A cooktop is an essential unit in every home, induction cooktop saves you time, cost, and energy. However, induction cooktops with downdraft function similarly to standard electric, gas, or induction cooktops, but they have built-in ventilation systems to keep your kitchen’s air clean and healthy.
Thus, there are two types of induction cooktops with downdraft: gas downdraft cooktops and electric downdraft cooktops. This unit helps to capture smoke, steam, odors, and other contaminants from your kitchen. This unit has many brands, so you might find it challenging to choose the best induction cooktop with downdraft.
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What is an induction cooktop with downdraft?
An induction cooktop with downdraft is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food using an electric current rather than gas or stove heat. It can be installed flush into a countertop and provides heat directly under the pot, eliminating wasted space around the cooking area.
The downdraft system pushes all of the potentially toxic fumes and smoke that are created during cooking down into the main part of the machine before they can escape into your home, resulting in safer air that is circulated back into the room.
It is possible to cook using an induction cooktop with a downdraft without any ventilation, but it can be an expensive choice and you might wind up paying more for electricity than you would if you were using a stove.
An induction cooktop with downdraft used for
Although the induction cooktops with downdraft can be used for all sorts of food preparation, it is particularly useful for melting and simmering ingredients that might produce toxic fumes when heated on other cooking appliances such as gas or electric stoves.
Induction-cooking is also more precise than other cooking methods, allowing you to heat just the area of a pot that needs it most and saving energy as a result.
Why buy an induction stove?
Faster cooking and heating
Why buy an induction stove? The best reason is that induction stoves heat and cook your food faster than gas stoves.
If you use a gas stove, you factor in the time it takes for the heating element to transfer to the pan. Induction stoves heat up your pan directly.
Energy efficiency
Cooking with an induction stove cuts out heat energy losses because the cooktop transfers heat directly to your pan, as mentioned earlier.
With traditional gas or electric cookers, heat energy is lost during this process to the air around it. This is also a reason for the faster cooking with induction stoves.
Temperature control
The reason that bought me over to induction stoves is the precise temperature control it provides. There is no room for guessing what temperature you are cooking at.
You feel like you’re not totally in charge of your cooking when using gas and electric cooktops.
The best you can get is the 0 to 9 (or more) heat level setting with electric cooktops. Induction stoves feature a knob for you to adjust the cooking temperature to whatever is best for the job.
Induction stoves are safer than gas and electric
Are you still wondering why buy an induction stove? Crucially, you have a significantly lower risk of a fire outbreak when you use an induction cooktop.
They are also safer for your environment as do not emit hazardous gas to your surroundings.
You are also at less risk of leaving an induction cooker on mistakenly.
We’ve reviewed the top 5 best induction cooktops with downdraft in this article.
Reviews of the Top 5 Best Induction Cooktop with Downdraft in 2022
Top-rated induction cooktop with integrated downdraft to buy
Top 1 – GE PP9830DJBB 30 inch induction cooktop with downdraft
The GE PP9890DJBB Electric Cooktop 30-inch is known for its distinctive and sleek design; it has a high-quality flat surface and frameless edges, elevating the kitchen’s design. The glass surface generates rapid, intense heat, which allows you to cook with different pan sizes. The 30-inch broad cooking top with four burners enables you to cook quite a few dishes at a time, saving time and power.
Nevertheless, you need to be careful when cleaning the unit as the surfaces are easy to scratch. GE PP9890DJBB is one of the best induction cooktops with downdraft; it has a control lock that allows the users to protect against unintended activation. The unit’s cooktop surface is cool-to-the-touch with an indicator light that indicates whether the element is on or off.
Key features
· 9″/6″ Power Boil element
· Cooktop “ON” indicator light
· Hot surface indicator lights
· Bridge Element
· Control lock capability
Pros
- Quiet ventilation
- 30? cooking surface
- A 3000-watt element that produces rapid heat
Cons
- The top scratches and stains very fast
Top 2 – Frigidaire RC30DE60PB 30 Inch induction cooktop with integrated downdraft
Frigidaire 30 Inch Electric Downdraft is a sleek ceramic glass cooking surface fitted with space-wise elements that can meet all cookware sizes. It is a four-burner system with a bridge element to cook different recipes simultaneously, reducing stress. This unit has a downdraft system that helps capture smoke and odors without overhead ventilation.
However, this Frigidaire Electric Downdraft RC30DE60PB Cooktop has a hot surface indicator indicating when the element is active and hot and power plus technology that boils water faster than usual.
