KitchenAid 36" Retractable Downdraft Ventilation System

I move into a house with old appliances and after a detailed search I found this downdraft, I cannot be more happy with the choice I did

Sorry to say it since I believe both units are the same with different brand names. But, our prior unit worked better. This one requires frequent lubrication to complete it's travel on the up-cycle. Other than that it works well.

So I watch a lot of home improvement shows, and I keep seeing episodes of Property Brothers where they go into the “before” house and these pop-up downdraft systems are talked about as being real pains in the butt and something that will be replaced. Then they do the remodel and they move the stove to a more traditional location with a hood. During the build phase of our custom home I changed the location of the cooktop probably 5 times. Under the window, on the island, then back to the window...finally our builder said “make a final decision - we need the gas and water lines installed.” So it remained in the island. We’re in an area that does not require a range hood, which is good because there was no way I was going to have a range hood in the middle of my island! Talk about disrupting my beautiful open concept design. The appliance store recommended the downdraft as an option, again not required, and after doing some research my husband decided he wanted it. I honestly didn’t care on way or the other. It’s fine. It does what it’s supposed to do. But it’s loud. The KitchenAid dishwasher makes not a sound but this thing drowns out the TV and any conversation. I use it if I’ve got more than just one pot on the stove but I use it and put it back down pretty quick.

Very y good appearance with retractable features. Not too much noise. Easy to operate.

The installation went smoothly and the unit looks great. We haven’t had time to use it yet- still putting the kitchen back together!