Every kitchen requires a reliable ventilation system. Ventilation removes residual heat, steam, smells, and smoke that result from cooking. This is why induction cooktops manufacturers are continually making induction units with different ventilation options.
Some of the best ventilation hood options are wall-mounted hoods, under-cabinet hoods, ceiling-mounted or free-hanging hoods, and downdraft ventilation. These hoods are stylish and give the kitchen an aesthetic look. In this post, we will look into the top induction cooktop options with downdraft ventilation.
Are There Any Induction Cooktops With Downdrafts?
Yes. There are induction cooktops with downdraft ventilation. These units use unique designs such as built-in fans to pull out steam and smoke downwards. This special air purification technique fights against the rising nature of air to emit smoke and steam. As a result, grease is trapped, the kitchen temperature remains cool, and cooking is made safer.
My Top 5 Induction Cooktops With Downdraft Ventilation
Downdraft ventilation requires advanced features. This is why very few appliance companies are making them. Below are the top five induction cooktop options with downdraft ventilation.
1. GE PP9830DJBB
The GE PP9830DJBB is a 30 inch smooth top 4-burner cooktop with a downdraft ventilation system. This unit is made of durable ceramic material and can accommodate various pan sizes. The induction cooktop has a wide cooktop area, a 30000-watt element, and infrared halogen lamps. It also has a hot surface indicator light, a control lock system, and advanced safety features to allow you to use your induction unit safely.
To use this cooktop, install your unit as you would normally do, but remember to install a downdraft filter ventilation grille at the back of your unit. GE manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty on their downdraft induction cooktop.
2. Elica Nikola Induction Cooktop
This is a 36-inch cooktop with a downdraft ventilation system. This unit is efficient in that it dissipates heat, cooks faster, and boils liquids in seconds. The unit can accommodate different-sized pans and is easy to clean. The general look of this appliance is sleek and neat. No noise is emitted from the ventilation system, and it stays closed unless engaged. We guarantee you will enjoy having an Elica Nikola Tesla 36’’induction unit in your kitchen.
3. Jenn-Air Slide-in With Downdraft
Jenn Air slide-in unit is a 36-inch downdraft range from JennAir. This unit provides a powerful ventilation feature that captures smoke, steam, and other odors from the cooktop’s surface. The ventilation system has a double-speed fan that cleans the air and cools the temperature in the kitchen.
The unit’s exterior is made of ceramic material, which is easy to clean and work with. JennAir slide-in with downdraft has a fast cooking mechanism, a hot surface indicator light, and advanced oven controls. After purchase, the Jenn Air company provides a 2-year warranty on the appliance.
4. KitchenAid 30-inch Downdraft Cooktop
This unit offers a variety of advanced induction cooktop features that make cooking easier and more fun. The unit has 4 heating elements, which reduce the time and energy spent on cooking. The cooktop’s surface is made of ceramic material, while the ventilation unit contains a ventilation duct and three fans that blow out smoke, steam, and other odors. There is a 5-year warranty offered on the appliance.
5. Gaggenau Flex 200 Series
This is another induction cooktop unit with an integrated downdraft. The specific unit I’m talking about here is the model CV282110 that has an advanced ventilation system set to automatically eliminate smoke, steam, and other odors. You can easily cook four separate dishes at the same time.
Besides this, the unit has additional impressive features such as a smartwatch, pot detector, cooking timer, child lock feature, heat indicator, and a safety shut-off feature that makes cooking easier and safer.
Who Makes the Best Downdraft Ventilation?
Although there are many induction cooktops manufacturers, very few of them manufacture downdraft ventilation. The best manufacturers of downdraft ventilation are:
- General Electric Appliance
- Jen-Air Company
- KitchenAid
- Empava
How Do You Choose the Best Downdraft Ventilation?
Without the right information, it can be hard to choose the best downward ventilation system. Read on to explore key factors to consider when buying induction cooktops with downdraft ventilation.
1. Induction Cooktop Material
Induction cooktops with downdraft ventilation require durable, powerful, safe, and easy to clean material. Ceramic material is mostly used in induction units with downdraft ventilation as it’s easy to use and aids in the overall performance of the appliance.
2. Size of Your Cooktop
The size of your cooktop is dictated by the meals you cook in a day and the number of burners you use simultaneously. The bigger the size of the cooktop, the easier it is to manage steam, smoke, and grease. Downdraft ventilation works best in big cooktops than in smaller ones.
3. Number of Burners
Multiple burner cooktops work well with downdraft ventilation compared to cooktops with a single burner.
4. Ventilating Power
Although induction cooktops produce less ambient heat, they still require an effective ventilation system. Induction units with higher cubic feet of air trap grease, smoke, and steam and release them effectively.
5. Spill Protection
An ideal downdraft Induction cooktop should have a liquid protection feature. This feature protects spills on the surface of your induction unit from reaching the heating surface. As a result, spill-related incidences are well-handled, and your cooktop is protected.
6. Advanced Features
It is important for induction cooktops with integrated downdraft to have advanced safety features. Control locks, hot surface indicators, and the keep warm function are some of the advanced safety features that make your downdraft induction unit more effective. The features prevent unintentional set-offs, alert you when the induction surface is still warm, and allow you to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.
Are Downdraft Cooktops Effective?
Yes. Downdraft cooktops are effective, especially when cooking in closed spaces or kitchens with limited space. These ventilation systems ensure that smoke, steam, and grease don’t pile or gather up in your enclosed cooking space. Downdraft cooktops provide an escape for the smoke, leaving the kitchen temperature cool and clean.
