Induction cooktops with downdraft are different from cooktops with a hood. A cooktop with a downdraft has a fan that pulls the smoke resulting from cooking. The smoke is absorbed through a tube and extracted from the room via a pipe running along or under the floor or a vent. An induction cooktop with downdraft is a great option for homes and establishments that can’t accommodate a hood for exhausting smoke and steam from the room. Induction cooking technology heats your pan directly using a magnetic field instead of having its bottom sitting on a flame as with a gas cooktop or on an element as with an electric stove. With an induction stovetop, the entire bottom of the pan actually heats up, and there’s no need to fit your pan to the burner or install a gas line in the kitchen. They are easy to install and maintain and may be cheaper than purchasing a cooktop and a hood separately. If you are looking for an induction cooktop with downdraft, here are a few great models that you can consider.
Elica 33″ Tesla HP Induction Cooktop (ENT432BL)
Elica is an Italian manufacturer that has been around for 50 years and they specialize in induction cooktops and exhaust hoods. With that in mind we were not surprised to find that their Elica 33″ Tesla HP Induction Cooktop with Downdraft made the top of our list. For starters it is actually very difficult to find an induction cooktop with a fully integrated downdraft fan, let alone a good one. The Elica 33″ Induction cooktop meets our expectations for everything that we were looking for including (of course) having a downdraft fan – this one pulls up to 400 CFM if the duct run is short enough. In addition it is very powerful and boils water very fast, it includes a bridge element in case you need to cook on a skillet, and the smooth cooktop is very easy to clean when you are all done. Finally, we really liked the Elica 33″ Induction Cooktop simply because the design is just so simple and beautiful!
Elica 36 Inch Electric Induction Cooktop with Downdraft and 4 Elements
If you are looking for a 36 inch electric cooktop with downdraft you are in luck because Elica makes a similar model that is 36″. If you think the 33″ version is sharp then you will really love the Elica Nikola Tesla 36″ Electric Induction Cooktop with Downdraft because it looks super sharp. The downdraft vent stays closed when it is not on and only opens up when it is engaged. We really love this cooktop because it performs at a high level – the induction cooktops heat up pots and pans a lot faster than the traditioner electric cooktop. In addition, this model has a high power “boil” burner that is designed to heat up water very quickly. Add the flexibility of this cooktop to be able to heat up different sized pans and the easy cleanable surface and we really can’t find anything that we “don’t” like about the Elica NikolaTesla Switch 36″ Electric Induction Cooktop with Downdraft.
GE 36-Inch Cooktop with 5 Induction Burners (PHP9036DJBB)
The GE 36″ Induction Cooktop is a reasonably priced induction electric cooktop that homeowners can consider. It comes with five heating elements including a 9”/6” power boil element, two 7” elements with a bridge element in between them that can be activated to create a large cooking surface and another 6” element. Smart heating elements efficiently adjust heating area to the size of your pans, and there are indicator lights that tell you if the elements are hot in addition to a light that indicates if the cooktop is on or off. This induction cooktop does not come with an integrated downdraft but GE offers a “standalone” downdraft that can be installed directly behind the cooktop:
The GE 36″ Black Downdraft Range Hood ( UVB36DKBB) – Its downdraft fan is rated for 330CFM and can be operated at three different speeds. The knob controls of the cooktop make it easy to operate.
GE Profile Series 30″ Downdraft Electric Cooktop PP9830TJBB
The GE Profile Series 30″ PP9830TJBB is another reasonably priced electric cooktop with downdraft that homeowners can consider. It comes with four heating elements including a 9”/6” power boil element, two 7” elements with a bridge element in between them that can be activated to create a large cooking surface and another 6” element. There are indicator lights provided that tell you if the elements are hot in addition to a light that indicates if the cooktop is on or off. Its downdraft fan is rated for 330CFM and can be operated at three different speeds. The knob controls of the cooktop make it easy to operate.
Jenn-Air 36” Induction Downdraft Cooktop
The JennAir 36” Induction Downdraft Cooktop is an excellent choice for individuals who want to buy an induction cooktop with downdraft. It has four different cooking areas that rely on electric induction for heating cookware. The areas can be bridged in pairs of two for cooking in cookware that requires more heating surface area. It comes with a downdraft ventilation system for exhausting smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. The fan is rated for 350CFM and has two different speed settings. You can also buy a separate kit to convert the ventilation system into a duct-free one. It has electronic touch controls that make it easy to use. The cooktop has a wide range of features including pan detection sensors, control lock, separate timers for each element, hot surface indicators, timer, warming functionality, and quiet operation mode.
