Downdraft Vs. Vent Hood – Which One is For You

When it comes to choosing which appliances are right for your home, it’s easy to get lost, especially while figuring out your kitchen’s ventilation. It gets a little confusing when you find out there’s more than just one kind of vent system. They both are made to remove fumes, smoke, steam, and heat and just keep the air fresh in general, but how is anyone supposed to know the difference between a downdraft hood and a vent hood for criminy’s sake? It’s not like they teach this stuff in school. Even though it’s not common knowledge, we’re here to help you understand the differences between a KitchenAid downdraft and vent hood, that way you can figure out which one will work better in your home.

What’s Good in the Vent Hood

A vent hood goes by many names including range hood, kitchen hood, and even electric kitchen chimney. These appliances are usually paired with a range, although it’s not uncommon to see them hanging above a cooktop. But what makes these odour removers so essential in your kitchen?

For one thing, a range hood is considerably larger than a downdraft hood which means it has the power to cover a larger area and significantly reduce smoke in your kitchen. Another perk of having a vent hood is that it provides better kitchen lighting. A simple switch or touch of a button allows light to shine down on where you are cooking. Vent hoods also have a knack for hiding in plain sight, and instead of looking bulky, they will add luxury to your kitchen.

The Down Low on Downdraft Hoods

Downdraft ventilation

If you’re looking for something more subtle than a vent hood, there are downdraft hoods that have the power to hide. That’s right; some telescopic downdraft vents will rise from your cooktop no more than 10 inches (25.4 cm) with just the touch of a button. This high-tech appliance not only works well sucking fumes down and out of a duct, but it’s also a kitchen showstopper. Guests will love it!

Shop KitchenAid Downdraft Ventilation

Sooooo … Which to Choose?

It’s not an easy decision choosing between a vent and downdraft hood, but there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration before purchasing:

  • Are you looking to have more storage space? If so, a downdraft hood allows you to have cabinets above your cooking area.
  • Do you detest cleaning? If so, downdraft vents are easier to clean than a large vent hood.
  • Do you cook with big pots? If so, a vent hood will be able to remove steam and smoke easier from your cooking space, as opposed to a downdraft hood that can’t reach the height of the large pots.
  • Do you have a range? If so, downdraft vents only work for cooktops unless you specifically buy a downdraft range.

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with either a vent hood or a downdraft hood from KitchenAid. Visit our store today, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right kind of hood to put in your home!

Shop KitchenAid Range Hoods

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert