Dreaming of a sleek kitchen without a bulky hood? An electric downdraft cooktop might be your perfect solution. It tucks the ventilation system right into the cooking surface, pulling smoke and smells straight down. This clever design saves so much space overhead, giving you a clean, modern look that’s hard to beat for open floor plans.
But is it the right choice for your home cooking? We’ve been testing one extensively to see how it handles everything from searing steaks to simmering sauces. Let’s dive into the real-world pros and the few cons we’ve found.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Electric Downdraft Cooktop
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot…
|
9.6 |
Read Review |
 |
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500…
|
9.5 |
Read Review |
 |
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8”…
|
9.3 |
Read Review |
 |
CUSIMAX Hot Plate, Single Burner Electric Cooktop, 1500W Electric…
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop – 1800W Portable Stove,…
|
9.0 |
Read Review |
 |
Portable Infrared Burner 3500 Electri Burner with 3 Hours…
|
8.9 |
Read Review |
 |
Karinear 110v Electric Cooktop 2 Burners, 12” Electric Stove…
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
VBGK Electric Cooktop,110V 2400W Electric Stove Top with Knob…
|
8.6 |
Read Review |
 |
MegaChef Electric Easily Portable Ultra Lightweight Dual Coil Burner…
|
8.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Cooksir 2 Burner Electric Cooktop – 24 Inch(22.2″x 13.1″)…
|
8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Control, Indicator Light, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Burner is a compact, single-coil hot plate. It’s perfect for adding an extra cooking spot in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or while camping.
You get six adjustable temperature settings, giving you control from a gentle simmer to a full boil. The 1000W coiled element provides fast, consistant heating for everyday tasks.
A handy indicator light lets you know when it’s on, and the non-skid feet keep it secure.
Cleanup is straightforward—just wipe the coil and the stainless steel drip pan with a damp cloth. It’s a simple, portable solution for when you need more cooking flexability.
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Burner gives you two cast iron plates for cooking. It’s compact and portable, perfect for a dorm, office, or small kitchen. You can adjust each burners temperature with a simple knob for low, medium, or high heat. The 1500W power heats things efficiently, letting you cook two items at once. Its very easy to clean the nonstick plates with a damp cloth. Safety features include power lights and non-skid feet for stability.
This electric hot plate is a straightforward solution when you need an extra cooking surface without taking up much space.
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8” Heating Coil, Premium Stainless Steel Countertop Burner with NSF Certified, 10 Hours Timer Powerful 1800W Professional Hot Plate
The ChangBERT Induction Cooktop is a commercial-grade portable burner. Its large 8-inch coil provides even, efficient heating. You get 9 power and 18 temperature settings for precise control, plus a 10-hour timer for long cooks.
Its built tough with NSF certification and stainless steel housing, made for constant use in busy kitchens. The smooth surface is really easy to clean after use. Safety features like auto-shutdown and pan detection offer peace of mind.
Its compact and portable design works great anywhere you need reliable, powerful cooking.
CUSIMAX Hot Plate, Single Burner Electric Cooktop, 1500W Electric Burner Hot Plate for Cooking with Adjustable Temperature, Portable Countertop Burner Stainless Steel, Black, New Model
The CUSIMAX Hot Plate is a portable single burner for your countertop. Its 1500W power heats up fast for boiling, simmering, or frying. You can use most pots and pans up to 7.4 inches with it.
The stainless steel body is durable and easy to clean. It has adjustable temperature control and a safety shut-off. The non-slip feet keep it stable while your cooking.
This compact burner is great for small kitchens, dorms, or as an extra cooking spot.
It comes with reliable customer service incase you need it. A handy tool for everyday meals.
Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop – 1800W Portable Stove, Heat-up In Seconds, Countertop Cooktop for Dorm, Compatible with All Cookware
The Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop is a versatile 1800W portable stove. It heats up in seconds and works with all your pans, from aluminum to glass—no special induction cookware needed. Its compact, stainless steel design fits perfectly in dorms, RV’s, or as a kitchen backup.
You get fast, even heating for frying or slow cooking, and it’s safe with flameless operation and overheat protection. It even saves energy compared to some traditional options.
Just remember to keep the lid on when boiling water for best results. A great solution for extra cooking space wherever you need it.
Portable Infrared Burner 3500 Electri Burner with 3 Hours Timer-Electric Hot Plate Touch Control Panel Adjustable Heating Power Glass Plate Electric Cooktop for Cooking (Black)
The Portable Infrared Burner 3500 is a versatile electric cooktop. It uses infrared heating, not induction, so it works with any pot or pan you have—glass, ceramic, or metal. The high-quality glass surface is really durable and simple to wipe clean after it cools. It heats up fast to 3500 watts and has a handy timer for up to 3 hours. Safety features like overheat protection and a cooling fan are built right in. Its a great option for extra cooking space at home or for taking along on trips.
