At a Glance:
How Does Downdraft Cooktop Ventilation Work?
Pros and Cons of Downdraft Cooktops
Whether you're searing a Wagyu steak to perfection or steaming broccolini from the garden, your favorite ingredients sizzling away in your kitchen are a foreshadowing of yet another incredible meal to come. Unfortunately, the steam, grease, and odors produced by cooking can linger, causing unpleasant odors and potentially compromising the quality of your indoor air. While a range hood ventilates most ranges and cooktops, downdraft cooktops offer an elegant solution for the modern kitchen, clearing the air while you experiment with your latest recipes.
So, instead of airing out your house all day and cooking in a kitchen that smells like the last meal, we'll talk more about downdraft cooktops and how one will benefit your kitchen. We'll go over everything from what it is to how it works and the advantages and disadvantages of owning a downdraft cooktop. In addition, we'll include some of our high-quality downdraft cooktops from our extensive inventory so you can decide if they're worth it.
What is a Downdraft Cooktop?
The ventilation system in a downdraft cooktop or range is integrated directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for an overhead vent. These systems aid in the capture of smoke, steam, grease particles, and odors at the cooking surface, sucking them down and out of the kitchen before they escape into the air.
Types of Downdraft Cooktops
Downdraft cooktops, like any other cooktop, have different fuel types that use different cooking methods, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Learn More: How to Choose a Cooktop for Your Kitchen
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Pros |
Cons | |
|
Downdraft Electric Cooktop |
✓ Easy to clean
✓ Cooking surface cools down faster
✓ Simple installation
✓ Flatter surface is more stable for cookware
|
✖ Longer cook time
✖ Newer models with advanced features are more expensive
✖ No longer functions during a power outage
✖ Can be easy to burn yourself |
|
Downdraft Induction Cooktop |
✓ Best precise temperature control
✓ Most energy efficient
✓ Cooking surface remains cool
✓ Safest cooktop |
✖ More expensive
✖ Needs specific size and types of cookware: magnetic stainless steel, enameled steel, and cast iron are all good
✖ Unusable during power loss or interruptions
✖ Vulnerable to scratches |
|
Downdraft Gas Cooktop |
✓ Accurate cooking temperature
✓ No power loss during blackouts or power outages
✓ More versatile for grilling, searing, and simmering
✓ Compatible with most cookware types |
✖ Pilot light can burn out
✖ Burner flame can be weak
✖ Ventilation problems
✖ Can be challenging to turn on burners |
How Does Downdraft Cooktop Ventilation Work?
Traditional cooktops and ranges do not include any form of ventilation; they merely provide an energy source to heat your food. If you require ventilation in your kitchen, you must purchase a range hood separately. On the other hand, downdraft cooktops combine these two appliances' functions. They install vents along the edges or in the center of your cooking surfaces to provide ventilation without the use of a range hood. Downdraft technology is available on gas, electric, and induction cooktops, so you can incorporate it into your kitchen regardless of your preferred cooking method.
How to Cook with Electric Cooktop with Downdraft
For the best results, turn on the downdraft ventilation fan before turning on any of the heating elements on an electric cooktop. Tall pots should be placed on burners near the vent. A higher heat setting may be required during cooking to compensate for airflow along the cooktop surface. Higher fan speeds may cause heat to be removed from cookware.
How to Cook with Gas Cooktop with Downdraft
You may want to adjust your cooking style to get the best results when using a downdraft range or cooktop with gas burners. For optimal performance when cooking with gas, use a lower fan setting or a higher burner setting. Cooking performance can be maintained by adjusting to the lowest fan setting required for the load and adjusting burner power.
Pros and Cons of Downdraft Cooktops
As wonderful as a downdraft cooktop is for eliminating the need to install a range hood in your modern kitchen, the appliance does have some drawbacks. Let us examine the situation to see if the good outweighs the bad.
