Installation: Best ANKD Downdraft Recirculation Kit Instruction Manual

Content

Overview

The ANKD Downdraft Recirculation Kit converts a compatible downdraft ventilation system for non-ducted operation. Instead of exhausting cooking air outdoors, the kit routes air through a replaceable recirculation filter and returns the filtered air through a decorative grille.

It is designed for domestic cooking installations where conventional exterior ductwork is not practical. The kit can discharge through the cabinet toe space, rear panel, or either side, allowing the outlet position to match the cabinet layout.

Specifications

Model: ANKD
Recommended minimum cabinet width: 24 inches
Cabinet-base opening for the recirculation box: 14 1/2 x 15 inches
Exhaust opening: 3 1/2 x 14 1/4 inches
Blower connection: 8-inch round duct
Optional grille extension duct: 3 1/4 x 14 inches
Minimum equivalent grille-slot area for proper airflow: 18 square inches
Replacement recirculation filter: Model AFCD
Included fasteners: six #10 x 0.625-inch screws, four #8 x 0.375-inch screws, and two #8 x 1-inch screws

Detailed Description

The ANKD Downdraft Recirculation Kit consists of a recirculation box, filter, and decorative grille. The blower pushes cooking air through an 8-inch round duct into the inlet of the recirculation box. The filter captures cooking contaminants before the air exits through the selected grille location.

The recirculation box fits into the cabinet base. Its outlet may be directed toward the front toe space, back, left side, or right side of the cabinet. A short rectangular duct extension can be added when the box outlet does not reach the grille opening directly.

The blower may be attached to the downdraft using mounting legs or installed remotely on suitable wood framing with mounting brackets. In either arrangement, the blower outlet and the recirculation-box inlet must align vertically to maintain a proper duct connection.

Safety

Use the kit only for its intended domestic cooking application.
Have installation and electrical work completed by qualified personnel in accordance with applicable building, electrical, and fire-safety codes.
Use only metal ductwork to reduce fire risk.
Before cutting or drilling, check for concealed wiring, plumbing, and other utilities.
Provide sufficient replacement air when fuel-burning appliances operate, helping prevent backdrafting of combustion gases.
Do not use the system to exhaust hazardous, explosive, or flammable materials and vapors.
Clean filters and grease-collecting surfaces regularly.
Do not modify, repair, or replace components unless the installation instructions specifically allow it. Other servicing should be performed by a qualified technician.
Check the downdraft and blower specification labels for additional electrical and installation requirements.

Package Contents

One recirculation box
One recirculation filter
One decorative grille
One parts bag with the supplied screws

The blower, 8-inch round duct, optional 3 1/4 x 14-inch duct extension, duct tape, and any required framing are purchased separately.

Installation Planning

Choose the exhaust direction: front toe space, rear cabinet panel, left side, or right side.
Confirm that the cabinet base can accommodate a 14 1/2 x 15-inch opening.
Plan the 3 1/2 x 14 1/4-inch grille opening at the selected exhaust location.
Position the recirculation box so its 8-inch round inlet aligns with the blower outlet.
Choose either a downdraft-mounted blower installation or a remote blower installation using appropriate mounting brackets and framing.
Measure the required lengths of 8-inch round duct and, if needed, 3 1/4 x 14-inch rectangular duct.

Setup and Installation

Install the Recirculation Box

Cut the 14 1/2 x 15-inch opening in the cabinet base. Orient the opening according to the planned exhaust direction.
Verify the intended blower outlet and recirculation-box inlet alignment before making additional cuts.
Temporarily set the box into the cabinet-base opening. Raise the rear of the box slightly and lower the exhaust end into position.
Mark the exhaust opening on the cabinet toe space, rear panel, or selected side panel.
Remove the box and cut the marked 3 1/2 x 14 1/4-inch exhaust opening.
Place the recirculation box back into the cabinet base.
If necessary, connect a 3 1/4 x 14-inch duct extension between the box outlet and the grille location.
Seal every duct joint with duct tape so the connections are secure and airtight.
Fasten the recirculation box to the cabinet base with the six #10 x 0.625-inch screws.

