Downdraft extractor fans...

[madcows]

Hi there,
we're planning to put our hob on a peninsula, and want to avoid an extractor fan at head level. We've seen downdraft extractors in magazines,,, and wondered if anyone has put one in, and what are the pros and cons. (obviously more expensive.... But apart from that....???)
Thanks,
Madcows

bump bump.... anyone?

Bumping for you as I am having one in our new kitchen and would like to hear more.

I can't believe no-one on MN has had one of these... or thought about putting them in!! Skandi - which one are you going for? And have you seen one 'in action'?!
madcows

We're considering one for our kitchen. But it doesn't help that our neighbours say theirs is rubbish. Can't remember what brand theirs is though

I am considering one of these and have had one demonstrated.

The advantage of a conventional hood type extractor is that it will extract equally from all the rings on the hob. With the down draught it has to pull the vapour across rather than up. So it works better on the rings nearest the extractor. Was told that it was much less effective on the front rings.

Other downside, is that it takes up quite a lot of space under the counter or island and has to be vented out under the floor.

I was quite sure I would have one of these from an aesthetic point of view, but since seeing one in action, I'm not so sure anymore.

Having said all that I rarely use my extractor anyway and tend to open the window!

I think it would be worthwhile getting a demo.

A friend told me that she has seen some in the US where there is an downdraught extractor on each side of the hob.The one I saw demonstrated was at the back of the hob.

I am considering the De Dietrich one. Has a high extraction rate and I can easily vent it under the floor (joists run the right way for me given position of extractor).

Not seen one in action but hoping to soon.

The De Dietrich one is nice, They also make the CDA one, same but different badge.
www.cda.eu/Products/Extractors/EDD9
that take around 25cms behind the unit under.
Another option if your not wanting a island hanging extractor is to look at the ceiling mounted, again not the cheapest but on par with downdrafts.
Franke do one - link below explains all needed to know with measurements/distances etc. few other companies offer these also

www.franke.com/kitchensystems/uk/en/home/products_information/special_features/ceiling_hoods.html

Thanks for these replies... some food for thought. I tend to never use them... but my dh does, and is very insistent!
madcows

It is important that they are positioned correctly, especially on gas hobs, if they are too close to the hob they can cause the flame to be blown (sucked) out or burn inefficiently which casuses CO problems.
They work very well and look great, but as with most appliances you get what you pay for.

hi, anyone have anything more advice on down draught extractors? We're looking at the CDA one to go in a new kitchen, and want to avoid having a hood over the island.

thanks.