Abstract: A dual mode downdraft gas range provides a number of substantial advantages, including operation in a powered burner mode and an atmospheric mode. In the powered burner mode, a plurality of powered open flame surface burners can provide even heat from each of the burners as a result of burner flames that provide substantially complete combustion close to the burner outlets in short, stable flames that are unaffected by an adjacent downdraft exhaust or other outside influences. In the atmospheric mode, the gas burners can operate without a downdraft exhaust. The gas range can meet agency requirements in both the powered mode and atmospheric mode of operation and can be inherently fail-safe in the event of a power failure in the downdraft exhaust system. The gas range can be economically and easily manufactured and assembled, with burner controls arranged for convenient operation at one side of the range box for the plurality of burners.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a heater with high heat output and a baffle carried outwardly of the heater on at least one side thereof to intercept substantially the heat radiated in the direction of the baffle and to increase the flexibility in the installation of the cooking apparatus. The heater and baffle can be combined in a removable unit that is particularly adapted for grilling foods in a proximity ventilated cooktop and the baffle can be located in the air flow generated in the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A heater system is provided for use with a downdraft range. The heater is constructed and disposed within a burner pan associated with the range to produce a non-uniform heat output relative to the front-to-rear center line of the burner pan. The greater heat output is produced adjacent a side wall of the burner pan which is substantially opposite the air inlet of the proximity ventilation system.

Abstract: An oven ventilating system is provided for use in conjunction with a proximity ventilated range having modular plug-in cooktop cartridges. A vent tube extends upwardly from an oven vent outlet to a position adjacent the air intake grill. The venting path, in one embodiment, is completed by a collar-like chimney portion of the air intake grill which cooperates with the top of the vent tube to conduct exhaust fumes to above the top surface of the range.