WHAT IS A DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP OR RANGE?

A downdraft cooktop or range features a ventilation system integrated right into the cooking surface of the appliance. This style of integrated ventilation for a range or cooktop is always ready to use and always out of the way. For cooktops, keep in mind that you’ll need under-counter cabinet space to house the blower and plenum, two components that are essential to the operation of a downdraft cooktop.

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HELP CLEAR THE AIR WITH A DOWNDRAFT RANGE OR COOKTOP

Q: WHAT IS A DOWNDRAFT RANGE HOOD?

Retractable downdraft hoods—more generally known as retractable downdraft systems—are installed behind your cooktop or slide-in range. They extend while you are cooking, then retract to sit flush with the cooking surface when not in use. Downdraft range hoods provide a sleek, modern solution when your appliance doesn’t have an integrated system and your kitchen cannot accommodate a range hood.

Q: HOW DO I COOK USING A DOWNDRAFT ELECTRIC RANGE OR COOKTOP?

For best results, the downdraft ventilation fan for an electric range or cooktop should be turned on before any of the heating elements. Tall pots should be located on burners closest to the vent. In some models, this may be to the rear; in other models, this may be the center. During cooking, a higher heat setting may be needed to compensate for airflow along the cooktop surface. Higher fan speeds may remove heat from cookware.

Whether you’re searing a Wagyu steak or steaming broccolini from the garden, your favorite ingredients sizzling away in your kitchen are a sign of yet another amazing meal to come. Unfortunately, the steam, grease and odors that result from cooking can linger, creating unpleasant odors and potentially compromising your indoor air quality.

If your kitchen is not equipped with a range hood or other ventilation system, KitchenAid^® downdraft ranges, downdraft cooktops and retractable hoods offer an elegant solution to help clear the air while you experiment with your latest recipes.

Salmon cooking on a downdraft electric range with a lit up red element

What is a Downdraft Range or Cooktop?

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. A retractable unit—sometimes called a downdraft range hood—is another form of downdraft ventilation that rises from near the cooking surface when in use.

Smoke and odors can be vented outside through duct work, or air can be filtered and recirculated inside, with a duct-free vent accessory. Ductless vent accessories can be installed with a cooktop to filter the air before it re-enters your home. KitchenAid brand offers a ductless downdraft vent kit that fits several brands of cooktops and can help you avoid costly renovations in kitchens without outdoor ventilation options.

Since downdraft ventilation systems eliminate the need for an overhead vent, they can be a great option for open floor plans, kitchen island cooktops and kitchens that lack range hood capacity. Whatever system you choose, downdraft ventilation can help you fearlessly flambé seafood or sauté garlic along with other pungent ingredients without the lingering smells.

Downdraft hood sucking up smoke from scallops cooking on a downdraft gas range

How Does a Downdraft Range or Cooktop Work?

Downdraft ranges and cooktops use a built-in ventilation system that pulls air across your cooking surface and draws fumes, steam and smoke through a duct system that vents outside your home or recirculates filtered air back into your kitchen.

Are Downdraft Cooktops Effective?

Downdraft cooktops and ranges can be just as effective as overhead ventilation systems. Both options help to keep your kitchen smoke- and odor-free as you make old favorites and experiment with new ingredients. Appliances with downdraft ventilation offer a sleek and seamless feel to your kitchen without taking up extra overhead cabinet space.

KitchenAid® kitchen hood over a gas cooktop

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SHOP KitchenAid^® Downdraft Cooktops

A downdraft cooktop can help maintain the clean lines and sleek look of an open kitchen design. Cooktops can be outfitted with a duct-free ventilation kit to add even more flexibility to this installation.

KitchenAid^® downdraft cooktops, in gas and electric, offer built-in ventilation, eliminating the need for an overhead hood. They are a smart choice for open-concept kitchens and space-saving layouts. Whether installed in an island, peninsula or traditional counter, these cooktops pull odors, steam and grease directly from the cooking surface. Available in gas or electric, each model has been designed to help you eliminate smoke and odors while you cook.

DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP VS. DOWNDRAFT RANGE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The main difference between downdraft ranges and downdraft cooktops is appliance function. A range is an appliance that combines both a cooktop and an oven in one appliance. Cooktops are a flat, open cooking surface that does not have an oven below. Downdraft ventilation is available in both cooktops and ranges, so you can choose the best appliance to fit your kitchen’s style.

Explore KitchenAid^® Downdraft Ranges

If you prefer a full range but are unable to accommodate a range hood to pair with it, an integrated downdraft system can be a great choice. Available in both electric and dual fuel options, you can purchase a downdraft range from KitchenAid brand that matches your favorite cooking style. Additional features on select models like Even-Heat^™ True Convection, SatinGlide^® Max racks and large capacities give you a complete cooking experience that keeps up with your imagination.

A man cooking for a woman on a downdraft gas cooktop set into a kitchen island

HOW TO USE A DOWNDRAFT ELECTRIC RANGE OR COOKTOP

Downdraft ranges perform much like a standard gas or electric range with the added benefit of an integrated downdraft venting system, typically located in the middle of the cooktop. For optimal results, the downdraft ventilation fan for an electric range or cooktop should be turned on before any of the heating elements. Tall pots should be located on burners closest to the vent. In some models, this may be to the rear; in other models, this may be the center.

During cooking, a higher heat setting may be needed to compensate for airflow along the cooktop surface. Higher fan speeds may remove some heat from cookware.

HOW TO USE A DOWNDRAFT GAS RANGE OR COOKTOP

When using a downdraft range or cooktop with gas burners, you may wish to make adjustments to your cooking style so you continue to get great results. When cooking with gas, it’s important to use a lower fan setting or a higher burner setting for optimal performance.

Adjusting to the lowest fan setting required for the load and making adjustments in burner power can help maintain cooking performance.

Man turning on a downdraft vent while meat cooks on the stove

What is a Downdraft Range Hood?

Retractable downdraft hoods are installed behind your cooktop or slide-in range and extend while you are cooking, then retract to sit flush with the cooking surface when not in use. Downdraft range hoods from KitchenAid brand provide a sleek, modern solution when your appliance doesn’t have an integrated system and your kitchen cannot accommodate a range hood.

Find the Right KitchenAid^® Downdraft Range Hood

If your kitchen can’t accommodate a traditional range hood or microwave hood combination, a downdraft range hood vent may be a good option. Ideal for flush mount cooktops and slide-in ranges, downdraft range vents can retract to become level with your cooking surface when not in use.

No matter which model you choose, KitchenAid^® retractable downdraft systems are designed to help clear the air so you can focus on your next meal.

Overhead view of a downdraft gas range set into the island of a kitchen

IS A DOWNDRAFT RANGE OR COOKTOP RIGHT FOR ME?

It depends on your personal cooking preferences, style and kitchen layout, but a downdraft range or cooktop may be right for you if you’re looking for a space-saving, low-profile ventilation solution—especially in kitchens with tall ceilings, limited wall space or open-concept layouts.

These systems offer flexible placement options, free up overhead cabinet space, and feature built-in or add-on vents that pull air directly from the cooking surface. They’re also easy to maintain and complement modern kitchen aesthetics with a clean, minimalist look.

Explore KitchenAid^® Downdraft Cooktops, Ranges and Hoods

Need a cooktop or range that enables your culinary explorations? Downdraft ventilation offers a sleek, modern solution that helps preserve unobstructed sightlines, saves space by eliminating the need for overhead hoods, and works especially well in kitchens with high ceilings where traditional venting isn’t practical. Expand your possibilities with KitchenAid^® downdraft cooktops and ranges, and find features and accessories that help you experiment with new techniques and recipes.