OEM vs Aftermarket Range Hood Motor for Broan NuTone: Honest Comparison (97012248)

Your Broan range hood motor died after 12 years of faithful service. The OEM replacement from Broan costs $125–$165 depending where you look. Our aftermarket 97012248 sits at $41.99. That's a $100+ difference for what's essentially a fan motor with a mounting bracket. Is the OEM version really worth triple the price?

Quick Answer

For most DIY repairs, the aftermarket motor delivers identical performance at 70% savings. The OEM motor makes sense only if you're under warranty or repairing a commercial kitchen hood where you need manufacturer documentation. Both versions use the same mounting pattern and electrical specs — one just costs way more.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

If your Broan hood is still under manufacturer warranty, stick with OEM — using aftermarket parts can void coverage. Commercial kitchens with health department inspections sometimes need OEM documentation, though this is rare for range hoods.

That's about it. The OEM motor doesn't run quieter, last longer, or fit better. Broan sources these motors from contract manufacturers anyway — you're paying for the logo stamp and nothing else.

When Aftermarket Wins

For typical homeowner repairs, aftermarket delivers better value. One installer who fixed his 12-year-old Kenmore hood wrote: "The new fan/motor arrived in just a few days and it took less than 5 minutes to install it. Simple easy project!" He paid $40-something instead of $125+ through Sears.

Another DIYer replaced the motor on his Broan 40000 series: "I removed the screen over the exhausted fan, use a socket to remove bolts disconnected power cable and pulled assembly out. I merely install assembly in reverse order. 20 minutes top for repair, saved at least $90 service charge."

The repair takes 5–20 minutes with basic screwdrivers and a socket set. You're disconnecting two wires and four mounting bolts. The aftermarket motor uses identical mounting holes and wire terminals — no modifications needed for models 40000-B through F403008 and beyond.

The Real Difference? Your Wallet

Both motors spin at the same RPM. Both move the same CFM of air. Both fit the same mounting bracket. The OEM version doesn't include better bearings or quieter operation — it's the same spec motor with Broan packaging.

If your hood is making grinding noises or the exhaust fan stopped working entirely (the two most common symptoms), either motor fixes the problem. But why pay $125 when $41.99 gets you there with a better warranty?

Our Verdict

Go aftermarket unless you're still under warranty. The 97012248 saves you $100+ with identical performance and a longer warranty. Installation is the same five-minute process either way. The money you save buys a nice dinner out — probably cooked under a working range hood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket motor fit my specific Broan model?

The 97012248 works with 40000 series (B through H), 42000 series (K, L), and all F40000/F40240/F40300 variants. It also fits Kenmore hoods that use Broan motors. Check your existing motor's part number — if it's AP4527731, 99080492, BP17, or S97012248, this motor is a direct swap.

Does the aftermarket version run louder than OEM?

No. Both use the same motor specifications and bearing design. If your hood seems louder after replacement, check that the motor is seated properly and all mounting bolts are snug. Loose installation causes vibration noise with any motor.

What's actually included in the assembly?

You get the complete motor assembly with mounting bracket, fan blade, and wire leads. It's plug-and-play — disconnect your old motor's two wires, unbolt it, bolt in the new one, reconnect wires. No additional parts needed unless your wire connectors are damaged.