I'm installing a cooktop with a downdraft on my kitchen island. How much room does the downdraft require?

Question

I'm working on a kitchen remodel. i would like to install a 5 burner cooktop on my kitchen island with an oven below. I also want to use a downdraft system. is it possible to have a downdraft with an oven- will the downdraft system fit behind an oven? how much space do i need to carve out for the downdraft?

Answer 1

A few considerations:

1) Have you determined how you will vent your downdraft to the outdoors?   This is very challenging sometimes, especially if your kitchen sits on concrete slab, and less powerful than conventional up-drafting.  If venting outside is not an option, Thermador and Bosch are coming out with the first downdraft recirculating kits this season.  I've covered these in my blog entry this week at:  

http://jgkitchens.blogspot.com/2008/08/t...

2) I have found that most downdraft systems will not fit into a standard 24" deep base cabinet.  You'll typically need a 27-30" deep base, depending on the specs of the model you choose.  (Specs are typically available at the manufacturers' web sites, right near the features and pricing, so you can see the particular requirements for the models you're considering.)

3) Have you considered a ceiling-mounted island hood instead?  This will give you much more ventilation power.  These are also available with recirculating kits, if you can't vent outdoors.  Miele introduced one at KBIS that elevates when not in use.  Details are posted on that same blog page mentioned above.  

Good luck with your project!