Best Downdraft Electric Cooktop for Any Kitchen Theme

When you need to upgrade your kitchen, getting an electric cooktop is the best start. But even when getting an electric cooktop, you need to consider its design, your safety, and the air quality in your kitchen. The best downdraft electric cooktop not only serves your cooking purposes but also makes it easier to clean your kitchen, including the air quality.

What Is the Best Downdraft Electric Cooktop?

Downdraft cooktops have an integrated ventilation system designed to suck down the fumes as you cook. Compared to an updraft system that sucks the fumes from above, a downdraft cooktop connects to your ventilation system from below a kitchen counter.

An electric cooktop with downdraft ventilation is powered by electricity, while a gas downdraft cooktop is a gas cooktop with the downdraft system. These electric cooktops are easy to install, affordable, and more environmentally friendly.

When looking for the best downdraft electric cooktops, you need to consider the cooktop features, such as hot surface indicator lights, the size, a powerful fan, how easy the cooking surface is, and where to install them in your kitchen counters. Here are the best electric downdraft cooktops you can buy today.

1. GE Profile Series 30" Downdraft Electric Cooktop

GE Profile Series 30" Downdraft Electric Cooktop Black Glass with...
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC
  • GE Profile Series 30"" Downdraft Electric Cooktop
  • PP9830SJSS

A good cooktop allows you to multitask in the kitchen, is easy to clean, and in this case, it also has a downdraft vent to preserve your kitchen air quality. Luckily, this GE downdraft electric cooktop meets all these attributes while being aesthetically appealing.

The cooktop surface is an easy-to-clean black glass surface, and then it comes with four cooking elements designed for six to eleven-inch pans. A rapid eating system using a 3000W heating element also gets your cooking going in no time.

This cooktop is also designed for your safety; it comes with hot surface indicator lights, so you know when it is too hot to touch, while a control lock feature prevents you from accidentally operating it. It will fit nicely with any kitchen counter theme, and the powerful exhaust system will clean your kitchen air in a quiet operation.

Pros
  • Quiet operation from a powerful downdraft system
  • Four cooking elements for different-sized pans
  • Comes in a sleek design to fit any kitchen theme
  • Easy to clean
  • Stylish stainless steel jobs for easy control
  • Comes with a control lock feature to prevent accidental activation
  • Warns you when the cooking surface is hot
Cons
  • The large exhaust takes up too much space

2. Frigidaire 30 Inch Electric Downdraft

Frigidaire 30 Inch Electric Downdraft, Black Ceramic Glass 4-Burner...
  • 30-in. Electric Built-In Downdraft Cooktop - Black
  • Four-burner system with bridge element
  • Downdraft System removes need for overhead ventilation
  • SpaceWise elements expand to cooking needs
  • Power Plus technology boils water faster

The Fridgeair electric downdraft cooktop has a bridge element with four burners, so you can use bigger pans depending on the meals you are making. Then, a powerful exhaust system eliminates the need for an overhead draft as it sucks fumes, oils, and more cooking air to keep your kitchen clean.

It is a 30-inch electric cooktop that fits in many counter designs, and with the electric elements and downdraft vent, you can install it in any corner of your kitchen. The black glass-ceramic exterior also suits most modern kitchen themes, not to mention how easy to wipe clean you will find it.

Safety comes first when installing most downdraft cooktops, and this Fridgeair exceeds expectations. First, it has hot surface indicators, so you know when not to touch it if it is hot. Then, it comes with a sealed edge burner design that won't have unwanted liquids in the downdraft ventilation system.

While the cooking surface is easy to clean, the ventilation system also comes with a removable filter you can toss in the dishwasher. The ready-select cooktop controls are easy to navigate, and the company's Power-Plus technology when you need a burner to boil water at lightning speeds.

Pros
  • Uses induction technology to heat up faster
  • Made with professional-grade stainless steel, while the cooking surface features a glass-ceramic material that is easy to clean
  • Four burners with a bridge design for when you need to use bigger pots and pans
  • No need for a separate hood as it comes with a powerful exhaust system
Cons
  • The ventilation system takes up too much space
  • It can break easily, especially during installation

3. KitchenAid KCED600GBL 30 Electric Downdraft Cooktop

KitchenAid KCED600GBL 30 Electric Downdraft Cooktop with 4 Elements...
  • Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories

One for the price, this Kitchenaid downdraft electric cooktop is designed for most kitchen themes. It uses induction technology for when you need to boil water faster, while four burners of different sizes allow you to multitask.

