Top 11 Best Downdraft Cooktops

Are you searching out the best downdraft cooktop? We have rolled up our sleeves and done the work of assembling research and our comprehensive research on the top 12 models.

You might be wondering:  Why do people need a downdraft cooktop?

The primary reason that homeowners seek out this cooktop style is that they are installing their cooktop on a kitchen island. They want the kitchen island to remain open feeling and not block sight lines to the rest of the room with an overhead exhaust fan. Of course, downdraft cooktops are the perfect option for solving this problem.

In addition to that reason, downdraft cooktops are desired by homeowners who want to rid their kitchens of bulky over-range exhaust fans. This is often not only because overhead exhaust fans can be bulky, but they can also be a waste of kitchen space. This leaves room for you to install desirable storage space or a nook for wall-mounted display shelving above your range.

Gas or Electric Downdraft Cooktop?

Before we begin, know that you can power downdraft cooktops with either gas or electric. So, if you have a strong preference for one power source over another, there really is a model that will work for your configuration.

In fact, to keep things simple for you, we are sorting our reviews into these two major categories. Therefore, if you are looking for the best downdraft gas cooktops, we’ve got you covered. Need an electric cooktop? Ditto.

Enjoy the read.

Best Gas Downdraft Cooktops

1. Frigidaire Gas Sealed Burner Style Cooktop

If you need the capability of boiling water as fast as possible, you’ll fall in love with the Frigidaire Gas Sealed Burner Style Cooktop.

Key Features

• 30” gas sealed burner cooktop
• 4 burners
• Easy clean up with stainless steel finish
• 4 black cast iron grates
• Can be converted from natural gas to liquid propane
• PowerBoil Plus burner boils water fast

It’s attractive with a stainless steel cooktop that’s simple to clean. A customer favorite feature with this cooktop is the PowerBoil Plus feature which boils water in less time, thanks to one powerful 17,000 BTU burner.

Those who need to boil water faster love this unit due to the powerful PowerBoil Plus burner. If you love home canning, you’ll bring your water bath up to a rolling boil in less time, making you more productive than you even thought possible.

Pros

• One of the relatively few models that can be switched over to accommodate liquid propane
• Stainless steel is easy to clean
• PowerBoil Plus feature makes it fast to bring cooking up to a boil
• Sturdy cast iron grates
• Powerful downdraft vent fan

Cons

• Downdraft fan is so powerful that it sucks the flame away from the burner towards the fan
• Noisy fan operation
• Requires above average carpentry skills to install or professional installation

If you’re looking for downdraft gas cooktops that will please even an accomplished home cook, you’ll love the Frigidaire Gas Sealed 30” Cooktop with the rapid boiling feature. This is a can’t miss for you.

2. GE Built-In Gas Downdraft Cooktop

In a sea of black and stainless steel built-in cooktops, it has become an almost impossible feat of superhuman will to find a unit in classic white.

Key Features

• Powerful 11,500 BTU sealed burners
• Glass cooktop
• White finish with black knobs and trim
• 30” standard width
• Four burners
• Comes with a one-year GE warranty

Now some of you might be wondering why one would prefer a white cooktop. To be honest, this is most often when a homeowner needs to match their cooktop to the existing white appliances in their kitchen.

While it’s great to order in all new matching appliances at the same time, that’s simply not in every family’s budget. The GE Profile 30” gas built-in white cooktop is the solution to that issue.

White makes your kitchen feel bright and cheerful, and this gives you the opportunity to add that fresh feeling to your space.

Pros

• Gas burners allow control over your cooking
• Hard to find white finish
• Easy to clean
• 1 year warranty

Cons

• May only use a GE authorized location for warranty work

When you need white, and you have limited choices, you want to make sure to purchase the best downdraft cooktop. The GE warranty helps to assuage your fears over this important investment in your kitchen.

3. Frigidaire Built In Downdraft Gas Cooktop

Got a huge kitchen island? Then you need a huge cooktop to match. The Frigidaire 36” Built In Downdraft Gas cooktop fashioned in stainless steel cooktop will complement the grand look of that island and enhance the appearance of your kitchen. At the same time, you’ll be cooking up professional quality meals and falling in love with your kitchen again.

