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are downdraft vents any good

by Cristobal Strosin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Limited Effectiveness. The experts at Reviewed consider downdraft vent systems inherently flawed. Because a downdraft vent doesn't typically rise more than 10 inches above the cooking surface, it is too short to effectively pull vapors rising from a tall pot.

Full Answer

Which is better downdraft and updraft hoods?

The pros of using updraft hood vans are that they are more effective than downdraft ventilation, and there are many innovative designs available today that offer many great low-profile options. Some of them are even designed to turn on automatically when cooking begins and temperature increases.

How good is a cooktop downdraft ventilation system?

Thus, it results in better air quality and ventilation. It pulls steam and smoke from above, while the cooktop with downdraft pulls the smoke and grease downward. But both pretty much have the same function. Another difference between the downdraft ventilation system from the overhead ventilation system is the absence of light fixtures.

Are downdraft vents necessary?

Indeed, the newest downdraft ranges all come with recirculation kits, which don’t require an external vent. This is a good solution if you live in a home where it’s impossible to vent your kitchen to the outside due to cramped quarters or building codes.

Are ductless range hoods any good?

Are ductless range hoods any good? Yes, a ductless range hood works by pulling air in, filtering the contaminants, and pushing it back out. This ensures that the air in your kitchen is free from smoke, grease, fumes, and other impurities.

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Is a downdraft vent necessary?

Although it is a desirable option, a regular kitchen cooktop does not need to be vented and exhausted to the outside. A downdraft cooktop and grill must be vented from the kitchen to the outside, following manufacturer's specifications.

Which is better downdraft or updraft?

The dimensions of the kitchen and the size of appliances also affect the size of the hood. Cooktops without hoods in front of them can benefit from downdraft systems, while high traffic kitchens with less natural ventilation should consider updraft systems.

Are downdraft ranges worth?

The first obvious benefit of having a downdraft range or cooktop is that you no longer need to install a hood above the stove. This not only frees up space for more cabinetry and storage, but allows you freedom of placement—especially with a cooktop.

What is the advantage of a downdraft cooktop?

A downdraft range or cooktop integrates the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for an overhead vent. These systems help capture smoke, steam, grease particles and odors at the cooking surface, pulling them down and out of the kitchen before they can escape into the air.

Does Viking make a downdraft range?

Viking Rear Downdrafts work quietly behind cooktops and rangetops to eliminate smoke and odors, then conveniently hide away when the job is done.

Why are downdrafts in thunderstorms cold?

The precipitation falls into the updraft. The falling particles drag air down with them. This sinking air is referred to as downdrafts. Entrainment into the downdraft results in some evaporation of the precipitation, which causes a cooling which makes the air more dense, thus increasing the downdraft.

How do you clean a downdraft stove vent?

Turn off the downdraft ventilation system before removing the filter. Remove vent grate then lift the filter out of the vent chamber. Clean the filter in the sink with warm water and detergent or in the dishwasher.

Can I replace my downdraft range with a regular range?

Can i replace a downdraft range with a regular range? Hi lorirae, yes you can, this will.

Do they still make downdraft stoves?

You are not alone. Jenn-Air and Kitchen Aid are the only brand that makes a downdraft range in electric, gas or dual fuel and only a few brands make a center downdraft cooktop.

Can you use a downdraft vent with a gas cooktop?

Some stoves come with built-in downdraft vents that rise up from the back or center of the cooktop when a burner is lit. Like updraft hoods, downdraft units must be vented to the outdoors or they are ineffective. On a gas stove, a malfunctioning downdraft vent can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to remain in the air.

Do Downdraught extractors work?

A ceiling extractor hood works great on low ceilings. A downdraft hood sits closer to your hob than any other type of extractor. If you have limited ceiling height, installing a downdraft is a perfect choice. Odour and smoke will be instantly sucked into the extractor as soon as it escapes from the pan.

Does anyone make a downdraft induction cooktop?

If you have an induction cooktop already, you can add a downdraft. Most models have the option for both a hood (updraft) or downdraft ventilation systems.

What is the difference between updraft and downdraft furnace?

Getting right to it, the fundamental difference between the two is in the direction of air flow in and out of the furnace. A Upflow furnace takes in existing air from the bottom of the furnace and blows out filtered warm/cool air through the top. A downflow furnace works in the opposite way.

What is the difference between an updraft carburetor and a downdraft carburetor?

The updraft carburetor is place low on the engine and uses a gravity fed fuel supply. The air-fuel mixture is forced upward into the engine. The downdraft carburetor operates with lower air velocities and larger passages.

What is updraft ventilation on a microwave?

Updraft ventilation consists of a vent (or hood) located above a cooking surface. Air is drawn into the fan, passes through filters, and is either exhausted outdoors through a metal duct or re-circulated back into the kitchen.

Are there any induction cooktops with downdraft?