Gaggenau Flex 200 Series Induction Cooktop CV282110
The Gaggenau Flex 200 Series Induction Cooktop model CV282110 is a premium offering when it comes to induction cooktop with downdraft. It has four flex induction cooking areas which can be combined in specific pairs of two for increasing the heating surface for large cookware. The center of the cooktop features a ventilation system for removing smoke, steam, and odor. It can be used to extract as well as recirculate air as required. The ventilation system is controlled automatically using sensors. Cooking features include automatic pot detection, a stopwatch, a cooking timer, and a short-term timer. There are multiple safety features also provided such as child lock, safety shut-off, heat indicator for each zone and operation indicator. It comes with a stainless-steel frame though a frameless model is also available for flush installation.
KitchenAid Electric Downdraft Cooktop KCED600GBL
The Kitchen Aid KCED600GBL is an affordable choice for homeowners requiring a cooktop with downdraft. It has four heating elements, a 10” Ultra Element with simmer settings and another 6” elements with melt settings. Both these elements feature Even-Heat technology for proper heat distribution. Besides these, it also has a 9”/ 6” Ultra Power double-ring round element. The fan is rated for 300CFM and exhausts smoke and steam via a 6” round duct. The user can select from three different fan speeds as required. There are five stainless steel knobs provided for controlling the cooktop. The Hot-Surface indicators let the users know if any surface of the cooktop is running or hot for added safety.
JennAir JID4436ES Euro-Style 36” Induction Downdraft Cooktop
JennAir’s Euro-Style induction cooktop with downdraft ventilation has a stainless-steel design. It relies on a noiseless proximity ventilation system that drives smoke, odors, grease, and steam away from your kitchen. This works by catching the particles right at the source before they get a chance to diffuse, and the downdraft vent can be programmed to turn off automatically. There are 2 fan settings to adjust the 350-CFM blower speed. An optional kit is available to help you install your induction cooktop with downdraft as a simple duct-free system. The cooktop has a ceramic glass surface that adds to the product’s aesthetics and makes it easy to clean. A pan detection feature uses sensors to automate the elements by detecting your pots and pans – which makes using the cooktop as seamless as its design.
Since the induction elements are flexible for different purposes, you can cook with various cookware sizes, shapes, and placements. The induction bridge element offers a larger combined cooking surface area to accommodate griddles and Dutch ovens. Each element comes with its own timer, so you can multitask more efficiently and keep an eye on each meal. Also, by selecting the Keep Warm function on the required elements, your meals will stay warm and ready to serve.
We also liked the ambient LED lighting system that helps you see the steam disappear into the downdraft vent.
Fisher & Paykel – 36″ Downdraft Induction Cooktop Duct Out – Black
Fisher & Paykel induction cooktop with downdraft has a smooth, glass cooking surface and 4 elements. You can also combine 2 elements into one SmartZone to accommodate larger pots or griddles. The cooktop comes with an LED display, touchscreen controls, indicator lights, and an auto shut-off feature. Its seamless and minimalistic design offers all the benefits of induction cooking along with the comforts of integrated ventilation. The overall design makes a convenient, space-saving, 2-in-1 appliance that you can install on your island or incorporate into any kitchen setting. There are 9 fan speeds and a boost function to help you adjust the extraction rate depending on how many elements are occupied – or how much ambient smoke there is. Also, thanks to the Touch&Slide controls, you can achieve more precise and responsive changes while adjusting temperatures. This allows you to cook your food to perfection and avoid problems with over or undercooked meals. Fisher & Paykel downdraft induction cooktop is the best choice if you are looking for minimum clutter and speedy cleaning at your workstation – as the simple yet effective design makes sure that nothing gets in your way.
