Most people would agree that a downdraft cooktop is a must-have item in a modern-day kitchen.
After all, these products feature a built-in ventilation system that pulls grease, fumes, and odors out to keep the kitchen fresh and offer a comfortable cooking experience. So, if you are a budding chef or someone who loves cooking and your kitchen doesn’t have proper ventilation, installing this helpful equipment would certainly make sense.
However, given the availability of so many options on the market that often fail to meet the required needs, choosing the right one might seem a tad complicated. That is why we have handpicked and reviewed the 11 best downdraft cooks out there to help you make an informed purchase.
In addition to that, we have provided a buyer’s guide towards the end to make things easier for you. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Best Downdraft Cooktops
Table of Contents
- Best Downdraft Cooktops
- Buying Guide For The Best Downdraft Cooktop
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a downdraft cooktop require special installation or maintenance?
- Is a downdraft cooktop hard to clean?
- What size downdraft cooktop should I buy?
- What safety features does a downdraft cooktop have?
- Does a downdraft cooktop work with my current range hood?
- Which brands offer the best downdraft cooktop?
- Conclusion
1. GE PP9830DJBB
For over 100 years, GE has committed itself to modernize life by bringing fun and convenience to kitchens and homes with its wide range of innovative appliances. And the PP9830DJBB Profile Series Electric Downdraft Cooktop is a perfect example of what the brand can bring to the table. So, go ahead and read the next few sections to learn about it in detail.
- 9"/6" Power Boil element: Use different pan sizes...
- Bridge Element: Combines cooking elements into one...
Why Did We Like It?
This product is an ideal blend of modern design and top-notch performance, which is why it is among our top recommendations. It sports frameless edges and durable build quality, enabling it to complement all color schemes without breaking a sweat. Safe to say, it truly shines in terms of looks and quality.
Now, as far as the performance is concerned, we are pleased to inform you that this electric cooktop comes with multiple features that help you meet different cooking needs. For instance, the 30″ wide cooking surface with four burners enables you to cook a variety of dishes simultaneously, thus helping you save electricity and time.
Apart from that, it comes with a handy control lock, which protects users from unintended activation. But, the best safety features are the hot surface indicators that let users know when elements are too hot to touch with a glance.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We could hardly find any significant flaw with this exceptional product that would compromise its performance when operated. That said, we have to admit that we were a bit disappointed to find out the glass surface was not scratch-resistant. But apart from that, the cooktop works perfectly.
- Sleek and durable build quality
- Adequate markings
- Control knobs are conveniently located
- Indicates overheating
- Cooktop surface is not scratch-resistant
Buying Guide For The Best Downdraft Cooktop
When it comes to choosing the best downdraft cooktop, there are a number of things to consider.
Whether you’re replacing an old cooktop or you’re shopping for a new one, it’s important to know what to look for before you make a purchase. From the size of the cooktop to the features, there’s a lot to consider when selecting the best downdraft cooktop for your home.
In this buying guide, we’ll cover all the key factors to consider when choosing the best downdraft cooktop.
Price
When it comes to choosing the best downdraft cooktop, price is one of the factors to consider. Downdraft cooktops range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
You should set a budget before you start shopping so you can narrow down your choices. Consider the features the cooktop offers and compare the prices to find the best option for your budget.
Size
The size of your downdraft cooktop should also be taken into consideration. Most cooktops come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you measure your kitchen and choose one that will fit in your space. You’ll also want to make sure the size of the cooktop allows for adequate ventilation, so be sure to check the airflow (CFM) rating before buying.
Build Quality
Build quality is another factor to consider when choosing the best downdraft cooktop. Look for cooktops that are made from high-quality materials that won’t rust or corrode.
Stainless steel cooktops are a popular choice because they are durable and easy to clean. Make sure the cooktop is well-built and that all the components are securely attached.
Number of Burners
The number of burners is another factor you should consider when choosing a downdraft cooktop. Depending on how many people you cook for and the types of food you make, you may need more than one burner.
Cooktops come in a range of sizes and configurations, from one to five burners. If you frequently cook for large groups or want the versatility of having more burners, you may want to opt for a five-burner cooktop.
Grates
Grates are another factor to take into consideration when it comes to selecting the best downdraft cooktop. Grates not only help disperse heat more evenly across the surface of the cooktop, but also make it easier to clean.
Look for grates that are heavy-duty and easy to remove for cleaning. Some cooktops come with a removable griddle, which makes it easy to cook a wide range of foods.
Design
The design of your downdraft cooktop is important to consider as it will be an integral part of your kitchen and will have to fit in with the other appliances and decor. Many downdraft cooktops come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to more traditional designs.
Additionally, some downdraft cooktops are designed to be installed flush with the countertop for a more seamless look. Choose a cooktop that fits the size, style, and overall look of your kitchen.
