KitchenAid 36 Downdraft Vent
Description
The KitchenAid KXD4636YSS is a professional-grade 36-inch retractable downdraft ventilation system engineered for large cooktops and commercial-style cooking equipment. Featuring a robust 585 CFM motor and 13.5-inch rise capability, this downdraft provides powerful ventilation while remaining completely hidden below the counter when not in use. This precision CNC template ensures accurate countertop cutouts for seamless integration in granite, quartz, marble, and solid surface materials. The required countertop opening measures 34.5" x 10.5" with 0.25" corner radius for proper installation and smooth operation. Our template is verified against KitchenAid's official specifications and provides all necessary dimensions for professional-quality fabrication. The wider 36-inch format delivers superior ventilation coverage for multi-burner configurations and high-BTU cooking appliances, making it the preferred choice for serious home chefs and culinary enthusiasts.
Dimensions
- Overall Width
- 36"
- Overall Depth
- 12.125"
- Corner Radius
- 0.25"
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- KitchenAid
- Model Number
- KXD4636YSS
- Downloads
- 0
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The KitchenAid KXD4636YSS is a professional-grade 36-inch retractable downdraft ventilation system engineered for large cooktops and commercial-style cooking equipment. Featuring a robust 585 CFM motor and 13.5-inch rise capability, this downdraft provides powerful ventilation while remaining completely hidden below the counter when not in use. This precision CNC template ensures accurate countertop cutouts for seamless integration in granite, quartz, marble, and solid surface materials. The required countertop opening measures 34.5" x 10.5" with 0.25" corner radius for proper installation and smooth operation. Our template is verified against KitchenAid's official specifications and provides all necessary dimensions for professional-quality fabrication. The wider 36-inch format delivers superior ventilation coverage for multi-burner configurations and high-BTU cooking appliances, making it the preferred choice for serious home chefs and culinary enthusiasts.
Installation Overview
Installing the KitchenAid KXD4636YSS requires careful coordination between countertop fabrication, cabinetry configuration, and ventilation system planning. The primary countertop cutout measures 34.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches deep with 0.25-inch corner radius. The unit's complete footprint extends to 36 inches wide by 12.125 inches deep, requiring substantial cabinet space below for the motor assembly, ductwork transitions, and electrical connections. The reversible motor box is a standout feature, allowing the blower to be positioned on either the left or right side of the downdraft to accommodate plumbing lines, electrical conduits, or structural constraints in the cabinet base. This flexibility is particularly valuable in island installations where under-counter space is often limited. Countertop material should be a minimum of 1.25 inches thick (standard 3cm natural stone) to ensure structural integrity around the large cutout opening. When fully deployed, the downdraft extends 13.5 inches above the cooking surface, so verify adequate clearance to overhead elements such as pot racks, pendant lighting, or decorative range hoods. Electrical requirements include a dedicated 120-volt, 15-amp circuit routed through the cabinet structure. The ventilation system accepts 6-inch round ductwork, which should be routed through the floor (optimal for island installations) or through an exterior wall (for perimeter counter setups). To maintain the full 585 CFM performance capacity, minimize total duct run length and limit the number of elbows or transitions. For island installations requiring long duct runs, consider upgrading to smooth metal ducting rather than flexible duct to reduce airflow resistance. The system is rated for cooktops up to 65,000 BTU total output, making it suitable for most residential cooking equipment including commercial-style ranges.
CNC Cutting Notes
Programming your CNC machine for the KXD4636YSS requires attention to the extended cutout width and maintaining precise tolerances across the 34.5-inch span. Import the DXF template into your CAM software and carefully verify the 34.5" x 10.5" opening dimensions before generating tool paths. The 0.25-inch corner radius must be cut with a matching radius end mill or ball nose bit to ensure exact conformance with manufacturer specifications and proper seating of the unit. For granite and natural stone materials, maintain cutting speeds between 60-80 inches per minute with consistent water coolant flow to manage cutting heat and prevent micro-cracking along the cut edges. Quartz and engineered stone materials can generally accommodate faster speeds of 80-100 IPM, though ultra-dense quartz formulations may require speed reduction to prevent edge chipping. The wider cutout span increases the risk of slab movement or vibration during the cutting process, so ensure proper support across the entire slab length with particular attention to the cutout area. Use vacuum pods or support blocks positioned strategically to prevent slab movement without interfering with tool paths. Employ an outside profile cutting strategy to maintain the cutout piece intact until final separation, preventing unexpected movement that could compromise edge quality or damage the surrounding material. For brittle materials like marble, travertine, or softer limestones, reduce feed rates by 25-30% and consider multiple shallow passes rather than a single full-depth cut to minimize material stress. The longer cutting path for 36-inch cutouts also increases cutting time and tool wear, so monitor bit condition closely and replace worn tools before edge quality degrades. After completing the cut, perform comprehensive edge inspection paying special attention to the corner radii where stress concentrations are highest during cutting. Use hand polishing or diamond pads to smooth any micro-chips or surface irregularities. Before final countertop installation, perform a dry-fit test with the actual downdraft unit to verify proper clearances, corner fit quality, and alignment with the cabinet framework below. This test-fit step can identify and correct issues before permanent installation, preventing costly rework or field corrections.
