Dacor vs. Thermador downdraft

15 years ago

OK - before I get clobbered about the downdraft -- it really is our only option and what we will be installing.

That being said, we are leaning toward the Thermador b/c it rises to 14", the Dacor only to 10". The Dacor takes up much less space under the rangetop, while the Thermador will eat up most of it with the placement of the remote blower. Am wondering if anyone has experience with either of these models and could offer some feedback on them.

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mckennajs

15 years ago

We just went through this last week when the cabinet maker called in a panic after reviewing the Thermador specs. I had eliminated the Dacor based on advise from a number of friends who had installed it and were not happy with its performance and reliability but gave it another review as it would solve the space problem in the same manner that canuck99 mentioned.

The Dacor would have provided the maximum amount of space in the cabinet below but the blower had to be mounted on the outside of the house. We live in an old stone house and it would have been very visible so we decided to stay with our original choice of the Thermador. Cabinets are being delivered on Monday so I can provide the exact configuration then but we will have shallow depth drawers under the cooktop (Miele 36" induction). I will have to find a new home for my pots and pans but this was the best solution for us.

We have lived with a Jenn-air downdraft for over 20 years so understood the concept of less space under the cooktop!

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Comments (7)

canuck99
15 years ago
Well I installed the Dacor model with the Miele Induction cooktop. What did I get? For 32 width I have 3 inch at the back then the downdraft then the cooktop with about 5 in in front. I have 3 drawers with 20 inch depth under the cooktop. The blower is remote. I also did not have a choice in downdraft vs others. In my case the false hood above the unit is covered in SS to avoid any moisture on the cupboards.
guadalupe
15 years ago
Dacor set the standard for downdrafts
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cjacker
15 years ago
Alice, I'm glad you posted this question as downdraft is also our only option. I'll be using a 36" cooktop so wondering if anyone who responds here will give us some actual examples of which downdraft they used, with the pros and cons.
mcmann
15 years ago
I've had my Dacor gas cooktop (ESG366sch) and downdraft (ERV36)for 3 years. The blower REMP3 is mounted outside the house so I have plenty of storage beneath the cooktop. I think it's a great unit.

When comparing the 2 brands you need to look into how much air they move CFM and the install specifications- how long is the run, what diameter duct, how many angles or bends in the duct. Remember the length of the ducting and the number of turns will reduce the total CFM. After checking the different install specs you can compare which unit might be more effective.
alice462
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all of the feedback -- sandtab, am looking forward to hearing from you after the install and how you like the Thermador. Alice
bryce5
15 years ago
Prior to remodeling, we had a Dacor downdraft for 8 years.(Before the Dacor, we had a Jenn Air downdraft) The Dacor had to be repaired twice. So with the remodeling, our final choices were Dacor and Thermador. We went with the Thermador as my husband reminded me of the repair costs of the Dacor and also because it raises higher than the Dacor, something that I so appreciate as there is a noticeable difference in how more steam is captured when cooking. We have a 36" induction cooktop. I am happier with the Thermador as it is more effective than our previous Dacor. We have had a remote blower with both the Dacor and Thermador and had to make the the duct larger with the Thermador. The Thermador takes up more space underneath the cooktop, but to me, it is worth it because the downdraft is more effective. Definitely, a hood is better, but in our kitchen, this wasn't an option that I was willing to take on because of the expense to reconfigure the ceiling.