Key features
· Bridge element
· Four burner system
· Electric Built-In Downdraft Cooktop
· Space-wise element
· Power plus technology
Pros
- · Boils water faster at a lightning speed
- · It has a space-wise element that expands to meet all sizes of cookware
- · Whisks smoke and odors away without the need for overhead ventilation
- · It is dishwasher safe
Cons
- · It is very fragile
Top 3 – GE PP989DNBB 30″ Black Electric Smoothtop Cooktop Downdraft
This GE PP989DNBB Electric smooth top cooktop is a 400 CFM unit that has four burners that will cook four different meals at a time. It has a control lock capability that prevents unintended activation, and four hobs ribbon heating elements. The 30 induction cooktop with downdraft is set on when cooking. The venting system of GE PP989DNBB has a 3-speed fan that whisks away smoke, odor, and vapors.
Another reason why this unit is one of the top best induction cooktops with downdraft on our list is it has lots of positive reviews. With GE PP989DNBB Profile 30″ Black Electric Smooth top Cooktop – Downdraft, you can easily change the heating components in distinct ways to fulfill your cooking needs.
Key features
- · 3-Speed Fan
- · 4 Ribbon Heating Elements
- · Bridge Element
- · ADA Compliant
Pros
- · The bridge element allows cooking simultaneously
- · The 3-speed element helps to get rid of smoke, odor, and vapor
- · Control lock capability
- · Hot surface indicators
- · Heats up quickly
Cons
- · The glass surface stains very fast and scratches easily
Top 4 – KitchenAid – KCED600GBL 30 Induction Cooktop with Downdraft
This Cooktop is an induction cooktop with a downdraft ventilation unit that has a unique design. The electric range using a downdraft ventilation system created with the surface of ceramic glass enables you to cook four meals simultaneously. KitchenAid KCED600GBL 30 Electric Downdraft Cooktop has an even heat technology that provides an extensive heat range and simmer settings, making it efficient for cooking recipes that need simmering.
The cook shield finish of KitchenAid KCED600GBL protects the surface and helps avoid the risk of scratches. The knobs are made from stainless steel, which looks modern and stylish with the contrast of stainless steel and black finishes. This unit also has a Safety feature of warning lights that enables you to know when the downdraft is too hot to touch.
Key features
· Simmer settings
· Even heat technology
· 6-inch burner
· 3-speed control system
· 300 CFM
Pros
- · Even-Heat Ultra system
- · The downdraft is exceptionally efficient
- · Hot-Surface indicators
- · Eliminates smoke and steams
Cons
- · No bridge option for larger cookware
Top 5- Jenn-Air JED8230ADB Electric Downdraft Cooktop, 30″
Jenn air 30 electric downdraft cooktop offers an oven’s 2-speed multimode convection system; its surface is made of ceramic glass, and its knobs are with metal. This system provides you with a fast speed of cooking with an ideal temperature, airflow, and adjustable cooking cycle conditions. The powerful ventilation system of this Cooktop captures odors and smoke right from the surface effortlessly when you start cooking.
However, The Jenn air downdraft electric range offers you multiple convection cooking modes with and even baking & roasting racks. It also offers you the intuitive controls toward this modular dual-fuel downdraft range and a hot surface light indicator which indicates when the Cooktop is not reliable for touching.
Key features
Downdraft Ventilation with Two-Speed Fan
Menu-Driven Electronic Oven Control
Hot surface indicator light
2-Speed Multi-Mode Convection System
Pros
- The ventilation easily captures smoke and odors
- The fast and efficient cooking element
- Hot surface indicator light
- Variable temperature broil
- Intuitive control for easy navigation
Cons
- Not suitable for compact-looking kitchens.
Factors to choose the best Induction Cooktop with Downdraft:
Dimensions
If we think about installing several appliances we should always measure first their minimum dimensions and spacing between them because there are some rules. E.g.:
1) not to interfere with ventilation and
2) not obstruct access or
3) perform maintenance.
Thus, for example, one cannot hang thick and heavy utensils on the hood because it could damage them or even cause an accident.
Also, if the power is limited consider this fact when choosing your induction cooktop. For example, you should choose a smaller size one that has more power than the largest possible size of one with less power (in the case where several appliances are required). Induction burners need to be installed in “sets” (minimum two), so make sure that there will be enough space for all together.
The number of burners:
Induction cooking requires a powerful set of burners and good ventilation to keep them cool. When they get hot from use, they become non-inductive and no longer generate any heat until they have cooled down again. In induction cooking, there is no flame so to avoid burns, only the cooktop surface gets hot.
For this reason, induction cooktops are not suitable for small kitchens where it is difficult to provide enough ventilation because when used intensively they need more space than conventional gas stovetops or electric ovens.
So if you have a small kitchen where you find it difficult to provide good ventilation for your appliances, then an induction cooktop might not be right for you.
Downdrafts CFM:
As mentioned before when using an induction cooker top, make sure that you have good ventilation around the downdraft area. The best choice would be a large window nearby but also consider near windows or doorways with strong airflow.
There should be some distance between the cooker and walls as well as from the ceiling to prevent overheating of these surfaces. Also, try not to block any exhaust or intake openings.
