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.

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.

Do I need a downdraft on my gas range?

Generally, in the U.S., you don't have to vent a residential gas range to the outside. But, we recommend that you buy a range hood to vent contaminants from your gas range to outside your home.

Do you really need a downdraft?

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.

Do I need a downdraft vent?

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.

What is a Down Draft Range?

What is a downdraft and who would need it?

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.

Do you need a vent over a cooktop?

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. For electric stoves, we recommend a range hood of at least 600 CFM.

Does a downdraft stove need to be vented to the outside?

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.

Are recirculating range hoods effective?

Yes. A recirculating range hood works beautifully, the same way as a ducted range hood. The main difference is that rather than the air getting exhausted to the outside, it passes through a filter, and then recirculated back into the house.

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.

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.

Do you need a downdraft with an induction cooktop?

Induction cooktops do not need much venting as gas or electric cooktops do. But they do need ventilation. Residual heat, steam, grease, and smoke are bound to come out of the cooking vessel, which is better handled when you have ventilation. It also depends on what type of cooking you do.

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.

What's the point of a ductless range hood?

A ductless range hood is a kitchen exhaust fan that recirculates your kitchen air through charcoal filters instead of ductwork. Charcoal filters trap grease, dirt, and neutralize odors. Then, the air vents back into the kitchen.

Is a ductless range hood better than nothing?

Unvented range hoods do filter some grease and cooking odors from the air, but the general consensus is that they're nowhere near as effective. Nor do they remove heat and humidity, so they won't help keep your kitchen cool while you cook.

How do I vent my stove without a hood?

Should I put my cooktop on the island?

Installing a range in your island gives you more counter and cabinet space along this perimeter, which can be useful for food preparation and storage. All-in-one cooking: Unlike a separate cooktop/wall oven configuration, kitchen islands with stoves allow you to complete multiple cooking tasks in a single space.

Do downdraft gas stoves work?

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.

Do cooker hoods have to vent outside?

If you've read our other extractor hood articles (Fitting a Cooker Hood, for example), you may be wondering whether all extractor fans for the kitchen need to vent outside. The short answer is no. However, it greatly depends on the extractor fan you buy and which one is best for your kitchen.

Does an electric stove need a vent?

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.

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.