5 Best Downdraft Cooktops of 2023
Do you love to cook but cannot do it often because you’re always in a hurry? A professional downdraft cooktop can make a big difference. Cooking can be messy and not to forget, time-consuming. The kitchen could be filled with smoke, causing irritation in the eyes and nose. But with a proper downdraft cooking appliance, […]
Do you love to cook but cannot do it often because you’re always in a hurry? A professional downdraft cooktop can make a big difference.
Cooking can be messy and not to forget, time-consuming. The kitchen could be filled with smoke, causing irritation in the eyes and nose. But with a proper downdraft cooking appliance, these hassles will be left behind for good.
What’s more; you could have a smoke-free experience with an easy-to-clean surface and enough burners to cook up all the courses at once.
But the problem arises when you try to choose one from among a vast number of options. To make it easier, we have curated this list of the 5 best downdraft cooktops, with a detailed review of each. You will also find the pros and cons of each of these recommendations.
And in the end, there’s also a buyer’s guide to simplify your decision-making process.
So, sit down with a cup of coffee and dig in!
Best Downdraft Cooktops
Here’s the list of the 5 best downdraft cooktops that offer top-notch performance, convenience, and style for your kitchen.
1. Frigidaire Professional 30 Inch Gas – Best for Fast Cooking
Next up is a brilliant product known for both its durability as well as elegance. The Frigidaire Professional Stainless Steel 5-Burner will make life easier for you with reduced cooking time and increased efficiency. With its wide variety of bells and whistles, enjoy the ease of cooking!
- Your purchase includes One Frigidaire Professional 30-Inch...
- Cooktop dimensions – 4-1/4” H x 30” W x 21-3/4” D;...
Why Did We Like It?
First, we should mention the varying cooking powers of each burner and how it helps. The center burner has a whopping capacity of 18,200 BTU, while two others have a power of 9500 BTU. This is how the capacity varies with all 5 of them, letting you cook food at different temperatures easily.
Furthermore, from boiling food to making the perfect meatballs, the cooktop will take care of everything. We could even melt chocolate without having the sides burnt. The 9500 BTU burners are perfect for grilling meat and burgers.
There is also an automatic reignition system and wide iron grates. The gas would not stop burning until your food is cooked completely, and you turn off the stove. Also, the pans and pots can slide easily over the continuous grates. You would not need to pick them up to move.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although we would not complain about the device’s energy efficiency and functionality, the body is prone to scratches. It is sturdy and would not break apart, but that does not prevent scratches from forming. So be very careful about placing sharp objects on it.
- Knobs are made of heavy-duty metal
- Versatile 5 burners
- Elegant and durable
- Electric automatic re-ignition system
- Prone to scratches
2. Frigidaire FGGC3047QS Gallery Cooktop – Best for Delicate Sauces
If you are looking for a sturdy device made of stainless steel, this will fit in immediately. The Frigidaire FGGC3047QS Gallery Cooktop not only produces high amounts of heat but lets you toggle between lower and higher temperatures with ease. We loved how convenient it is to cook with this in the house.
- 5 Burners
- Angled Front Controls: Easy to use angled front controls
Why Did We Like It?
We were pleased with the low-power burner, and for anybody passionate about melting chocolate or making sauces of different kinds, this will be a lovely option. It simmers delicate sauces with utter perfection, and you do not have to worry about it burning.
Also, while the sauce cooks, its higher heat settings allow you to boil the carbs proportionately. Be it pasta, noodles, or rice; it boils quickly and evenly.
Adding on, we loved the placing of the knobs. It is not noticeable at first, but when you begin using it, the placement and the angle of the knobs will impress you for sure. They are placed in such a way that your hand finds them immediately.
Besides this, the glass cooktop along with a stainless steel finish completes the look of this unit. It will fit in easily with any kind of decor and will add to the vibe of the place.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We faced some difficulties in turning on the middle burner. It usually takes more than a few tries to do so, and this could be irritating. Initially, we had thought this was a problem with our unit, but then on reading multiple reviews, we came to know that others have faced this issue too.
- Knobs placed at a convenient angle
- Glass cooktop
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Difficulty in turning on the middle burner
3. Thor Kitchen 30″ Pro-Style Stainless Steel Rangetop – Best for Large Quantities
Next up is an incredibly strong and sturdy product. The Thor Kitchen 30″ Pro-Style Stainless Steel Rangetop is thicker than most other options and lets you cook a number of items in large quantities together. With an easy-to-clean body, this product will surely stand out in the kitchen.
- Your purchase includes Thorkitchen Pro-Style Gas Rangetop...
- Gas Range top dimensions – 36” W x 28.38” D x 8.72" H...
