Deciding Between Updraft and Downdraft Ventilation Systems

Getting the right ventilation system for your kitchen can make the difference between preparing meals in a cool and clean environment and cooking in one that is filled with smoke and heat. Installing proper ventilation has become even more important as consumers put in ovens and cooktops that can heat more dishes at higher temperatures.

When deciding between types of ventilation systems, there are two basic choices; an updraft or a downdraft system. Here are the details of each:

Downdraft Ventilation Systems

These systems are built into the back of the range and can either remain flush with the cooktop or pop up when needed. The pop up ventilation version is more effective at capturing heat, smoke, odors, etc. as it sits with a higher profile than a flush mounted system. These systems pull heat and airborne residues either down or sideways, which tends to limit their overall effectiveness. Venting with this type of system can also be negatively affected when taller pots are in use on the cooktop due to vapors being released at a higher point than the downdraft fans can reach. Downdraft systems are ideal for providing ventilation in kitchens with lower levels of heat, smoke, steam, etc., especially when the range sits as an island in the middle of the kitchen or when a hood/updraft system cannot be installed. These systems are also preferred as an alternative to overhead ventilation by some for aesthetic purposes.

Updraft or Overhead Ventilation Systems

Updraft or overhead ventilation systems are positioned above the range to capture heat, smoke, odors and particulates as they naturally rise from the cooktop and/or oven. These systems use fans to draw residuals into the venting system where they are either run through a filtering process and re-circulated or vented outside. The choice between re-circulation and venting to the outdoors is primarily determined by the proximity of the range and venting system to an outside wall of the building. Updraft ventilation systems are more efficient in clearing the kitchen of residues and are basically the only choice in situations where cooking results in the emission of high levels of heat, smoke, etc. Purchasers of pro-style ovens should only consider updraft ventilation systems as the emissions that are typically generated by high powered burners and multiple dishes being prepared at the same time would be too much for a downdraft system to handle effectively.

Buying the right ventilation system goes beyond a choice of form over function as a kitchen with insufficient venting can become overheated, loaded with airborne particulates, and gather residual gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Ultimately, maximizing the effectiveness of the ventilation in your kitchen is a matter of matching your cooking style and kitchen configuration to the right system. With that, you’ll be able to cook and entertain in an environment that is both comfortable and inviting.

3 Common Appliance Buying Mistakes

In many kitchen remodeling projects, the range and the refrigerator serve as the cornerstone appliances in terms of utility and appearance. During the decision-making process for these items there are several mistakes that can be made that can result in poor functionality or require the inconvenience of a return of the appliance for another model. These mistakes include:

• Prioritizing form over function – This is a common mistake that has its roots in the fact that many homeowners have a very detailed vision of how their new kitchen should look, but are less clear on how the kitchen will work. This can lead to the purchase of a refrigerator with a single door that can’t swing open fully due to a tight space or the purchase of a range that can’t be ventilated properly.
• Going too big – Super-sizing appliances is fine as long as you’re not making major sacrifices in other areas, such as counter space and storage space. Keep in mind that you will need to store cookware, plates, silverware, pantry items, etc. Also remember that most meal preparation takes place on countertops, so leave room for that activity as well.
• Forgetting to assess the intended spaces for suitability – Don’t assume that the space where your refrigerator is going to go will be plumbed to provide dispensed ice and water. On the same note, you’ll want to make sure that the space for your cooktop and wall oven allows for a proper configuration, for example.

With the time and cost involved with doing a kitchen remodel, the importance of buying the right appliances cannot be understated. By avoiding these common appliance buying mistakes, you’ll be able to get your kitchen remodel done on budget and on time.

3 Tips on Buying the Best Ventilation System for Your Kitchen

It’s often the case that when consumers start planning the purchase of new appliances for their newly remodeled kitchen, the ventilation system is either an afterthought or completely forgotten. In these situations, the error in this thinking doesn’t become apparent until the first big meal is prepared in a growing cloud of smoke and steam that has overwhelmed an inadequate ventilation system.
With that in mind here are 4 tips for buying the best ventilation system for your kitchen:

• Follow the ventilation guidelines as suggested by the manufacturer of your oven – These guidelines will vary depending on the BTUs and configuration of the oven. For example, if the cooktop includes a grill, more ventilation will be required.
• Make sure that the ventilation hood is at least as wide as the cooktop surface – Going a little wider isn’t a bad idea here. Also, the ideal depth of the ventilation hood should cover at least 75% of the depth of the cooktop surface.
• Vent to the outdoors if possible – Venting particulates, smoke and steam to the outdoors gets them out of the house as opposed to re-circulating fans which eliminate odors but can actually re-circulate more than half of particulates back into the house.

While ventilation systems may not be the first thing that people think about when they’re remodeling their kitchen, getting the right one is as important as the rest of the new appliances going into the kitchen. The alternative is to spend time cooking in a “pea soup” fog of steam and smoke that hangs around until it can be blown out of a window.