Can You Replace a Downdraft Cooktop With a Regular Cooktop?
Yes. You can replace a downdraft cooktop with a regular cooktop. Like with any appliance, you may encounter some issues when using a downdraft cooktop that may result in you replacing them. But before replacing a downdraft induction unit, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Renovation costs
- Availability of ventilation options and their requirements
- Spacing and modification options
- Local code requirements for homes and buildings
- Venting materials
- Comfort and general aesthetics
Can You Add a Downdraft to a Cooktop?
Yes, you can add a downdraft to a regular cooktop. If you are in the market for a downdraft cooktop and none of the available options suit your preference, you can always merge a powerful downdraft to the cooktop you already have. Just ensure that the downdraft ventilation system has safety features, a high CFM rating, and you can effortlessly use it.
Do you still have questions about cooktops that use downdraft ventilation? Here are interesting answers to some of the related questions.
How Much Ventilation Does Your Kitchen Need?
Ventilation is a key factor to consider when buying an induction cooktop. It determines the size and location of your cooktop. It also ensures kitchen-related odors are cleared up, and there is more brightness in your space. Cooktop manufacturers in association with the home ventilating institute recommend a 50 CFM for a 30’hood. This ventilation feature ensures that there is sufficient air circulation in the kitchen. It is important to position your induction cooktop in a well-ventilated space.
How Do You Clean a Downdraft Cooktop?
Like with other kitchen appliances, it is essential to keep your downdraft cooktop clean. A clean cooktop lasts longer, performs better, and retains its original shine. On the other hand, a dirty cooktop unit can be painful to look at and very difficult to work with, especially when the cooktop is covered with burned-on food spills, grease, and other forms of dirt. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a downdraft cooktop.
- Ensure your induction unit is switched off and cool.
- Refer to your induction cooktop’s manual to understand the best way to clean your cooktop.
- Wipe off all spills. If left unattended, spills could damage your cooktop’s exterior.
- Use water and a mild abrasive to clean your ventilation grill.
- Use warm water and mild detergent to clean your filters.
Occasionally clean your ventilation chamber to remove grease coating and other spillages. Don’t pour the detergent directly into the ventilation chamber but use a damp cloth immersed in detergent to handle the ventilation chamber.
Note
It is important to use gentle abrasives. Gentle abrasives not only loosen stubborn stains but also take care of your cooktop. Your choice of cleaning spray should not leave cleaning trails on the cooktop surface.
Avoid using steel wool, abrasive powders, or ammonia cleaners on your cooktops. These products cause extensive damage. Where prompted to use a sharp object to remove baked spills, push your metal scrapers away from your body. This will help you avoid unforeseen injuries.
Occasionally use vinegar and baking soda as natural cleaners. You can make a thick paste of baking soda and water and use it on your cooktop. For a successful clean-up, smear a sizeable amount of the paste around the stubborn stains and use a scrubbing pad to clean the stains. Work in a circular motion for a more effective job.
Induction Cooktop With Integrated Downdraft Power Requirements
Just like other induction cooktops, induction cooktops with integrated downdraft are energy efficient and distribute heat consistently. Electric consumption in these units is not in any way related to their ventilation system. However, it is equivalent to the number of burners used at a time. A one-burner induction cooktop will consume little power than a two, four, or five-burner induction cooktop.
Downdraft Induction Cooktops’ Common Problems
Most induction cooktops with integrated downdraft are made of ceramic material that scratches and cracks easily. The scratches could result from applying pressure on the induction cooktop surface by placing an abrasive or heavy cooking pot, the occasional movement of heavy cast iron cookware on the induction cooktop, or piled-up dirt that sticks from spilled milk or saturated sugar. These cracks not only interfere with the aesthetics of the cooktop unit but also its general operation.
Luckily, the scratches can be managed using the following simple steps:
- Clean your cooktop regularly.
- Wipe and clean up spills immediately after they occur. Leaving spills unattended increases their chance of sticking onto your cooktop.
- Keep off abrasive cookware material from your induction cooktop. Avoid rough cookware such as cast iron, stone, and porcelain. Instead, use smoothly-bottomed pots and pans.
- Avoid moving the cookware back and forth over the cooktop’s burner. Moving cooking pots and sauces carelessly on the cooktop leaves scratches. Instead, lift your pans/pots from the surface and move them without touching the surface.
- Keep off heavy items from your induction cooktop. The weight of heavy items exerts a lot of pressure on the fragile induction top resulting in scratches and cracks.
- Avoid placing cold cookware on a heated cooktop.
- Use an induction cooktop cover to protect the cooktop from cracks and scratches. The mat will also help retain your cooktop’s original shiny look and prevents your cookware from sliding while on top of induction cooktops.
- Ensure that your Induction Cooktop unit fits comfortably in your kitchen space. Forcing your unit to sit well on a constrained kitchen space will stain your unit and create scratches on your cooktop.
- Avoid contact between your induction cooktop and aluminum foil!
- Avoid chopping vegetables on your cooktop. Don’t use your cooktop as a chopping block!
Other common induction cooktop problems are; the cooktop not turning on, the cooktop keeps turning off, non-adjusting burner temperature sparks when the cooktop is turned on, and damaged or worn-out electric coils. The good news is that these problems are easy to fix. You can even fix them by yourself.
Induction cooktops perform optimally with a good ventilation system. A good ventilation system should be safe and should add comfort and safety to your cooking space. It should also have good and adjustable direct overhead lighting. Invest in a good ventilation system and enjoy safer cooking. Happy shopping!
