When purchasing any of the modular cooking systems that we’ve covered in our two previous blogs, it’s critical to plan for ventilation. Simply dropping a group of cooking modules into an island and hoping for the best on venting solutions can lead to a disastrous outcome. Work with your appliance expert to determine the size and capacity of the system that you will need to vent your cooking modules.

One solution that often presents itself is the use of a downdraft cooktop with interchangeable modules. GE and Jenn-Air are the dominant suppliers of these products. GE’s modular downdraft cooktops are limited to 30″ gas and electric units. Jenn-Air has an extensive array of modular cooktops in both gas and electric from single module 18″ units all the way up to 48″ cooktops.

Jenn-Air gas modular cooktops come complete with a grill on the left side (bay) of the vent, and gas burners on the right side. The grill can be complemented with an optional griddle that fits on top, OR the grill can be removed and replaced with a 2-burner gas module.

Jenn-Air electric modular cooktops come with a replaceable grill unit in the bay to the left of the vent, and open bays to the right. Depending on the configuration and number of open bays, customers can add an additional grill as shown below, a griddle, radiant (smooth glass) cartridges, and even a traditional coil-type cartridge.

There are a host of accessories to consider, such as griddles, woks and grill covers. The cooktops even come in different “styles” such as:

Pro-Style (48″ gas):

Designer (traditional) Series:

Expression (flush) Series:

Sometimes, as shown below these cooktops can even be “mixed” to provide gas and electric (dual fuel) options. (Shown w/fixed 4 burner gas downdraft cooktop, and modular electric with grill cartridge).

Make an appointment with the Jenn-Air experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for answers to all your cooktop concerns.
Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987