The New Cattura Downdraft from BEST Melds Best-in-Class Performance with Sleek Design

HARTFORD, Wis., Jan. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to kitchens, experts say that form should follow function. But now, thanks to BEST^®, a leading designer of luxury range hoods, homeowners don't have to choose between the two[1]. The new Cattura downdraft is as effective as a traditional island hood, but takes its form as a thin, sleek and retractable unit that elevates kitchen design and improves indoor air quality.

Traditional downdrafts, or retractable range hoods integrated into the cooktop surface, are known for their versatile aesthetic – not for powerful, precise capture of cooking fumes. Homeowners in the market for a range hood were often left choosing between quality performance or appealing design. With the new Cattura downdraft, they now have both.

The unique, patented VERTEX^™ Complete Capture Design allows the Cattura downdraft to rival island range hoods at capturing emissions, with up to 100 percent capture. Dual inlet ports located on the face and the top of the downdraft take in emissions like smoke, moisture and other cooking fumes, eliminating odors and volatile organic compounds to improve indoor air quality. When fully raised, the unit reaches 18 inches and can capture emissions located on any part of the cooktop, from tall pots to skillets.

"The Cattura downdraft captures cooking effluents better than any other downdraft on the market," said Brian Wellnitz, marketing manager, kitchen ventilation. "No matter which of the burners you use, the Cattura downdraft provides top performance with chic design."

Top performance with the Cattura downdraft also means quiet performance and convenient features. Though powerful, the Cattura downdraft is up to 35 percent quieter than other downdrafts in the market. It also features an efficient LED task light that illuminates the entire cooking surface, even pots on the front burners.

To take the guesswork out of kitchen ventilation, the Cattura downdraft includes Heat Sentry™ technology, which automatically detects excessive heat and adjusts the fan speed accordingly.

"When an extreme temperature is detected, the Cattura will adjust automatically to its highest setting until the temperature is lowered," Wellnitz said. "The technology ensures that the effects from high temperatures that may damage the hood are minimized, providing greater product reliability and years of trouble-free operation."

Homeowners can also save time cleaning, as filters can be easily lifted out of the unit for washing in the dishwasher, while a helpful reminder light for filter maintenance ensures regular cleaning. The stainless-steel exterior can also be quickly wiped clear of dirt and food.

Control of the unit is even easier for homeowners, with a built-in, seamless and easy-to-clean front touch-control panel and the option of including a remote control button that can be installed elsewhere on the countertop or cabinet for easier access. At the touch of a button it takes the Cattura downdraft 10 seconds to quietly rise or lower, and a convenient 10-minute, time-delay shut-off feature automatically turns off the Cattura after clearing the air.

Performance is top-notch with the Cattura downdraft, but so is the style and unsurpassed design flexibility, which meets varied cooking expectations and the needs of homeowners and designers.

For the first time there is a downdraft designed to be installed with not only as a cooktop, but with a free-standing range, drop-in range top, slide-in range or a built-in oven with a cooktop. The Cattura downdraft achieves this with the FlexBlower™ system, allowing for up to nine ducting options. The FlexBlower can be installed under the floor, in a side or rear cabinet for installations that incorporate ovens, or to open up cabinet space under the cooking surface.

"The Cattura's ducting options with the FlexBlower provide a whole new way to look at kitchen design," Wellnitz said. "Homeowners can really customize the type of kitchen they've always envisioned."

To create a finished appearance between the cooking appliance and the downdraft, the Cattura downdraft has optional trim kit accessories. Different trim options enable the sleek curves and sophisticated angles of the Cattura to visually work with the variety of cooking appliances it may be paired with. When not in use, the Cattura downdraft retracts fully into the counter and includes a self-closing cap that hides the lowered downdraft completely, leaving the counter unobstructed and clear.

Cattura downdraft suggested retail prices start at $1,475 and must be purchased with a blower; blowers are sold separately.

BEST® is a registered trademark of Broan-NuTone LLC, North America's leading manufacturer and distributor of residential kitchen ventilation products. BROAN® is a registered trademark of Broan-NuTone LLC, North America's leading manufacturer and distributor of residential ventilation products including range hoods, ventilation fans, heater/fan/light combination units, balanced ventilation systems (IAQ), built-in heaters, attic ventilators and trash compactors. NuTone® is a registered trademark of Broan-NuTone LLC, North America's leading manufacturer and distributor of residential built-in convenience products including door chimes, central vacuum systems, ceiling fans, intercom systems, ironing centers and ventilation fans. Broan-NuTone is proud to be an ENERGY STAR® partner.

Broan-NuTone LLC is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc.(Nasdaq: NTK), a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. Please visit www.nortek.com for more information.

For more information about the full line of Broan-NuTone products, call 800-558-1711 (BROAN) or 888-336-3948 (NuTone), write Broan-NuTone, 926 W. State Street, Hartford, WI 53027 U.S.A. or visit www.BESTrangehoods.com, www.BROAN.com or www.NuTone.com.

For More Information Contact:

Tanya Pinsoneault
Cramer-Krasselt
(414) 227-2241

Erin Pierce
Broan-NuTone, LLC
(262) 673-8518

[1] FreshHome.com, Nov. 18, 2014, "Why Form Should Follow Function in Interior Design."

SOURCE Nortek, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nortek.com