Existing downdraft or overhead vent?

2 years ago

Hi all.

We bought a house that has an island downdraft. The kitchen is not against any exterior wall. Our plan when we bought the house was to install the ducting for a hood on the back wall of the kitchen, and run it inside the soffit that is above cabinets. This would require 2 90-degree corners, a long run of 11 ft, and roof penetration. The alternative is to keep the existing downdraft set up which goes under the floor and vents to outside (about 12 ft long run, don't know the exact number of corners). If we did this, we would get a tall telescoping downdraft.

Regardless of venting options, we will get an induction cooktop.

I cook at home most nights, including some pan searing of fish and steaks.

I know that in a perfect setup hoods provide better ventilation. However, given the preexisting design limitations, the fact that we would have to make a new hole in the roof, the length and angles we would need in the vent for the hood to get to the exterior, and the cost of installing the new ducting for a hood vs utilizing the existing ducting (~$4000 difference), is it still worth it to get the hood?

Thanks for your feedback and any similar experiences!

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Comments (7)

Lyn Nielson
2 years ago
I don't think it is worth it.

the end results are so similar, I can think of other things to spend the $ on.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
I agree with 2 90 s the CFM will need to be huge. I do not understand why you have to have the cooktop where it is at all IMO the worst place is the island
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PRO
Charles Ross Homes
2 years ago
Downdraft exhaust is our least preferred alternative, but there are times when it is the only reasonable alternative. Since you'll be cooking with an induction cooktop, the downdraft needs to vent only moisture and cooking effluent. For that, I suggest you consider the Dacor telescoping downdraft.
PRO
Kimberli Saunders
2 years ago
Post your layout. There are likely other options. The island is the WORST possible location.
wdccruise
2 years ago
Let's suppose you were considering this Zephyr BML-E36BG Brisas 290 - 600 CFM 36 Inch Wide Island Mount Range Hood

Maximum duct length in equivalent-feet cannot exceed 100 per instructions page 5.
- 11 feet of straight duct: 11 x 1-equivalent-feet = 11
- Two 90-degree elbows: 2 x 15-equivalent-feet = 30
- One wall cap with damper: 1 x 30-equivalent-feet = 30
11 + 30 + 30 = 71 which is less than 100
PRO
Debbi Washburn
2 years ago
Is there a second story above the kitchen?

Have you had an hvac guy have a look for the best options? Maybe there is another way.

Good luck
Longbranchstitch
2 years ago
We moved into a two story home two years ago with a cooktop/downdraft on a peninsula. We knew it would not be feasible or economically possible to install a hood vent (which I prefer). We purchased a new 36” cooktop as the old one was failing, and a downdraft made by Best.

I cook most evenings, and use the downdraft on a regular basis. I’ve been very impressed with its function. Has several fan speeds, hides away at counter level when not in use, and has a great LED light at the top.

If this is your only option, as it was mine, check out Best downdrafts.

And no, this isn’t spam and I’m not affiliated with Best. Just very impressed with their downdraft system.