The portable handle makes it easy to move when your done.
Karinear 110v Electric Cooktop 2 Burners, 12'' Electric Stove Top with Plug in, Knob Control Countertop & Built-in Ceramic Cooktop, 9 Heating Level, Hot Warning, Over-Temperature Protection
The Karinear 110v Electric Cooktop 2 Burners is a versatile plug-in stove. It runs on standard 110-120v power, so you can just plug it in without special installation. The simple knob control has 9 heat levels, which is great for precise cooking. You can use it freestanding on your counter or built into a cabinet for a sleek look.
Its ceramic surface works with any pot you have, from stainless steel to glass.
Safety features like overheat protection and a hot surface indicator are included. It’s easy to keep clean, making it a handy extra cooking space for any kitchen or small apartment.
VBGK Electric Cooktop,110V 2400W Electric Stove Top with Knob Control,9 Power Levels, Kids Lock & Timer,LED touch control,Overheat Protection Electric stove,24 Inch desktop 2 burner
The VBGK Electric Cooktop is a 24-inch desktop stove with two 1200W burners. It gives you two independent cooking zones to prepare different foods at the same time. You can choose from 9 power levels for tasks like frying or simmering.
It uses simple knob controls, which are easy for everyone to use and helps prevent accidental touches. The ceramic surface works with all kinds of flat-bottomed pots and pans. It’s designed to be energy efficient, heating your cookware directly.
Plus, it includes safety features like a timer, kids lock, and overheat protection for peace of mind during use.
MegaChef Electric Easily Portable Ultra Lightweight Dual Coil Burner Cooktop Buffet Range in Matte Black
The MegaChef Electric Portable Dual Coil Burner Cooktop is a sleek, matte black stove for cooking anywhere. Its two independent coil burners let you prepare two dishes at once, each with there own heat control. Ultra lightweight and compact, it’s ideal for travel, dorms, or small kitchens. You just plug it in, choose your cookware, and your ready to go. It cools down fast for easy storage.
This portable range measures 18″ by 9.5″, giving you a full cooking surface without taking up much space. It’s a straightforward solution for home-cooked meals on the go.
Cooksir 2 Burner Electric Cooktop – 24 Inch(22.2"x 13.1") Portable Electric Stove Top 110V, 2000W Countertop Double Burner Cooktop with Control Panel, Child Lock, Timer, Knob Control with Outlet Plug
The Cooksir 2 Burner Electric Cooktop is a portable 24-inch stove top designed for easy countertop use. It plugs right into a standard 110V household outlet, so theres no complicated installation needed. You get two independent heating zones with dual knob and touch controls for precise temperature adjustment. Helpful safety features include a child lock and a built-in timer that auto-shuts off.
Its compatible with virtually all pan types, from cast iron to glass, making it a versatile extra cooking surface for your kitchen, dorm, or RV. The compact size fits nicely in smaller spaces to.
Electric Downdraft Cooktop Buying Guide
An electric downdraft cooktop has teh ventilation system built right in, pulling smoke and smells down instead of up. It’s a sleek option if you don’t want a bulky overhead hood.
Ventilation Power
Check the fan’s CFM rating. A higher number means better capture, especially for high-heat cooking. You want it strong enough to handle a busy stir-fry night.
Cooktop Layout & Elements
Think about how many burners you really use. Some models offer different element sizes and even a bridge element for griddles, which is super handy for pancakes.
Installation Needs
These need specific cabinet space below for the ductwork. It’s not a simple swap, so planning is key. Always confirm the requirements with your model before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Downdraft Cooktop
What is a downdraft cooktop?
It’s an electric cooktop with a built-in ventilation system. Instead of a hood above, it pulls smoke and smells down through teh surface and out your home.
Do I need an external vent?
Most models do require ducting to the outside for the best performance. Some offer recirculating kits, but thay’re not as effective for strong smells.
Are they powerful enough for serious cooking?
Yes, modern ones are. They have strong fans and good heating elements. Just check the fan’s CFM rating if you do a lot of high-heat searing.
Can I install it on a island?
Absolutely! That’s a big benefit. Since there’s no overhead hood, it’s a great choice for kitchen islands where a hood would block the view.
Is the cleaning difficult?
Not really. The surface is usually smooth glass, so wiping it down is easy. Just remember to clean the grease filters in the downdraft system regularly too.
What about pot sizes?
You need to be a bit mindful. Very large pots can block the vent panel when its raised. It’s good to check your common pan sizes against the design.
The Final Call
So, is this the right choice for your kitchen? It really depends on your needs. Think about your cooking style and your space. Consider what features matter most to you day-to-day.
If a sleek look and powerful, integrated ventilation are your priorities, an electric downdraft cooktop is a fantastic option. It keeps your kitchen air cleaner without a bulky hood. Just make sure to check the specs for your specific model to see if it fits your cooking habits.