Safety
Safety should be a top priority when choosing the best downdraft cooktop. Look for cooktops with sensors that detect when a flame has gone out. This feature will quickly shut off the gas to ensure safety.
Also, many downdraft cooktops come with a built-in fan that circulates the air to ensure that any smoke or odors produced when cooking are quickly dispersed.
Heating Performance
The performance of a downdraft cooktop is largely dependent on the type of heating element it uses. Electric cooktops are a popular choice since they offer precise heating control, are easy to clean, and are generally more energy-efficient than gas cooktops.
If you prefer the convenience of a gas cooktop, look for one with sealed burners that will prevent spills and splatters from reaching the fan.
Ease of Cleaning
No one wants to spend hours scrubbing their cooktop after a long day of cooking. To make sure your downdraft cooktop is easy to clean, look for features like smooth glass surfaces that can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
In addition, make sure that the fan is easy to remove and clean, as it will be the most important part of keeping your downdraft cooktop clean.
Airflow (CFM)
The airflow of a downdraft cooktop is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This refers to the amount of air the fan can move in a minute. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the fan will be and the better it will be at dispersing smoke and odors. Make sure that the CFM of your downdraft cooktop is enough to effectively ventilate your kitchen.
Choosing the best downdraft cooktop can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can be sure to find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Additionally, you should factor in the cost of any additional features like a ventilation hood or range hood. With the right features, you can be sure to find the perfect cooktop that fits your budget and makes cooking easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a downdraft cooktop require special installation or maintenance?
A downdraft cooktop does not require any special installation or maintenance. Installation is relatively straightforward and can be completed by a qualified technician.
The cooktop should be connected to a gas line and an appropriate ventilation system, and the exhaust outlet should be installed in accordance with local building codes.
In order to ensure that the downdraft cooktop is functioning correctly, you need to check the operation of the spark igniter and the flame size from time to time.
The burner should not produce a yellow flame or have any other sign of incomplete combustion. If any of these issues are present, they should be fixed before using the appliance.
Is a downdraft cooktop hard to clean?
A downdraft cooktop can be a bit harder to clean than other types of cooktops, such as gas or electric.
The main challenge is that the fan grille and filters are often located at the back of the cooktop and can be difficult to access.
Furthermore, the fan grille and filters need to be regularly removed and cleaned to ensure proper performance.
However, there are some steps you can take to make cleaning your downdraft cooktop easier. For example, you should wipe down the cooktop after each use to avoid built-up grease and food residue.
Additionally, you should make sure to clean the fan grille and filters regularly to keep your downdraft cooktop in top condition.
Overall, while a downdraft cooktop can be more challenging to clean than other types, taking the right measures can ensure that it is kept clean and in good working order.
What size downdraft cooktop should I buy?
When considering the size of a downdraft cooktop, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, consider the size of the space you are putting the downdraft cooktop. A larger space will require a larger cooktop.
Secondly, think about how much cooking you need to do. Do you need to cook for large groups or just a few people?
Thirdly, consider what type of cookware you will be using. You may need a larger cooktop to accommodate larger cookware.
In conclusion, the size of the downdraft cooktop you should buy depends on the size of the space you are putting the cooktop in, the amount of cooking you need to do, the type of cookware you will be using, and the type of downdraft cooktop you are looking for.
What safety features does a downdraft cooktop have?
A downdraft cooktop is just as safe to use as a regular cooktop. Most models come with safety features such as automatic shut-off and temperature control.
Don’t forget to read the instructions and make sure you understand all the safety features before using the cooktop.
Does a downdraft cooktop work with my current range hood?
Yes, a downdraft cooktop will work with your current range hood. However, you should check the specifications of your range hood to ensure that it is compatible with the downdraft cooktop. You may need to buy an adapter to connect the two.
Moreover, it’s important to check the size of your current range hood to make sure that it is large enough to accommodate the downdraft cooktop.
It’s also important to verify that the downdraft cooktop is compatible with your current kitchen venting system.
Finally, you should check the manufacturer’s manual to ensure that the downdraft cooktop is compatible with your range hood.
Which brands offer the best downdraft cooktop?
There are a number of brands that offer quality downdraft cooktops. Some of the top brands include GE, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, and Singlehomie.
You should do your research and make sure you choose a reputable brand that offers quality products.
Conclusion
With that, we have come to the end of our guide. And we hope that it has helped you select the best downdraft cooktop. But if you are still confused, we strongly recommend sticking around for a couple of minutes more as we let you in on our favorite products from this list.
In our opinion, the GE PP9830DJBB is the best overall as it sports a sleek and durable build quality and can indicate overheating. Moving on, the Frigidaire RC36DE60PB is a good choice simply because it can distribute heat evenly and is affordable.
And if you are looking for a product that comes with all the necessary safety features and is easy to use, consider giving Singlehomie 30 inch Electric Cooktop a try.
On that note, it is time for us to wrap things up. Hope to see you soon!
Related Articles
