Custom-fit base cabinets for downdraft extractors
Cooktop extractors represent modern kitchen architecture with luxurious design and efficiency. Designing base cabinets for such appliances requires specific planning. What needs to be considered?
TECHNOLOGY
Installing and planning downdraft extractors requires specific solutions and thoughtful concepts.
Cooktop extractors, also known as downdraft or table ventilators, are extraction systems integrated into the cooktop. Instead of extracting steam and odors upwards like traditional range hoods, they are drawn downward. Compared to bulky traditional range hoods, they offer an aesthetic advantage for sleek and minimalist kitchen designs. Furthermore, they impress with efficient air purification, quiet operation, and easy maintenance.
High-quality brands include AEG, Bosch, Bora, Elica, Electrolux, Gaggenau, Miele, Neff, Novy, VZUG Siemens, and many more. The right choice of downdraft extractor depends on individual needs and personal kitchen planning. By carefully following the planning guidelines below, cooktop extractors can be integrated not only powerfully but also stylishly into the overall aesthetic of your LEICHT kitchen. LEICHT’s architectural kitchen distinguishes between compact appliances (motor integrated in the cooktop) and appliances with plinth motors or special devices.
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Base Cabinet for Downdraft Extractor Compact Devices
The type of air guidance is a crucial factor in base cabinet planning for compact appliances. A distinction is made between unguided recirculation and guided recirculation/extraction. Unguided recirculation is the simplest solution in terms of planning and installation: at LEICHT, the filtered air is directed through the cabinet’s rear panel traverse (TU) [MOU1] via a short ventilation duct from the appliance manufacturer, so that no air is blown into the cabinet. Furthermore, unlike some competitors, LEICHT forgoes an additional bottom panel between the upper drawer and the fan outlet. This ensures no loss of cabinet space and allows the appliance to be accessed from below at any time for servicing.
Guided Recirculated Air | Exhaust Air
In guided recirculation or extraction systems, the air from the cooktop extractor is directed through a duct into the plinth area or to an external wall connection. The space for this must be taken into account during kitchen planning. The duct can be routed either inside or behind the cabinet. When the duct is routed inside the cabinet (TV, illustration left), the drawers are shortened by about 10 cm. If the duct is routed behind the cabinet (TW, illustration right), the drawer depths remain unchanged; however, a clearance must be considered behind the cabinet, and the countertop depth must be adjusted accordingly.
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Base cabinet for downdraft extractor with plinth motor or special forms
Even those planning their luxurious kitchen with a downdraft extractor with a plinth motor in the air duct or in special formats can rely on the high-quality cabinet solutions of LEICHT's architecture kitchen. LEICHT customizes the base cabinets to fit the specific appliances from BOSCH, Bora, Gaggenau, Miele & Co. Depending on the structural situation, the plinth motor is located under the cabinet floor or behind a cabinet, or between two cabinets. In the first option, the lower drawer depth must be shortened as the cabinet floor needs to be adjusted to accommodate the plinth motor. If the second option is preferred, the entire exhaust ducting can be placed behind or between the cabinets. Depending on the plinth motor, the plinth height must be planned at 11 cm or more.
Base cabinet for cooktop extractor with plinth motor and special appliance designs
Whether in a kitchen line or island layout – for cooktop extractors with plinth motors or for special appliances – LEICHT's high-quality cabinets with the ANTILGER processing type are individually adapted to each device.
Depending on the appliance, the lower drawer must be shortened in depth to ensure sufficient space for the plinth motor.
Alternatively, the plinth motor can be placed behind or between the cabinets, but this requires spacing and, if necessary, a deeper worktop.
GENERAL INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATION
For downdraft extractors without a control knob on the front panel* and installed with a thin worktop, use a metal crossbar from LEICHT to prevent the risk of breakage.
For front panels with control knobs, LEICHT uses a vertical crossbar that is firmly connected to the front panel. This ensures sufficient stability.
For easier installation as well as maintenance and repair work, the cabinet back panel is removable at LEICHT.
During planning by the specialist dealer, the instructions from LEICHT and the respective appliance manufacturers must be followed precisely.
Download the planning details for the installation recommendation directly here!
Downdraft Extractor FAQ
Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about downdraft extractors to help you choose and use these innovative ventilation systems.
What is the main advantage of cooktop extractors compared to traditional range hoods?
Cooktop extractors offer an aesthetic advantage over traditional range hoods, as the extraction system is not immediately visible — the technology is integrated into the base cabinet.
Is the performance of a cooktop extractor better than that of a traditional range hood?
Cooktop extractors offer excellent performance in removing steam and odors. Instead of allowing them to spread through the room, they are directly filtered and extracted at the source. This ensures more efficient and faster removal of cooking fumes and significantly improves the air quality in your kitchen.
