Software
Houzz Logo Print
gennady_kravenkov

Replacing downdraft electrical infrared cooktop with an induction one

I have 36" KitchenAid Electric Downdraft Cooktop with 5 Elements and I am thinking to replace it with an indiction downdraft cooktop of the same size. Would it be easy to install it into the same slot in the countertop and connect to the existing exhaust pipe? I am not planning to do the installation myself and going to hire a licensed professional to get the work done. Just wondering if it is going to end up with the extra piping/electrical redesign or the cooktop placement will be as easy as replacing it with the exactly same brand new 36" KitchenAid Electric Downdraft Cooktop? Don't want to buy a new iduction device before understanding the implications.

Comments (5)

  • 2 years ago

    You will have to run this by the company you plan to use to do the install as yes it will require finesse. Also, the induction will require 240 volt connection which may mean new wires run.

    Gennady Kravenkov thanked thinkdesignlive
  • 2 years ago

    Have you researched them? When I looked recently, there were only a couple, Fisher and Paykel, Bertazzoni, both very expesive and an inexpensive Ikea one. You could pull up the install diagrams which are very helpful. I was really disappointed in the options right now. Good luck!

    Gennady Kravenkov thanked Diane
  • 2 years ago

    We are thinking about the one from Ikea,

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Might or might not be easy.

    The wiring is probably not a concern. Don't know how old the existing cooktop is but KA has spec'ed 240v 40amp. circuits for its 36" electric cooktops (including the downdrafts) for decades. Numbers of 36" downdrafts also spec that. You can look up the installation instructions for, say, the Ikea you mentioned, and see what they require.

    Seems to me that the first thing for you to check on is the exact dimensions of the existing unit's cutout. The outer dimensions of the cooktops' frames may be the same but that does not mean the countertop cut-outs will be the same. You (or somebody you hire) will have to measure the existing unit's cut-out and compare those dimensions to what is in the installation instrucitons for the proposed 36" downdraft induction cooktop. (You can find the installation instructions online).. No problem with the swap if the new unit requires the same cutout. Easy if the new unit requires a larger cutout. (The expense will depend on what your existing countertop is made of.) If a smaller cut-out is needed, it is possible to adapt the existing one with trim and supports which will involve some or a lot of expense depending on how the briddging is done and who does it. (This subject gets is discussed here from time to time, so worth searching out past threads.)

    Same thing for figuring out how easy or hard it will be to mate the new vent to the existing ducting. You have to start with yet another comparison of the new induction unit's installation instructions with what is already in place.

    As thinkdesignlive suggests, it may well be worth your while to consult the company you intend to hire for the work.

    Maybe you will get lucky and somebody here will be able to share direct experience. Meantime, we've bumped your thread to keep it at up where it will be seen readily.

    Gennady Kravenkov thanked jwvideo
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    The Elica ENS436BL, Bertazzoni PE364IDDNET, Fisher & Paykel CID364DTB4, and IKEA FÖRNEBO are the same except for minor differences in appearance (and price).

    Assuming that your KitchenAid cooktop has the same cutout dimensions as the current KitchenAid KCED606GSS radiant, then any of the inductions cooktops will likely fall through the existing cutout:

    • Induction: 31-3/4" W x 19-1/4" D
    • KitchenAid KCED606GSS: 34-9/16" W (max) x 21-1/8" D (max)


    The arrangements of the ducts for the induction and KitchenAid are very different. Electrical circuits are the same.

    -----

    *Search for installation instructions for your model

    Gennady Kravenkov thanked wdccruise
Sponsored
Kuhns Contracting, Inc.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars26 Reviews
Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths