the biggest industrial exhaust fans on this page. It boasts high performance and easy installation. This fan contains aluminium blades fan with 9´ power cord. This is perhaps one of the most economical and versatile industrial exhaust fans on the market.
The totally enclosed 0.25 horsepower motor comes complete with built in three speed switch and water tight cord connector. The motor is also a single phage, 115v. No electrician contracting is required, just mount the fan in the wall and plug it into an approved receptacle.
This is compatible with a PSP300 thermostat for switching of the fan (on and off). Moreover, aluminium shutter (corrosion resistant) comes with a tie bar to reduce shutter noise and keeps the shutters firmly closed when not in use.
Quick specs of the VES exhaust fan
| Motor | 2-speed, 2.8 amp, 115 volt, single phase, 1/4 horsepower, 1570 RPM, |
| Cord | 9′ cord |
| Blades | 3, Aluminium |
| Blade guards | Steel spiral wire |
| Cubic feet per minute (CFM) | 5850 |
| Weight | 32 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 11 x 24.5 inches |
Reviews: (The good) (Read more great reviews here)
Click here to buy the VES 24″ Exhaust Fan NowThe best industrial exhaust fans
The following are a selection of different industrial exhaust fans with different CFMs. If a fan has more than 1 speed, it is less powerful overall (in general, but more versatile). I recommend purchasing a fan with different speeds as it is more likely to suit your needs should they change. Use our industrial CFM exhaust fan calculator to get the best fan for you..
| Product | Diameter (in.) | CFM | Speed | Voltage (V) | Current (A) | Dimensions | Weight (lbs) |
| Fantech 2SHE0721 | 7 | 127 | 1 | 115 | 1.4 | 11.125 x 11.125 | 15 |
| Fantech 2SHE1021 | 10 | 585 | 1 | 115 | 1.4 | 13.125 x 13.125 | 10 |
| Air-Flo SMF 10A | 10 | 585 | 3 | 115 | 1.5 | 13.125 x 13.125 x 11.75 | 10 |
| TPI Corporation CE10-DS | 10 | 680 | 3 | 120 | 1 | 13.125 x 13.125 x 11.935 | 11 |
| Fantech 2SHE1221 | 12 | 792 | 1 | 115 | 1.4 | 15.125 x 15.125 | 21 |
| Air-Flo SMF 12A | 12 | 800 | 3 | 115 | 1.5 | 15.125 x 15.125 x 12.125 | 11 |
| TPI Corporation CE12-DS | 12 | 825 | 3 | 120 | 1.1 | 15.125 x 15.125 x 13.305 | 16 |
| VES 12″ | 12 | 970 | 3 | 115 | 1 | 12.5 x 12.5 x 11 | 28 |
| Fantech 2SHE1621 | 16 | 1070 | 1 | 115 | 1.5 | 19.125 x 19.125 | 19 |
| Air-Flo SMF 16A | 16 | 1095 | 3 | 115 | 1 | 19.125 x 19.125 x 14.875 | 17 |
| MaxxAir IF14 | 14 | 1400 | 1 | 115 | 2.65 | 18 x 18 x 13 | 27 |
| VES 16″ | 16 | 1440 | 3 | 115 | 3 | 16.5 x 16.5 x 11 | 22 |
| TPI Corporation CE14-DS | 14 | 1520 | 3 | 120 | 2 | 17.125 x 17.125 x 13.305 | 17 |
| Fantech 2SHE1871 | 18 | 1820 | 1 | 115 | 1.2 | 21.125 x 21.125 | 22 |
| Air-Flo SMF 18A | 18 | 1860 | 3 | 115 | 1.3 | 21.125 x 21.125 x 14.875 | 24 |
| TPI Corporation CE16-DS | 16 | 2100 | 3 | 120 | 2.1 | 19.125 x 19.125 x 13.305 | 18 |
| Air-Flo SMF 18B | 18 | 2590 | 1 | 115 | 4.5 | 21.125 x 21.125 x 18.625 | 31 |
| Air-Flo SMF 20D | 20 | 2830 | 3 | 115 | 5 | 23.125 x 23.125 x 18.25 | 37 |
| Fantech 2SHE20B1W | 20 | 2831 | 1 | 115 | 1.5 | 23.185 x 23.185 | 39 |
| TPI Corporation CE20-DS | 20 | 2925 | 2 | 120 | 2.3 | 23.125 x 23.125 x 13.305 | 34 |
| MaxxAir IF18 | 18 | 3000 | 1 | 115 | 5.34 | 27 x 25 x 18 | 60 |
| VES 20″ | 20 | 3140 | 3 | 115 | 3.8 | 20.5 x 20.5 x 11 | 31 |
| Air-Flo SMF 24C | 24 | 3240 | 3 | 115 | 4 | 27.125 x 27.125 x 19.75 | 36 |
| TPI Corporation CE30-DS | 30 | 3950 | 2 | 120 | 0.7 | 33.125 x 33.125 x 13.305 | 54 |
| Fantech 2SHE24B1W | 24 | 3992 | 1 | 115 | 3.7 | 27.125 x 27.125 | 39 |
| MaxxAir IF24UPS | 24 | 4100 | 1 | 115 | 6 | 29 x 29 x 14 | 46 |
| VES 24″ | 24 | 5850 | 3 | 115 | 4.4 | 24.5 x 24.5 x 11 | 32 |
| Fantech 2SHE30C1 | 30 | 6081 | 1 | 115 | 4.4 | 33.125 x 33.125 | 65 |
| Fantech 2SHE36D1 | 36 | 8058 | 1 | 115 | 5.6 | 39.125 x 29.125 | 75 |