There are now downdraft range vents being made by a number of manufacturers, Kitchenaid, Broan, GE, etc, that pop up and are typically used with island cooktops. They are similar in concept to the original downdraft vents invented by Jenn Air. The Jenn Air type place the downdraft opening in the middle of the range at the surface, with a blower that pulls air down and vents outside. This newer type go at the back edge of of the range and when not used, sit flush to the counter. They are about 2" wide and the length of the range (36"). When activated, the vent moves up about 8 inchs and turns on, with a 600CFM blower venting the air outside. The idea being that by being higher, they will be more effective at catching smoke. You also don't lose any burner space, so you can have a std
36" 5 burner gas cooktop.I'm considering one and wondering if anyone has any actual experience with one. I know they won't be as good as a true range hood at catching all the smoke, but wondering how much better, if any, they are compared to the Jenn Air downdraft type which I presently have. I could put in a regular overhead hood, but it would be a lot more work, require tearing up ceiling, moving/adding recessed lights, new holes through exterior walls, etc.