skip to main content

Kitchens Remodeling Appliances

Replacing electric downdraft range with gas (propane)

last year

We are remodeling to include painting cabinets, new countertops, backsplash, and appliances though the floor plan remains the same. I have a Jenn Air downdraft electric range and have my heart set on changing to gas (propane). I am stuck with limited choices with the downdraft and I absolutely can’t vent up. Downdraft ventilation is lousy. I also worry about the downdraft pulling the gas flame toward it. I am wondering if it might be advisable to remove the cabinet above the range and add a hood with a charcoal filtered ductless system to amp up the ventilation power. I would still have the downdraft but in certain cases I could turn on the ductless system above. I would have the added benefit of having a hood which is a nice design feature. I could not use the systems at the same time of course. Any thoughts?

Featured Answer

MizLizzie

last year

Induction would be so much sleeker, safer, and efficient than gas, especially propane. It really is the modern option.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

Verbo
last year
Downdrafts are useless. And the setup you have is a fire hazard. There’s plenty of room to go up and 90 degrees through the soffit to an exterior.
Debbie thanked Verbo
Fori
last year
Look into induction--it's friendlier to bad ventilation than propane.
Debbie thanked Fori
Related Discussions
Replacing gas range with electric
Q
Comments (11)
I have to say don't go to electric radiant from gas I grew up and learned to cook on gas then moved to a place with the coil things Those are slow to heat and response time of heat levels is horrible. Then I needed a new one so I got a smooth top It was faster and more responsive but a total pain to clean. On top of that I had family move in with me that cooked to a d in general were messy and didn't clean up after themself at all so keeping it looking good was a nightmare I would stay with gas or get the new induction. From all a hear induction is as good as gas but with out the flame
...See More
Use Existing Downdraft Venting for Electric Range?
Q
Comments (8)
Chac mool, I'm definitely interested in an induction range and I've heard good things about the Electrolux. I don't think downdraft is the way to go, either. The wall the range is on backs to the garage, soI think it will be fairly easy to vent out a new range hood. Live wire, I've been working on my design for about one year. The KD I'm working with is basically just providing me with cabinets. I tried going through a local kitchen and bath shop, but the price of the cabinets was $10k more than Lowe's---and that was for Shrock (without any upgrades or glazing). I have even met with a custom cabinet guy and a general contractor---both of whom never got back with me. There are definitely disadvantages to working with a big box store....but I want this kitchen done and Lowe's has been the most responsive. Chac mool, since you bought an induction range, what is the CFM on your hood and are you happy with the Broan? Thanks for the feedback! I'm sure you can tell how inexperienced I am.
...See More
Replacing an Electric Range with Gas. Keep the 240V?
Q
Comments (1)
Yes, install a new 120V circuit for the range. Whether it's 15A or 20A will depend on the requirements of the range. I'd leave the 240V circuit in place and remove the fuse as you suggested.
...See More
Converting electric range to propane, what parts do I need.
Q
Comments (7)
Thanks for all your input. I have decided not to replace the individual burners for both safety and insurance concerns. That said, enlarging the 4 individual burner holes (6-9" each) into a large rectangular opening, say 20"x30" or so, would allow a new drop in gas range top unit, greatly reducing the complexity of the project and eliminating the insurance and safety concerns. For the wok I think I will visit some used restaurant equipment stores and find a single burner light commercial unit that can be installed somewhere else in the new kitchen.
...See More
Debbie
Original Author
last year
No soffit and while I do have room, the joists are in the way. Can’t cut into them. Why is what I have a fire hazard? I have 27.5 inches to cabinet from stove top. As for induction, surprisingly there is no model with downdraft.
Debbie
Original Author
last year
Whoops I am wrong about induction. There are a few induction models with downdraft.
Fori
last year
I think you'd be better off with induction-no downdraft than gas-plus downdraft. Or back to electric plus downdraft (and in my experience, downdraft is actually a bit better than nothing, in spite of what some say).

If you tear up the upper cabinet to put in a recirc hood, it might help, but it'll be quite a job to redo the cabinets and run electric up the wall and I don't know what else. But if you're painting anyway, maybe not as bad.
Debbie thanked Fori
Debbie
Original Author
last year
Thanks, Fori. I probably need to keep it simple. This pic better shows why I can’t go thru the cabinet and right angle out. My breakfast area is there.
mcarroll16
last year
Which way do the joists run? It's often fairly simple to route a duct around a joist, especially inside a cabinet. Our hood duct makes two 45-degree bends up to the joist cavities, moving 6" from bottom to top, in order to get around a joist.

If you are limited to a downdraft, please stick with electric or induction. Gas byproducts are really unhealthy and need to be cleared with high-performing external venting.
Debbie thanked mcarroll16
Debbie
Original Author
last year
My joists are parallel to the windows in the picture so my contractor says it can't be done. Makes sense. Thanks for the tip on gas byproducts. That is certainly a concern.
ci_lantro
last year
This pic better shows why I can’t go thru the cabinet and right angle out. My breakfast area is there.

Can you go thru the cabinet and thru the wall and run the duct in the room behind the kitchen?
Fori
last year
My mom actually replaced a downdraft with an updraft that went down in the wall and used the downdraft ducting from there. Ideal? Nope! But it does a better job at catching stuff than when it was just a downdraft.
Debbie thanked Fori
Helen
last year
As others have posted, induction makes much more sense than a propane gas stove.

You are not basing your choice on objective criteria in terms of actual cooking.

Not only are there more significant ventilation needs with gas but why would you want to deal with propane tanks and fewer appliance options?
Debbie thanked Helen

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR Kitchen Evolution: Work Zones Replace the Triangle

By Jennifer Ott Design

Want maximum efficiency in your kitchen? Consider forgoing the old-fashioned triangle in favor of task-specific zones

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Disappearing Range Hoods: A New Trend?

By Anne Ellard Design

Concealed exhaust fans cut visual clutter in the kitchen

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Range and Oven

By Bonnie McCarthy

Experts serve up advice on caring for these kitchen appliances, which work extra hard during the holidays

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Find the Right Range for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Range style is mostly a matter of personal taste. This full course of possibilities can help you find the right appliance to match yours

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Get Your Range Hood Right

By Erin Carlyle

Get a handle on the technical specs, and then learn about fun design options for creating a beautiful kitchen feature

KITCHEN APPLIANCES What to Consider When Adding a Range Hood

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Get to know the types, styles and why you may want to skip a hood altogether

KITCHEN DESIGN Designer Tips for Range Hoods, Appliances and Lighting

By Barbra Bright Design

Learn how to get your microwave height just right, what kind of bar stool will be most comfortable and more

REMODELING GUIDES Reuse or Replace? How to Save Money on Your Remodel the Smart Way

By Hannah Kasper

Find out when you should keep your appliances, fixtures, tile and countertops — and when you should replace them

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Houzz Call: Show Us Your Creative Range Hood

By Erin Carlyle

Have you customized your kitchen’s range hood? Please tell us all about it

KITCHEN DESIGN 15 Statement Range Hoods to Inspire Your Kitchen Remodel

By Erin Carlyle

See how 15 range hoods add personality and an intentionally designed look to their kitchens

Sponsored

RTS Home Solutions

3 Reviews

BIA of Central Ohio Award Winning Contractor

More Discussions

Is it safe to install induction cooktop in Corian countertop

32

help me choose an induction range, please!

24

Is it a design fail if ref. door hits drawer when opened together?

83

Kitchen layout help

11

Remodel recs for beach house

7