Downdraft extractors: any good?

[SallyOMalley]

We're in the middle of building works at the moment, and as part of this we're reconfiguring our kitchen.

I'd like an induction hob to be set into a breakfast bar so that I can face the room when cooking and I think it looks neater than having a sink there.

So, now I'm thinking about extraction. The ideal option would be a ceiling extractor set into the ceiling but I need to talk to our builder about ducting to the outside as this could be an issue.

I've been looking at very expensive downdraft extractors that disappear down into the unit behind the hob. Does anyone have any experience of these? Would you recommend, despite the expense?!

Can't answer your actual question but just wanted to say decide now either way and stick to it!! We had some of works done in the kitchen. New island,hob on island. I thought at the time we would have an island hood but didn't realise until ceiling was up and almost done that they all come down so low which would end up in my DH's eyeline. So, changed it to a ceiling mounted one that can either be fitted within the ceiling or in a box under. Now, however the builder is really not making me feel very confident that he can fit the bloody thing. So my advice is to really think ahead to all aspects of whatever extractor you choose and go through the fitting of it all with your builder now so you aren't stuck like us when it's all nearly done!
Also, worth considering the size of the ducting...I thought ducting was ducting but turns out the larger ducting, not the standard stuff, is far better as it improves the rate of extraction. Hth!

We did order the extractor we are now stuck with thinking the motor would go between our joists but sadly the joists in that part of the house are too bloody narrow!!! Typical. Hence, my advice to sort now before making expensive mistakes. If the builder says, don't worry we can work all that out later....don't listen to him and say you want it decided now! Can you tell I am ever so slightly pissed off with our extractor issues!

Good advice - thank you both!

The builder is here now to see how the joiner is getting on with our new staircase up to the loft, so I'm going to see what he thinks. The work on the kitchen extension is starting next week so we're a while away, but I'm determined to sort out as much as I can now.

Ours doesn’t really work but saves the island beyond from cooking splatters. The side alley smells of cooking when we use it so I suppose it does do something...

Ours is Capel. Not recommended. There are probably better brands.

I was concerned about having a downdraft extractor because of muck and grease that can congeal in the join where it moves up and down. I also didn't want a join in the worktop on the breakfast bar.

I also didn't want a low hood, as I bang my head on every single one I've been to in other people's houses.

We went for a ceiling mounted extractor fitted to a ceiling box which is the same size as the island and we had LED spots fitted to the box too. It makes a great feature. We love it!

Hadn't thought of grease catching in the mechanism - good point!

I like the sound of what you've done, @hallamoo . Our builders think that we should be ok with a ceiling extractor as the joists in the ceiling above at least run in the right direction. They also said that it'll be easier running the ducting across the ceiling than it would be digging out running it under the floor for a downdraft model.

Decision made ... ceiling extractor it is!

Ours is like this. (Pic from Pinterest)

Was talking about this with our builder today and without any prompting from me, he recommended your idea @hallamoo. He just done it elsewhere and said it works very well

This could be our answer ... 😊

Wonder if we have the same builder....