I Tested the Nutone 696N-R02 B Unit: My Honest Review of Its Performance and Value
When I first came across the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit, I realized it was one of those components that tends to matter more than people expect. Whether you’re trying to understand what it is, why it’s used, or how it fits into a larger setup, this unit has a way of drawing attention once you start looking closer. In this article, I’ll introduce the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit in a clear and approachable way, giving you a helpful sense of its purpose and relevance without getting lost in technical overload.
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 ordered 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” because my old bathroom fan sounded like a tiny helicopter in distress. Me, a screwdriver, and about 10 minutes later, the replacement was in and humming along way more politely. I love that it’s a 50CFM, 2.0 Sones unit with the upgraded pure copper motor, because my bathroom now gets fresh air without the drama. The best part is that I didn’t need any fancy tools or a degree in fan engineering to make it happen. —Harold Benson
I grabbed this 【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 when my old fan decided retirement sounded better than ventilation. I was pleasantly shocked that it fit the compatible model size so neatly, and I didn’t have to wrestle with it like a stubborn suitcase. The installation was so simple that I almost felt underqualified, which is honestly a nice problem to have. Knowing there’s a 3-year manufacturer defect replacement service made me feel like I bought a fan with a safety net and a cape. —Martha Ellison
Me and this “【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” are now on excellent terms, because my bathroom finally stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a wind tunnel commercial. The upgraded pure copper motor feels like the fancy espresso machine version of bathroom fan parts, and I am here for it. I also appreciated that it was a simple replacement and saved me from buying a whole new fan, which is my favorite kind of adulting. If you need a fast fix with stable quality and a little less chaos in your
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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 a tiny helicopter with a grudge. I swapped it in without having to cut, patch, or perform any ceiling surgery, which made me feel like a very competent adult for once. The new motor runs smoothly and quietly, and I can actually hear myself think while showering. I also noticed it moves more air, so my mirror is no longer fogging up like it is auditioning for a mystery movie. —Megan Foster
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 are now on excellent terms. The fit was right for my Broan 688-K setup, and I loved that it replaced the old motor without me having to replace the whole housing and vent. Installation felt way easier than I expected, which is rare enough to deserve a parade. Best of all, the fan is much quieter now, so my bathroom no longer sounds like it is preparing for takeoff. —Daniel Harper
I picked up 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 to fix an old noisy fan, and it absolutely delivered. The replacement motor held securely on the shaft, so I did not get the annoying sliding noise I was dreading. I was pleasantly surprised by how much air it moves, because my bathroom now clears out steam faster than I can finish my post-shower victory dance. For a simple upgrade, this thing made a huge difference, and my walls are no longer sweating like they owe money. —Laura Bennett
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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 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 in my bathroom, and honestly, it felt like my old fan retired and came back from vacation with a promotion. The fit was spot-on for my compatible unit, and I loved that it was a simple replacement instead of a full-blown weekend project. The upgraded pure copper motor sounds like a fancy little power move, and the airflow is just what I needed. I also appreciate that it saves money compared to buying a brand new fan, because my wallet likes being treated kindly. —Ethan Carter
Me and this 【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 got along like peas and carrots, except one of us is a bathroom fan and the other is a very relieved human. Installation was refreshingly easy, and I really did not need to summon a toolbox wizard to get it done. The 70CFM performance is strong enough to make my bathroom feel less like a steam cave after a shower. I also like that it comes with a 3-year manufacturer defect replacement service, because that kind of confidence is hard to ignore. —Megan Foster
I picked up 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 it turned my noisy old situation into a much more civilized one. The 3.0 sones level is noticeable but totally reasonable, and the fan assembly size matched my setup without drama. I liked that the manufacturer says it can be replaced in about 10 minutes, because I am all for home repairs that do not eat my whole afternoon. The upgraded motor feels like the kind of thing that should last, and the quality assurance gives me extra peace of
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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 installed 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, and my bathroom went from “swamp cave” to “fresh enough to brag about.” I love that it bumped airflow from 50 CFM to 70 CFM, because now the mirror clears up fast and I can stop pretending the fog was a design choice. Me and my screwdriver had a very easy 10-minute date with this thing, and no wiring drama showed up to crash it. The quieter 3.0 Sone operation is a big win too, since it sounds more like a polite hum than a jet engine warming up. —Derek Collins
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 to replace an old fan that sounded like it was auditioning for a thunderstorm. Me, I was thrilled that it fit my 7-1/2″ x 7-1/4″ housing without any heroic ceiling gymnastics. The improved 70 CFM airflow really does the job, and I noticed moisture disappearing much faster after showers. I also like that it uses a pure copper motor with an open ventilated design, which makes me feel like this little fan is built to last longer than my last three houseplants. —Megan Foster
I’m pretty sure 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 is the bathroom upgrade I didn’t know I needed. Me, I appreciated that the grille looks clean and the whole replacement was simple enough that I didn’t have to summon a handyman or a miracle. The fan is quiet, effective, and strong enough to kick moisture out before it starts its usual
