Broan-NuTone BP90 Replacement Grille For 688 Fan, White, 9 I
✅ PROS
- Exact OEM match for Broan 688 fans — no cutting, shimming, or creative modification needed
- Durable ABS plastic that resists yellowing better than older grilles
- Tool-free removal via spring clips makes cleaning the fan blades genuinely easy
❌ CONS
- Glossy white finish won't perfectly match flat or semi-gloss ceiling paint — expect a slight sheen difference
- Spring clips require a firm tug to release; some buyers report needing to pry gently with a flathead screwdriver
The Verdict
Let’s be honest: you’re not buying a replacement grille because you’re excited. You’re buying it because your old one is cracked, yellowed, or missing entirely. The question is whether the Broan-NuTone BP90 makes that unglamorous task painless, or whether it becomes another frustrating weekend project.
At 9 inches square with a 7-inch opening, this grille is the OEM replacement for Broan’s model 688 bathroom fan — a unit that’s been installed in millions of homes since the 1990s. It’s also a direct fit for several other Broan models, which we’ll get into below.
What’s actually in the box
Just the grille itself, which is exactly what you want. No confusing mounting hardware, no multi-page instruction booklet for a part that takes 90 seconds to install. The BP90 is molded from white ABS plastic with a subtle grid pattern that allows maximum airflow while keeping the motor housing hidden. As shown in the product image, it has a clean, low-profile design that sits nearly flush against the ceiling.
Fit and installation: the real test
Here’s where the BP90 earns its 4.7-star rating. Because it’s genuine Broan-NuTone parts, not a universal knockoff, the fit is exact. The grille attaches via two spring clips that hook into the fan housing’s slots. Push up, twist slightly, and it locks in place. Removal is equally simple — pull down firmly on one edge, and the clip releases.
One buyer noted: “I was worried about ordering a replacement sight unseen, but this snapped right into my 688 fan housing. No gaps, no rattling, no wrestling match with the ceiling.” That sentiment shows up repeatedly in the reviews — the phrase “perfect fit” appears more than any other in the 235 ratings.
Where it falls short
The finish is the most common complaint. The BP90 has a glossy white surface that looks fine in most bathrooms but stands out against flat or eggshell ceiling paint. If your ceiling has any texture or a matte finish, the grille will catch the light differently. It’s a minor aesthetic issue, but worth knowing before you buy.
Also, those spring clips can be stubborn. While they hold the grille securely (a good thing), several reviewers mention needing to use a screwdriver to gently pry the first corner loose. Once you figure out the technique — pull down and toward the center of the fan simultaneously — it becomes easier. But the first removal might test your patience.
The verdict: Buy it if you need a direct replacement
This is a no-brainer purchase if you own a Broan 688 fan or one of its compatible siblings (the 689, 690, and 696 use the same grille). It’s a factory part at a reasonable price, built to last another decade or two. The styling is dated — it matches the fan’s 1990s aesthetic — but if you’re replacing a broken grille rather than renovating, that’s precisely what you want.
Skip it if you’re looking for a modern upgrade or if your fan is a different brand entirely. Universal grilles exist, but they rarely fit as cleanly as an OEM part. Also skip it if your ceiling is textured with heavy popcorn — the glossy finish and flush design will highlight imperfections in the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
Will this fit my Broan 688? Yes, it’s the direct OEM replacement for model 688. It also fits the 689, 690, and 696 fans from the same era.
Can I paint this grille to match my ceiling? You can, but use a paint specifically formulated for plastic, and scuff the surface lightly with fine sandpaper first. It’ll need a primer or the paint will flake off.
How do I remove the old grille? Grip the edge firmly and pull straight down, then toward the center of the fan. If it resists, insert a flathead screwdriver between the grille and ceiling to release the spring clip.
Final rating: 4.6/5
The BP90 does exactly what it promises — no more, no less. It’s a durable, correctly-sized replacement part that fixes your broken fan grille in under five minutes. The glossy finish and stiff clips keep it from a perfect score, but for a functional replacement, this is the right call. Buy it if you own a compatible Broan fan; your bathroom will look complete again.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.