![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/8974840_1702424511.jpg)
I recently renovated my prep kitchen area - a small kitchenette next to my main kitchen. I must've visited an appliance experience center half a dozen times before choosing an induction cooktop and a vent because investing in quality appliances will increase efficiency and save me money and a lot of headaches down the road.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/936250_1702424412.jpg)
I went with Gaggenau's Vario 400 Series Flex Induction Cooktop and Vario 400 Series Downdraft Vent, and I can't recommend them enough!
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/2795890_1702433615.jpg)
Vario 400 Series Flex Induction Cooktop
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/862260_1702424413.jpg)
Gaggenau's cooking appliances are known for their signature knobs, usually located on the front of the cabinet or next to the appliances on the countertop.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/7730500_1702433137.jpg)
Because it was going to be installed in a prep kitchen, I didn't want to commit to a full-sized cooktops. The Vario Flex Induction Cooktop was available in 14" width, so it was perfect for my rather limited countertop space.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/9951620_1702433138.jpg)
The Vario Flex Induction Cooktop also allows me to build my cooking zones based on my needs and the sizes of the pans I'm using.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/7484890_1702433490.jpg)
Induction cooktops are much more energy-efficient than gas cooktops, and you'll notice the difference right away. Water boils so much quicker! A lot of the pots and pans I owned were already induction-compatible, so I had no issues with installing an induction cooktop.
Every cooktop needs an extractor.
I fell in love with the concept of downdraft ventilation because I wanted the large marble slab I chose for the backsplash to shine. Let me just tell you, choosing the marble slab was one of the hardest interior decisions I've made! There were so many beautiful marble slabs, each unique and original. Below are some of the slabs I've considered.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/6637730_1702424942.jpg)
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/5201650_1702424943.jpg)
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/3425630_1702424944.jpg)
Aren't they beautiful?
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/4523570_1702425310.jpg)
I went with the Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Classic - it has a blend of gold and grey veins, so it feels both welcoming and modern - the best of both worlds!
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/6847720_1702432438.jpg)
Anyway, back to the downdraft - you can see why I wanted the backsplash to be free of any objects or appliances. I didn't even install any floating shelves so I could appreciate this beautiful slab! The installation was a bit tricky, though because we needed to feed the vent below the cabinets, and that meant losing precious cabinet space.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/9018380_1702432609.jpg)
But once it was all finished, I couldn't be happier with how my prep kitchen turned out.
The downdraft vent seamlessly fits into the matching Vario induction cooktop, allowing me to achieve the seamless and clean look I had envisioned.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/7453210_1702433972.jpg)
It removes vapor, smell, and heat effectively as well. I can see the smoke or vapor getting sucked into the vent - how cool!
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/6683560_1702424417.jpg)
The control knob lights up in red when the vent is in use.
![](https://www.prugucdn.com/p/9/770570_1702424378/5416010_1702424418.jpg)
Renovating my prep kitchen was a stressful and time-consuming process, as most renovations are; however, I love the end result. My Gaggenau appliances perform spectacularly well and far exceed my expectations. Gaggenau's Vario induction cooktops and downdraft vent allow you to achieve a streamlined and clean look without looking flimsy or boring.
I recently renovated my prep kitchen area - a small kitchenette next to my main kitchen. I must've visited an appliance experience center half a dozen times before choosing an induction cooktop and a vent because investing in quality appliances will increase efficiency and save me money and a lot of headaches down the road.
I went with Gaggenau's Vario 400 Series Flex Induction Cooktop and Vario 400 Series Downdraft Vent, and I can't recommend them enough!
Vario 400 Series Flex Induction Cooktop
Gaggenau's cooking appliances are known for their signature knobs, usually located on the front of the cabinet or next to the appliances on the countertop.
Because it was going to be installed in a prep kitchen, I didn't want to commit to a full-sized cooktops. The Vario Flex Induction Cooktop was available in 14" width, so it was perfect for my rather limited countertop space.
The Vario Flex Induction Cooktop also allows me to build my cooking zones based on my needs and the sizes of the pans I'm using.
Induction cooktops are much more energy-efficient than gas cooktops, and you'll notice the difference right away. Water boils so much quicker! A lot of the pots and pans I owned were already induction-compatible, so I had no issues with installing an induction cooktop.
Every cooktop needs an extractor.
I fell in love with the concept of downdraft ventilation because I wanted the large marble slab I chose for the backsplash to shine. Let me just tell you, choosing the marble slab was one of the hardest interior decisions I've made! There were so many beautiful marble slabs, each unique and original. Below are some of the slabs I've considered.
Aren't they beautiful?
I went with the Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Classic - it has a blend of gold and grey veins, so it feels both welcoming and modern - the best of both worlds!
Anyway, back to the downdraft - you can see why I wanted the backsplash to be free of any objects or appliances. I didn't even install any floating shelves so I could appreciate this beautiful slab! The installation was a bit tricky, though because we needed to feed the vent below the cabinets, and that meant losing precious cabinet space.
But once it was all finished, I couldn't be happier with how my prep kitchen turned out.
The downdraft vent seamlessly fits into the matching Vario induction cooktop, allowing me to achieve the seamless and clean look I had envisioned.
It removes vapor, smell, and heat effectively as well. I can see the smoke or vapor getting sucked into the vent - how cool!
The control knob lights up in red when the vent is in use.
Renovating my prep kitchen was a stressful and time-consuming process, as most renovations are; however, I love the end result. My Gaggenau appliances perform spectacularly well and far exceed my expectations. Gaggenau's Vario induction cooktops and downdraft vent allow you to achieve a streamlined and clean look without looking flimsy or boring.