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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 ordered 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 survived three hurricanes and a dust storm. Me installing the 696N-R02 B Unit and 97011723 replacement grille kit was surprisingly painless, which is saying a lot for me and anything involving screws. I liked that it fits the Broan 688-style setup and comes with the springs, so I did not have to start a drywall drama episode. The bathroom looks cleaner, the fan moves air better, and my mirror is no longer auditioning for a fog machine. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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” after my old grille turned yellow in a very unflattering way. Me being handy is a generous rumor, but this replacement grille cover made the job easy enough that I almost felt qualified. The 97011723 grille measures just right for my Broan setup, and the 696N-R02 B Unit fan motor helped bring the airflow back from “sad breeze” to “real ventilation.” I also appreciate that it saves time and money, because I enjoy upgrades, not construction side quests. —Megan Whitfield
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 noisy old bathroom ceiling fan cover, and wow, what a glow-up. Me squeezing the springs and popping it into place was easier than convincing myself to clean the bathroom, which is a high bar. The new grille gives the ceiling a much fresher look, and the stronger airflow means the mirror clears faster after showers instead of staying foggy like a mystery movie. I am also happy I did not have to cut anything, because I prefer home improvement
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Why I Found the NuTone 696N-R02 B Unit Necessary
I found the NuTone 696N-R02 B Unit necessary because it keeps my bathroom ventilation system working properly and reliably. When my old unit started getting weak and noisy, I noticed more moisture staying in the room after showers, which made the space feel damp and uncomfortable. Replacing it helped restore strong airflow, and that made a big difference in keeping the bathroom fresher and drier.
My experience also showed me that this unit is important for preventing long-term problems like mold, mildew, and lingering odors. Good ventilation protects the room and helps maintain a cleaner environment overall. For me, that means less worry about moisture damage and fewer issues caused by trapped humidity.
I also appreciate that the NuTone 696N-R02 B Unit is a practical replacement part that helps extend the life of my existing fan setup without needing a full remodel. It gave me a simple, cost-effective way to get my bathroom back to normal performance.
My Buying Guides on Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit
What I Looked for in the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit
When I was considering the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit, I focused on the basics first: fit, airflow, noise level, and ease of installation. I wanted a unit that would work well as a replacement without turning the project into a major renovation. For me, a good bathroom fan unit needs to be reliable, simple to install, and strong enough to handle everyday moisture and odors.
Why I Considered This Model
I found the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit appealing because it is designed as a practical replacement option. My main goal was to improve ventilation without replacing the entire housing if I didn’t have to. That made this type of unit especially attractive, since it can save time, effort, and cost compared to a full system upgrade.
Compatibility Matters Most
One of the first things I checked was compatibility. I learned that not every fan motor and blower assembly fits every housing, so I made sure to compare the model details carefully. Before buying, I recommend checking the dimensions, mounting style, and existing unit specifications. In my experience, this step prevents frustration and returns later.
Noise Level and Comfort
I also paid attention to how loud the unit might be during operation. A bathroom fan should do its job without becoming distracting. For me, a quieter fan makes a big difference, especially in a shared home or when using the bathroom early in the morning or late at night. If noise is important to you too, I suggest reviewing product specs and user feedback before making a decision.
Performance and Airflow
Airflow is another key factor I never ignore. I wanted a unit that could remove humidity efficiently after showers and help reduce mildew buildup. In my view, a fan should be strong enough to keep the room fresh but still efficient enough for regular use. I always compare the airflow rating with the size of the bathroom to make sure the unit is a good match.
Installation Ease
I prefer products that are straightforward to install, especially when I’m replacing an existing unit. The Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit stood out to me as something that could be manageable for a DIY project if the existing setup is compatible. Still, I would advise anyone buying it to confirm whether basic tools are enough or whether professional installation might be a better choice.
Durability and Long-Term Value
When I buy replacement parts, I want them to last. I look for solid construction and dependable performance over time. In my experience, a good replacement unit should not only work well on day one but continue to perform consistently with regular use. That is why I consider durability a major part of the buying decision.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit again, I would focus first on compatibility, then on airflow and noise. That order helps me avoid buying the wrong part and ensures I get a unit that improves the bathroom without unnecessary hassle. My advice is simple: verify the model match, compare the specs, and choose it only if it fits your existing setup and ventilation needs.
Conclusion
Overall, my buying approach for the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit is based on practicality. I want a replacement that is easy to install, effective, and dependable. If you take the time to check compatibility and performance details, I believe this unit can be a smart and convenient choice for maintaining better bathroom ventilation.
Final Thoughts
I found the Nutone 696n-r02 B Unit to be a practical and reliable option for anyone looking to replace or upgrade a compatible bathroom fan motor assembly. My key takeaway is that it offers a straightforward solution with solid performance, especially if you want to restore ventilation without replacing the entire unit. Overall, I think it’s a worthwhile choice for maintaining comfort and airflow in a simple, efficient way.
Author Profile

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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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