Jenn Air Downdraft Range Replacement Options

15 years ago

I haven't posted here for a while, but I enjoy reading the postings daily. I have to replace my 12 years old downdraft range. After reading the reviews, I don't want to

invest in another one, although the one that I have has been maintenance free except for replacing the front control panel.

I have to have downdraft, so I have few options. I am considering a downdraft cooktop with an oven directly under. Am I missing something? Are there other options/suggestions?

I do appreciate your response.

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busybee3

14 years ago

i recently replaced my jennair downdraft cooktop and am AMAZED at how much better my new cooktop (DCS) cooks!!! much more even cooking and superior heat control. also heats a pot of water much faster...higher btus. i expected to like it better, but wasn't expecting to be this satisfied! the telescopic downdraft works much better too and not having that skinny hole to clean anymore would make the new vent worth it alone!!!

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Comments (8)

asturias
14 years ago
I am in the same boat. Replacing my second Jennair, --maybe I should just keep it?

Can not help you too much. what I have been told, is that the size of the ductwork will be different. Depending on the space and the size of the ducts in the new system, you could be looking at trouble. Either that there will not be space in your cabinet or under the cabinet, for the new size of duct. Or expensive work, and frustrated installer having to go out to buy the right attachments. SO I am going to dig out my old Jennair materials and take that with me to a dealer to see what best matches it. Maybe even photograph what is under your current cooktop and downdraft.

One dealer told me it washighly likely that the new downdraft would have totally different sized ducts. The point is that Jennair was pretty ineffective, and the new one might be better, but trouble to install. You may need to replace the ductwork.
eandhl
14 years ago
If there is anyway you can do something with a telescope downdraft they are superior to the old JennAir.
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pvrick
14 years ago
I have the same issue. Replacing the horrible downdraft Jenn Air cooktop. Had the installer come out and he indicated we have 6 or 7 inch round ducts.

Putting in a Blue Star cooktop and a behind the cooktop pop up Jennair downdraft 600cfm and it comes up 14 inches.

Will be installed next week. I will post as to how it worked.
forgottensong
14 years ago
I am intending on buying a downdraft Jenn Aire cooktop. I love the idea of an exchangeable grill, griddle and heating unit. It didn't sound like either of you really liked the cooktop. Can you be more specific on what you find bad or good about the cooktop? Maybe the new one (a 2010 model) would be a lot better?
pvrick
14 years ago
forgottonsong

Here are the basic reasons I don't like it

1. Doesn't get hot enough to properly cook Believe hottest burner (gas) is 11 btu
2. Center downdraft pulls flame off burners when you turn in on, further reducing heat.
3. Narrow opening where the filter is located is too difficult to get into to clean.
4, Grates chip easily.

If you are looking at electric, I cannot comment. Had one of those 20 years or so ago and still the cleaning problem was existant.

A lot of people like them, so they are not bad. Only had two problems in 10 years (sparkers and leaking gas valve)

Good luck
asturias
14 years ago
I had no repairs in ten or more years. The narrow opening for the downdraft is impossible. It is now starting to rust in there. The black surface is always messy and hard to clean with lots of crevices. Otherwise the fact that the downdraft is noisy and must be on to capture any smoke or grease or fumes or steam, so that we rarely turn it on. I love the idea of a hood that naturally captures some grease by upward movement from the pots. But on our island, that is not feasible. So I am looking at the pop up style of downdraft so that the flame and smoke does not have to go so much downward .
I love that you can put in the grill etc.
Everyone at the stores has said the pop ups work better, but on the web the story is that downdraft will never work as well as a hood.
wizard19
14 years ago
We have an old GE modular electric downdraft cooktop on an island. We are replacing it as part of a kitchen remodel. We are going to go with a 36" (30" currently) and install a separate telescoping downdraft unit. We haven't picked a brand yet, but leaning towards GE profile due to high ratings (consumer reports). Just saw there might be a Thermador induction that also has traditional electric burners also.

Jenn Air Downdraft Range Replacement Options

busybee3

Comments (8)

asturias

eandhl

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