Not Venting Odors or Vapor - Electric Cooktop

Is the grease filter clean and installed correctly?  Is the ventilation chamber clean?

For optimal performance, operate downdraft ventilation system with the filter properly installed.  To avoid the buildup of grease, the filter should be cleaned often.

CLICK HERE for more information on cleaning the downdraft vent grille, grease filter, and ventilation chamber.

Is there air movement/draft/restriction in the room?

Any other air movement devices such as ceiling fans, air conditioner registers, etc., can create air currents which interfere with downdraft ventilation.

Turn off or limit the device creating the air currents to improve performance of the downdraft vent system.

Make-up Air:

The air that is exhausted by the unit must be replaced.  If a room or house is too "tight", the unit may not vent properly.  If a house or room is too "tight", it will be necessary to introduce more air into the environment.  Some air conditioning and heating units do allow for make-up air.

Important: Observe all governing codes and ordinances.

Adjacent Cabinets:

Cabinets that are closer than the minimum distance allowed can create dead air pockets that impair performance.  For maximum performance, the recommended distance to adjacent cabinets or walls is 6". 

Refer to Installation Instructions for complete details.

Is the control set correctly?

Turn vent fan knob or rocker switch to LOW, MED(medium) or HIGH.  Turn vent fan knob or rocker switch to OFF when finished cooking or when the cooktop is not in use.

What is the length of the vent system?

The length of vent system and number of elbows should be kept to a minimum to provide efficient performance.

The maximum equivalent length of the vent system is 60 ft (18.3 m). For altitudes above 4,500 ft (1372 m), reduce recommended vent run by 20% for best performance.

Was the correct vent material used?

• Use 26-gauge minimum galvanized or 25-gauge minimum aluminum metal vent. Poor quality pipe fittings can reduce airflow. Flexible metal vent is not recommended.
• NOTE: Local codes may require a heavier gauge material.
• Metal duct may be reduced to 30-gauge galvanized steel or 26-gauge aluminized steel if allowed by local codes. This reduction is based on information in the International Residential Codes Section M1601.1 (2006 edition).

How many elbows were used?  

• Use no more than three 90° elbows. 
• Do not install 2 elbows together.  Make sure there is a minimum of 18" (45.7 cm) of straight vent between the elbows if more than one elbow is used.
• If an elbow is used, install it as far away as possible from the hood’s vent motor exhaust opening.
• Elbows too close together can cause excess turbulence that  reduces airflow.
• Do not use a 5" (12.7 cm) elbow in a 6" (15.2 cm) or 3¼" x 10" (8.3 x 25.4 cm) system.

Follow the instructions below for best performance:

• Do not reduce to a 5" (12.7 cm) system after using 6" (15.2 cm) or 3¼" x 10" (8.3 x 25.4 cm) fittings.
• Avoid forming handmade crimps. Handmade crimps may restrict airflow.
• Use a vent cap for proper performance. If an alternate wall or roof cap is used, be certain the cap size is not reduced and
• that it has a back draft damper.
• Use vent clamps to seal all joints in the vent system.
• Use caulking to seal exterior wall or roof opening around the cap.

Verify the downdraft ventilation system is installed correctly:

Refer to the Installation Instructions for more detailed information.