Abstract: A countertop cooking unit provides an upper surface that is level with the countertop and has removable interior parts that are exposed to the residues of cooking operations. A cooktop housing is supported by the countertop and forms a burner box having an open top level with the countertop. A removable drip pan is recessed below the open top of the housing within the burner box and is removably carried by the housing at its peripheral edges. A downdraft ventilation plenum is recessed below, and includes an air flow opening below, the open top of the housing and is carried, at least in part, by the burner box, and at least one heating unit is recessed and removably carried within the removable drip pan. In grilling units, a removable grill pan liner is recessed within, and removably carried by, the drip pan at its peripheral edge and removably carries a grill heater recessed within its periphery.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance is provided which is operable with interchangeable burners. An appliance housing includes a burner box mounting an upwardly facing non-removable burner pan. A gas supply system includes gas valves arranged to provide gas to inlet fittings having orifice hoods mounted on the burner pan with the orifice hoods and burner pan being adapted to interchangeably receive first and second burners. A proximity ventilation system has an exhaust intake adjacent the burner pan and a motor driven blower for inducing airflow into the exhaust intake. A first switch is mounted on the burner pan and is operated by only one of the burners. A second switch is associated with the gas valves and is in circuit with the first switch. The switches are cooperable on operation of the gas valves to provide automatic blower operation with only one of the first and second burners.