Are there such things as downdraft exhaust systems for cooktops that are NOT part of the cooktop? If so, does anyone recommend a particular brand/model? We don’t like our present cooktop, but are restricted to a 30″ unit. There is presently a downdraft between the burners. There is not a decent way to do an overhead exhaust, so we need to stick to a downdraft. But if we could get a separate downdraft, that might open up the choice set of cooktops.
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Replies
u might want to post this in cooks talk....they prob. have better handle on types of cooktops out there.
Good idea! Thanks.
Bryan
I don't know about models/brands but yes you can.
We installed a kitchen and I remember running the duct work on the back side of the island for the downdraft unit. I know that we used their existing oven/stove and the downdraft unit was new.
Check with a appliance dealer, not a big box store.
Doug
I have wired a few in the past, I think Thermidor makes a stand-alone that goes between cooktop and wall and rises up about 6"when you turn it on.
Dont recall the brand but thats exactly how they worked.
Doug
I installed a Thermador in a Butcher Block top serving a radiant electric stove.A lil tricky to layout and it had a 9" duct so leave space in bottom cabinet.The fan motor which was a like a DC-3 motor was installed in the crawl space. Pretty cool tho..could suck a napkin off a pan on the closest burner.
I had the Thermador in my old house. It did a reasonable job with exhausting steam, smoke, etc, but also could suck the flame off a burner set on simmer and cause it to constantly crackle to restart itself.
We moved into our new house back in Jan. Our 36" gas Wolf cooktop has a downdraft vent just behind the unit. The downdraft vent unit is a 36" wide Rangemaster by Broan-NuTone. Our appliance salesman recommended that unit - he claimed other appliance makers but the Broan unit, re-badge and up the price. It seems to have sufficient airflow, but we don't have a grill on the Wolf either.
The Broan has variable speed - make sure you have enuff space for the vent thru the floor and horizontally between the joists to an exterior discharge location. Broan also makes 30" units. Make sure you get a chance to hear the fan noise, it doesn't bother me, but isn't not dead quiet either.
Good luck,
There are plenty available, Dacor, Thermador, GE and others all make them. They install behind a drop-in cooktop and the wall.
The general view is that they are not as effective as a hood, but like you say you can't always do a hood. I think they're fine for most cooking task, but if you have a grill unit they really don't have the draw you need.