If your goal is a clean, open kitchen without a large hood dominating the space, a downdraft ventilation system might be the solution you haven’t considered yet. Downdrafts are often misunderstood, and when chosen correctly, they can be an incredibly smart and design-forward option.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at Best downdraft ventilation, how it works, where it shines, and just as importantly, when it may not be the right fit.
A downdraft ventilation system rises discreetly from behind or beside the cooking surface. Instead of pulling smoke upward like a traditional hood, it captures steam, smoke, and grease by pulling air downward toward the source. Once cooking is finished, the unit retracts completely out of sight.
The result is a kitchen with clean lines, unobstructed sightlines, and a more open feel, especially valuable in island layouts or minimalist designs.
Best has been designing and manufacturing ventilation products for generations. Their lineup includes everything from under-cabinet and chimney hoods to pro-style models and downdrafts, all built with thoughtful engineering behind the scenes.
What makes their downdraft system especially impressive is how it balances performance, flexibility, and quiet operation.
One of the standout features of the Best downdraft is Vertex™ Capture Technology. This engineered airflow system directs smoke, steam, and grease straight into the vent right at the cooking surface.
When properly paired and installed, the 18-inch-tall Best downdraft can achieve up to 100 percent capture efficiency. Shadow graph imaging clearly shows how effectively the airflow is directed, which is something you don’t often see demonstrated with ventilation.
Best downdrafts feature a four-speed glass touch control that is easy to use and simple to clean. Built-in conveniences include a 10-minute delay shutoff, allowing the unit to continue clearing the air after cooking, and a filter maintenance reminder so performance stays consistent over time.
Another smart feature is Heat Sentry™ technology, which automatically detects excessive heat and adjusts the blower speed to high. This helps protect internal components and extend the life of the system.
Noise is a common concern with ventilation, especially when the system is positioned right at counter level. Best addresses this with their IQ Blower System, designed to move serious air while staying noticeably quieter.
In fact, this system can operate up to 35 percent quieter than other downdrafts, delivering strong airflow without overwhelming the kitchen. When paired with the internal PF6 blower, the system provides up to 650 CFM while operating at just 0.8 sones at normal speeds.
Best downdrafts are built as a modular system, allowing you to choose either an internal or external blower depending on your layout and performance needs.
Under the cabinet, the Flex Blower system allows the motor to be repositioned. Instead of sitting directly beneath the downdraft, it can be moved to the left or right side, freeing up valuable cabinet storage below. This flexibility is a big advantage in kitchens where space planning matters.
Best downdrafts are incredibly versatile and can be installed:
This makes them ideal for island kitchens, open floor plans, and designs where overhead ventilation would interrupt the visual flow.
As impressive as downdrafts are, they aren’t the right solution for every kitchen.
Downdrafts may not be ideal if you frequently use high-BTU gas burners, cook with a wok, or do heavy searing. Tall flames and fast-rising plumes can be better captured by an overhead wall or island hood.
They also require space below the cabinet for ducting and blower components, which can limit storage or complicate some installations. For cooks who regularly produce high heat and heavy smoke, a traditional hood often provides a larger capture area and stronger overall performance.
Downdrafts aren’t meant to replace every hood. They’re about choosing the right tool for the right cooking style and kitchen layout.
Best backs their downdrafts with a five-year parts warranty and two years of limited labor coverage, reinforcing their commitment to long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.
If your priority is a clean aesthetic, quiet operation, and thoughtful engineering, a Best downdraft can be an excellent solution. When properly specified and installed, it delivers strong performance while keeping the kitchen visually open and uncluttered.
Choosing the right ventilation system is about more than specs. It’s about understanding how you cook, how your kitchen is designed, and how everything works together.
At Atherton Appliance & Kitchens, our team can help you compare downdrafts and traditional hoods side by side, explain installation requirements, and guide you toward the best solution for your space and lifestyle.
Visit our showroom or schedule a consultation to explore Best downdrafts in person.
Watch our video: This is the BEST downdraft!
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