Key Features

• Stainless steel cooktop is easy to clean
• Black burner grates and knobs
• Long double burner for a griddle or a long grill-pan plus two other burners
• 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
• Powerful fan eliminates cooking odors and smoke

This 36” cooktop gives you an impressive looking cooktop with impressive capabilities. The double burner allows you to evenly heat up a grill pan or a griddle…no more undercooked pancakes!

Pros

• Stainless steel finish cleans up like a dream
• 4 sealed burners: 1 elongated double burner adds the convenience of indoor grilling
• Frigidaire one year warranty against defects
• Quiet fan operation

Cons

• Too large for a standard cooktop opening
• Professional installation needed if you want to convert a 30” space to 36” to fit this unit

If you need a large cooktop to scale with your large kitchen or island, this massive unit will be sure to impress you. Plus, you are covered by the one year Frigidaire warranty, so you can buy in peace.

4. GE Profile Gas Downdraft Cooktop

The GE Profile Gas Downdraft cooktop makes the connection between a highly-efficient range top and a sexy finish.

Key Features

• Black glass cooktop with black knobs
• 30” cooktop surface
• Gas powered cooktop
• Sturdy cast iron grates
• 3 variable fan speeds
• Four burners
• One year General Electric warranty

The elegant look of black glass is trimmed in stainless steel plus is combined with graceful, curved cast iron burner covers that add a sexy and unexpectedly appealing look to your kitchen.

This cooktop is also available in white which gives it a crisp, stylish look.

In a playing field filled with competitors claiming to be the best downdraft gas cooktops, this unit is certainly a sharp competitor. Great functionality and stylish details make this cooktop a winner!

Pros

• Powerful thee-speed fan virtually eliminates unpleasant or strong cooking odors and smoke from your kitchen
• Easy to clean glass cooktop will mean no more worries over boiled over pots, just wipe away the mess!
• You’re covered by a one-year warranty by General Electric that covers you if your unit develops issues the first year

Cons

• Knobs are plastic. While they are attractive, they don’t have a solid feeling
• Glass cooktops require care to avoid scratches when cooking and cleaning

For a stylish appearance backed by the power to handle all of your at-home cooking tasks like a pro, trust this GE Profile Gas Downdraft model. Remember the product quality is assured by the one-year GE Warranty.

5. Jenn-Air Deals Gas Sealed Burner Cooktop

Trust the Jenn-Air Deals JGD3430BS 30” Gas sealed burner cooktop if you’re a home cook who wants to tackle every cooking challenge that’s thrown at you! The Jenn-Air line is desired by cooks for the high performance and predictable quality output.

Key Features

• Stainless Steel gas cooktop with DuraFinish protectant
• 17,000 BTU Ultra High Output burner for high-temp searing
• Powerful downdraft fan
• 3 fan settings
• Dishwasher-safe grates and fan cover
• Automatic re-ignition feature

Professional quality results at home? You bet! With Jenn Air, you can cook at ultra-high temps like the restaurant chefs.

Pros

• Your safety is assured with automatic re-ignition if your flame goes out
• Easily clean up the grates and fan cover, as they are safe to run in the dishwasher
• Powerful fan has three settings to pull smoke and odors out of your home effectively
• Ultra High Output burner allows high-temp cooking like searing, wok cooking
• Stainless steel is coated with Dura Finish to eliminate yellowing or gas stains

Cons

• Fan motor is rather loud
• Knobs feel small compared to the unit size
• Requires professional installation, not a DIY job

Ultra-high output and a powerful fan to eliminate the smoke that comes from high temperature cooking are yours with Jenn Air.

Electric Downdraft Cooktops

6. GE Profile Series Downdraft Electric Cooktop

Do you want a sleek and stylish looking electric cooktop with modern touches? Take a look at this GE Profile Series Downdraft Electric Cooktop.

Key Features

• Electric Cooktop
• Three fan speeds
• Four heating elements
• Smooth glass cooktop for easy cleaning
• Stainless steel finish knobs and trim
• One year manufacturer’s warranty

It features an easy to clean smooth glass cooktop and features sleek-looking stainless steel toned accents. The stainless adds a cool, modern feeling while keeping the cooktop all about the business of cooking.

