I have one in my almost-finished DIY kitchen. I have tried it out and it does have strong airflow (vented). Mine is the "Best" by Broan with 600CFM and it seems relatively quiet too. I really wanted the clean lines of a retractable unit vs a prominent statement hood for my particular design, and I really didn't want a micro hood since I heard those don't ventilate as well. The glass visor looks to provide coverage for the whole cooking area.I'd say if you need more than 600CFM you might need to get another type of unit since that was the most powerful one I could find.

I have one from the 1980s and it works remarkably well, so I would say the concept at least is pretty good. With the visor out, it captures all the steam from a big pot of water boiling on the front burner. (If the visor isn't out all the way, some will escape, so it does increase capture area.) I have no idea what its guts are, but high powered hoods weren't all that trendy in the 80s so probably well under 600 cfm.

If you can get one with enough power for your needs, you should certainly consider it. Did you see the ones that get a strip of cabinetry across the front to be totally invisible when not in use? Kinda cool...

thanks for the info. I have not seen the ones with the cabinet strip. That does sound cool. I think my minimum power need is 600 cfm so maybe the Best by Broan would work. I will check it out.