The downdraft is Jenn-Airs signature product. The vent is in the middle of the cooktop or stove and vented down through the product and out of your house.
That’s the theory, but I never saw it in operation until last Sunday.
Updraft vs Downdraft
I would also sell downdrafts as a last option because a hood is much better. Hoods have greater CFM or blower speed. The Jenn-Air has 310 CFM.
Hoods can be 190 to 1,500 CFM. Hoods also have a capture area or a place where excess smoke is channeled and then filtered. Downdrafts obviously have no capture area.
Gravity also works in the favor of a hood because smoke rises.
Ducting also is better in a hood. You can vent straight up. In a downdraft, however, you have to vent typically through floor joists using less efficient elbows. We cover venting completely in our Ventilation Buyers Guide.
However, a central downdraft has one distinct advantage: Proximity to where the smoke is being generated. It also can be the last option (as it is in this kitchen), so it is far better than nothing.
You can also place the pan closer to the vent when the cooking is completed
Key Takeaways
The Jenn-Air does seem to work. However, you need to vent properly with a short duct run with the proper duct work. I am still somewhat skeptical with heavy use like frying or with bigger pots.
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