Panasonic FV-0511VQ1 WhisperCeiling Bath Fan, 50-80-110 CFM

The FV-0511VQ1 is a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan sold as a bathroom fan. Its main trick is the Pick-A-Flow selector, which lets you set it to 50, 80 or 110 CFM when you install it. It uses an ECM motor and Panasonic rates it under 0.3 sone at all three speeds, which is very quiet.

Where it fits with cooking smells

First, this is not a range hood. It doesn't belong directly above the stovetop, where grease and heat collect. Cooking fumes need to be caught at the stove, by a hood that vents outside where possible. If your hood isn't doing that job, fix it first. Our range hood troubleshooting guide walks through it.

What a quiet ceiling fan can do is general ventilation for a room that collects smells and moisture. Think of a bathroom or laundry room next to the kitchen, or a space where stale air hangs around. It's quiet enough that you won't mind leaving it on for a while after you've finished, and that's when lingering smell needs clearing. Check the installation instructions and your local code before putting any exhaust fan in a kitchen.

Install notes

• Flex-Z bracket for fitting between ceiling joists.
• Built-in adapter for 4-inch or 6-inch duct.
• Housing depth of 7-3/8 inches, so check your ceiling cavity.
• It needs ducting to the outside and wiring. For most people that's a job for an electrician or a handy DIYer with attic access.

Who should skip it

Renters, for a start. Cutting a hole in the ceiling and running a duct isn't something most leases allow. Also skip it if your problem is cooking smell reaching the rest of the house while the hood is running. That's a containment issue, covered in our guide to stopping cooking smells going upstairs.

How it compares

• AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S4: a 4-inch inline duct fan rated at 205 CFM and 28 dBA, with a 10-speed controller, for about half the price. It mounts in the duct run with no ceiling grille, so it's a different kind of install, and it's marketed for grow tents and air transfer rather than bathrooms.
• LifeSupplyUSA carbon sheet: if you have a recirculating range hood, a fresh carbon filter costs a fraction of this fan and is the first thing to try.

At around $168 it has 4.6 stars from about 1,060 Amazon reviews. For the full diagnosis order, read the main cooking smells guide.