A Smart Ventilation Solution for Modern Kitchens
If you love a clean, open kitchen design and do not want a bulky hood taking center stage, a downdraft ventilation system might be exactly what you are looking for. Downdrafts have come a long way over the years, and today we are spotlighting one that truly stands out: the Best downdraft ventilation system.
At BSC Culinary, we help homeowners and designers find ventilation solutions that balance performance, design, and real world cooking habits. Let’s break down how downdrafts work, where the Best downdraft shines, and when it may or may not be the right choice for your kitchen.
Who Is Best, and Why It Matters
Best has been designing and building ventilation systems for generations. Their lineup includes everything from under cabinet and chimney hoods to pro style, island, and downdraft systems. Ventilation is not an afterthought for Best, it is their specialty.
That experience shows in the engineering, reliability, and thoughtful features built into their products.
How a Downdraft Ventilation System Works
A downdraft system rises discreetly from behind or beside the cooking surface. Instead of pulling smoke upward like a traditional hood, it captures smoke, steam, and grease right at the source by drawing it downward.
Once cooking is finished, the downdraft retracts completely out of sight. The result is a kitchen with clean lines, open sightlines, and no visual clutter above the cooktop.
Vertex™ Capture Technology: Where Best Pulls Ahead
One of the biggest reasons the Best downdraft stands out is its Vertex™ Capture Technology. This engineered airflow system directs smoke, steam, and grease straight into the vent from the cooking surface.
When properly paired and installed, the 18 inch tall downdraft can achieve up to 100 percent capture. That level of efficiency is impressive for a downdraft system and is a major reason it performs better than many alternatives on the market.
Thoughtful Features That Make Daily Use Easier
The Best downdraft is designed to be both powerful and user friendly.
You get:
- Four speed glass touch controls that are easy to clean
- A ten minute time delay shut off feature
- A filter maintenance reminder light to keep performance consistent
There is also Heat Sentry™ technology, which automatically increases blower speed if excessive heat is detected. This helps protect the internal components and extend the life of the product.
Quiet Performance Without Sacrificing Power
Noise is a common concern with ventilation, especially in open concept kitchens. Best addressed this with their IQ blower system, which delivers up to two times quieter operation compared to many other downdrafts.
The internal PF6 blower offers up to 650 CFM of ventilation power while operating at just 0.8 zones at normal speeds. That means serious airflow without disrupting conversation or the overall feel of your space.
Flexible Installation Options for Real Kitchens
One of the most impressive features of the Best downdraft is how adaptable it is.
You can install it:
- Behind a cooktop
- Behind a freestanding range, something Best was the first to offer
- Behind a rangetop
- With a built in wall oven underneath
The modular design allows you to choose either an internal or external blower, sold separately, based on your kitchen layout.
Inside the cabinet, the flexible blower system can be repositioned to the left or right, freeing up space directly beneath the downdraft. This flexibility makes it easier to work around cabinetry, plumbing, or storage needs.
Warranty and Long Term Confidence
Best backs their downdraft systems with a five year limited parts warranty and a two year limited labor warranty. That level of coverage reflects confidence in the product and provides peace of mind long after installation.
When a Downdraft May Not Be the Best Fit
As much as we love the Best downdraft, it is important to be honest about where downdrafts may fall short.
A downdraft may not be ideal if:
- You cook frequently with very high BTU gas burners
- You use a wok or do heavy searing often
- You need maximum capture for large, fast rising plumes of smoke
- Cabinet space below the cooktop is extremely limited
In these situations, a wall or island hood usually provides stronger overall capture.
Downdrafts are not about replacing traditional hoods. They are about choosing the right solution for the right kitchen and lifestyle.
Is a Downdraft Right for You?
If your priority is a clean, open kitchen design and your cooking style fits the strengths of a downdraft system, the Best downdraft is one of the most capable and well engineered options available today.
If you want to see this system in person or talk through whether it fits your kitchen plans, stop by one of our BSC Culinary showrooms or schedule an appointment with our team. We are always here to help you make smarter, more confident appliance decisions.
Watch our video: This Is the Best Downdraft!
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