Induction Downdraft Better Than Gas Downdraft?

4 years ago

I've been cooking on a gas downdraft (JennAir) for 25 years. I've hit my frustration limit with how temperature/cooking is negatively impacted when downdraft fan is on.

I'm contemplating moving to Induction. Is an Induction downdraft not susceptible to these temperature changes that gas is? I'm presuming so.

I'd be very interested to hear from anyone who has gone through this transition - specifically with downdraft. Our kitchen does not enable a traditional hood vent.

Thanks.

Featured Answer

homechef59

3 years ago

I had a 6-burner Dacor gas cooktop with a separate downdraft unit. I've almost completed a kitchen refresh that involved changing the gas cooktop to induction. I bought a Bosch Benchmark 36" induction cooktop with a Zephyr 36" separate downdraft unit. Like you, there was no possibility of using a hood. I had to stick with the downdraft. Not optimal, but it was what it was.

Here is what I learned in the process. Both the Best and Zephyr downdrafts telescope up to 18" making a larger area for drawing. That's the biggest available. They both come with a led light that lights up your cooking surface. That's a surprisingly nice benefit. While not perfect, it's better than what I had in the past with a 8" telescoping unit. They are very similar. Buy the one that your appliance store will install. You will need a motor for anything you put in.

Because you are not venting natural gas by-products, you don't have to worry about the draw being less than optimal. It's good enough given the engineering limitations involved.

It takes some work to adjust to the induction cooktop. But, the powerboost option to boil water quickly is eye opening. The ease of cleaning is life changing. This is from a professionally trained chef who loved her Bluestar rangetop. You will need to have an electrician run a new powerline to the unit and you will want to cap off the gas line. It's a process, but it was pretty easy with a good end result.

I think that you will be pleased with the change. I found the reviews at Yale Appliance online to be very helpful.

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Comments (9)

dan1888
4 years ago
While downdraft is not the preferred choice for ventilation, it will not affect pan temp for induction much. Especially if you choose a telescoping downdraft unit like a Best Cattura. This type would also work better with gas then the low level inlet JennAir uses.
Jim Haselmaier thanked dan1888
eandhl2
4 years ago
Is your down draft a telescope?
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Jim Haselmaier
Original Author
4 years ago
Current downdraft (gas cooktop) is a JennAir with integrated downdraft.....no telescope.

Since posting this question I've learned ventilation is not required (building code) for induction - which is why induction cooktops aren't coming with integrated downdraft. I've read from others having a non-vented cooktop works fine for many. My current thinking is to upgrade to induction with no venting. And after, if I feel like I need it, add a telescoping unit. The basic venting (to outside) exists in the cabinet given a gas JennAir is there now. So I'll cap it off and then use if we add a telescoping unit.
Felicia R
3 years ago
WOULD LOVE to hear how the end product is working for you? I am also switching to induction and dont want a hood so I have been searching for downdraft or other ideas.
PRO
DeWayne
3 years ago
If you cook, you need to vent. It's a health issue. Downdrafts are useless for venting more than about 5% of the cooking byproducts. https://aaqr.org/articles/aaqr-19-04-oa-0198
Cavimum
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
We have a Thermador induction and telescoping downdraft. There is no other exhaust option in this house. The downdraft is not perfect but it's better than nothing. I use the downdraft when sauteing, frying, and boiling large pots of liquid that create steam. It is not as good as an overhead exhaust, but like I said, that isn't possible here without uglifying the kitchen and cutting a hole into the brick wall outside.

The one really nice thing I discovered with an induction cooktop is that when it is not being used, it is useful because it doubles as a food prep surface; it is so nice and flat. Not chopping, mind you, but just laying out other ingredients, etc. I can also spread a dish towel and use it to dry pots and such after cleaning up. My old JennAir electric coils never could do that.
Felicia R
2 years ago
I decided to get a wolf induction cooktop and installing a regular vent exhaust in the ceiling. I have windows very close to the cooktop and plan to use a countertop exhaust unit as needed. Will see how this works out and if I need to will install a downdraft in the future.
eandhl2
2 years ago
Years ago i had jen air & you are right vent did not function well. I did find a telescope vent with the range i replaced the jen air. the telescope worked very well. i had only one thing i didnt like. largest burner in the front. i found if i put a wooden spoon across the back of pan and the lid tippedEd. that worked very well.