We are renovating and designing a new kitchen in a newly built space. Our gas stovetop will be located on an exterior wall. In the design now we have a hood over the range which is, of course, the norm. Well... I'm wondering if using downdraft ventilation would work for us instead. Our reasons for wanting to do this are 1. removing the hood would allow us to expand windows over the area where the stove will be which we really like the idea of and 2. we both really hate the look of hoods (both the simple ones and the fancy decoratives ones).

Things to know:

1. We would be able to vent very directly as it will be above a newly poured basement and on an exterior wall.

2. We'd be willing to spend the money necessary for a high quality unit

3. We are vegetarians and so meat cooking/smoke isn't an issue

4. We do cook a lot

5. Our stovetop will not be a professional one which requires more heavy duty venting

Any opinions? Things we haven't considered?