Abstract: A ventless downdraft system may include a housing; a table frame disposed on top of the housing, the table frame including a top surface; a first heating element and a second heating element supported by the table frame; a vent disposed between the first and second heating elements in the table frame and configured for directing smoke generated by the first and second heating elements downwardly into the housing; a vent cover disposed on the vent and outwardly from the top surface of the table frame, where the vent cover includes a first surface extending outwardly from the top surface of the table frame and facing the first heating element and a second surface extending outwardly from the top surface of the table frame and facing the second heating element; and a filter assembly disposed in the housing and configured for filtering the smoke directed into the housing.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an exhaust system that substantially eliminates potential smoke generating byproducts carried by oven gases. The cooking appliance includes an oven cavity having a top wall including a recessed portion within which is mounted a broil element. A plurality of openings are formed in the recessed portion that allow exhaust gases to pass into a smoke elimination chamber. Heat generated by the broil element and in the smoke elimination chamber removes substantially all combustion byproducts contained in the exhaust gases. To further remove combustion byproducts, the exhaust gases are passed through a ceramic catalyst prior to being directed into a vent duct. From the vent duct, the exhaust gasses are directed past a blower into an exhaust duct that, ultimately, guides the exhaust gases from the appliance.