Blue Bridge Cabinetry and Design I would HIGHLY recommend some sort of ventilation. Even if, for some strange reason, your local/municipal building code allows you to get away without putting one in. Preferably, an Island overhead hood fan, or at least the (less efficient) popup downdraft ventilation system. Just be careful to select one that will work with your cooktop technology (ESPECIALLY) if it's a gas cooktop.

Huestis Tucker Architects, LLC Larissa, Thanks for your nice comments. This cooktop has down draft ventilation. I believe the homeowner uses it regularly. I would not recommend installing a stove or cooktop without some kind of ventilation.