How do I convert an electric downdraft to a hanging vent?

I have an old electric downdraft 30 inch downdraft oven in an island. Oven part doesn't work. Due to budget, cannot afford new downdraft oven. 2400.00 is cheapest I found plus labor ugh! There is no way to configure it other than that spot with lights hanging from ceiling. Can I put a free standing electric oven in that space and hanging island vent from ceiling? And if so, how hard is it to convert? What do I need to know? Is there any other reasonable option?Thank you from single gramma!

  5 answers
  • J J on Nov 10, 2019

    I would take several pictures of the oven and surrounding island area plus measure height, depth and width. Then go to Lowe’s or Home Depot type stores. They have a kitchen design area with lots of floor samples to look at and they are very knowledgeable about replacement type projects. Good luck!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Nov 10, 2019

    'Just to make sure that I understand the situation:

    You have a cooktop, oven, and a downdraft vent in an island.

    The oven does not work, but the cooktop and the vent still work?

    Is it just the oven that is no longer working, or the vent and cooktop also?


    A picture of what you have would be helpful to illustrate the set up.


    A free standing stove can not go into an island due to the design of the appliance and the backing.


    Regarding having a conventional ceiliing hood vent installed: This is a big job that will require carpentry work, electrical work, installation of the appliance, and finishing of the ceiling. The job could easily cost into the thousands.

  • Suellen Hintz Suellen Hintz on Nov 10, 2019

    You’ll need a contractor, who will probably need someone to do electrical, roof repairs or siding repairs, depending on where it will vent. By the time you buy a beautiful vent and have it installed, that new stove price might not look too bad.

  • Rymea Rymea on Nov 11, 2019

    I think I might have that same range. Have you looked into having it repaired? We found parts on Ebay.

    I just researched the KitchenAid downdraft and found that the self clean oven doesn't clean the sides and top of the oven, only the bottom. Also the glass top scratches easily. It takes 30 min to heat to 400, it doesn't have quick preheat. The downdraft won't align with the one you have so it will take some carpentry work.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Nov 16, 2019
    I agree with flip turn that this is a complicated option. I've seen it done, but it will take a full complement of trades people. I would recommend checking at habitat for humanity or used appliance stores for a replacement range.