Material Compatibility
The KitchenAid KXD4636YSS cutout template is engineered for compatibility with all professional-grade countertop materials specified in high-end residential and light commercial kitchen projects. Granite and natural stone are excellent material choices, providing superior heat resistance and structural stability around the 34.5-inch wide cutout. When working with granite, carefully evaluate grain patterns and natural fissures to avoid positioning them near the cutout perimeter where they could create structural weak points. Quartz and engineered stone materials are highly recommended for downdraft installations, offering consistent strength properties throughout the material, non-porous surfaces that resist cooking stains and moisture, and heat resistance typically rated to 400°F or higher. The uniform composition of engineered materials eliminates concerns about natural variations or weak points that can occur in granite slabs. Solid surface materials such as Corian or Hi-Macs can be used for downdraft installations, but verify that your specific product formulation maintains adequate heat resistance (minimum 350°F sustained) and structural integrity under continuous cooking conditions. Some solid surface products may require additional thickness or reinforcement around large cutouts. Laminate countertops are not recommended for downdraft ventilation installations due to heat sensitivity of the substrate materials and insufficient structural strength to properly support the unit's weight and operational forces. Concrete countertops are fully compatible when properly engineered with steel mesh or fiber reinforcement throughout the slab thickness. Professional-grade sealing is essential for concrete installations to prevent moisture infiltration from cooking steam and condensation. Use heat-resistant, food-safe sealers rated for continuous use in cooking environments. Stainless steel and metal countertops are excellent choices for commercial-style residential kitchens, offering superior heat resistance, chemical resistance, and easy cleaning properties. Metal countertops require professional fabrication with proper edge folding and welding techniques. Avoid wood, butcher block, bamboo, and other organic materials in the immediate downdraft area due to heat sensitivity and susceptibility to moisture-related warping or dimensional changes. When planning countertop seam locations, maintain a minimum of 8 inches clearance from the cutout perimeter to ensure adequate material strength and prevent stress-related failures during thermal cycling or material expansion and contraction.
Where to Buy
The KitchenAid KXD4636YSS 36-inch retractable downdraft ventilation system is available through KitchenAid's extensive network of authorized dealers, specialty appliance retailers, and online vendors. Purchase directly from the official KitchenAid website at kitchenaid.com, where you can browse the complete ventilation product line and access their retailer locator tool to find certified dealers and professional installers in your geographic area. Home Depot stocks this model both online and in select showroom locations, offering delivery services and professional installation coordination. Online specialty appliance retailers including AJ Madison, US Appliance, Designer Appliances, Build.com, and Ferguson maintain inventory with competitive pricing and nationwide shipping capabilities. These online retailers often provide detailed product specifications, customer reviews, and comparison tools to help evaluate different downdraft options. For hands-on evaluation and personalized consultation, visit authorized KitchenAid showrooms where you can observe the retractable mechanism in operation and discuss integration with your specific cooktop or range configuration with trained appliance specialists. Regional authorized dealers such as Sorenson's Appliance (Minnesota), Van Vreede's, Rosner's Appliance (Florida), and DeWaard & Bode provide local inventory, coordinated delivery, and professional installation services. These dealers frequently offer package pricing when purchasing the downdraft ventilation system alongside compatible KitchenAid cooktops, ranges, or other kitchen appliances. For contractor, builder, and designer purchases, Ferguson, Plesser's Appliances, and other professional-grade suppliers stock KitchenAid ventilation products and can coordinate bulk orders, project-specific delivery schedules, and trade account pricing. When comparing prices across different retailers, request itemized quotes that include delivery, installation, and any necessary ductwork or electrical modifications. Inquire about seasonal promotions typically offered during spring kitchen remodeling season (March through May) and fall holiday sales periods (September through November). Professional kitchen designers and contractors often maintain trade relationships with dealers that provide preferred pricing and priority service. Before finalizing your purchase, verify that the complete package includes all mounting hardware, ductwork transition adapters, installation manual, warranty registration documentation, and dishwasher-safe filter components. Consider extended warranty options that provide long-term coverage for the motor assembly, electronic controls, and moving components subject to regular wear.