Downdraft kitchen vent systems

[mikester]

So; we're remodeling the kitchen and I have to choose between and island hood or a downdraft vent.

I don't like the look or the cost of the island hoods and I do like the look and the cost of the downdraft but I don't want to be a$$'d out of performance of course.

so - anyone have one?

We're looking at a few models that fit behind the cook top and telescope up when in use.

Thanks!

[Dantilla]

I like mine. Straight downdraft with no telescope. Works great.

How long of a run will your's need to vent outside?

[Saintly]

I had a island hood in my old house and people where always having to duck a little to have a conversation in the kitchen area (why do people always gather around the kitchen?). when I took the hood away in favour of a down draft system it made a HUGE difference to the room.
a lot brighter, a lot more perceived space, a lot more social area.
I would never put in an island hood again. a wall hood is a different story but not an island hood.

[dad911]

I have one, doesn't work with tall pots. Although island cooktops were popular a few years ago, most of my customers are doing something like this:

with double ovens.

[cantdrv55]

On my downdraft stove, I leave the lid on tall pots at an angle to let steam escape towards the vent. Works great and was more economical than cutting a hole through the ceiling.

[Dottore]

We have experimented with various downdrafts in our chalet - as the stove is in a space in which it is impossible to install a hood-vent.

My advice is simple: if you have a choice install the hood vent. Steam and smoke etc rise naturally - and it takes relatively little effort from a hood-vent.

On the other hand, to suck it down requires a very strong motor - and these invariably generate enormous noise, or break down, or both - particularly after the warranty wears off. Even when they are working well they are a huge distraction.

And we have gone through 4 stoves in this chalet. Amana, GE, Kitchen Aid - and I forget what the other one was. No joy in any of them. Down-draft is a terrible compromise.

Trust me on this.

[SLO-BOB]

Our house came with an old Jenn-Air cook/grill top with downdraft fan. We didn't like electric or the look so much, but after using it, we love it. As noted, tall pots can be tricky (good tip cd55) and they can vibrate, but if you get a high quality unit they work very well. We routinely grill things that create quite a bit of smoke and our kitchen stays clean. I replaced the motor once. I think it was the first one (so figure 20 years) and it runs strong and quiet-about 2 years now. It wasn't a big deal. We like ours so we would do it agin, but I've never had a range hood so I can't compare them.

[mikester]

I think last night we decided on a hood vent that we saw at the Home Depot design expo store. They had a good display of them so we were able to get a good look instead of looking on the internet.

I'll post pics when the kitchen is done in a few weeks.

Thanks guys.

[rob macdonald]

Mike, Check out some back issues of Fine Home Building, by Taunton Press...it's available at most good book stores and larger libraries...I use them for reference and for selling points alot with my customers...when I'm doing my real job...great ideas in articles written by real craftsmen, in real homes...