Ductless Vents

• Ductless vents provide air cleaning through a filtration system where the air from the stove top is sucked through a charcoal or other type of filter then expelled back into the air. Charcoal filters can remove smoke and particulates, but they do not address carbon monoxide emissions.
  
  

Ducted Vents

• Ducted vents exhaust the air through duct work to the outside (they should not exhaust to a wall space or attic for fire safety reasons). They provide the ideal amount of airflow for exhaust, but they can block sight lines and be expensive to install for a kitchen island, especially with tall ceilings.
  
  

Downdraft Vents

• Vents that suck the air from the cooktop down then exhaust it are much better for sight lines since they are underneath the cooktop and kitchen island. They require more fan strength, however, to overcome the tendency of hot air to rise, so they may be louder than overhead installations.
  
  

Electric Cooktop

• Carbon monoxide fumes are only a concern with natural gas cooktops, not electric ranges. Still, however, cooking can produce smoke, moisture and airborne food particles that need to be exhausted. Check your local codes for the legal requirements in your area. If it's not legally mandated, it's still a good idea to have some sort of exhaust system in place.