( 
)I replaced my old free standing electric range with a Jenn Air Gas Range with Electric Oven about 10 years ago. I chose Gas because its more efficient than electric and PG&E at the time offered a rebate to go gas. The oven is electric because gas ovens tent to vary significantly in temperature, however I have a separate thermometer in the oven for baking purposes. This downdraft range clearly has the advantage of not requiring a hood for certain installations. (see below on installation)
Reliability
I have had no problems at all with this range. No broken parts, however I did discover the tangs in the grill will warp if exposed to water while hot.
Issues
The only issue I have found is cold air sometimes seems to enter from the downdraft vent. I later solved this by initially putting paper towels above the screen. Later I permanently solved this by installing a self opening/closing vent. This is typically ised on dryers and bathroom vents.
Installation
My plumber ran the gas lines and I got a city permit to modify them. The Inspector was very nice and was available the next day. He visually inspected the lines and ran a leak check and was done in less than 30 minutes.
I chose to modify my installation. Not recommended for everyone as it can have safety and warranty impact. Having a licensed professional installing your range is best.
The fan seemed to be a bit noisy and in reading the vendor information, found I can remote the fan motor. The fan is designed to be remote for flexibility of venting. The fan motor is much larger than any range fan and can have significant airflow. I also thought some efficiency in heat was lost with the fan being pretty strong. Using the manual, I removed the restriction ring to make the blower even more powerful to make up for the additional distance to the outside vent.
I ran a 3 x 12 inch vent pipe (normally used to vent gas heating systems and water heaters) inside the wall and up to the top of the range vent. Tapping into the existing vent to the outside, used aluminum tape and sheet metal screws to seal the vent pipe.
The result is about 60% venting through the downdraft and 40% venting through the range hood. The motor noise is significantly less noticed. Since heat rises, there is not air returning through the range hood, but air also follows the path of least resistance and that happens to be to the outside.
Hope this helps
Guide created: 01/30/08 (updated 01/31/08)
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