Seven years ago, when we bought our home, I replaced the built-in downdraft cooktop because the existing one had only two burners, with a grill on the opposite side.  I am an avid cook, so I often use more than two burners at a time.  If I had it to do over again, I would have had a range installed instead and added an overhead vent hood.  Downdraft cooktops are incredibly expensive and, in my opinion, are in no way superior to installing a vent hood above your range.  Built-in appliances are far too expensive both to replace and to repair.  The cooktop had to be lifted out to be serviced a few months ago, adding to the labor charges significantly.


***Added note:  This cooktop's glass top cracked.  The crack spread and I was faced with the decision of replacing the glass (with labor, it will cost about $500), or doing major remodeling to make room for a range.  I don't have the money for remodeling, so we are now coughing up $500 for a new glass surface.  I paid, with installation, about $1300 for this cooktop.  I again say, it is a waste!  Don't do it!  If we ever have the luxury of building a new home, I refuse to put in a built-in oven or cooktop!  For the $1300 I originally spent on this cooktop alone, I could have had the best range on the market.