JENNAIR DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP

You can't modify gas appliances.

It is possible to remove the downdraft equipment from underneath your JennAir electric cooktop and still use the cooktop, but it depends on how the downdraft equipment is attached to the cooktop and whether there are any other issues that may arise from removing it.
Before attempting to remove the downdraft equipment, you should consult the user manual or contact JennAir customer service to ensure that it is safe to do so and to obtain any specific instructions for your particular model.
Some potential issues to consider when removing the downdraft equipment include:

1. Airflow: The downdraft equipment is designed to help draw smoke, steam, and odors down and out of the kitchen. Without it, you may experience reduced airflow and ventilation, which could result in lingering odors or smoke.
2. Heat distribution: The downdraft equipment may also help distribute heat evenly across the cooktop surface. Without it, you may experience hot spots or uneven cooking.
3. Stability: The downdraft equipment may provide additional support or stability to the cooktop. If it is removed, the cooktop may become less stable or secure.

If you decide to proceed with removing the downdraft equipment, it's important to follow all instructions carefully and to take appropriate safety precautions. You should also be prepared to address any issues that may arise as a result of the removal, such as by using an alternative ventilation system or adjusting your cooking techniques to compensate for any changes in heat distribution.
If you're unsure about whether or how to remove the downdraft equipment from your JennAir electric cooktop, it's best to consult with a professional technician or contact JennAir customer service for guidance.

Can you get to the switch terminals and try jumping them out with a piece of insulated wire? That would tell you if the switch is defective (my suspicion). Please be careful not to touch any live terminals - only the wire insulation you use for the jumper.

The downdraft is electric so there must be something malfunctioning with it. It is a high volume downdraft fan that is to be vented to the outside. Could it be that something has clogged the vent hole up, not allowing the fan to evacuate the smoke?

While I am not a big fan of Jenn-Air, their fans are usually high quality if they are installed correctly, with the proper vent lines.

Where did you smell the smell was it from the fan switch. turn the power off and take the screw out of where the fan switch is and check the wires to the switch and the switch itself. sometimes the jennair cooktops have issues with that switch. let me know how it goes

Typically the Jenn-Air has a grill on the left hand side and the fan is suppose to come on when that burner is turned on.

You can get a new cooktop surface from Maytag/Jennair for $229. It is a pain however to replace it. Where is the crack in your cooktop and does that crack pass directly through a heating element? If not, then you may be able to repair it. I broke the corner off mine, and then dropped the piece (now 5 pieces). I was able to bond them back together and you really can't tell it was ever broken. But, it takes some work.

i bought mine new from HD. Neither the dd cover nor grill grates have bushings on them. however thats a good idea.

Hello
I have the one with the 4 burners and the grill, and when the grill in on the fan has to come on, and it does automaticly, but once you finish with the grill you have to change it back to stove mode by putting the 2 burners back or the fan will allways go on when you turn the switch. It is a safety regulation for the fan to be on with the grill to avoid the fumes......I know I hate that too.
Hope this help

Eddie Rentas
Tupper Lake NY

If you're talking about a downdraft style cooktop, you will just need to measure the discharge vent diameter and shape and match that up. Not all are the same shape but most are 6" diameter