Liquid Protection:
Induction cooktops are very safe because the only way to become hot is by direct contact with a pot or pan, so it doesn’t heat up until something is placed on its surface. So place your cookware or container on top of an induction burner and wait until the red light appears (indicating that the unit has started to heat up).
Instead of heating up like conventional stovetops they absorb energy from steel pans and transform it into heat. They require metal bottoms such as cast iron, stainless steel, or enameled items. Pans with flat or smooth bottoms work best.
Materials:
Cooktops vary in the quality of materials used for cooking surface and construction, such as stainless steel or enamel that resists scratching and chipping. Also, you should get a cooktop that is easy to clean and maintain because there are no moving parts so it’s more durable than gas stovetops. Make sure the knob controls are firm and sturdy, while surface units can be flush-mounted against the wall for an even better appearance.
Well, induction cookers use efficient technology and bring faster heat-up times than other heating appliances: they heat things faster but don’t consume much power during their standby mode which means less wasted energy. So if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly appliance that conserves energy, then an induction cooktop will be your best choice.
If you are wondering which one is the best option for your home, consider reading my other article about kitchen appliances.
In short
When choosing a cooktop it is important to factor in the dimension because you will want something that fits into your kitchen. In addition, induction stovetops come in different numbers of burners.
If you have a big family, bigger might be better for you. A downdraft vent system has a blower and ductwork attached to this kind of range top which draws out cooking fumes and steam away from the surface. Much like a hood over a gas or electric range, an induction cooktop with downdraft ventilation can also be vented outdoors too if desired.
Take note that the larger the downdraft is, the more powerful its blower needs to be. If you want your induction cooktop with integrated downdraft to perform better and more efficiently, getting one with at least 350 CFM (cubic feet per minute) will do well for you.
What are the pros and cons of it?
Pros
A 30-inch induction cooktop with downdraft provides all of the advantages and benefits of an electric stove without requiring any ventilation.
It is possible to install a system using just one 120V outlet, and it is more energy-efficient than cooking on gas or other appliances due to its precise heat control and ability to conserve resources.
The downdraft ensures cleaner air in the room and less of a chance that fumes will escape into your home.
Cons
An induction cooktop with downdraft can be expensive to install, particularly if you need to hire a professional.
It might also prove more costly than cooking with gas due to the efficiency of its heating elements and power consumption.
Small appliances such as espresso makers might not function properly in an induction cooking system, particularly if they rely on a stand-alone motor or magnet to run.
Types of induction cooktops with downdrafts:
There are different types of induction cooktops with downdraft systems available depending on your kitchen’s configuration.
Stovetop models can be fitted below existing countertops to provide space for pots without requiring you to make any structural changes, while built-in models can be put into place before the rest of your kitchen is ready.
Freestanding cookers are typically installed with ventilation systems that pull all of the fumes out of the room and through the roof.
How does an induction cooktop with downdraft work?
An induction cooktop with downdraft functions by transferring heat directly into the area where it is needed: the pot inside of another metal container.
The machine sends energy, creating a current in the pan and allowing it to generate enough heat to cook food.
The same principle is used when cooking with microwaves, but in an induction cooktop, the heat is created inside of the pan rather than being directed toward it from the outside.
Cleaning an induction cooktop with downdraft
Most models are simple to clean by wiping away spills using a damp cloth or paper towel.
Built-in models that are designed to withstand the heat of cooking might require more involved cleaning or maintenance than would be needed for a different sort of appliance.
How much does an induction cooktop with downdraft cost?
The cost of an induction cooktop with downdraft varies depending on its features and the type of installation you choose.
Built-in models that are designed to be installed below countertops can cost $1,000 or more.
Freestanding systems with ventilation might cost upwards of $2,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do induction cooktops have downdraft?
Induction cooktops with downdraft may look similar to those using a hood, but they are not the same. Unlike induction cooking which uses an overhead fan for air circulation, downdrafts have their built-in ventilation system which sucks up smoke caused by cooking.
Does downdraft cooktop ventilation work?
Reviewed experts consider downdraft vent systems flawed because they are more work for the system to remove air. They aren’t as effective at removing steam or odors from stockpots, and sometimes don’t even reach burners that are farthest away.
Does the induction cooktop require venting?
An induction cooktop is better ventilated than a gas or electric stove, but you still need some exhaust. Residual heat and steam come from cooking vessels, which can be more efficiently dealt with if there’s air movement around the vessel to get rid of grease/steam/smoke/odor that might linger in your kitchen.
Conclusion
It is important to consider the importance of an induction cooktop with downdraft. This will help you find a high-quality product that will be safe and effective for your home or business.
You may want to check out one of these best Induction Cooktops with Downdraft options before making a final decision on which model to purchase. These products are some of the highest quality on the market, so they should meet all your needs regardless of what you’re looking for in an appliance like this.
Have you considered any other models? We hope that our list has helped point you in the right direction!