If you’re looking to combine powerful cooking with effective ventilation in your kitchen, a downdraft gas cooktop is the perfect solution. Downdraft cooktops integrate a built-in ventilation system that draws air downward to expel smoke, steam, and odors through ducts, eliminating the need for an overhead range hood. These cooktops are ideal for modern kitchens with island cooktops or open-concept spaces. In this guide, we’ll explore the best downdraft gas cooktops available, highlighting their features, performance, and what to look for when choosing the right one for your kitchen.
What is a Downdraft Gas Cooktop?
A downdraft gas cooktop combines a cooktop with an integrated downdraft ventilation system. The cooktop uses gas burners, and the downdraft vent pulls air downward to effectively remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from the cooking surface. This type of cooktop eliminates the need for a traditional overhead range hood, making it perfect for kitchen islands, smaller kitchens, or open floor plans where overhead hoods may interfere with sightlines.
Why Choose a Downdraft Gas Cooktop?
Downdraft gas cooktops offer several advantages:
- Space-Saving: A downdraft gas cooktop removes the need for a large overhead range hood, saving space and maintaining an open kitchen design.
- Unobstructed View: These cooktops provide a clear view of your kitchen, especially in islands or smaller kitchens where overhead hoods can be intrusive.
- Effective Ventilation: The built-in downdraft ventilation system pulls smoke, steam, and odors directly from the cooking surface, keeping the air fresh and clean.
- Quiet Operation: Many downdraft systems operate quietly, which is a big advantage in open-concept kitchens.
What to Look for in the Best Downdraft Gas Cooktop
When choosing the best downdraft gas cooktop, consider the following factors:
1. Size and Configuration
Downdraft gas cooktops come in various sizes, with common configurations being 30-inch and 36-inch models. Choose a size that fits your kitchen space and provides the right cooking capacity for your needs. Most models come with four or five burners, offering flexibility for different cooking techniques.
2. Ventilation Power (CFM)
The ventilation system’s CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating is critical to ensuring that smoke, steam, and odors are effectively removed from the cooking area. Look for downdraft gas cooktops with a CFM rating between 600 and 900 for optimal performance. Larger kitchens or more intense cooking might require higher CFM models.
3. Cooking Performance
The cooking performance of the gas burners is just as important as the ventilation system. Look for downdraft cooktops with powerful burners, ideally with a high BTU rating for fast heating, searing, and boiling. Many high-end models feature burners that can go up to 18,000-20,000 BTU, providing versatility for different cooking techniques.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning a downdraft gas cooktop should be simple. Look for models with smooth, easy-to-wipe surfaces. Gas cooktops with sealed burners are easier to clean than those with open burners. Additionally, the downdraft system should have removable filters for easy cleaning or replacement.
5. Noise Level
Noise can be an important factor when choosing a downdraft gas cooktop. Some ventilation systems are designed to operate quietly, which is especially important in open-concept kitchens where excessive noise can be distracting.
6. Price
Downdraft gas cooktops can range in price depending on features, size, and brand. Consider your budget and find a model that offers the features you need, balancing performance and cost. Premium models offer additional features such as high BTU burners, advanced ventilation, and modern designs, but there are budget-friendly options as well.
Top 5 Best Downdraft Gas Cooktops
1. KitchenAid KCGD500GSS 30-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The KitchenAid KCGD500GSS is a 30-inch gas downdraft cooktop featuring five burners, including a 17,000 BTU burner for high heat cooking. It offers a built-in downdraft ventilation system with a 600 CFM rating for efficient removal of smoke and odors. The cooktop’s sleek stainless steel design complements modern kitchens, while the smooth surface is easy to clean. The downdraft vent retracts when not in use, providing a clean, minimalistic look.
- Size: 30 inches
- Burners: 5 burners, up to 17,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 600 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel, modern finish
- Features: Even-Heat technology, easy-to-clean surface
- Pros: Powerful burners, sleek design, efficient ventilation
- Cons: Higher price point
2. Bosch NGM8056UC 30-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Bosch NGM8056UC is a 30-inch gas downdraft cooktop with four burners, including an 18,000 BTU burner for powerful heat. The integrated 500 CFM downdraft ventilation system efficiently removes smoke and odors, while the smooth stainless steel design adds a modern touch to any kitchen. It’s known for its quiet operation and reliable performance.
- Size: 30 inches
- Burners: 4 burners, up to 18,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 500 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel, smooth finish
- Features: Automatic electronic ignition, simple controls
- Pros: Powerful burners, quiet operation, modern design
- Cons: Lower CFM than some premium models
3. Viking VGR53014B 30-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Viking VGR53014B is a premium 30-inch gas downdraft cooktop featuring four burners, including a 15,000 BTU burner for versatile cooking. The built-in downdraft system has a 600 CFM rating to effectively remove smoke and odors. The stainless steel finish is both durable and sleek, and the cooktop’s heavy-duty construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Size: 30 inches
- Burners: 4 burners, up to 15,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 600 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel, heavy-duty construction
- Features: Convection oven, easy-to-clean grates
- Pros: Professional-grade performance, efficient ventilation
- Cons: Expensive
4. Thermador PRD366WG 36-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Thermador PRD366WG is a 36-inch gas downdraft cooktop with a 6-burner setup, including two 18,000 BTU burners for powerful cooking. The integrated downdraft ventilation system offers a 600 CFM airflow to capture smoke and odors. This model is perfect for larger kitchens or those who do a lot of cooking and require a larger cooking surface and stronger ventilation.
- Size: 36 inches
- Burners: 6 burners, up to 18,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 600 CFM
- Design: Professional-grade stainless steel
- Features: Convection oven, dual-fan ventilation
- Pros: Powerful burners, large cooking surface, ideal for large kitchens
- Cons: Expensive, larger footprint
5. Samsung NA75J3030AS 30-Inch Gas Downdraft Cooktop
The Samsung NA75J3030AS is an affordable 30-inch gas downdraft cooktop featuring four burners, including a 15,000 BTU burner for fast cooking. The built-in downdraft ventilation system offers 500 CFM of airflow, ensuring that your kitchen stays fresh while you cook. Its compact design and budget-friendly price make it a popular choice for smaller kitchens.
- Size: 30 inches
- Burners: 4 burners, up to 15,000 BTU
- Ventilation Power: 500 CFM
- Design: Stainless steel, compact
- Features: Easy-to-clean grates, precise burner control
- Pros: Affordable, efficient ventilation
- Cons: Lower CFM rating
Final Thoughts
Downdraft gas cooktops offer a perfect combination of cooking power and efficient ventilation in one sleek package. Whether you prefer the high-powered burners of the Viking VGR53014B or the sleek induction performance of the Bosch NITP068UC, there’s a downdraft gas cooktop that fits your kitchen needs. Consider the size of your kitchen, your cooking habits, and your budget when selecting the right model for your home.