Do downdraft ranges need to be vented?

Downdraft ranges have built-in vents between the burners, and suck smoke and steam through an exhaust pipe or filtration system. That means they don't need an external vent hood—a trait that makes them popular in open kitchens, and kitchens with cathedral ceilings.

Where does a downdraft range vent to?

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 the cooktop, and the vents send the collected contaminated air to be filtered down below the countertop.

How does a downdraft cooktop vent?

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.

Are downdraft stoves any good?

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. For one thing, they can't move much air without extinguishing gas burners. As it stands, customers often complain of flickering flames when the fan is on.

Why do you need a downdraft range?

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.

All about Downdraft ventilation

How do you vent a range without a hood?

Does an island cooktop need a vent?

With a kitchen island, you do not have the usual option of installing an exhaust hood against the wall, with the odors and smoke drawn straight out of a vent in the wall and safely away. Instead, you must either vent up or down.

Can downdraft be used with gas range?

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.

How much does it cost to install a downdraft vent?

Downdraft range hoods pop up vertically behind your stove and usually cost $1,500 to $3,000 for materials and labor.

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.

Do ranges have to be vented?

We sometimes have customers call in asking if they need a vent hood for their electric stove. The truth is that you should consider a vent for your electric stove. Even if you cook one or two times a week, a vent hood can be beneficial for you. It will clean your indoor air and improve your indoor air quality.

Do you need a downdraft with an electric cooktop?

While a range hood is best when cooking with fuels, it is still important to ventilate when using an electric cooktop—especially for those who cook regularly. But if a range hood does not fit in your kitchen, many companies now offer downdraft systems incorporated into the cooking surface.

Do you need a vent over an oven?

Yes. Gas stoves produce intense heat and smoke, so you need a kitchen fan that can vent heavy cooking exhaust outside your home. Buy a range hood that is at least 900 CFM to keep your kitchen air clean and fresh.

How much does Home Depot charge to install a range hood?

In general, a range hood will cost between $200 and $500 to install. Island range hoods are on the higher end of this price range, while under cabinet hoods are on the lower end.

How much does Lowes charge to install a range hood?

In general, plan on about $200 to $500 depending on the complexity of your installation. This includes the labor cost of installing a new vent hood and does not include parts, adding or modifying ductwork, or electrical work.

Why does a gas stove not need to be vented?

These pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. The study found that gas burners are often used without the support of a vented range hood and this greatly increases the risk of deadly gas buildup.

How do you vent a range on an island?

Up or Down. Hoods that install on your ceiling draw the air upward and away from your island cooktop. If you do not want to have a hood hanging from your ceiling, a downdraft hood may be a good option for your island cooktop.

When should you not have a kitchen island?

The general rule is that you will need at least 42 to 48 inches (106.68 cm to 121.92 cm) of open space around your island. Another life-saving guideline: if your kitchen is less than 13 feet wide, we don't recommend adding an island at all.

Can you have a gas cooktop without a vent?

It is not safe to have a gas stove without a vent. Although they are not required in America, vent hoods are crucial to improving your indoor air quality. Since Americans today spend over 90% of their time indoors, venting out pollutants and cooking exhaust is all the more important.

What happens if you don't have a vent hood?

It is not safe to cook without a range hood. Everyday cooking produces harmful contaminants including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and more. Without proper ventilation, these toxins sit in your kitchen and move to other areas of your home.

How well do ductless range hoods work?

Yes. However, they are not as efficient as ducted range hoods that vent kitchen air to the outside of your home. Ductless range hoods use charcoal filters which trap some grease and odors but are not as effective as the stainless steel baffle and mesh filters of ducted range hoods.

Are kitchens required to have vents?

Although range hoods are not mandatory according to the IRC, California code requires mechanical ventilation in the kitchen that exhausts 100 CFM (intermittent ventilation) or allows 5 air changes per hour (continuous ventilation).

Is a vent required for electric range?

Electric stoves are low-powered and should need a ventilation output between 150 and 300 CFM. (Electric deep fryers should be treated as a gas stovetop.