Jenn-Air Downdraft Ventilation Opens Possibilities For Kitchen Layout

ORLANDO, FL (February 7, 2007)--From small, galley style kitchens to large, open kitchen layouts, the downdraft ventilation technology pioneered and continuously updated by Jenn-Air allows for cooktops and ranges to be moved away from walls and situated virtually anywhere in the kitchen.

"The ability to place cooking appliances in islands and peninsulas without overhead hoods allows for a higher degree of freedom and creativity in kitchen design," notes Deborah O'Connor, Senior Manager of Public Relations for Jenn-Air. "Open space and unobstructed sight lines give kitchens a clean look and enable greater interaction while cooking and entertaining."

Jenn-Air Pro-Style Gas Cooktop

Invented by Jenn-Air over forty years ago as an alternative to the overhead venting hood, downdraft ventilation uses a hidden, multi-speed fan to capture smoke, steam and odors at the cooking surface, pulling them downward and out of the kitchen. Its innovative design and technology creates a high velocity exhaust air pattern near the cooking surface to ventilate to the outside through cabinets, walls or floors. Proper air velocity helps keep grease and smoke in suspension as it travels through the ducting system.

The system is designed to ventilate the kitchen without pulling excessive air across the cooking surface. Gas flames remain largely undisturbed, and the downward "V" shaped design of the burner prevents drippings from collecting and clogging the burner ports.

Among other benefits, downdraft ventilation allows for high-heat searing, wok cooking and other smoke producing cooking techniques without the need to open kitchen windows. When combined with Jenn-Air grill cooking surfaces, it also enables year-round grilling.

Jenn-Air Pro-Style Slide-In Range

Downdraft ventilation is available for gas and electric cooktops, slide-in ranges and freestanding ranges in Jenn-Air brand's Pro-Style Stainless, Euro-Style Stainless and the industry-exclusive Floating Glass. Prices range from $729.00 for the Jenn-Air Designer Line Electric 30-inch Downdraft Cooktop to $2649.00 for the Jenn-Air Pro-Style Dual Fuel Downdraft Slid-In Range.

Since the introduction of the first self-ventilated cooktop in 1961 and downdraft ventilated range in 1965, Jenn-Air has consistently built on its reputation as a technology and design innovator. Its selection of style options includes two distinct stainless steel collections and two cutting edge finishes: Floating Glass and Oiled Bronze. From downdraft cooktops, wall ovens and professional-style ranges to dishwashers, refrigerators and such entertaining essentials as warming drawers, built-in ice machines and wine chillers, Jenn-Air offers a complete line of major kitchen appliances. To learn why Jenn-Air has been the number one preferred brand among consumers for cooking products since 1989*, visit www.Jenn-Air.com.

Please visit the Jenn-Air online press room at www.Jenn-Air.com/press to download high resolution product images and view the latest Jenn-Air press releases.

* Based upon independent national consumer research, 2005-2006.