"Ashley" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

We have a 48-inch DCS slide in range with a 48 inch Viking hood. We've
owned them for 7 years and are now doing some remodeling. We are
raising the ceiling and making the cooking area an "island"-we will no
longer use the overhead hood. My question: I've NEVER used the hood
and wonder if it's really necessary to have some type of ventilation.
Is it a law (we are in so cal)? Will the kitchen police arrest me if
I'm caught? I'm willing to buy some sort of downdraft system but can't
seem to find one that's an add on for a "slide in" type range. I have
plenty of room on my island for any type of downdraft, just not
directly under the cook top!

Thanks in advance for any comments or advice,
Ashley

As for legal requirements, check with your local authority - although I have
never heard of a hood being required in a residence. Downdraft systems do
not work well at all and would be a waste of money. If resale value is a
consideration, be aware that many if not most serious cooks consider a good
outside-venting hood to be an essential element of a kitchen - myself
included! It is extremely unleasant to have the smell of sauteed garlic or
stir-fried Szechuan hot pepper paste permeatng the rest of the house
including the sleeping area! Also a range, particularly gas, can add a lot
of heat to the house - not good in the summer here in North Carolina! But
you never used your old hood, so maybe your house is laid out so that these
things are not a problem?

Some things to think about...


--
Peter Aitken

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