You’ll take comfort in your purchase knowing that you can take advantage of a one year manufacturer’s warranty by taking your cooktop to an authorized dealer for repair in the rare case that your unit has a defect.

Pros

• Electric heating elements heat consistently
• Attractive, modern appearance
• Cleans up easily

Cons

• Glass cooktops are prone to scratches
• Warranty work must be done only at an authorized GE dealer
• The stainless steel accents are painted plastic parts, not real stainless steel

When you have a stylish, modern kitchen, you want a look to match. The good looks of the GE Profile cooktop won’t disappoint you. Remember, you’re backed by the one year manufacturer’s warranty against product defects.

7. Kitchen Aid Electric Downdraft Cooktop

The Kitchen Aid KCED600GBL 30 Electric Downdraft Cooktop gives you a contemporary black glass finish with the look kept from being overly modern with the stylish addition of cool-looking stainless steel knobs.

Key Features

• Built-in safety with heat indicator light
• Electric cooktop with four burners
• Downdraft fan with three speed settings
• Smooth black glass cooktop resists stains
• Even Heat Ultra burner
• Simmer only setting
• Stylish stainless steel knobs

If you want a softer take on style that’s more contemporary than modern, look to this cooktop for the balance between the two styles.

In addition to great looks, get the ultimate in cooktop performance. Even Heat Ultra Burner enables even, high-quality heat for predictable results. The simmer only setting allows you to simmer sauces and glazes without burning.

Pros

• Even Heat Ultra and Simmer Only settings will allow you to achieve consistently great results, every time
• Glass cooktops resist staining and wipe away easily after use
• Powerful fan with three adjustable settings to ensure your home remains both odor-free and smoke-free
• Elegant stainless steel knobs aren’t just pretty—you can easily wipe away fingerprints!

Cons

• Glass cooktop may scratch from sliding pots across the top
• Must purchase a special cleanser for scratch-free cleaning
• If you’re not a handyman, you may need to schedule a contractor for installation assistance. This is especially true if you’re converting to a downdraft from a hooded exhaust system.

Kitchen Aid is a long-trusted household brand. You can be confident in purchasing this brand as well as in the even cooking results that you’ll achieve with this highly-touted cooktop model.

8. KitchenAid Electric Downdraft Cooktop

The Kitchen Aid 30” Electric Downdraft Cooktop Stainless Steel KCED600GSS gives your kitchen the fantastic, trendy look or stainless steel yet delivers the quality that you expect from Kitchen Aid.

Key Features

• Heat indicator light for safety
• Four burner electric cooktop
• Downdraft fan offers you three speed settings
• Smooth stainless steel toned glass cooktop will provide easy cleanup
• Even Heat Ultra burner
• Simmer only setting will gently simmer or melt butter
• Stylish stainless steel knobs

The stainless-steel colored glass cooktop is accentuated with shiny stainless steel knobs that add a visually appealing contrast. It will give your kitchen the style you want while enabling you to turn out perfect recipes.

Kitchen Aid offers consumers reliable, dependable products. They have been an industry leader for decades due to their commitment to manufacturing only the best quality in kitchen appliances.

Pros

• Even Heat Ultra and Simmer Only settings will allow you to slowly simmer sauces or soups all day long without scorching.
• The stainless steel glass cooktop will allow you to easily wipe off any messes without streaks
• Powerful fan has 3 variable settings—this keeps your home free of smoke or unpleasant cooking odors
• The stainless steel knobs don’t show fingerprints and add a touch of class.

For a fantastic combination of style and precision cooking, consider the Kitchen Aid 30” Electric Downdraft Cooktop. You know the brand and trust the name, now purchase the best downdraft cooktop for your busy lifestyle.

9. Frigidaire Electric Built In Downdraft Cooktop

Got a huge chef’s kitchen? Love to entertain and cook multiple dishes at one time? You would likely benefit from a huge cooktop that can handle your multi-tasking needs with ease. The Frigidaire 36” Electric Built in Downdraft Cooktop is a great option for your busy kitchen.

Key Features

• Smooth, glass electric cooktop
• Sleek black finish
• Elements allow you to select the surface size you need
• Powerful heat from 3200 watts of power
• Indicator light warns you of hot surface
• Full-length fan with 3 fan speeds draws out smoke and odor very efficiently

If you frequently host dinner parties or cook entire make ahead meals all at once, the Frigidaire 36” Electric Cooktop will offer you the flexibility and function you’ve been craving all along.

