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Advice Needed - Put a 36' cooktop in an island with a downdraft?

onelady1dog2girls

14 years ago

I currently have space for either a) a 30" gas cooktop next to 27inch double ovens for a new kitchen remodel, or b) a 36" gas cooktop with downdraft in the island. This later configuration would probably let me use a 30" double oven. In the 30" cooktop scenario I'd have to use a recirculating vent (not great either, but it would be a pop in replacement). Do you think it is worth trying to rework my kitchen triangle to accommodate the 36" cooktop?

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Comments (5)

plllog
14 years ago
Have you posted your plan in the Kitchen forum? You might get some innovative ideas there that could really help you.

Have you checked your local building code about ventilation?
weedmeister
14 years ago
Also, check the cubic volume of the two ovens. It may turn out that the 27" and 30" are actually the same internal size.
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GardeningGGirl
14 years ago
Just wrestled with a similar decision myself. I'm about to do a major kitchen remodel. I will have a peninsula. Originally I thought I'd get a gas range with a downdraft. However, the more I read about them, the more I find out that people hate the downdraft. Especially with a gas range. In addition to not working well in general, with a gas range it pulls the flame. So I have decided to put in a hood. I didn't want it filling up that space that I'm opening up. So I'm going to raise it as much as possible. It will definately be above 30 inches. Also, everyone has recommended that I needed to get a hood that is larger than the cooktop so I'll probably go with a 42 inch hood. Not cheap, but I want something that works.
chefk
14 years ago
First which is more important, stove top or oven cooking? If you do more of one than the other, that is were you should concentrate on the best scenerio.
Second, from what you have posted, it appears you cannot vent outside. If this is correct then consider an induction cooktop. It is more efficient than traditional electric and gas. It is faster than gas but doesn't radiate heat around your pan. You pan IS the heat source, so you are not venting out as much heat as you would with either of the other two stove tops. Electrolux, Bosch and Diva have great 30" tops with good size burners. Most of the other brands offer a good selection in 36".
Downdraft ventillation is better than nothing, but you fight science. Heat travels up and with it goes smoke, grease and smell. A downdraft is limited.
cruzmisl
14 years ago
I have a 36" Jade gas cooktop and a Dacor 8" telescoping vent with a remote mounted 1000cfm fan. While its not "the best" it does work well and suits my needs. I didn't want a huge hood to take away from the open feel of the kitchen. You may want to look at Thermador's telescoping downdraft. It rises up to 16" I think which will help with evacuation.

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