Benton Harbor-based Jenn-Air today introduced its first downdraft cooktop, a 36-inch cooktop that uses proximity ventilation to whisk smoke and steam down at the cooking surface. The cooktop, scheduled to be available in the summer, will retail for about $7,000.
“This is a high-performance cooktop option that keeps both the air and sight lines clear,” says Brian Maynard, marketing director at Jenn-Air. “In addition to eliminating the need for overhead ventilation, its extremely low profile is virtually flush with the countertop so it integrates beautifully into a range of modern kitchen configurations, including those with islands.”
Maynard says the cooktop’s induction technology uses electromagnetic energy to turn cookware into the heat source, providing instant heat and precise temperature control.
He says the downdraft blower is designed with centrifugal fan technology to both quickly and quietly ventilate cooking vapors. A duct-free option is also offered that uses a filtration system to capture smoke and steam.
Maynard says the stove has two cooking areas, each providing 3,700 watts, and can accommodate up to six pots at once. The cooktop offers a performance boost feature that raises the cooking temperature above the highest setting for up to 10 minutes, along with settings including “melt” and “keep warm.”
The cooktop comes in black and stainless steel.
In January, Jenn-Air introduced a new five-burner glass cooktop that has a glossy black surface and stainless steel knobs.
