We have a standard electric ceramic cooktop with a hood. Does the downdraft use up much space under cooktop? Where does vented heat go?
1522223
The downdraft fan and duct assy. is probably extends between 12 and 18 inches below the level of the counter. Our house has a duct that goes under the floor and out of the house. If you already have a hood, you don't need a downdraft cook top.
1961578
Not sure what you mean by a vent fan but it does not vent like a range hood. It does however apparently draw air in through the rear and exhaust it out the front. There's a grille area in the front below the door opening about 1" high and extends from left to right across the front of the unit. Air is pushed out there. I read somewhere in previous GE units the air was vented in the rear and may have overheated the unit or at least shortened the life of the mechanical components especially if it was housed in an enclosed space. This unit is about 1 " or so higher than the units it replaced. Not sure what you mean by a vent fan but it does not vent like a range hood. It does however apparently draw air in through the rear and exhaust it out the front. There's a grille area in the front below the door opening about 1" high and extends from left to right across the front of the unit. Air is pushed out there. I read somewhere in previous GE units the air was vented in the rear and may have overheated the unit or at least shortened the life of the mechanical components especially if it was housed in an enclosed space. This unit is about 1 " or so higher than the units it... » Read More Not sure what you mean by a vent fan but it does not vent like a range hood. It does however apparently draw air in through the rear and exhaust it out the front. There's a grille area in the front below the door opening about 1" high and extends from left to right across the front of the unit. Air is pushed out there. I read somewhere in previous GE units the air was vented in the rear and may have overheated the unit or at least shortened the life of the mechanical components especially if it was housed in an enclosed space. This unit is about 1 " or so higher than the units it replaced. « Show Less
452748
It does get hot so you need to leave space. This is not a freestanding unit so you have to have some kind of counter to actually put it in.
1640678
I do not, I am very careful not to put any thing hot on it, if I do I have a pot holder on the bottom. I do use the extra space while getting everything ready for cooking.
1994521
It is an island hood so you do need some space for it. You also need electricity, ducting and another person to help put it up. It's a great looking unit. The stainless scratches easily so you have to be very careful when installing it. The vent stack is adjustable so you have wiggle room on the height. Do follow the instructions carefully. They are very specific about how far above the range it must be so as to maximize the ventilation.
1630331
i don't have a ceramic/glass top stove, but this is the best answer i've found. There are some differing opinions on this discussion but one of the common themes to be a suggestion to use a diffuser, or flame-tamer underneath a pan so it doesn't scratch the surface. Also, don't slide the pan around - lift it up and move it.
710019
My 8'1" ceiling allowed me to extend mine only about 2". This left about 15" of chimney extension unused. If my calculations are correct, I believe you will need an additional 8" of chimney after fully extended. My measurements are with the vent hood mounted 25" above my stove surface. The chimney is 17" with a 17" extension supplied. I do not know if they sell extensions separate but my guess is they probably do and I would call the company if I were you, just to be sure! GoodLuck .... I LOVE MINE :)
1933270
That cooktop was installed in a rental unit we own. New tenants have lived there and no complaints from them via the stove. Someone else installed so I don't know about the alignment of the controls.
224233
There is no need for a special exhaust vent. This unit is meant to be free standing and only requires about and inch of clearance so the built in fan can vent into your room/kitchen. It's not designed to act as a vent for a stove as well as a microwave oven.
1825023
Unfortunately this pot would not suit your needs because there is, in fact, a stainless steel heating element in the bottom center of the unit, surrounded by the ceramic pot. I don't know if other types of cooking pots are available without steel heating elements but perhaps a search of the Internet would be helpful in that regard. I hope this is helpful...have a great day!
560585
I don't have a glass/ceramic cooktop, but based on my use with a gas cooktop, I would have to say it would not work well since the scalloped "feet" of the diffuser would keep it 3/8" or so above the ceramic cooktop. I do think that it would reduce the direct heat from the cooktop, but how much, I don't know.
1206854
Recommended clearances to combustible surfaces (from the manual): 34" top, 30" side, 30" back, 68" below.Keep in mind that while the main heat transfer is by radiation from the front ceramic grill, this is a fired heater, so there will be a good deal of heat rise off the top of the heater. Some method of air circulation above the heater will help, both to avoid 'hot spots' along the ceiling and to get good distribution of all of the heat from the unit.
1967044
The install manual gives a dimension for this. I ignored it and mounted mine at 27" above cooktop so my wife and I wouldn't bang our heads on it like we did with the old one. Just so you know the fan in this thing moves a lot of air, so even mounted higher like ours didn't diminish it's capability to remove fumes and smoke like it would have with many others. We really like this unit and get lots of compliments on it. Good luck.
1597891
The only vent is at the top because the flue from the burner runs up through the center of the tank to heat the water. I have an elbow above the heater, and a properly pitched run to the chimney of the house. Follow instructions and codes; if in doubt consult a plumber or code official. Whatever you do, be sure that a match flame or smoke from a burning cigarette held near the vent hood gets sucked into the flue. If it blows out you could die in your sleep.
1716785
Hello Arnie, Unfortunately we only have the exhaust vent coming out of the top and not out of the back of any of our models. Thank you, Range Hood Direct Buy
1292875
Can't answer the part about the ceramic cooktop. Never used one. I'm one of those that thinks gas is the only way to go. Yes, the skillet is flat on the bottom. An absolutely marvelous pan.
388248
The oven vent for this model is located just beneath the control panel, so the warm air will actually flow out over the cooktop area of the range.