Options for Venting Kitchens

Kitchen Ventilation System

• Most kitchen ventilation systems focus on the stove and oven, as this is the primary source of air toxins. Cooking releases grease, moisture, heat and smoke which have the potential to cause damage to ceilings, walls and cabinetry. Gas appliances also give off carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can be harmful to your health. Vent hoods are installed over the stove and oven and provide updraft.

Updraft

• The updraft ventilation concept is simple: cooking vapors naturally rise and are subsequently pulled through the exhaust fan in the appliance hood and re-directed outside the house. This option of drawing gases and vapors up as they rise is an effective means of ridding the kitchen of toxic fumes. Updraft ventilation is a common system in kitchens, and stoves and ranges are usually coordinated with matching hood ventilators.

Downdraft

• The downdraft system is commonly used as an alternative to updraft when there is no space for an overhead hood. Two types of systems are available: telescoping and standard. The standard downdraft system is generally incorporated into the range or stove itself and located on the surface of the appliance. Vapors are drawn downward and then vented out of the house through ductwork. The telescoping concept works on the same principal of drawing gases and vapors downward into a venting ductwork system. The apparatus is slightly different and extends above the surface of the range when in use and recedes into the appliance when inactive.

Wall and Ceiling Mounted

• Another option as a ventilation system in the kitchen is a wall or ceiling mounted exhaust fan. These types of exhaust fan are generally installed during the construction of the house, and can be turned on with a switch.