oven with exhaust under the flooring

[karen trout]

we are purchasing a foreclosed home that the appliances have been ripped out of the kitchen. In the gas oven's place, a large flexible exhaust duct is now exposed from the floor; center of where the range would be. It looks like the range actually sat on the edges of the counter. The dimensions of the open space is 29" wide by 23" deep. The house sits on piers and a cement blocks with crawl space underneath. We have not had gas appliances before; is this set up safe? Thanks for all the help; I'm sure i will be using the site often now.

[Rick Cantrell]

What you describe sounds like the exhaust for a "Jenn Air" type cooktop .
Likely you do not have an exhaust hood over the cooktop.

[Dom D'Agostino]

Downdraft ranges or cook-tops are common, they can be gas or electric.
Its safe if installed properly with the correct ducting material.

[Garry Sorrells]

Like others have said, if installed correctly them it is safe.

The downdraft ventilation does not provide the same ventilation as an overhead hood, Just a side note so you are not surprised when it is installed.

[John Kogel]

You bought the house cheap, right? Trim an inch off each side of the opening and have an electrician install a 240 volt outlet for a 30" electric range. While he is there he can check the electrical panel for hazards.

The pipe in the floor is possibly for the built in exhaust fan, and not for a gas burner.

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

Downdraft rangetop. A feature not limited to Jenn-Aire.

Ranges can be dual fuel, gas or electric.

Ranges can be free-standing, slide-in, and drop-in configurations.

If the home is a manufactured one, make sure the appliance is listed for same.