Bosch Induction Cooktop with Integrated Ventilation
Bosch induction cooktop with downdraft ventilation is another great choice for 2-in-1 cooktop appliances. It really checks all the boxes for our favorite features and meets the expectations of a modern kitchen. You can find a dealer based on your location if you order directly from the company. These induction cooktops have noiseless, integrated ventilation to give the overall design a very sleek and smooth look – which easily blends in with all kitchen interiors. The cooktop function is optimized with various sensors that ensure the consistency of your cooking and prevent culinary disasters like burning and overcooking. At the same time, they keep the desired ventilation in check to make the whole process as effortless as possible. For example, the PerfectCook and PerfectFry sensors automatically adjust the temperature of your cookware, whereas the PerfectAir sensor regulates the power of the downdraft vent based on the amount of steam produced. This integrated ventilation creates a strong cross-current for maximum steam, grease, and odor extraction as soon as they leave the cookware. The result is that all such particles get swept out of the kitchen without settling on your walls, cabinets, windows, curtains, and furniture. For those of us who wear glasses, not having to struggle with fogged glasses anymore is a huge relief!
You can cook with round, rectangular, or a combination of both cookware shapes. Thanks to Bosch FlexInduction technology, the pots, pans, and roasters can be placed on any element without running out of space like on gas stoves. The original 4 cooking zones can turn into 2 combined zones by pressing a button, which is helpful if you are working with larger cookware. There is a 30cm DirectSelect Premium user interface for selecting your cooktop and ventilation settings such as temperature and extraction rate.
We were particularly impressed by the dishwasher-friendliness of the whole downdraft vent. All components can be detached from the cooktop and further separated into individual parts to go easily into the dishwasher.
Advantages of an Induction Cooktop with Downdraft
The advantage of an induction cooktop with downdraft is that you don’t need to install a hood separately. It can be suitable for scenarios where the installation of a wall range hood may be unfeasible. Another benefit of an induction cooktop with a downdraft hood is flex zones. The induction only works in the area where the pan or pot is placed. You can also combine multiple cooking zones and turn on bridging elements for increasing the cooking area for large utensils. It improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
Choosing an Induction Cooktop with Downdraft
While the number of induction cooktops with downdraft is limited, there are still quite a few models available in the market. Here are a few specifications and features that you can consider when purchasing an induction cooktop with downdraft.
Number and Size of Cooking Zones
The primary specification to consider in an induction cooktop with downdraft is the number and size of cooking zones (more specifically, the induction elements). It generally has anywhere from three to five cooking zones, with four being the ideal number. Along with the number of cooking areas, their size is equally important. An induction cooktop with downdraft may generally have one small, two medium, and one large cooking areas. Some variants feature two small, one medium, and one large cooking zones. A few models may have just two large induction elements and, thereby, two cooking zones. Choose a variant whose cooking area is adequate for your pots and pans.
Power Rating
As induction cooktops with downdraft run on electricity, their induction elements have power ratings. A higher power rating generally implies more heat output, which means faster cooking. The smaller induction elements are rated for around 600-700W, with the larger ones being as powerful as 2000-2500W. Many induction cooktops with downdraft have a double-ring round element that is significantly powerful (3500-4000W) and can provide a higher heat output. You can heat water quickly or make a meal in a few minutes. Choose a product that packs adequate power for your cooking requirements.
Air Circulation Capacity
An essential thing to consider in an induction cooktop with downdraft is the amount of air its fan can circulate. It is measured in CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute. The fan may be able to move anywhere from 200 CFM to 600 CFM of air. A higher value denotes better air circulation. You should ideally consider an induction cooktop with downdraft that comes with at least a 300CFM rating. There are premium models available with 400CFM and 500CFM rating as well. Also, check the number of speed settings the fan supports. Induction cooktops with downdraft generally have two fan speeds, one for low-intensity cooking and the other for high-intensity cooking.
Buyers may also want to consider the finishing of an induction cooktop with downdraft. They may want it to match the décor of their kitchen. Most companies provide various finishing options to satiate the varying aesthetic preferences of individuals. The price of an induction cooktop with downdraft should also be taken into account. It will depend on its features and specifications. Premium models will cost a lot more than standard ones. Decide on a budget according to your requirements.
Adding Downdraft to Your Existing Induction Cooktop
Don’t want to replace your existing cooktop but can’t install a hood either? Don’t worry. These standalone downdrafts can be a great alternative for you.
Broan 273003 30” Stainless Steel 500 CFM Downdraft with Stainless Steel Cover
Broan 30” Stainless Steel 500 CFM Downdraft (273003) is an excellent option to bestow your existing induction cooktop with the downdraft ability. It is an automatic blower for exhausting air and has a 500CFM circulation capacity. Broan 273003 model mounts flush with the cooktop surface and disappears from plain sight after use. The downdraft is 30-inch wide, 29.5-inch high, and 2-inch deep. You can raise the unit automatically and turn it on by pressing a single button. There are two integrated aluminum filters for preventing grease and oil from entering while making maintenance easier. Broan 273003 30” Stainless Steel 500 CFM is a great option if you need an induction cooktop with downdraft but don’t want to replace your existing appliance.
