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Updating 80's Kitchen--vent ???

15 years ago

We have a typical late 80's kitchen that we are updating.

It is a U-shape. The cooktop sits on the part of the U that opens up to the great room. Above it are a set of cabinets in which the hood is housed. We are thinking of eliminating those cabinets to open up the space, but I really don't want to replace with an island hood. I would rather have the space completely open. We are only updating, so the cooktop will need to stay put. Is it possible to retrofit for a retractable downdraft vent instead? Outside wall is close by, but it opens to the patio. Help!

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Comments (2)

boysrus2
15 years ago
In my remodel I have removed the GE Profile electric glass downdraft cooktop. It did a poor job, and it didn't eliminate any smells at all. The next day you could walk into my house and know what I'd cooked the night before. Mine ran down through the basement to an outside wall.

It is possible that the newer retractable downdrafts do a better job, especially since yours will have a short run, but I have read that downdrafts in general are a second best choice to an overhead fume hood.

If the asthetic is more important than functionality though, I don't see why you couldn't do it. Would the vent be located directly in the patio or next to the patio? Noise will be a consideration. Check with the tech support for the downdraft manufacturer you like before you purchase anything. Broan was extremely helpful in answering all my questions and helping me select the most appropriate unit for my situation.
User
15 years ago
You can basically retrofit a downdraft---if you decide you want to move to something that inefficient for the large amount of money it'd take to do it. Reusing your existing vent with one of the newer pretty glass hoods that don't obscure your sightline would work much better and have a great look to it. I would never own a home without a vented cooktop though. I'm just not into cleaning that much.
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