Why Did We Like It?
What we loved most about this unit is the porcelain drip pan. It is made in an attractive black color and helps in collecting all the grease that drips.
Most days, we have food dripping out while cooking either when it splutters or while handling spoons and ladles. But this drip pan is easy to take out and clean, leaving us with a spiky clean surface every day.
Additionally, there are three cast-iron grates. Each grate covers two burners and is large enough for you to balance big pans and pots. These are also black in color matching the drip tray while being very sturdy and rust-resistant.
Another thing that stood out is their customer service. Every time we have called them up for minor queries, we have been attended to, and our problem has been solved in minutes.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We found that all the knobs are lined up one after another, and this may be problematic to remember. We were initially very confused about which knob to use for a specific burner. But with time, we have now figured it out. So spend some time memorizing it, and this should no longer be a problem.
- Stainless steel control panel
- Easy to install
- Zinc alloy control knobs
- Good customer service
- The knob location can be slightly confusing
4. Ramblewood 4 Burner 30″ Electric Cooktop, EC4-60
Known for its reliability and safety features, the Ramblewood 4 Burner 30″ Electric Cooktop, EC4-60 sure shines among the rest. It is made with premium ceramic glass and has a flawless black surface to flaunt. You can easily cook up to 4 items at once, thanks to the number of burners in place.
- 6000W Radiant Burner, Durable Italian ILVA ceramic glass,...
- Assembled with UL safety approved German EGO Burner & EGO...
Why Did We Like It?
The Italian ILVA ceramic glass is very impressive and resistant to scratches. We have dropped spoons on it multiple times, but there have been no scratches or marks at all. Paired with analog controls with 9 power levels, you can cook any item at its pace easily. This made the product very reliable and safe to use without burning or overcooking any item.
The residual heat warning is also another important feature, especially if you have kids in the house. Also, while cooking multiple items, you may not remember if the countertop is hot. But with this light on, it is easy to understand if the surface can be touched or not.
To top it all, it is UL safety approved, making it very safe to use. The regulators and controls also meet up with the German level of safety and quality standards.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Though the installation process was easy, we had taken a little while to figure it out. This should not have been a problem if we could reach customer service in time. But they did not pick up our calls on multiple occasions. This was slightly bothersome but other than this; we faced no issues.
- Analog controls with 9 power levels
- UL safety approved German EGO Burner
- Simple and reliable
- Easy to install
- Customer service can improve
5. GE PP9830DJBB
With a combination of 9″/6″ Power Boil heating element and 4 burners, the GE PP9830DJBB cooktop is a very popular choice currently. It ranks high on aesthetics as well as functionality while bringing down your cooking time. If you want to work with pans of different sizes, this will help you get going!
- 9"/6" Power Boil element: Use different pan sizes on this...
- Bridge Element: Combines cooking elements into one cooking...
Why Did We Like It?
We loved how the device can bridge elements by providing one cooking area. This makes it easier for you to cook a large meal at once.
If you have kids at home, this product has an additional control lock capability feature. This makes sure that they do not activate the gas by mistake. With growing kids who love to fiddle with everything, this is a great concern for parents, but the company has efficiently dealt with it.
Also, there are hot surface indicator lights that will warn you if the surface is hot and cannot be touched. This comes with another indicator light that tells you if the device is switched on.
Adding on, it has a power boil feature, which will help you boil anything very quickly. The waiting time here is significantly reduced, and you could get done with your work faster.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only issue we found here is that its knobs are placed too close to the downdraft vents. This leads to the accumulation of grease and dirt on the knobs, which get difficult to clean. But this is not a big drawback, and we would not be holding it against the other brilliant features.
- Indicator light shows when the device is active
- 3-speed downdraft
- Looks sleek and attractive
- Can fit different pan sizes
- Knobs located very close to the downdraft vent
Best Downdraft Cooktops Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Number of Burners | Fuel Type | Control Type | BTUs | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Professional 30 Inch Gas | 30 inches | 5 | Natural Gas/Liquid Propane | Knobs | 5000-18,200 | 1-year limited |
| Frigidaire FGGC3047QS Gallery Cooktop | 30 inches | 5 | Natural Gas/Liquid Propane | Knobs | 5000-17,000 | 1-year limited |
| Thor Kitchen 30″ Pro-Style Stainless Steel Rangetop | 36 inches | 6 | Natural Gas | Knobs | 12000-18,000 | 2-year warranty |
| Ramblewood 4 Burner 30″ Electric Cooktop, EC4-60 | 30 inches | 4 | Electric | Knobs | N/A | 1-year limited |
| GE PP9830DJBB | 30 inches | 4 | Electric | Knobs | N/A | 1-year limited |
Buying Guide For The Best Downdraft Cooktop
Now that you have a clear idea about the best cooktops in the market, it is time to make a decision. But before you do so, make a note of the following points, which will guide you to select better.
