Intro
Damp, stale air is the silent enemy of every bathroom, kitchen, and utility room. Without proper ventilation, moisture from showers, baths, and cooking condenses on cold walls and ceilings, feeding the mould and mildew that stain grout, peel paint, and trigger respiratory problems. Opening a window helps on warm days, but in winter or in windowless rooms, a mechanical extractor fan is the only reliable solution. A centrifugal fan — as opposed to the more common axial type — generates higher pressure, which means it can push air through longer ducting runs and still maintain strong airflow. If your extraction route involves several metres of ducting, bends, or a roof vent, a centrifugal model will outperform an axial fan every time. Investing in the right extractor means a drier, healthier home, lower heating bills, and walls that stay free of black mould year after year.
Generalities
Choosing an extractor fan for a bathroom or kitchen comes down to three key factors: airflow rate, noise level, and the type of motor that drives the impeller. Airflow is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h) — for a typical domestic bathroom, anything above 100 m³/h provides adequate extraction, while 170 m³/h comfortably handles larger rooms or kitchens. Noise is equally important: a fan that whines at 60 dB will ruin the tranquillity of a relaxing bath, while one operating at around 50 dB is barely noticeable over background noise. Centrifugal motors have a distinct advantage over axial designs — they generate higher static pressure, meaning they maintain their rated airflow even when pushing air through long, narrow, or convoluted ducting runs. Fantini Cosmi is an Italian brand with decades of experience in climate control and ventilation, and their CTF series brings that expertise into a compact, easy-to-install wall and ceiling fan.
This review examines the airflow performance, noise characteristics, build quality, and installation process of this centrifugal extractor fan. We cover how well it handles long ducting runs, how the backflow prevention valve works in practice, and whether the materials and motor design justify the investment for a long-term ventilation solution. By the end you will know if this is the right fan to keep your bathroom, kitchen, or utility room dry and mould-free.
Description
The CTF 100 S is a centrifugal extractor fan designed for wall and ceiling mounting, delivering an airflow rate of 170 m³/h. The centrifugal impeller — as opposed to the axial blades found in cheaper fans — generates higher static pressure, making this unit suitable for installations where the air must travel through several metres of ducting or navigate bends before reaching an external vent. The induction motor spins at 2400 RPM with Class B insulation and self-lubricating bushings, meaning it requires no maintenance over its service life. A thermal fuse protects the motor from overheating, and a pilot light indicates when the fan is running. The unit is powered by a standard 230-volt mains connection.
The fan body is moulded from ABS plastic — a material chosen for its impact resistance and ability to withstand the temperature and humidity extremes of bathroom and kitchen environments without warping, yellowing, or becoming brittle. The white finish blends discreetly into most ceilings and walls, and the front grille has a clean, functional design. A standout feature is the butterfly backflow prevention valve: when the fan is not running, spring-loaded flaps close automatically to prevent smoke, cooking odours, and cold outside air from flowing back through the ducting into the room. This is particularly valuable in apartment buildings where shared ducting can carry neighbours' cooking smells into your home.
Installation is designed to be straightforward. The fan uses a click-insert front system that snaps securely into place without tools, making both initial fitting and future cleaning simple. A centring ring is included for standard 120 mm exhaust holes, ensuring a neat, sealed fit. The power cable features an anti-tear design that prevents the cord from being damaged where it enters the housing — a small detail that speaks to thoughtful engineering. The unit can be wired for manual control via a cord switch, connected to a light switch so it runs whenever the bathroom light is on, or linked to a separate timer or humidistat for automatic operation. At just 2.36 kg, it is light enough for a single person to hold in place during installation.
The noise level is rated at 53 dB, which is firmly in the quiet category for an extractor fan. At this level the fan produces a low, steady hum rather than an intrusive whine — you will hear it, but it will not dominate the room or disturb a conversation. The induction motor contributes to this quiet operation by design, avoiding the brush noise of cheaper universal motors. An included protective filter shield prevents dust and insects from entering the ducting when the fan is running, and is easily removable for periodic cleaning. For bathrooms, en-suites, and small kitchens where effective ventilation must be paired with unobtrusive operation, the acoustic performance is a genuine strength.
