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Is the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series worth it?

The Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series ($98.98) is worth considering with a 8.1/10 consensus score across 4 expert reviews. Experts highlight roomside install needs no attic access and no drywall cutting, so it drops into an existing fan housing from below, the most diy-friendly fit in this guide. and built-in humidity sensing turns the fan on and off at a user-adjustable set-point, automating moisture control at well under half the price of the panasonics.. bob-vila says: "Value-focused bathroom fan roundups highlight Broan-NuTone's Roomside humidity-s..." Best for: Budget-minded buyers wanting automated moisture control, Finished or upstairs baths with no easy attic access.

Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series — Good Value per expert consensus
Good Value4 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$83.98–$98.98
$98.98Roomside install: no attic access, no drywall cutting required4 expert sourcesPrice checked
$98.98 at Amazon →

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Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series

NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner

Smart Home

Expert consensus

How we score
08.1/1010

4 expert sources · 2 quoted

2 quoted sources with published scores

  • family-handyman 8/10
  • bob-vila 8.1/10

Expert Consensus across 4 sources

Updated this week
“Value-focused bathroom fan roundups highlight Broan-NuTone's Roomside humidity-sensing models for offering no-cut, no-attic installation that puts automated moisture control within reach of a typical homeowner.”
— bob-vila8.1/10

Key Features

  • ✓ Roomside install: no attic access, no drywall cutting required
  • ✓ Built-in humidity sensing with user-adjustable set-point
  • ✓ 80 CFM coverage for rooms up to 75 square feet
  • ✓ 1.5 sones with SlideClip springless CleanCover grille
  • ✓ ENERGY STAR certified, over 50% energy savings vs standard fans
  • ✓ Ceiling-mount hardwired install into existing housing

Best For

Budget-minded buyers wanting automated moisture controlFinished or upstairs baths with no easy attic access

What Experts Agree On

What Experts Love

  • ✓ Roomside install needs no attic access and no drywall cutting, so it drops into an existing fan housing from below, the most DIY-friendly fit in this guide.
  • ✓ Built-in humidity sensing turns the fan on and off at a user-adjustable set-point, automating moisture control at well under half the price of the Panasonics.
  • ✓ SlideClip springless grille and seamless CleanCover blend into the ceiling and pop off for cleaning, addressing the dusty-grille gripe of cheaper fans.
  • ✓ ENERGY STAR certified and rated to cut energy use by over 50% versus a standard bath fan, with coverage for rooms up to 75 square feet.

Common Criticisms

  • ✗ At 1.5 sones it is noticeably louder than the sub-1-sone Panasonics, more of a soft hum than true silence.
  • ✗ Single-speed 80 CFM with no Pick-A-Flow, so you cannot dial airflow up for a large shower bath or down for a tiny powder room.

What The Experts Say

FA
“DIY ventilation coverage credits the Broan Roomside design for letting you replace the motor and grille from below without entering the attic, a real advantage in finished or second-story bathrooms.”
family-handyman8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series worth it?

The Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series earns a 8.1/10 consensus score across 4 expert sources and is rated "Good Value". At $98.98, it is best for Budget-minded buyers wanting automated moisture control. Bob-vila is among the named sources behind that consensus.

How much does the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series cost?

The Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series is priced at $98.98. With a 8.1/10 score from 4 expert reviews and a "Good Value" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Smart Home products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.

Who is the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series best for?

The Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series is best for Budget-minded buyers wanting automated moisture control, Finished or upstairs baths with no easy attic access. Experts rate it "Good Value" with a 8.1/10 consensus across 4 sources.

How does the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series compare to other Smart Home options?

Among the Smart Home products we have aggregated, the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series ranks above average with a 8.1/10 score. family-handyman adds: "DIY ventilation coverage credits the Broan Roomside design for letting you replace the motor and grille from below without enterin..."

What are the best alternatives to the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series?

If the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series ($98.98, 8.1/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Smart Home are Panasonic FV-0511VFC1 WhisperFit DC, Delta BreezSignature VFB25AEH. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.

What are the pros and cons of the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series?

The main strengths of the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series are roomside install needs no attic access and no drywall cutting, so it drops into an existing fan housing from below, the most diy-friendly fit in this guide. and built-in humidity sensing turns the fan on and off at a user-adjustable set-point, automating moisture control at well under half the price of the panasonics.. The most-cited downside is at 1.5 sones it is noticeably louder than the sub-1-sone panasonics, more of a soft hum than true silence.. Overall, 4 expert sources rate it "Good Value" with a 8.1/10 consensus score.

Decided on the Broan-NuTone BES8 Roomside Series?

$98.98Roomside install: no attic access, no drywall cutting required4 expert sourcesPrice checked
$98.98 at Amazon →

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Sources & Methodology

This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.

Expert review sources cited on this page:

  • bob-vila
  • family-handyman

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 4 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.

Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Broan-NuTone and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Broan-NuTone or any other manufacturer named in this article.