What may have been the best option for us may not be the perfect one for you. Read on to find out the considerations to be kept in mind.
BTU Rating
This is one of the first considerations that you should have before purchasing. What is your heat requirement? What kind of food are you going to cook? BTU or British thermal unit helps in measuring heat output and will tell you how much heat the device can produce.
Higher BTU indicates higher levels of heat. If you need to boil or simmer a lot, a higher BTU will get it done in seconds. While if you need to slow cook, a lower BTU is required.
Buy one which has a large range so you can shift between lower and higher temperatures with ease and manage all kinds of cooking. The more versatile a product, the better it is.
Size
What kind of space do you have available in your kitchen? Cooktops usually vary between 30-36 inches. Professionals may opt for 48 inches, but these would not fit into a normal-sized home kitchen. First, measure the counter length and breadth and then decide on the size you would want it to be.
Also, the size depends on the number of family members or customers that you need to attend to. If you live in a nuclear family, a small unit should be perfect, while a larger group would need you to buy a bigger model. You may need to go for one with 5 or 6 burners to ensure ease of cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
Every cooktop needs to be cleaned daily if you want to maintain hygiene. Now when it comes to easy cleaning, smooth cooktops work the best. Smooth or induction cooktops give you a flat surface that can be cleaned only by wiping it with a damp cloth.
While on the other hand, a coil or petrol cooktop may be more difficult to clean as the grease and spills may go down under your burners. This would mean you have to take it apart and clean the parts separately. This is obviously more time-consuming but may come with some unavoidable features.
So we would suggest that before you buy one, do not forget to note down the features you prioritize.
Durability
For most households, this product is going to be used daily. In the case of professionals, it will probably be used throughout the day. So it is essential to see how durable the product is. Remember to check the body. It is best if it is made of stainless steel.
The glass looks good on the surface, but if you are a professional, it is best to stay away from it as the surface becomes prone to scratches. It may work well for home use as they add to the vibe of the kitchen.
Placement of Knobs
Knobs could be placed on the side or in the middle. We have also seen them clustered towards the right corner. Always make sure that its knobs are situated a little way away from the burners as well as the downward draft opening.
Being near any of these will lead to the accumulation of grease and food particles. You would then have to clean them on a daily basis just to keep them properly. The ones on the side are most beneficial according to us but can be a hindrance as kids can easily reach them. So choose wisely and according to your needs.
Downdraft Cooktops FAQ's
The ventilation system of a downdraft cooktop works by drawing air down through a series of vents or channels beneath the cooktop surface and then expelling it outside or recirculating it back into the kitchen after filtering it.
Downdraft cooktops can be installed in most kitchens, but the type and size of the cooktop will depend on the size and layout of the kitchen. It is important to consult with a professional installer to ensure proper installation and ventilation.
Downdraft cooktops can be just as effective as traditional range hoods when it comes to ventilation. However, their efficiency can depend on factors such as the strength of the fan, the design of the cooktop, and the layout of the kitchen.
The main benefit of a downdraft cooktop is that it eliminates the need for an overhead range hood, which can save space in the kitchen and create a sleeker, more modern look. Additionally, it can be a good option for kitchens with low ceilings or limited space above the cooktop.
Downdraft cooktops can be used with most types of cookware, including glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and cast iron. However, it is important to avoid using cookware with warped or uneven bottoms, as this can cause the cookware to scratch the cooktop surface or affect the efficiency of the ventilation system.
The frequency of cleaning or replacing the filters on a downdraft cooktop will depend on the amount of use and the type of cooking being done. Generally, it is recommended to clean or replace the filters every three to six months.
Downdraft cooktops can be more expensive than traditional range hoods, but the cost will depend on the brand, size, and features of the cooktop. However, with a downdraft cooktop, there is no need to purchase a separate range hood, which can save money in the long run.
Conclusion
A good downdraft cooktop can encourage the hidden chef in you to start whipping up fabulous recipes. It has the ability to reduce your cooking time and make cleaning chores easier.
We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen now that our ordinary stove has been replaced by this modern cookware.
So, coming to our favorites, the Frigidaire RC36DG60PS 36″ Built-In Downdraft Gas Cooktop tops our list with a heating capacity of 17,000 BTU and has 4 burners to boast of. It is enough for personal use and works well in professional kitchens too.
If you are looking for an attractive device, the GE Profile 30″ Built-In Gas Downdraft Cooktop will please you with its aesthetic design along with superior functionality.
With this, we will take our leave. Till next time!
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