The black cooktop features a powerful downdraft ventilation vent that sucks steam and smoke. This best electric cooktop uses three fan speeds for the best performance, and the fan has a 300 CFM exhaust rating.

You will find it easy to control with the five stainless steel knobs. You can also transform this best downdraft electric cooktop into a ductless cooktop when you want to use an overhead ventilation system. The cooktop has indicators when it is hot, and it allows even heat distribution for the best culinary experience.

Pros
  • The best budget electric downdraft cooktop
  • It comes in a sleek design to fit any kitchen counter
  • It comes with a hot surface indicator light
  • The black ceramic glass is easy to clean
  • Five stylish stainless steel knobs for easy control
  • It comes with four burners with even
  • Powerful downdraft ventilation system
Cons
  • Not easy to install

What Are the Advantages of the Best Downdraft Electric Cooktop?

Electric cooktops cook fast and don't consume a lot of power, but the best downdraft cooktops offer far better advantages such as:

a) They are compact and stylish

Arguably one of the best features of a downdraft cooktop is its compact size. An electric or gas downdraft cooktop fits nicely anywhere in your kitchen since it does not need a hood above it. It is your best bet when you need to cook on your island.

Additionally, all downdraft electric cooktops are stylish. While sitting on a counter or island, the sleek, ceramic glass surface accentuates your kitchen theme excellently.

b) They are easy to clean

With their ceramic glass design, these cooktops are very easy to clean. Then, with the downdraft ventilation, all fumes, smoke, and steams are sucked away to reduce the need to use harsh cleaners to clean your counters after cooking.

Also, most downdraft ventilators come with easy-to-clean filters that you can toss into the dishwasher. After several uses, cleaning the filter will be an ideal step in removing any buildup that could end up polluting your indoor air.

c) They are safer than downdraft gas cooktops

Another factor that makes the electric cooktop better than a gas cooktop with downdraft, you will not worry about fire hazards. There are the risks of fumes coming into contact with the fire from beneath with gas cooktops, which could lead to fires. However, electric cooktops use heating elements without live flames, so this is a risk you will mitigate.

d) They are affordable

Compared to full hood cooktop versions and gas downdraft cooktops, an electric cooktop with downdraft is cheaper, with even cheaper installation and maintenance costs.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Downdraft Electric Cooktop

Before buying the best electric downdraft cooktop, here are the main factors to keep your kitchen clean and safe while preserving the integrity of your favorite recipes.

a) Size

Most electric cooktops with downdraft come with four to six heating elements. But, before you buy, understand how the downdraft venting system affects the layout as it is mostly inserted at the center. While these cooktops are compact, they may not be very suitable for small kitchens without much air circulation.

b) Easy to use control panel

Understand how straightforward the control panel is. For the cooktops on this list, you will find well-labeled and strategically placed stainless steel knobs. Also, a control lock panel is suitable to prevent turning the cooktop on, as this would not only be unsafe for you but will also end up consuming too much energy.

c) Heating technology

While looking at the heating elements, you can also opt for induction cooktops that heat up faster and come with a power boil element. Even heat distribution when using two or more elements will also guarantee your food will cook as intended.

In addition, you can opt for an induction cooktop that allows you to control how hot an element is, and a keep warm feature is ideal when you don't want to reheat your food after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Downdraft Cooktops

a) Are they expensive?

These electric cooktops with downdraft ventilation systems are cheaper alternatives than installing complicated updraft systems. At the same time, they are easy to keep clean and preserve the best indoor air quality.

b) How do they work?

The electric cooktops have a straightforward mode of operation that usually follows these steps after proper installation;

  1. You plug the electric cord and press the power switch.
  2. Once your food or water starts emitting smoke, steam, and fumes, a hot air fan in the ventilation system starts running, sucking the elements to clean the air.

c) How do I keep my cooktop clean?

After using your cooktop every time, it is good to wipe it down to remove any impurities. Usually, it is easy to wipe as the surface is made of glass.

In addition, it is also best to clean the ventilation system to remove buildup. Luckily, many hot air fans come with a powerful filter you can toss in the dishwasher to remove all elements.