Zephyr DD1E36AS Europa 36” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood
Zephyr Europa 36” range hood (DD1E36AS) is another way to equip your existing induction cooktop with downdraft. It has a width of 36inches, a depth of 7inches, and a height of 29.5inches. You can pair it with large induction cooktops. The hood utilizes an internal blower for exhausting air with a maximum circulation capacity of 500CFM. It has an automatic heat sensor and an auto delay-off function for enhancing its usability. A pair of aluminum mesh filters trap grease and can be washed easily in a dishwasher. Zephyr DD1E36AS Europa 36” range hood has a stainless steel finish to match your existing cooktop. It is a suitable product if you want an induction cooktop with the downdraft ability.
Bosch DHD3014UC 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood
Bosch DHD3014UC 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood is a well-recommended offering to equip your existing induction cooktop with the downdraft feature. It is 30-inch wide and will be a good match for most medium to large cooktops. The hood will exhaust air and remove vapour and odor. There are three different speed options available to users. Dishwasher-safe integrated filters trap grease and particles while making cleaning and maintenance easy. Bosch DHD3014UC 800 Series 30” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood can be coupled with an induction cooktop for the downdraft feature.
Electrolux EI36DD10KSIQ-Touch 36” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood
Buyers who want their existing induction cooktop to have downdraft can consider pairing it with the Electrolux EI36DD10KSIQ-Touch 36” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood. You can couple it with large induction cooktops and ranges to get rid of steam, vapours, and odor. A push button enables you to raise or lower the hood automatically. There are stainless steel filters for keeping it clean. If you want an induction cooktop with downdraft but don’t want to give up on your existing appliance, the Electrolux EI36DD10KSIQ-Touch 36” Stainless Steel Downdraft Range Hood is an ideal fit for you.
Thermador Downdraft Ventilation
Thermador Downdraft vents are excellent standalone options if you already have a compatible Thermador induction cooktop and just need a downdraft replacement. They are built for easy integration with your cooktop and give your workstation a very sleek edge. Balancing both aesthetics and functionality, Thermador Downdraft vents have a telescopic rise of 15-18”, so all you need to do is press a button for the vent to rise from the countertop. It will then catch steam, smoke, grease, and odors for instant removal and hide back into the countertop when you are done cooking. These vents operate at the lowest noise and feature an auto-function technology and automatic fan mode to regulate the heat. Their filters are easily removable and dishwasher-safe.
Thermador Downdraft vents are available in 3 different options in terms of sizes, rise heights, and features. For example, the Downdraft Ventilation 37” Stainless Steel UCVP36XS comes with integrated, multi-level LED lighting. All 3 types of vents have specific Thermador induction cooktop pairings that you can check on the website.
They can be installed in both wall-facing countertops and islands, and you can choose if you want the exhaust to work at the front, rear, or sides. To make sure that you are not hindered by your kitchen’s layout, Thermador Downdraft options offer flexibility in the way they can be installed. You will find interesting features like 3 fan speeds and 10 minutes of high-power extraction. The mesh filters are dishwasher-safe; the removable front filter also works as a splatter shield, which makes cleaning the downdraft even easier.
Should I Opt for a Standalone Downdraft Hood or an Induction Cooktop with Downdraft?
The choice between a standalone downdraft hood or an induction cooktop with downdraft depends on whether you want to replace your existing cooktop or not. The former is installed behind the cooktop and collect vapours and steam while removing odor. It will be overall cheaper for you, although you will need to spend some money to modify the counter for a retractable downdraft hood. There should be adequate installation space available as well.
If you want to replace your existing cooktop or can’t install a downdraft hood, then consider an induction cooktop with downdraft. They don’t need as much air circulation as a cooktop with gas burners. The primary purpose is to remove vapours, steam, and odor. A downdraft range hood will be adequate, unlike gas burners that require a powerful, wall-mounted range hood.
In addition to induction cooktops with downdraft, gas and electric radiant cooktops are also available with a built-in circulation fan. You may consider one of these models if you don’t want an induction cooktop due to personal preference or installation unfeasibility.