International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Best by Broan IP29 Vent Hood

When you’re shopping for an undercabinet range hood, you’ll find a large variety of styles, sizes, and performance abilities as well as a number of very good $500 and under models. (See our latest report, “Over the Range.”)

Downdraft models are another venting option. These are designed to reverse the direction of rising smoke and fumes and exhaust them through ducts running beneath the floor. But our testing has shown downdrafts to be among the least effective venting systems at removing smoke and steam.

But if you cook at a kitchen island, venting can be more complicated—and expensive. Many overhead vent hoods cost $2,000 and up, without installation and ducting.

The stylish stainless-steel Best IP29 from Broan costs $3,300 to $4,800, might be a good choice if you need a vent hood. Sensor technology detects what you’re cooking and can turn on the hood automatically, at whatever speed and duration are needed, according to the manufacturer.

The IP29 features pushbutton LCD controls for speed and light settings and an Americans With Disabilities Act–compliant remote control, says Broan. The hood comes in 42- and 54-inch lengths and is 32 inches deep.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: See our Ratings of range hoods (available to subscribers) and tips for proper venting. To help you make your dream kitchen a reality, refer to our kitchen-planning guide.

Comments

[Cynthia]

If you have a 30" downdraft cooktop on a island, is it a good idea to replace this cooktop with a 36" cooktop that does not have a downdraft?

There is no other ventilation in the kitchen.

[Pamela Favro]

Hi. I have an opportunity to purchase a 'used' 6 months only Kitchen Aid 30: Induction Cooktop for $850. It doesnt' have a built in downdraft, and I need that, unfortunately in my kitchen, no other options. Does anyone know if I can find a downdraft to use with this stovetop and whether that would be a 'wise' move or not. I can't find any info today to assist me. I think the stovetop looks very interesting and that was the direction i was leaning. I don't know if you can use cast iron cookware on an induction top. HELP! pam