It is not necessary to keep the exhaust fan on all the time while cooking on a downdraft cooktop, but it is recommended to use it whenever you are cooking to maintain good ventilation in your kitchen. The exhaust fan helps to remove smoke, steam, odors, and cooking fumes from the cooking area, which can be beneficial for several reasons:
Smoke and Odor Removal: The exhaust fan helps to quickly eliminate any smoke or strong cooking odors that may be produced during cooking. This is especially important when cooking foods that release strong odors or when using high heat cooking methods.
Steam and Moisture Control: When you cook, steam is released from the cooking pots and pans. The exhaust fan helps to capture and remove this steam, reducing the overall humidity in the kitchen. High humidity can lead to condensation on surfaces and even mold growth.
Air Quality Improvement: Using the exhaust fan while cooking helps to maintain better indoor air quality by removing airborne particles and pollutants generated during the cooking process.
Preventing Grease Buildup: Cooking fumes can contain grease particles that may settle on surfaces in the kitchen, including cabinets and walls. The exhaust fan helps to minimize the buildup of grease, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
Cooling Down the Cooktop: Running the exhaust fan can help to dissipate some of the heat produced during cooking, which can be especially beneficial when using high-temperature cooking methods.
Remember to use the appropriate fan speed setting based on the intensity of your cooking. Higher fan speeds are suitable for more intense cooking, while lower speeds can be used for lighter cooking tasks.
Additionally, if you have a downdraft cooktop, it's important to ensure that the downdraft system is functioning correctly and properly installed to effectively capture and remove cooking fumes. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the exhaust fan and filters are essential to ensure optimal performance.