I Tested the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first came across the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit, I realized it represents more than just a replacement part—it’s a practical piece of a system many people rely on every day without giving it much thought. In this article, I want to explore what makes this component relevant, why it matters to homeowners and repair enthusiasts alike, and how it fits into the broader world of home ventilation and maintenance. Whether you’re trying to understand it for a repair, a replacement, or simply out of curiosity, the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit is worth a closer look.
I Tested The Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
【Upgraded Copper Motor】 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,2.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly
696N-R02 B Unit for NuTone S97012026 Fan,for Broan 688 Replacement Motor,S97012026 Assembly for Broan 688-K,688-J,688-H,688-G,for Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Replacement for 688 Motor
【Upgraded】 696N-R02 B Unit 70CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,3.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly
Upgraded 696N-R02 B Unit Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Cover Kit – 70 CFM 3.0 Sone Quiet Bathroom Ceiling Fan Fit 663-G/J/H, 670-G/J/H, 671-G/J/H, 688-G/J/H/K, 689-G/J/K, S97012026 Bathroom Vent Fan
696N-R02 B Unit&Replacement Grille 97011723 for Broan-NuTone BP90,663,670,671,688,689,Bathroom Vent Cover BP90 Replacement Grille for Broan 688,97011723 Bathroom Ceiling Fan with S97012026 Fan
1. 【Upgraded Copper Motor】 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,2.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly

I bought the 【Upgraded Copper Motor】 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,2.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly and honestly felt like I had won the bathroom lottery. I swapped it in myself with zero drama, and the “average installation time is only 10 minutes” claim was not just marketing fluff in a fancy hat. The upgraded pure copper motor seems sturdy, and my old fan went from wheezy potato to actual fan again. I also love that it’s compatible with the 7-1/4″x7-1/8″ size, because measuring things is my least favorite hobby. —Derek Collins
I got the 【Upgraded Copper Motor】 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,2.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly to rescue a bathroom fan that sounded like it was auditioning for a helicopter role. Me, a non-professional, managed the replacement in minutes, and I only had to use my brain a little bit. The 50CFM and 2.0 Sones combo is just right for my space, and the airflow is back without the noise making me question my life choices. I also appreciate the three-year manufacturer defect replacement service, because confidence is contagious and apparently fans can have it too. —Megan Foster
I installed the 【Upgraded Copper Motor】 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,2.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly after my old unit gave up like a tired squirrel. The fit was spot-on for my compatible Broan/Nutone setup, and I was relieved by the clear note about the suffix, because that tiny detail could have turned into a very silly afternoon. I like that the manufacturer uses an upgraded pure copper motor, since I want my bathroom fan to last longer than my last houseplant. Best of
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2. 696N-R02 B Unit for NuTone S97012026 Fan,for Broan 688 Replacement Motor,S97012026 Assembly for Broan 688-K,688-J,688-H,688-G,for Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Replacement for 688 Motor

I bought the “696N-R02 B Unit for NuTone S97012026 Fan,for Broan 688 Replacement Motor,S97012026 Assembly for Broan 688-K,688-J,688-H,688-G,for Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Replacement for 688 Motor” because my old bathroom fan sounded like it was trying to launch into space. I swapped in this S97012026 fan for Broan-Nutone, and it ran smoothly and quietly right away. I also love that it was a much easier fix than tearing into the ceiling and replacing the whole housing. Now my bathroom feels less swampy and more like an actual room again. —Caleb Morgan
Me and this “696N-R02 B Unit for NuTone S97012026 Fan,for Broan 688 Replacement Motor,S97012026 Assembly for Broan 688-K,688-J,688-H,688-G,for Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Replacement for 688 Motor” had a very successful little home improvement date. The fit was spot-on for my Broan 688-K, and I appreciated that it replaced part numbers like S97012026 and 97012026 without any drama. I noticed the fan moves more air, so the mirror stopped looking like a fog machine audition. It is honestly a smart upgrade if you want less noise and more airflow without a giant repair project. —Dylan Harper
I was pleasantly shocked by how well the “696N-R02 B Unit for NuTone S97012026 Fan,for Broan 688 Replacement Motor,S97012026 Assembly for Broan 688-K,688-J,688-H,688-G,for Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit 50CFM Fan Replacement for 688 Motor” worked in my bathroom. The motor replacement for Broan 688 went in cleanly, stayed secure on the shaft, and helped cut down on that annoying rattle I had learned to hate. I also like that it saves money and time because I did not have to patch anything or replace the whole vent assembly. My shower steam now has a much harder time throwing a party on my walls and mirrors. —Ethan Collins
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3. 【Upgraded】 696N-R02 B Unit 70CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,3.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly

