I think a clean look happens without a vent but smells and gases will fill your main floor

you need a vent. oddly, I think of my range hood as a "feature" in the room, rather then an eyesore. but if you don't, have you considered a pop-up vent?

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Otherwise people can tell when you are cooking when your smoke alarms go off.

Our cooktop is in an island. We previously had a Jen Air downdraft. It worked okay at best. A dedicated downdraft unit that pops up out of the counter would probably vent better. Check the cubic foot per minute rating. We are in the process of redoing our kitchen, and we installed a hanging vent. It is from Broan, and it has an arced glass piece to direct steam into the fan. The nice thing is that the glass offers minimal visual disruption. All of that doesn't really answer your question. Yes, I think you need a vent one way or the other.

I currently have a Jen Air downdraft for my built in range, and as the previous posted stated, it works okay at best. I would definitely get a vent hood of some sort, and with many options available, you should be able to find one that compliments your view rather than obstructing it.

I did an island with a 48 inch gas jennaire with a downdraft. The downdraft is very strong, it will pull the fire over on high. But I can't imagine not having a vent at all....

Yes, you absolutely should vent any cooking surface, doubly so for gas-powered cooktops (which add carbon mono/dioxide to the mix). We wrote an article covering the top 10 reasons to have a range hood - from the obvious (eliminating odors) to the not-so-apparent (like increasing the resale value of the home):

http://www.futurofuturo.com/rangehood-FAQ-10-reasons-to-have-a-range-hood.php

A range hood does NOT have to be huge, boxy, and ugly. There are plenty of slim designs that enhance the look of the kitchen - check out the attached photos! (pictured models listed below)

36" Acqualina Glass Island
http://www.futurofuturo.com/island-range-hood-IS36ACQUA-GLS.php

36" Venice Island
http://www.futurofuturo.com/island-range-hood-IS36VENICE.php

36" Jupiter Glass Island
http://www.futurofuturo.com/island-range-hood-IS36JUPITER-GLS.php

36" Streamline W Island
http://www.futurofuturo.com/island-range-hood-IS36STREAM-WHT.php

These are just a few examples from our collection of 200+ range hood models. Please feel free to visit our website (links above), or give us a call at (800) 230-3565 for a personalized consultation.

Best Regards,
The Futuro Futuro Team

what did you decide to do MikaEllaFisher?

There are quite a few European flush mount ceiling vents (with lighting) that are available and are beautiful, but quite pricey. It seems that the European market has such great ideas, however they are not as available here in the States. On the internet are all kinds of great ideas. I ended up going with a downdraft range, since I didn't want to have a hood above my island.

I bang my head on the one in the top pic just about every morning and I am 5'-10". It doesn't block view but has created a lapse of memory after about the 10th impact.

Couldn't imagine anyone cooking without a vent, HUGE mistake and not something I would do for a view.

A cooktop and the act of cooking may produce strong odors and, occasionally, smoke. You need an exhaust system which will take odors and smoke out of the kitchen and send it all the way outside. There are minimum CFM requirements (cubic feet per minute) for a true ventilation fan, and a suggested height for installation above the cooktop. Check on Houzz or with your contractor or kitchen supply store.

I am remodeling a 1960’s ranch and will have an island gas range with a seating area. I have purchased a glass/stainless vent hood but want more lighting for the seating area. Would glass pendants be too much? I can’t find any pictures with vent and pendants both.