At a Glance:
Recommended Downdraft Cooktop Picks
Cooking an amazing meal comes with its necessities. First and foremost, having a first-rate cooktop is essential for putting together an amazing meal. There are a great variety of options on the market today, but one cooktop may be unknown to you. A downdraft cooktop is a new and highly innovative option that might just be the missing piece of all your cooking dreams. Keep reading to learn more about downdraft cooktops, how they work, and, the top models on the market, as well as some answers to frequently asked questions.
Discover Downdraft Cooktop Deals
Experience the fusion of a cooktop and kitchen ventilation all in one with our selection of downdraft stovetops at Plaza Appliance Mart
Shop NowWhat is a Downdraft Cooktop?
First, let’s discuss what a downdraft cooktop is since the concept is new to many. A downdraft cooktop is like a conventional cooktop, with one specific difference. While your typical cooktop uses an overhead venting hood to draw up the smoke, steam, and fumes from your burners, downdraft cooktops do the opposite. They draw these things down into the burners themselves, where the ventilation is integrated below and behind the oven’s exterior.
As a result, a downdraft cooktop keeps you from needing a hood for ventilation over your cooktop by placing the appliance right into the cooking surface instead. While still new to most buyers, many homeowners are choosing downdraft cooktops in kitchens that are minimal or very open so that there isn’t a big eyesore created by a ventilation hood. Whatever the case may be, if you prefer a clean, simplified look for your kitchen, a downdraft cooktop could be the perfect choice.
There are many brands that sell downdraft cooktops. Some of the most well-known brands include KitchenAid, JennAir, GE Profile, Thermador, and Viking. There are plenty of options to choose from when purchasing your downdraft cooktop.
Using Downdraft Cooktops
Cooking with a downdraft cooktop can provide numerous benefits. For one, the built-in venting system allows you to eliminate the need for an overhead vent, freeing up your cooking space. A downdraft cooktop is an excellent option if you have ever felt claustrophobic from a huge vent hanging over your head while making dinner.
Downdraft cooktops also free up more space in your kitchen for storage. If you feel you don’t have enough cabinet space, eliminating the need for a large venting hood over your cooktop will free up space and allow you to install more storage options if you wish. Plus, downdraft cooktops are often quieter than the traditional vent hood, so you can cook in peace while still being sure the excess smoke and odor from your cooking will be eliminated by the downdraft vent system.
As with any kitchen appliance, there are pros and cons to installing a downdraft cooktop, and we have listed some of these below:
Pros:
✅ Flexibility to put oven anywhere since no vent hood is needed
✅ Ideal for a tidy presentation
✅ Easy access to filters when cleaning is needed
✅ Most discreet ventilation option
Cons:
✖ If they are too powerful, they can extinguish flames from gas burners
✖ Often have lower CFM
Recommended Downdraft Cooktop Picks
After conduction our own downdraft cooktop reviews, we can confidently suggest these newer appliances to households that cook casually, enjoy cuisine that requires lower heat settings (for instance, wok cooking wouldn’t be recommended), and homeowners who like sleek appliances. With that said, the following models check all those boxes—check them out!
KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Shop This KitchenAid Downdraft Cooktop
This electric cooktop with downdraft will take your cooking convenience to a whole new level. Its incredible features make it stand out from other cooktops, with upgrades like a 10” Even-Heat™ Ultra- Element with Simmer feature, which ensures you receive the perfect amount of power needed for whatever food item you’re cooking. Its 3-speed fan control offers a variety of filtration settings to remove odors, grease, and steam from the air for a healthier, more comfortable cooking environment. For added, safety the Hot Surface Indicator will help you keep from burning yourself when the surface remains hot after cooking—just another added bonus this downdraft electric cooktop provides backed by the professional design of KitchenAid.
Featured KitchenAid KCED600GSS review: “I bought this stovetop to replace a much older one and I am impressed with the design and function of this product. It heats quickly and is made well. There are not a lot of choices with downdrafts today but this is a good well made stovetop.”
