We have downdraft. Push that toggle button on the top. Yes, it does work. We've only used it when someone managed to burn something and it works just fine.

Is it safe? Sure...the ventilation doesn't prevent fire. But it's a very, very bad idea however to have no ventilation (it's also a sign that any kitchen work was unpermitted, since local codes require adequate ventilation.)

Installing a hood isn't the most difficult job in the world, however, and a ceiling hood is a much better option than side or down-venting.

You need a hood.

It's a Kenmore 5 burner Elite and has no ventilation!!

Op here. Totally no button for downdraft. No screen or anything !

Those are useless

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure there isn't one? Usually an island has a downdraft exhaust that drops into the island when not in use. Mine you didn't even know was there unless you knew what button to push.

+1 it probably has one but you didn't notice it.

Anonymous wrote:Are you sure there isn't one? Usually an island has a downdraft exhaust that drops into the island when not in use. Mine you didn't even know was there unless you knew what button to push.

This. Look for a button on the island or in a drawer. Though I never use mine and feel like they don't really add much.

We had a cooktop in an island and there was a downdraft on the side of the cooktop. No fancy up and down button, just a grate built into the left side of the cooktop and a knob on top to turn it on.

I have a downdraft. Helps a little, but not the same as overhead exhaust

I think you have to have one

Are you sure there isn't one? Usually an island has a downdraft exhaust that drops into the island when not in use. Mine you didn't even know was there unless you knew what button to push.

Am so used to having an exhaust to suck up fumes and grease!just bought a house without one. Do I need to build one and how much does it cost??