With its new electric and gas downdraft cooktops, KitchenAid is offering those who love to cook even more versatile options to choose from in its cooktop collection. The latest downdraft cooktops are available in a 30- inch gas option as well as 30- and 36-inch electric models. By eliminating the need for a hood, a downdraft cooktop can be placed in kitchen islands or peninsulas. These flexible placement options allow for an open kitchen design, keeping the cook connected to family and guests. Open space not taken by a large hood can be utilized for extra storage, decoration or lighting above the cooktop. A powerful ventilation system draws smoke, steam and odors directly from the cooktop, then down and out of the kitchen through duct work, eliminating the need to raise a screen or use other ventilation lending a cleaner, more modern look to the cooking space.
KitchenAid electric downdraft cooktop features a stylish pure black ceramic black surface with a hot surface indicator and durable stainless steel knobs. Both the 30- and 36-inch cooktops feature two 9″/6″ double-ring round elements for accommodating differently sized cookware. Additional elements on the 30-inch model include 8-inch and 6-inch sizes. The 36-inch model has an additional 12″/9″ double-ring round element for added versatility, along with a 6-inch element and a 7-inch warm zone element for keeping cooked foods warm before serving. A 3-speed 400 CFM fan provides the ventilation power to handle various cooking techniques from pan searing to stir-frying. Electric downdraft cooktops are available in a pure black or pure black with a stainless steel trim. Suggested retail prices on the 30-inch electric models range from $1,250 to $1,350, with 36-inch models ranging from $1,400 to $1,500.
The 30-inch gas downdraft cooktop features four sealed burners with a variety of heat output and a 2-speed 325 CFM fan. A 15,000 BTU professional burner accommodates cooking techniques that require extreme heat, while a 5,000 BTU burner can be reduced to 900 BTUs to cook food gently at low temperatures. Additional burners include 10,500 and 9,200 BTU output while infinite-heat controls that allow for many settings from high to low, insure precision for cooking a variety of dishes. Suggested retail prices on the gas downdraft cooktops available in stainless steel and black, will range from $1,350 to $1,450. KitchenAid. Previously, downdraft Jenn-Air cooktops.