KitchenAid® 36" Stainless Steel Gas Downdraft Cooktop
hop This KitchenAid Gas Downdraft Cooktop
Upgrade your kitchen instantly by adding this gas cooktop with downdraft to your home. With electronic ignition, these burners begin with a spark, and automatic reignition ensures it stays lit as long as you need it. Cast iron grates cover the entirety of the KitchenAid downdraft cooktop, so you can use any size pan as you prepare your meals. The 17K BTU burner can manage all temperature levels needed to cook all food to perfection, whether searing, frying, or steaming.
At 36” wide, this downdraft gas cooktop is ideal for larger kitchens, and with 300 CFM of circulation, it has plenty of power to remove air pollutants, even when the cooktop is on its highest setting.
Featured KitchenAid KCGD506GSS review : “I have had my KitchenAid gas downdraft cooktop for a month and I really love it! The cooktop is easy to clean and the downdraft really sucks the air away. I had an electric cooktop and love the responsiveness of a gas cooktop. I enjoy cooking again and the cleanup is easy.”
JennAir® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Shop This Jenn Air Downdraft Cooktop
This Jenn Air downdraft cooktop is what your kitchen is missing. It is a top-of-the-line model in its class for many reasons. Perimetric Extraction quickly sucks in vapors produced while cooking, providing an effective venting system, yet also quiet so as not to disturb you while you cook. The DuraFinish® Glass Protection is scratch-resistant and helps keep your cooktop with downdraft looking pristine no matter how much you use it. If luxury is your liking, this cooktop with built-in vent is well worth the purchase!
Featured Jenn Air JED3430GS review : “I have always had great experience with Jenn-Air products and this one does not disappoint! It looks beautiful, and the downdraft is fantastic; surprisingly powerful…I highly recommend this product!”
JennAir® 36" Stainless Steel Gas Downdraft Cooktop
Shop This Jenn Air 36" Downdraft Cootkop
This JennAir stove top with downdraft is highly rated and for good reason. Its ventilation system has three speeds, so you can control how powerful the air is, which sweeps away odor and grease while you’re cooking. The Ultra-High and Ultra-Low Output burners allow you to cook foods exactly as you need, whether searing, melting, or boiling. The burners also contain a removable base, so you can easily remove them for cleaning, and the DuraFinish® Protection is scratch-resistant, so your cooktop will remain in beautiful condition no matter how much you use it.
Featured Jenn Air JGD3536GS review: “It's my dream stove. Had a downdraft 30" 4-burner for 20 years, and replaced it last month. It's absolutely beautiful, and cooks even better than the old one. Plus, l have 5 burners now!”
Downdraft cooktops are an excellent choice to upgrade your kitchen. Their replacement of a ventilation hood allows you more freedom in your kitchen, as you can decide where to install your cooktop. Plus, it enables you to have a cleaner, more simplistic style in your kitchen. To learn more about these newcomers, be sure to browse our selection online or visit our appliance store near you today.
FAQs
What is a downdraft cooktop?
A downdraft cooktop works the same as a conventional cooktop, the main difference being it comes with an integrated ventilation system. While many ovens use a ventilation hood to remove odors and grease while cooking, downdraft cooktops have an internal ventilation system that draws the air back into the burner, where it is vented outside or filtered back into the air.
Are downdraft cooktops effective?
Downdraft cooktops are effective, as they successfully vent out the odor and smoke in the air that is created while cooking. Though you cannot see it, downdraft cooktops have an unseen ventilation system that clears the air by drawing it inward. However, keep in mind that most models are lower than 500 CFMs. Manufactures typically provide enough CFM to keep up with heat output, but always be sure to verify you have enough ventilation for your cooktop.
How does a downdraft vent work?
A downdraft vent is built-in to the inside of the oven. Then, when smoke and grease get into the air while you’re cooking, the vent sucks this air down into the venting system, where it is either vented outside or filtered back out into the kitchen.
How can I find downdraft cooktops near me?
Many appliance stores carry downdraft cooktops, and you should have no trouble locating one near you. At Plaza Appliance Mart, we carry the best name in downdraft cooktops, plus we offer appliance deals and promotions at competitive prices.
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you're remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they'd say they're not just employees, they're family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together make for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Downdraft Cooktops at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop range hoods online today! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you explore our downdraft cooktop selection — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: 4 Stunning Electric Cooktops of the Year