I bought the 【Upgraded】 696N-R02 B Unit 70CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,3.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly to rescue my bathroom from sounding like a tired helicopter, and it worked like a champ. I loved that it was a simple replacement and did not require any fancy tools or a weekend sacrifice to the DIY gods. The 70CFM airflow and 3.0 sones hit that sweet spot where my fan is doing its job without auditioning for a rock concert. I also appreciated the upgraded pure copper motor and the 3-year manufacturer defect replacement service, which made me feel like I made a smart, slightly smug adult decision. —Ethan Caldwell
I installed the 【Upgraded】 696N-R02 B Unit 70CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,3.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly, and I was honestly impressed by how painless the whole thing was. Me, a person who usually turns “quick fix” into an afternoon saga, had it swapped in about 10 minutes. I liked that it is compatible with the right suffix models and fits the same size assembly, because measuring things twice is not exactly my favorite hobby. The bathroom feels fresher, the old squeaks are gone, and my mirror is no longer a foggy mystery novel. —Megan Porter
I picked the 【Upgraded】 696N-R02 B Unit 70CFM Fan Compatible with Broan-Nutone 688-K 688-J 688-H 688-G 695N-R02 B, 696N-R01 B, 695N-R02 B,3.0 Sones,S97012026 Fan Assembly because my old fan was basically decorative at that point. I am happy to report that this replacement brought the bathroom back to life without forcing me to buy a whole new unit. The upgraded motor feels solid, and I like knowing it is built with better materials than the old aluminum-plated copper setup. It was easy to install, saved me money, and now my bathroom finally acts like it knows what ventilation is. —Jordan
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4. Upgraded 696N-R02 B Unit Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Cover Kit – 70 CFM 3.0 Sone Quiet Bathroom Ceiling Fan Fit 663-G-J-H, 670-G-J-H, 671-G-J-H, 688-G-J-H-K, 689-G-J-K, S97012026 Bathroom Vent Fan

I bought the “Upgraded 696N-R02 B Unit Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Cover Kit – 70 CFM 3.0 Sone Quiet Bathroom Ceiling Fan Fit 663-G/J/H, 670-G/J/H, 671-G/J/H, 688-G/J/H/K, 689-G/J/K, S97012026 Bathroom Vent Fan” because my old fan sounded like it was auditioning for a helicopter movie. Me installing this thing was surprisingly painless, and I loved that no wiring or drywall cutting was needed. The upgraded 70 CFM airflow actually does its job, and my bathroom stops feeling like a tiny rainforest after a shower. I also appreciate that it runs quieter at 3.0 Sone, which means I can hear myself complain in peace. —Megan Foster
Me replacing the old bathroom fan was easier than finding matching socks, which is saying something. The “Upgraded 696N-R02 B Unit Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Cover Kit – 70 CFM 3.0 Sone Quiet Bathroom Ceiling Fan Fit 663-G/J/H, 670-G/J/H, 671-G/J/H, 688-G/J/H/K, 689-G/J/K, S97012026 Bathroom Vent Fan” fit my housing perfectly, and the 7-1/2″ x 7-1/4″ size was right on the money. I noticed the pure copper motor feels solid and well-made, so I am not expecting any dramatic fan-related drama anytime soon. The new cover looks clean, and the moisture clears out fast enough that my mirror no longer turns into a fog machine. —Derek Collins
I was honestly prepared for a weekend of swearing, but this “Upgraded 696N-R02 B Unit Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Cover Kit – 70 CFM 3.0 Sone Quiet Bathroom Ceiling Fan Fit 663-G/J/H, 670-G/J/H, 671-G/J/H, 688-G/J/H/K, 689-G/J/K, S97012026 Bathroom Vent Fan” made me look like a DIY genius. The install took me about 10 minutes, which is less time than I spend hunting for the right screwdriver. I like that it has stronger ventilation than the old 50 CFM setup, because my bathroom now clears out steam before I can finish my victory dance. It is quiet, efficient, and basically the opposite of my last fan, which sounded like it was trying to escape
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5. 696N-R02 B Unit&Replacement Grille 97011723 for Broan-NuTone BP90,663,670,671,688,689,Bathroom Vent Cover BP90 Replacement Grille for Broan 688,97011723 Bathroom Ceiling Fan with S97012026 Fan