Measuring to fit a standard 100 mm diameter duct and weighing just 2.36 kg, the CTF 100 S is a compact, lightweight ventilation solution that packs centrifugal performance into a discreet package. It holds a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars from 5 customer reviews. Fantini Cosmi provides a comprehensive instruction manual and all necessary mounting hardware, including the centring ring and backflow valve. For homeowners, landlords, and builders looking for a reliable, quiet, and maintenance-free extractor fan that can handle longer ducting runs than a standard axial model, the CTF 100 S offers a well-engineered Italian solution at a competitive mid-range price.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Centrifugal impeller generates higher static pressure than axial fans, maintaining strong 170 m³/h airflow even through long or convoluted ducting runs with multiple bends.
- Quiet operation at just 53 dB — a low, steady hum rather than an intrusive whine, making it suitable for en-suites and bathrooms where peace and quiet matter.
- Butterfly backflow prevention valve closes automatically when the fan is off, stopping smoke, cooking odours, cold draughts, and insects from entering through the ducting.
- Maintenance-free induction motor with Class B insulation, thermal fuse protection, and self-lubricating bushings — designed for years of trouble-free operation without servicing.
- Tool-free click-insert front system makes both installation and future cleaning quick and straightforward — the grille snaps off and on in seconds without screwdrivers.
- Durable ABS plastic body resists impacts, high temperatures, and humidity without yellowing or warping — built to handle the demanding conditions of bathrooms and kitchens.
- Lightweight at just 2.36 kg and compatible with standard 120 mm exhaust holes via the included centring ring — manageable for a single-person DIY installation.
Cons
- Basic cord-switch control in the standard version — users wanting automatic humidity-sensing or timer functionality will need to purchase a separate controller or opt for a different model variant.
- Limited customer review history with only 5 ratings — while the build quality and specifications are solid, there is less real-world feedback available compared to higher-volume brands.
- 170 m³/h airflow, while adequate for small to medium bathrooms, may be insufficient for large bathrooms or kitchens over 10 m² — check your room volume against the extraction rate before purchasing.
- The ABS plastic construction, while durable and practical, lacks the premium feel of metal-bodied extractor fans — though this is typical at this price point and contributes to the light weight.
- No built-in timer or humidistat in this model — if you want the fan to run for a set period after switching off the light or to activate automatically when humidity rises, you will need external control modules.
Use cases
Ideal for homeowners, landlords, and builders who need a quiet, reliable centrifugal extractor fan for bathrooms, en-suites, and small kitchens — especially where ducting runs are long or have multiple bends that would choke a standard axial fan.
Bathroom and En-Suite Mould Prevention
After a hot shower, a typical bathroom contains litres of suspended moisture that condenses on cold tiles, ceilings, and grout lines. The CTF 100 S extracts 170 m³/h of that humid air, replacing it with drier air from the rest of the house. The backflow valve prevents cold outdoor air from rushing back in during winter, and the 53 dB noise level means post-shower ventilation does not disturb a relaxing bath or interrupt sleep in an adjacent bedroom.
Long or Complex Ducting Runs
Bathrooms located in the centre of a building — away from external walls — require ducting that can run for several metres with multiple bends to reach a roof vent or external grille. Standard axial fans lose most of their airflow under these conditions, but the centrifugal impeller in this unit maintains effective extraction even through challenging ducting layouts. This makes it the correct choice for internal bathrooms, ground-floor WCs, and basement utility rooms.
Kitchen Odour and Steam Extraction
Boiling pans, frying food, and running dishwashers fill a kitchen with steam, grease particles, and lingering cooking smells. The CTF 100 S provides steady extraction, and the butterfly backflow valve ensures that when the fan is off, outside odours — from neighbouring flats, restaurants, or traffic — stay outside. The washable protective filter catches airborne grease before it accumulates inside the ducting, keeping maintenance simple.
Rental Property and Landlord Compliance
Many tenancy regulations now require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent mould and ensure habitable conditions. The CTF 100 S meets these requirements with reliable, maintenance-free operation — no brushes to replace, no lubrication needed, and a thermal fuse that prevents motor burnout even if the fan is accidentally run continuously. The straightforward installation and competitive price make it a practical choice for fitting out multiple units.
Windowless WC and Utility Room Ventilation
Internal WCs, laundry rooms, and storage cupboards with no windows rely entirely on mechanical extraction to remove stale air and moisture from drying clothes. The compact size fits discreetly on a wall or ceiling, the 53 dB operation is quiet enough for a cloakroom adjacent to living areas, and the centrifugal motor ensures air is actually pushed outside rather than just circulated around the room.