JennAir has invented a flexible induction cooktop with a 350 CFM downdraft rating. The variety of features makes cooking fun and simple. The Elica NikolaTesla One named their induction cooktop after the famous inventor for a reason. The high-tech functions are fun and functional.

What is downdraft vent?

While downdraft vents aren’t the ideal ventilation system for all kitchens, they can be an effective solution for certain situations. For example, downdraft ventilation is often used when an overhead hood isn’t possible, such as in kitchens with cathedral ceilings, where the ductwork would be so long it wouldn’t be able to vent effectively. They’re also useful in an island cooktop for homeowners who want to keep the kitchen open and not obstructed by a hood hanging from the ceiling. Downdraft vents are effective when used for grilling, frying, and other cooking applications where you use shallow pots and pans.

How does a downdraft vent work?

Downdraft vents work by pulling the air across the cooking surface and drawing smoke, steam and grease down through a filter and into a duct that carries it beneath the floor or along the cabinet kick space and outside your home. Downdraft vents are typically integrated into the surface of your cooktop, ...

Why are downdraft vents so ineffective?

Because of their design, downdraft vents work harder than updraft systems to remove air, and are usually ineffective at drawing steam, odors and smoke from burners that are farthest away, and from tall stockpots. Steam and hot air produced by cooking typically rises, and a downdraft system essentially fights the natural laws of physics.

How high do downdraft vents go?

Downdraft systems are a venting option that allows you to keep the vent out of view. They pop up only when in use, rising about 8 to 10 inches above the top of the cooking surface, although some models may rise slightly higher than this. In some cooktop models, the vent is integrated into the surface of the cooktop near ...

How high does a downdraft vent rise?

That’s right; some telescopic downdraft vents will rise from your cooktop no more than 10 inches with just the touch of a button. This high-tech appliance not only works well sucking fumes down and out of a duct, but it’s also a kitchen showstopper. Guests will love it!

Can vent hoods go wrong?

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with either a vent hood or a downdraft hood. Visit our store today, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right kind of hood to put in your home!

Is a range hood bigger than a downdraft hood?

For one thing, a range hood is considerably larger than a downdraft hood which means it has the power to cover a larger area and significantly reduce smoke in your kitchen. Another perk of having a vent hood is that it provides better kitchen lighting. A simple switch or touch of a button allows light to shine down on where you are cooking. Vent hoods also have a knack for hiding in plain sight, and instead of looking bulky, they will add luxury to your kitchen.

Is it easier to clean downdraft vents than a large vent hood?

Do you detest cleaning? If so, downdraft vents are easier to clean than a large vent hood.

Where is the downdraft vent located?

The important and characteristic difference, however, is that downdraft vents are located behind the cooktop, rather than above it. They pull the air horizontally away from ...

How does a downdraft work?

Where a range hood can work with physics and collect the hot air that rises, filter it, and expel heat out of the house, a downdraft has to work against the natural air flow to pull that hot air sideways, at an angle and down through the ductwork to pull it from the working area.

Why is it important to vent your kitchen?

Every chef knows the importance of proper airflow in the kitchen. Obnoxious smells can cloud the air and some cooking fumes are actually harmful. That’s why every kitchen should have some form of ventilation system near the cooking area directly. Venting or filtering your cooking area keeps the air fresher, and keeps surfaces and kitchen decor cleaner.

How to get the most out of a pop up vent?

To get the most out of a pop-up vent, there are a few common features and traits among the vents to be aware of before you buy. These tips will help you narrow down the best fit for your needs. Height - Check the height of your pots and pans before purchasing a downdraft vent. Whatever is released into the air above the level ...

Why do we need pop up vents?

They provide more control of the design of your kitchen because they can be hidden when not in use, making the ventilation system a purely functional detail.

Can you use a pop up vent in a kitchen?

They are great for minimalist, open-floor plan kitchens, and for use on cooking islands. Pop-up vents are particularly useful in kitchens with high ceilings, where a bulky range hood would be otherwise in the way.

Can a range hood be used in a multistory home?

Range hoods have a higher capture area and plenty of power behind their filtration systems, but they take up a lot of space and are not always possible in multi-story homes. That’s where the downdraft vent comes in.

What is a downdraft fan?

A fan pulls air into the vent. However, if you have a kitchen design with a cathedral ceiling, don’t want to block sightlines, or it's otherwise impossible to install ventilation above the rangetop, downdraft is pretty much your only option. ADVERTISEMENT.

Why are downdraft fans installed above the cooking surface?

More importantly, the downdraft fans are constantly fighting basic physics. Hot air rises , after all, along with all the grease and smoke and steam that comes from sautéing, boiling, and frying. That’s why most kitchen ventilation is installed above the cooking surface. In contrast, a downdraft range must pull air against its natural tendency, ...

Why do downdraft ranges have such a bad reputation?

Judy wrote to say she's looking for a downdraft range from anyone but Jenn-Air:

Why is Jenn Air downdraft range so flawed?