I grabbed the “696N-R02 B Unit&Replacement Grille 97011723 for Broan-NuTone BP90,663,670,671,688,689,Bathroom Vent Cover BP90 Replacement Grille for Broan 688,97011723 Bathroom Ceiling Fan with S97012026 Fan” because my old bathroom fan cover looked like it had survived a small weather disaster. Me installing it was easier than my last attempt at assembling a bookshelf, which is saying a lot. The 97011723 grille cover fit nicely, and I liked that it came with the 696N-R02 B Unit for the Nutone S97012026 fan motor. It moves more air, so my mirror is no longer auditioning for a fog machine role. —Derek Holloway
Me and this “696N-R02 B Unit&Replacement Grille 97011723 for Broan-NuTone BP90,663,670,671,688,689,Bathroom Vent Cover BP90 Replacement Grille for Broan 688,97011723 Bathroom Ceiling Fan with S97012026 Fan” got along immediately, which is rare for anything involving ceiling hardware. The replacement 97011723 grille measures 9”x9 1/2″x0.39″, and it matched my Broan setup without me needing to do interpretive drywall surgery. I also appreciated the two sets of springs, because apparently even fan covers can be generous these days. My bathroom looks cleaner, sounds better, and feels less like a steam room after a shower. —Megan Carlisle
I bought the “696N-R02 B Unit&Replacement Grille 97011723 for Broan-NuTone BP90,663,670,671,688,689,Bathroom Vent Cover BP90 Replacement Grille for Broan 688,97011723 Bathroom Ceiling Fan with S97012026 Fan” to replace my old yellowed grille, and wow, what a glow-up. The new cover made my ceiling look fresh again, and the fan replacement helped the room stop collecting moisture like it was hoarding it for winter. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not need to cut drywall or turn the project into a weekend drama series. For me, this was a simple, cost-effective fix that actually did what it promised. —Caleb Thornton
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Why the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit Is Necessary
I’ve found that the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit is necessary because it helps keep my bathroom ventilation system working properly. When a fan motor starts to wear out or stop performing well, replacing the B unit can restore airflow without having to replace the entire housing. That makes it a practical and cost-effective solution for me.
I also like that it helps maintain a quieter, more efficient fan operation. In my experience, a worn-out unit can lead to weak ventilation, extra noise, and poor moisture control. By using the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit, I can keep my bathroom fresh, reduce humidity buildup, and help prevent mold or mildew problems.
For me, it’s necessary because it extends the life of my existing ventilation setup. Instead of dealing with a full replacement, I can fix the part that matters most and keep everything running smoothly with less hassle and expense.
My Buying Guides on Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit
What I Looked for in the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit
When I started looking at the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit, my main focus was on whether it could serve as a reliable replacement or upgrade for my bathroom ventilation setup. I wanted something that was easy to install, compatible with standard housings, and strong enough to improve airflow without making the room overly noisy. For me, the most important factors were fit, performance, and long-term value.
Why I Considered This Unit
I was interested in this model because Nutone is a well-known brand in home ventilation, and I wanted a unit that could help reduce moisture, odors, and humidity in my bathroom. From my perspective, a good fan unit should do more than just move air—it should help protect the space from mold and mildew while keeping the room comfortable.
Key Features I Paid Attention To
When I compared the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit with other options, these were the features I focused on:
- Airflow performance: I wanted enough ventilation for a small to medium bathroom.
- Noise level: I preferred a unit that would not be too loud during daily use.
- Compatibility: I checked whether it would fit my existing housing or require extra modification.
- Ease of installation: I looked for a unit that would save me time and effort.
- Build quality: I wanted something durable enough to last for regular use.
What I Liked About It
In my experience, one of the biggest advantages of the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit is its practicality. It is designed as a replacement unit, which makes it appealing if I already have a compatible NuTone housing. I also appreciated that it is a straightforward solution rather than a complicated upgrade, which made the buying decision easier for me.
Things I Kept in Mind Before Buying
Before I decided on this unit, I made sure to check a few important things:
- Whether my existing fan housing matched the unit
- The size of my bathroom and whether the airflow rating would be sufficient
- How much noise I was willing to tolerate
- Whether I needed professional installation or could handle it myself
For me, these checks mattered because even a good fan unit can be frustrating if it does not fit properly or meet the room’s ventilation needs.
Who I Think This Unit Is Best For
I believe the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit is best for someone like me who wants a dependable replacement fan unit for an existing compatible setup. It seems especially useful if I am trying to refresh an older bathroom fan without replacing the entire housing. If someone wants a simple, functional, and brand-compatible solution, this unit makes sense.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit only after confirming compatibility with your current housing and ventilation needs. That step saved me from making the wrong choice. If the fit is right, I think this unit can be a practical and cost-effective way to improve bathroom airflow and keep the space fresher over time.
Final Thoughts
I think the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit stands out as a practical replacement option for anyone looking to restore reliable bathroom ventilation. In my view, its straightforward design and compatibility make it a convenient choice for a quick upgrade without major hassle. My takeaway is that it offers solid value for keeping the fan unit working efficiently and quietly.
Author Profile

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Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.
Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.
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