Downdraft Cooktops: What Are The Options?

There are a number of good options when it comes to shopping for a downdraft cooktop, so it's good to know what you're looking for.

Today, there are only a few companies making downdraft cooktops, and most options come in either electric or gas configurations (although, as we'll touch on later, there are induction options as well).

When it comes to both electric and gas downdraft cooktops, Jenn-Air and Kitchenaid will have you covered. For Kitchenaid, the three speeds of the downdraft fan allow you to get as much or as little airflow as is needed to clear the air (up to 300 cubic feet per minute, or CFM). These fans have the option of switching to ductless ventilation, meaning they can function without outside ventilation, filtering and then recirculating the air back into the kitchen. As far as the cooktops themselves, the electric cooktops come complete with a smattering of features, including two Even-Heat™ elements, which allow for precision simmering or melting while preventing overboiling or scorching.

Kitchenaid's gas offerings carry the same downdraft power, but come sporting 17,000 BTU professional burners for high temperature cooking, while still easily sustaining lower temperatures for techniques such as simmering. These electronically ignited burners also come with automatic re-ignition, so should the flame go out for whatever reason, the flame will re-ignite itself (which is also useful for preventing gas from filling the room, should the flame suddenly go out).

If we turn to Jenn-Air's options, we can see that their downdraft fans offer much the same functionality. With 3 different speeds, topping out at about 297 CFM, these fans also offer the option of going ductless, just like Kitchenaid's. With Jenn-Air, though, you do get options not available on the Kitchenaid models. On the electric cooktops, you'll get Jenn-Air's patented Durafinish® glass protection, which can keep the ceramic glass cooktop looking like new by resisting scratching. Similar to Kitchenaid, these too have a size-switchable burner, though on the 36” configuration, that burner offers three different sizes (6”/9”/12”) instead of two (9”/12”).

Jenn-Air's gas offerings also come finished with the the company's Durafinish® glass protection. The burners also have a 17,000 BTU output, but can go as low as 5,000 BTU for the gentle cooking of sauces and other foods.

All the above cooktops come in both 30” and 36” variations, which include 4 and 5 burners, respectively. For our final option, we turn to Fisher and Paykel, and their 36” induction downdraft cooktop.

For the induction converts and enthusiasts among us, this will definitely be the pick of the litter. Boasting a downdraft fan with 9 different speeds (plus a boost function), this minimalist cooktop comes ready to please. It offers 4 cooking zones, including two which can be combined for cooking in larger pans. With precision temperature settings, this one will be a no-brainer for fans of induction cooking.

Although there is a slight limitation when it comes to options for downdraft cooktops, the offerings are not lacking in quality or available features. If you're interested in checking out the beauty of the downdraft for the first time, or looking for a replacement for an older downdraft cooktop, there's no better place to shop than right here at your local Kelly's Appliance.