Pros
✅ Compact and Stylish
✅ Easy to Clean
✅ More Affordable than Hooded Cooktops
Cons
❌ Not Suitable for Small Kitchens
❌ Costly Installation
❌ Not as Powerful as Range Hood
Top Downdraft Cooktop Brands
Friedmans Appliances has a large selection of high-quality downdraft cooktops. We're excited to feature two of our favorite brands that dominate the downdraft cooktop market.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid downdraft cooktops are perfect if you're looking for an open feel to your kitchen or if you install your cooktop on a kitchen island where there isn't room for a hood. KitchenAid downdraft cooktops come in both 30- and 36-inch widths for you to choose from. Choose a 36 inch gas cooktop with downdraft if you want a fifth burner to take on more culinary tasks at once. The 30" gas cooktop with downdraft comes with four burners and a variety of heat outputs that help you take on everything from melting and simmering to frying and sautéing. offers
Downdraft cooktops are equipped with a variety of features that provide the flexibility and precision control you require in the kitchen. For high-temperature cooking methods such as searing, stir-frying, and wok cooking, use the 17K BTU Professional Burner. The 3-Speed Fan Control allows you to tailor your ventilation to your cooking requirements while also removing steam, grease, and odors from the air.
Check Out This KitchenAid Downdraft Range: KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Slide In Electric Downdraft Range
If you want a full range but don't have room for a range hood, this KitchenAid range with a fully integrated downdraft system is a great option. This 30 inch range is ideal for a smaller modern kitchen that requires a more sophisticated design and high-quality features. In that regard, some of the rich features of this range include Even-HeatTM True Convection, SatinGlide® Max racks, and a large capacity oven to provide you with a complete cooking experience that keeps up with your imagination.
Jenn-Air
JennAir downdraft cooktops allow you to color outside the lines. Gas cooktops, induction cooktops, and electric radiant cooktops are available in 24-, 30-, and 36-inch widths. Downdraft cooktops in gas, electric, or induction, including an electric radiant perimetric downdraft cooktop, open up sight lines. Downdraft cooktops are available in two finishes: Lustre Stainless and Oblivion Glass, which complement the RISE and NOIR Design Expressions. For greater cooking versatility, select a 36 inch electric cooktop with downdraft from a larger 12"/9"/6" Triple-Choice Element. Install a 30 inch electric cooktop with the same features except for a 10"/6" Dual-Choice Element that utilizes the available cooking surface.
Jenn-Air downdraft cooktops include a number of features that provide you with the flexibility and precise control you need in the kitchen. Use the wide range of Brass PowerBurners with capacities ranging from 5K to 20K BTUs for low and high-temperature cooking methods such as wok cooking, simmering, stir-frying, slow cooking, and sous vide cooking. The JX3 Downdraft Ventilation System allows you to tailor your ventilation to your cooking requirements while also removing steam, grease, and odors from the air.
Check Out This Jenn-Air Downdraft Cooktop: JennAir® 36" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
If you prefer a traditional electric cooktop, consider JennAir's sophisticated 36" downdraft cooktop. The JX3TM downdraft ventilation system ventilates at 297 CFM, and the four heating elements include a Triple-ChoiceTM element that can output up to 3,000 W and expand in sizes of 6, 9, and 12 inches, depending on what you're cooking. Furthermore, the die-cast metal knobs not only provide precise control but also match the black design of this cooktop, which is scratch-resistant thanks to the DuraFinish Glass Protection.
As you can see, downdraft ranges and cooktops have both advantages and disadvantages. Before purchasing this cooking appliance configuration, consider your home's floor plan, kitchen décor and design, and personal needs. If you do decide on a downdraft model, the experts at Friedmans Appliance l will be happy to assist you in selecting the best one for you.
FAQs
Of course, we covered a lot of ground regarding downdraft cooktops, but it never hurts to know more before writing that check. So, let's wrap this blog up with questions we've received from our customers about downdraft cooktops!
Q: Where does a downdraft range vent to?
A downdraft range can vent to the outside of your home through a ductwork system, or it can be converted to a duct-free ventilation system by using a special filter box that cleans and recirculates the air.
Q: Do downdraft cooktops need to be vented?
Downdraft ranges have vents built into the burners that draw smoke and steam through an exhaust pipe or filtration system. Because they don't require an external vent hood, they're popular in open kitchens and kitchens with cathedral ceilings.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we're the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Downdraft Cooktops at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop cooktops online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you take home a downdraft cooktop that'll keep your kitchen smelling fresh, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
Learn More: 8 Best Gas Cooktops that are a Home Cook’s Dream