The editorial team

Maintaining good ventilation in your bathroom is essential to prevent mould, mildew, and odours. A powerful extractor fan can significantly improve air quality and create a more pleasant and healthier environment.

Here’s a look at some of the most powerful extractor fans for bathrooms, detailing their features, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Why Bathroom Ventilation is Important

Preventing Mould and Mildew

Bathrooms are often the most humid rooms in a house. Without proper ventilation, the moisture from showers and baths can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which not only damage walls and fixtures but can also cause health issues.

Improving Air Quality

Good ventilation helps to remove unpleasant odours and harmful pollutants, ensuring the air remains fresh and clean. This is particularly important in bathrooms, where chemical fumes from cleaning products and personal care items can accumulate.

Enhancing Comfort

A well-ventilated bathroom feels more comfortable, especially after a hot shower. It prevents the build-up of steam on mirrors and windows, making the bathroom more usable and pleasant.

Key Features of Powerful Extractor Fans

High Extraction Rate

The extraction rate, measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h) or litres per second (l/s), indicates how much air the fan can move. Powerful extractor fans have higher extraction rates, typically above 200 m³/h, ensuring efficient removal of moisture and odours.

Low Noise Levels

Noise can be a significant concern with powerful extractor fans. However, many modern fans are designed to operate quietly, often rated in decibels (dB). Look for fans with a noise level below 30 dB for a quieter bathroom environment.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient extractor fans use less electricity, reducing your energy bills and environmental footprint. Look for fans with an Energy Star rating or those that incorporate energy-saving features like timers and humidity sensors.

Automatic Humidity Sensors

Fans with built-in humidity sensors automatically turn on when moisture levels rise, ensuring continuous and efficient ventilation without manual intervention. This feature is particularly useful in bathrooms with high humidity levels.

How to Install an Extractor Fan in Your Bathroom

Step 1: Choose the Location

Select the best location for your extractor fan. Ideally, it should be installed on the ceiling or high on the wall, near the shower or bath area where moisture is most prevalent. Ensure the fan’s external vent can be easily accessed to expel air outside.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:

• Extractor fan kit
• Screwdrivers
• Drill and appropriate drill bits
• Pencil and measuring tape
• Electrical tester
• Ducting and vent kit (if not included with the fan)
• Safety gear (goggles, gloves)

Step 3: Turn Off the Power

For safety, switch off the power supply to the bathroom at the circuit breaker. Use an electrical tester to confirm that the power is off before proceeding.

Step 4: Mark the Installation Spot

Using a pencil and measuring tape, mark the position where you will install the fan. Ensure it is aligned properly and check that there are no obstructions behind the wall or ceiling where you intend to drill.

Step 5: Drill the Holes

Drill a pilot hole at the centre of the marked spot. From the outside, use this pilot hole as a guide to drill a larger hole for the ducting. If installing on the wall, you may need to use a core drill bit to create a hole large enough for the ducting.

Step 6: Install the Ducting

Feed the ducting through the hole, connecting it to the external vent. Secure the vent outside using screws and seal around it with silicone to prevent leaks. Inside, attach the ducting to the extractor fan unit.

Step 7: Mount the Fan

Position the extractor fan over the hole and secure it in place using screws provided in the kit. Ensure the fan is firmly fixed and flush with the wall or ceiling.

Step 8: Wire the Fan

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to wire the fan. Typically, you will need to connect the live, neutral, and earth wires from the fan to the corresponding wires in your bathroom’s electrical system. If you are unsure about electrical work, it is advisable to hire a qualified electrician to complete this step.

Step 9: Test the Fan

Once wired, turn the power back on and test the extractor fan to ensure it is functioning correctly. Check that it operates smoothly, effectively removes air, and that there are no unusual noises or vibrations.

When it comes to baking bread, a reliable stand mixer can be a game-changer. Kneading dough by hand is labour-intensive and time-consuming, but a high-quality stand mixer can handle this task with ease, ensuring consistent results every time. Here’s a look at some of the best stand mixers available for bread dough.

Key Features to Consider

• Motor Power: For bread dough, a powerful motor is crucial. Look for mixers with at least 300 watts of power to ensure they can handle dense dough without straining. Higher-end models may offer 500 watts or more, which is ideal for frequent bakers.

• Bowl Capacity: The size of the mixing bowl determines how much dough you can make in one go. A 4.5 to 5-quart bowl is suitable for most home bakers, but if you regularly bake large batches, consider a 6-quart or larger bowl.

• Speed Settings: Stand mixers typically come with multiple speed settings. Low speeds are essential for mixing and kneading dough to avoid overworking it, while higher speeds can be used for whipping and beating other ingredients.

• Durability and Build Quality: A robust, well-built stand mixer will last longer and perform better, especially when handling tough dough. Look for mixers with metal gears and solid construction.

• Attachments: For bread dough, a dough hook is a must. Most stand mixers include a C-shaped or spiral dough hook designed to mimic the kneading process. Additional attachments, such as a flat beater and wire whisk, can add to the mixer’s versatility.

• Ease of Cleaning: Dough can be sticky and messy, so a mixer that’s easy to clean is a plus. Detachable parts that are dishwasher safe make the cleanup process much simpler.

how to use stand mixer for bread dough

Using a stand mixer can make the process of baking much simpler and more efficient. With the right approach, you can achieve consistent and high-quality results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a stand mixer for bread dough.

1. Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water or other liquids (e.g., milk, oil)
• Optional ingredients (e.g., sugar, butter)
• Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment

2. Preparing the Ingredients

Measure Accurately: Bread making is a precise science. Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately, particularly the flour and water.

Activate the Yeast: If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water (about 37-43°C) with a pinch of sugar to activate it. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.

3. Mixing the Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. In the mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and any other dry ingredients.

Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the water (or other liquids) and activated yeast (if using active dry yeast). Begin mixing on a low speed.

Initial Mix: Allow the ingredients to mix for 2-3 minutes until they come together to form a rough dough. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.

4. Kneading the Dough

Increase Speed: Once the ingredients are combined, increase the mixer’s speed to a medium setting. Let the mixer knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes.

Check Dough Consistency: The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water, one teaspoon at a time.

5. Testing the Dough

Windowpane Test: To check if the dough is adequately kneaded, perform the windowpane test. Take a small piece of dough and stretch it gently between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing, forming a translucent “window,” it’s ready.

Rest and Rise: Once the dough is kneaded, remove it from the mixer, shape it into a ball, and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This typically takes 1-2 hours.

6. Shaping and Second Rise

Punch Down the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Shape the Dough: Shape the dough according to your recipe—whether it’s a loaf, rolls, or another shape.

Second Rise: Place the shaped dough in a greased baking tin or on a baking tray. Cover it again and let it rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes 30-60 minutes.

7. Baking

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe, usually around 180-220°C.

Bake: Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven. Bake according to your recipe’s instructions, typically for 25-35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.