ᐅ Experience with induction cooktops with integrated downdraft ventilation?

So, I only use the sink for tasks that really require water (like washing vegetables), and I do the rest on the island next to the cooktop (the sink and cooktop are about 1.20m [4 feet] apart, so I only need to take one step between the island and the sink). This way, the chopped vegetables can go straight into the pan or be distributed into various containers on the island.

It always depends on individual habits and workflows what you want to have placed where.

In my condominium, I have it set up just as you described, even with the same spacing. Still, it annoys me a lot that vegetables drip onto the floor when moving them from the sink to the stove. That’s why I prefer to do the chopping right next to the sink and then either put the ingredients directly into the pan or, if not everything goes in at once, into small bowls before transferring them.

Of course, you get used to everything, but the question is: what is ergonomic?

In the new build, I won’t have an island, so this problem will be completely eliminated. Unfortunately, that means I will be facing away from the living area the whole time.

Unless I move the preparation area right next to the dining table, which would again compromise ergonomics. Well, you have to set priorities—space and the feeling of room in the living area seem more important to us for now.

And what if you "only" make salad? Move everything over as well?

Do you peel the potatoes?

S_t_e_p_h_a_n schrieb:

There are already sloped ceilings, but the cooktop is located in the middle of the room.
I found cooktops from AEG for under 1000€ (about 1100 USD), so I was thinking of getting one of those.

I’m not sure if going for the cheapest option is really a good idea. They need to have enough power; otherwise, buying cheap often means you end up buying twice.
I can’t personally say anything about AEG, so you’d have to do some research and ideally find people who own one.
We also talked a lot about this and received good advice. In the end, we decided on a Bora cooktop. I can’t report yet since we are still waiting. But Bora units are quite expensive, which may not be ideal for a rental apartment.

If the cooktop is in the middle of the room, a ceiling-mounted island hood would also be an option, right? Those are installed on the ceiling.

In the rented apartment, I would look for a sturdy and simple solution, so a recirculating hood comes to mind.

Tolentino schrieb:

Placing the cooktop on the island is a typical design mistake. Generally, you need more time at the sink side. So it would make more sense to have the sink and countertop on the island.

Those who cook with and for guests appreciate being able to face them thanks to the cooktop on the island. For me, this is not a trend but a lifestyle.

As I explained above, in an ergonomic kitchen, it’s not necessarily the case that most of the time is spent working at the cooktop.

So if you want to face your guests, you would ideally need the sink, cooktop, and a lot of countertop space on the island. That simply isn’t always possible.