Who’s your perfect celebrity pairing? Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes? Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom? In celebrity terms, there’s nothing quite like a combination that just works effortlessly. In fact, it’s a similar story with high-performance appliances. Where would we be without the fridge-freezer? It’s hard to imagine our homes without this classic pair.

More recently, however, another multi-functional appliance is gaining popularity: the venting hob. Also known as induction downdrafts, these clever combos are fast becoming the latest kitchen must-have. Venting hobs are a great two-in-one option that combine enhanced functionality with serious good looks. Our Assistant Product Manager Ashley analyses their key benefits, and showcases a selection of his favourite models:

If you’re looking for flexibility from your two-in-one appliance, why not consider a model which can be fitted into a base unit against one wall or a central island? Take our DD780BK induction downdraft, for example. What sets it apart is that this model has been specifically designed to fit into a wall unit.

So, you don’t have to install this appliance into a central island, making it even more versatile. This venting hob also houses a charcoal filter, which you can access via a decorative, magnetised plinth grille. Simply remove this to change the filter, then reapply using magnets on the housing bracket.

Our DD780BK Induction Hob with Downdraft Extractor is the perfect combination of function and form. This frameless hob features 10 power levels, including a Booster, plus a four-speed extractor with an automatic timer that switches off 15 minutes after cooking has finished.

In simple terms, a Caple venting hob is an induction model that also incorporates its own extractor fan, to remove moisture and grease from your kitchen and, most importantly, help eliminate unwanted odours. While most of us don’t mind, for example, the aroma of freshly baked bread or buns hanging around, leftovers lingering from the previous day’s delicious fish supper is not quite so appealing!

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of venting hobs is the space they save. In fact, not all kitchens have enough room to fit a dedicated extractor on a wall or suspended from the ceiling. Because the downdraft element is discreetly installed in the centre of your hob, you won’t need to take up space in your kitchen with a bulky overhead extractor hood.

This, in turn, helps to create a sleeker, minimal, ‘designer’ aesthetic. I think venting hobs also offer more flexibility in terms of kitchen layout. This is especially helpful if you’re keen to site your hob on a central kitchen island. These days, the growth of open-plan living areas, has prompted many people to re-evaluate how they prefer to use their available space. And, in this type of environment, islands often take centre stage.

Our DD810BK venting hob, with a maximum sound level of 70dB, offers plenty of versatility. In terms of extraction, you can choose to either recirculate the air using a charcoal filter, or duct it outside. Keen cooks will love this hob’s four induction zones, each with ten power levels – including a dedicated Boost and Auto Boost mode, a bridging function and permanent pan recognition. Don’t forget the super-sleek Invisi-touch display, which disappears from view when this appliance is not in use.

Island advantages

Venting hobs allows kitchen design & layouts to be far more flexible. After all, if you install an extractor above a hob on a central island, it will break up the sleek aesthetic in this space. In this type of location, a hood can also block your view of the rest of the room, especially in an open-plan environment. Venting hobs, however, are ideal for kitchen islands, as they don’t take up too much room below the worktop – and absolutely none above the appliance.

Moisture considerations

The only way to remove excess moisture from steam during cooking is with adequate and correct ventilation. Otherwise, this can remain in the room, which will lead to extensive humidity. As a result, you could find you’re experiencing excessive moisture levels on your walls, windows and even the furniture. And this could cause structural damage, make wood swell and even form mould. That’s why an efficient extractor is vital for any fully-functional kitchen you enjoy cooking in.

Our DD940BK uses futuristic-style technology to purify the air and eliminate unpleasant odours. This model can incorporate two filters: one is carbon and the other is plasma. The latter is optional and uses revolutionary technology. The motor draws air through the ducting towards the Plasma filter first. This is where it’s cleaned and purified through a chemical reaction, and 95% of odours are eradicated.

Anything remaining is then removed via the carbon filter and clean air is recirculated back into the room. Yet another benefit? Maintenance can be kept to a minimum with our DD940BK model. Using both odour removal methods actually extends the life of the carbon filter from six months to five years. But, with all venting hobs, even when you do need to replace/clean anything, everything will be at a more accessible level in your base unit or the plinth below.

When simply the best will do: our frameless DD940BK, with a maximum sound level of 61dB, venting hob has revolutionised the downdraft extractor market. The first UK model to feature cutting-edge Plasma technology, it offers superior grease, moisture and odour control, in partnership with stunning aesthetics. This makes it a must-have appliance for both amateur and professional chefs alike.

Some people are put off venting hobs because they are concerned about the space needed to house the motor. But as you can see, our DD810BK appliance is sleek and compact. If fits neatly below the worktop with ample room left in the unit that houses it.

Powerful hood extractors do a great job of eliminating steam and odours, too. However, you may find a venting hob will be quieter. Our DD940BK, for example, has a maximum sound level of 61db – not much higher than normal conversation levels (59dB).

While the initial outlay for a vented hob might seem high, it’s important to remember that you’re actually not buying one, but two, high-spec appliances. So, they’re actually a sensible, cost-effective investment that will serve your kitchen well for years to come.