Jenn-Air only builds them because a small percentage of consumers can’t install anything else in their homes. In general, downdraft ranges get a lot of complaints because it's impossible for a downdraft's airflow to be as effective as traditional ventilation.

When did Kitchenaid release downdraft models?

In 2015, KitchenAid announced a new lineup of downdraft models, which generated a lot of interest among our readers.

What is the best ventilation for a commercial kitchen?

The best choice for kitchen ventilation will always be a vented range hood , which is why commercial kitchens have such strict building code requirements. Any other installation will require some compromises—but those are the tradeoffs of turning a dream kitchen into reality.

Can you install a pop up vent on a cooktop?

Your only real alternative would be to install a standalone pop-up ventilation system, which sits behind a cooktop and rises up only when needed. These can be pretty expensive, and require some remodeling—but they come in many styles, are made by multiple manufacturers, and can be compatible with different kinds of cooktops. With the exception of a few models from Dacor that fit behind a range, pop-up models are only compatible with cooktops.

How high can downdraft vents be?

The vents stay hidden and can usually rise to a height of at least 10 inches when in use. When cooking is finished, the system can be lowered back down into its base.

What is the best way to vent a kitchen?

The most common option for kitchen ventilation is the hood fan, which uses updraft ventilation. The hood fan is mounted directly above the cooktop or stovetop area and is designed to pull grease, steam, smoke, and vapors from the stove top up through a filtration system, then either through a duct system to the outdoors or back into the kitchen.

Is a downdraft fan better than a hood fan?

Drawbacks to using a downdraft kitchen ventilation system include a lower efficiency at drawing steam from taller pots and pans that may be used, and they are overall less effective than a hood fan. In addition, some of them may interfere with gas cooktop flames.

Is an updraft hood better than a downdraft?

The pros of using updraft hood vans are that they are more effective than downdraft ventilation, and there are many innovative designs available today that offer many great low-profile options. Some of them are even designed to turn on automatically when cooking begins and temperature increases.

Is vent hood good for cooking?

Vent Hood – Which One is For You? While it’s true that cooking can fill your entire home with fantastic, tempting smells and flavorful visions of glorious meals, using that cooktop without proper ventilation can also stress surfaces, create heat, fumes, smoke, and bad odors, and can damage surfaces in the kitchen.

Which is better, ducting or downdraft?

Duct Run: The best ducting follows gravity and where the smoke is naturally headed. So straight up is best. Short horizontal runs of the straight back are ok as well. Downdrafts, however, direct the smoke down against gravity and then transition with an elbow reducing static flow. Most downdrafts are longer runs as well.

What is downdraft on a stove?

Downdrafts are a separate item in the back of your cooktop or (heaven forbid) your range. You typically buy them as one piece from 370-600 CFM.

What does CFM mean in venting?

CFM: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It's how many cubes of air flow through the vent in one minute. Downdrafts can vent quite a bit at 1500 CFM max. That is one small room of air per minute, every minute.

Where does JennAir downdraft come from?

JennAir imports their downdraft from Italy. It is a beautiful, stylish piece but is also over $8499.

Is downdraft a good idea?

Downdrafts seem like a good idea but are the by-products of a poorly designed kitchen or as a last resort option only, like a replacement.

Does Thermador downdraft have a recirculating option?

Thermador's downdraft is the only unit with a recirculating option (which is nothing to brag about. It's even less effective).

Is it good to have a high CFM exhaust?

It's good thinking to have a high CFM exhaust for high output cooking.

Why is raised downdraft better than induction?

So this is a better option because it allows you the ability to buy induction or another gas cooktop and incorporate a separate, more powerful downdraft option.

Who makes downdraft cooktops?

JennAir and KitchenAid (both owned by Whirlpool) are the only companies still actively manufacturing downdraft cooktops. It's worse for ranges with the same product marketed by JennAir and Kitchen Aid.

Which is better, gas or electric cooktop?

Electric cooktops with downdrafts are better than gas because electric doesn't generate the heat and smoke of gas.

Do downdrafts exhaust?

Downdrafts do exhaust somewhat. They cannot handle vast amounts of smoke or heat, and they should always be considered the last option, especially with higher output (over 15,000 BTU) burners. Do not place a downdraft behind a pro range. I know it's tempting because you see it on Houzz and other publications.

Is Jennair the same as Kitchenaid?

JennAir and KitchenAid have the only downdraft ranges, and it's the same product. The gas is not gas but dual fuel or a gas top over an electric oven.

Is downdraft cooking a real regulation?

Yes, it's a real regulation, and some inspectors take it seriously. Then you will look at downdraft cooktops and alternatives. Then ranges and their alternatives. So there is a lot to learn. You also need to understand venting and how to vent.

Is it harder to make up air after construction?

Make-Up Air is much harder after your construction is done, so be careful.

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