Pros

• Expandable elements allow you to match the element size to the pot size
• Smooth glass cooktop wipes down easily
• Safety built-in with the heat indicator light
• 3200 watt power source ensures you’ll get the job done right

Cons

• Fan is relatively noisy
• Difficult installation may require that you pay a professional to come out

The large size of the Frigidaire 36” Electric Downdraft Cooktop delivers both the big cooktop space combined with the big power in both the heating and the fan will help you get your biggest cooking challenges handled like a pro.

10. GE Profile Downdraft Electric Cooktop

If you love the crisp and clean appeal of all white appliances, you know the challenges. Today’s appliances are available primarily in black or stainless steel. Don’t be deprived of the chance to install your new cooktop in your favorite color! The GE Profile 30” Down Draft Electric Cooktop comes in a beautiful white, smooth top unit that will suit your preference for white.

Key Features

• 30” electric downdraft cooktop
• Clean and crisp white finish
• White knobs and trim
• 3 fan speeds
• PowerBoil feature brings your water to boiling faster
• Comes with GE one-year warranty against defective units

Don’t deprive yourself of your desire to purchase an all-white cooktop. In fact, this unit even comes equipped with white knobs and trim, so you’ll have the pristine white look that you want.

Pros

• All-white including the trim pieces and knobs
• Smooth top wipes for easy cleanup of boil overs
• PowerBoil to get your cooking started in a flash
• 30” standard size is easy to fit to existing cooktop openings

Cons

• One year warranty requires a call to an authorized GE dealer only
• Glass top scratches and requires cleaner specifically formulated for cooktops
• Install might require professional installer

If you want a pure white cooktop, this might be one of your few options. However, you can rest assured you’re covered by GE’s one-year warranty to make your investment a smart one.

11. Jenn-Air Electric Downdraft Cooktop

The Jenn Air brand is one of the best-kept secrets of home chefs. The long-standing brand is a customer favorite and consistently ranks of lists of the best downdraft cooktop due to the thought that goes into the details of their products.

Key Features

• Black glass electric cooktop
• Four heating elements
• DuraFinish protective coating
• Safety feature of hot surface indicator light
• Digital push-button controls

Skip expensive restaurant dining. Prepare healthy and affordable meals at home. Your family will be pleased with results of your cooking efforts when you purchase a quality cooktop.

Pros

• Built in safety with a hot surface light
• Black glass cooktop cleans easily and resists staining
• Coated with DuraFinish to retain a lustrous finish
• No bulky-looking knob as it uses push-button digital controls

Cons

• Glass tops are prone to scratching easily
• Must take care not to scratch the glass

The Jenn Air JED4430GB 30” Electric Downdraft Cooktop lives up to the brand image.

Key Information About Downdraft Cooktops

In this section, you’ll find all the answers to the most common questions that homeowners have about downdraft style cooktops.

How do downdraft cooktops work?

As opposed to traditional cooktops, which have a separate exhaust fan mounted overhead, downdraft cooktops are all-in-one. The fan of a downdraft model sets in the cooktop itself. It sits flat in the top of the cooktop until ready to use, then pops up when you’re ready to cook. For this reason, you might also hear it referred to as a “pop-up-cooktop.”

It pulls smoke and odors down into the unit and exhausts it out. The exhaust pipes run under the kitchen floor and vent to the outdoors.

The 3 main advantages of downdraft cooktops

• Add Style to Your Kitchen: Sleek looking exhaust method. No unsightly or bulky fan units to block views.
• Space-saving: You can keep the area over your cooktop wide open for a modern look or utilize the space saved by installing a storage unit.
• Easier to Clean: Traditional hooded exhaust fans can be hard to reach and even harder to clean! Because exhaust is pulled down to counter height, downdraft exhaust fans are easier to keep free of dirt and dangerous grease build-up.

The Bottom Line

You want to purchase the best downdraft cooktop for you. Whether you are motivated by the need to free up storage space or just free yourself from looking at an unsightly range hood, you have many options from which you may choose.

Ultimately, it will come down to whether you require gas or electric power and other preferences. But always invest in quality that will serve you well for years to come.