Gas has byproducts which require a good hood to eliminate. A better quality downdraft can pull hard enough to distort the flames. I think switching to induction is a great idea, even though there's some cost there, including the possibility that you may need new pots. For air quality it's a much better choice.

I am unclear as to whether you're talking about a full range, with oven(s) attached or a cooktop with just the burners. If the latter, a pop-up system, if it'll work with your cabinetry, etc., will do a much better job than a flush to counter system. Everything you're trying to capture rises, so at least with the pop-up, you don't have to pull it as far down.

Making the choice between what you really want and what you can afford is difficult, and every change brings costs. You may find that replacing the old unit with a similar new one (which may be the same old technology) is the only thing that makes financial sense. That's okay. Alternatively, you may decide induction with a minimal flush to counter mounted downdraft will be an affordable improvement, but draw the line there. That's okay too. It helps if the kitchen is otherwise well ventilated (open the windows daily?). You can only do what you can do though. While I'm a staunch advocate of designing the kitchen around the ventilation and cheaping out elsewhere, your decision to not redesign the kitchen because of budget is a sound one. Good for you for knowing where to draw the line.

thank you for responding. because of layout limitations, i have to use a range rather than separate cooktop and oven. do you have a recommendation on a pop up venting system. i know of a few (thermador, decor, broan) but i do not know which is best. some folks i know with this type of system have had problems with them motors which raise the blower repeatedly failing. pots and pans not a problem. i have done so much research on ranges that i am not worried about picking that. my lack of knowledge really centers around a decent downdraft venting unit and i do realize that the pop up is not as good as an overhead fan but it is the only way that i can go with this kitchen configuration that i have. thanks again

This Best system has 18"f height. Cattura I'd also recommend an induction range. You can look on the same site for choices. More responsive and faster heating than gas with simple paper towel cleanup.

Here it is on a gas range.

and induction downdraft closed.

Toni I agree that the Best is a terrific unit. Also, bear in mind that Jenn-Air has ranges with built-in downdrafts, as well as standalone downdraft system. https://jennair.com/appliances/details/JXD7836BS  This particular unit has a 19" rise and slightly angles towards the range top.

I am replacing a Jenn-Air downdraft that I have had for years. The downdraft is a bit underpowered on the steam leaving the top of the pot and really pulls on the flame. It always has. If I went with induction that would not be a problem. However, even though induction is a good option, I will be selling this house in 3-4 years and gas in more marketable.

I will look into all of these options. Thanks folks.

Has anyone used the KitchenAid range with built in downdraft? It is not a pop up.

i will take a look. thank you. how do you like your induction?

Toni, I like the induction so far, but I have to admit that I am not much of a cook. The first thing I "prepared" on it was Spaghetti-o's! =D Of course we've used it for real food since, but my friends and family were quite amused. Anyway, we have enjoyed the instant adjustment (we previously had a ceramic electric cooktop), and we do like the "freedom" aspect of this particular model. However, as you said, gas might be more desirable when you list your home. The Elica vent we have probably would not handle a gas range. I'll be interested to know what you choose. I just had some friends replace their Jenn- Air downdraft with a the newer version Jenn-Air because that was the easy solution. Someone commented here on the forums that we Garden Webbers are the "lunatic fringe," so we don't necessarily do easy. ;)

well that is certainly the case here...the lunatic fringe part anyway. for the last month i have gone deep into kitchen redesign to accommodate a major gas range and all the other appliances. the redesign just got to expensive for the house that i am in and does not make sense. we are going to be moving in 3-4 years, so i want to make good financial choices as well as good product selections. i need to keep the downdraft system and the layout the same. kitchen prices are crazy. i will report back. thanks everyone.

Adding this in case someone else is looking for alternatives...Gagg does have a downdraft that is not a pop-up: the Vario 400 series VL414. I believe it's designed to go between their Vario cooktop components, so it's probably fairly powerful.

>>> "Has anyone used the KitchenAid range with built in downdraft? It is not a pop up." <<<

Did you mean a the KSDG950ES, a dual fuel downdraft like this one? If you do not get further responses here, you might try another thread with title that includes the brand, model number and the word "downdraft."

Another benefit with induction. . . .no waste heat added to your room. You can use a smaller capacity exhaust blower.

Selling in 3-4 years is a hard one. At five years we always say please yourself because in five years, you'll be selling a five year old kitchen. 3-4 years is not new, but it's not quite old either.

I don't know as much about ranges, but the popup Dan showed is shown with a range and the height is superior to most other popups I've seen. Check the reviews for the motor issue, and make sure to construct the cabinet so that servicing it isn't a major deal. Perhaps that means putting the range on some kind of skid platform that will protect the floor if it's pulled out.

KitchenAid and Jenn-Air are made by the same company, so I'd assume that the KA is a repackaged Jenn-Air with some trim or feature differences.

I understand and agree about not doing a big redesign if you're planning to move, but who knows? You might be staying ten years, unexpectedly. You have to live in the meantime. I wouldn't worry about induction on resale. Someone fussy about the kitchen will re-do it anyway. Someone not fussy will live with it. If there isn't much market penetration of induction in your area when you go to sell, make a couple of display signs. Shows that it's induction, not smooth top radiant, and touts the fast boil, easy cleanup, safety, etc., and also make sure that it's noted that the location is plumbed for gas, so changing it out shouldn't be a problem.

Just convince your husband. That sounds like the real sticking point. ;)

grumpypenguin - how do you like the Elica? Does it do the job? I'm considering a kitchen remodel that would have the cooktop in an island. which rules out many hood options.