Do we HAVE to have ventilation ??

10 years ago

We are FINALLY changing out our appliances in our 1930's bungalow. However, nothing is quite as quick and easy as it seems in this old house. Currently we have a "Modern Maid" 30" slide in electric range. Would love to replace with gas but everyone has told us that you have to have ventilation according to code. There is one gas 30" w/built in downdraft but it gets horrible reviews. We do not want to install a hood b/c it would totally obstruct the open space in the kitchen plus there is a support beam that runs over the range area & the existing lighting would totally throw the hood off. So then there is the telescopic downdraft option. After talking to several contractors, it seems the hood would be easier & less noticeable to install. So, do we absolutely HAVE to have ventilation if we choose a gas stove? What about electric or conduction? Have had several different opinions & now I'm more confused than when we started ! HELP Houzz experts!!! Thank you!

Featured Answer

joannpb

10 years ago

You should be able to get a copy of your local code from your town hall. Different areas have more or less stringent requirements. It pays to know your own.

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Comments (8)

Emilee Baxter
Original Author
10 years ago
Oops - meant induction ... Not conduction!
Nadine Bruyninckx
10 years ago
ehoffman4, I really would recommend to install a downdraft vent. I have a beach house cleaning business and one day I had to head out to new renters. I arrived around lunch time and Mrs. was preparing burgers. Within 2 minutes the WHOLE house was covered in smoky, greasy air. Even with the microwave ventilation (which puts the air back into the house...) didn't help a lot. Please feel free to look at following link: http://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/cooking-baking/ventilation/downdraft-hoods.html

This would give you some ideas.

In Europe there is no such thing as not having ventilation for cooking.

After some time the whole house needs paint, it smells and it is just not hygienic, clean and fresh.

Hope this will help.

Nadine
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ecpt
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
We have a gas range, have had it 15 years since we moved into our new-build home. We've always had only recirculating ventilation -- first, just a "dinky" range hood and now the "dinky" vent/fan in the microwave we installed over the range. That is, it was never vented to the outside. I can only assume (dangerous, I know) that that was ok per our state's code. Now we're planning some upgrades to the kitchen and are trying to decide between a new gas range or an induction range. For the vent issue alone, I'm leaning induction....?????

p.s. I LOVE cooking on a gas range
miacometlady
10 years ago
Can you move stove to outside wall? Then vent out? I have a hood and keep things on top of cabinets like platters, you can't see them. I cover them with wax paper. It's disgusting how dirty/ greasy it gets. I can't fathom not venting grease out.
beseaside
10 years ago
I had gas for more than 20 years in our last home. In this condo I switched to induction and love it. More responsive than my gas. Bit of a learning curve, but . . . We can only use a recirculating hood so I went with a dedicated unit - no microwave. Works well with special filters. You definitely don't have to have ventilation with induction, but it is very helpful.
Sally Hindman
8 years ago
If you move to a gas range you have two ventilation issues: cooking smells and smoke, and gas fumes as the burners light and burn. Neither of these is desirable or healthy. With induction (what I have and love) or regular flat top range, there are still cooking fumes but no off-gassing from the burners. Check for downdraft ventilation with an induction or regular flat surface electric range for a healthier and cleaner home. Do check local codes and your homeowners insurance before going without ventilation.
auntthelma
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
We had the induction with no ventilation for several years. We lived without 'broiling.'