"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

Remove the crap from my email address before using.