Connect and Support the Blower

Install the blower according to the blower manufacturer's instructions.
Use metal 8-inch round flexible or rigid duct to connect the blower exhaust to the recirculation-box inlet.
Seal the round-duct connections with duct tape.
For a downdraft-mounted blower, drill 1/8-inch pilot holes through the top of the recirculation box.
Secure the mounting legs to the box with four #8 x 0.375-inch screws.
For a remote blower, mount the blower to suitable wood framing with its mounting brackets, keeping the outlet vertically aligned with the box inlet.

Install the Grille and Filter

Attach the decorative grille over the exhaust opening using the supplied screws.
If making a custom grille, use the supplied grille as a template for its overall size and mounting-hole positions.
Ensure that a custom grille provides at least 18 square inches of equivalent open slot area.
Lift the filter out of its slot and remove the protective polyfilm.
Return the filter to its slot before operating the ventilation system.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean the filter and grease-laden surfaces frequently. The filter is a replacement component rather than a permanent filter, so inspect it regularly and replace it when airflow or odor control declines.

Filter replacement is recommended approximately every six months. The actual interval can vary with cooking frequency, cooking style, and the amount of grease and vapor produced.

Use replacement filter Model AFCD when servicing the recirculation system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides a non-ducted option where outdoor exhaust routing is difficult.
Supports front, rear, left-side, or right-side cabinet exhaust layouts.
Allows either downdraft-mounted or remote blower positioning.
Includes the recirculation box, filter, decorative grille, and mounting hardware.

Cons

The blower and ductwork are not included.
Cabinet cutting is required for both the base opening and grille opening.
Filter replacement is required for continued odor and contaminant control.
Accurate vertical alignment between the blower outlet and recirculation-box inlet is essential.

PDF

Faqs

What cabinet openings are required to install the ANKD Downdraft Recirculation Kit?

The ANKD kit requires a 14½-by-15-inch opening in the cabinet base for the recirculation box. You must also create a 3½-by-14¼-inch exhaust opening in the cabinet toe kick, rear panel, or side panel, depending on the selected exhaust direction. Position the box temporarily before cutting the second opening so you can mark its location accurately. Confirm that the blower outlet and recirculation-box inlet will align before making permanent cuts.

Can the ANKD recirculation box exhaust through the front, side, or back of a cabinet?

Yes. The recirculation box can discharge through the cabinet front toe space, the rear, or either side. Choose the direction that provides the clearest airflow path and works with the cabinet layout. The exhaust opening must be covered by the supplied decorative grille. If the grille location is not directly beside the box outlet, use a suitable 3¼-by-14-inch duct extension and seal every connection with duct tape to keep the airflow path secure and airtight.

How should the blower be connected to the ANKD recirculation box?

Connect the blower exhaust to the recirculation-box inlet using an 8-inch round metal duct. Either flexible or rigid duct may be used when permitted by local requirements. The blower outlet and box inlet must be vertically aligned to avoid unnecessary bends or strain on the connection. After fitting the duct, seal the joint with duct tape so air cannot escape. Follow the separate blower instructions for the blower’s mounting and electrical installation.

Can the blower be installed remotely with the ANKD kit?

The blower can be mounted directly to the downdraft using mounting legs or installed remotely using mounting brackets and suitable wood framing. A remote installation is useful when cabinet space or alignment makes direct attachment impractical. Regardless of the mounting method, the blower outlet must align with the recirculation-box inlet, and the connection must use 8-inch round duct. The blower is purchased separately, so its own installation instructions must be followed.

What should be checked before cutting the cabinet for the ANKD kit?

First, select the exhaust direction and confirm that the cabinet has enough room for the recirculation box. A cabinet at least 24 inches wide is recommended. Check the 14½-by-15-inch base opening dimensions, then temporarily position the box to mark the 3½-by-14¼-inch grille opening. Inspect the cutting area for hidden wiring or utilities before drilling or cutting. Also verify that the blower outlet and recirculation-box inlet will align vertically.

How do you install and secure the ANKD decorative grille?

After placing and securing the recirculation box, position the decorative grille over the cabinet exhaust opening and fasten it with the supplied screws. The grille may be installed at the toe kick, rear, or side, depending on the chosen airflow direction. If creating a custom grille, use the supplied grille as a template for overall dimensions and mounting holes. Custom grille slots should provide at least 18 square inches of equivalent open area.

How often should the ANKD recirculation filter be replaced?

The ANKD recirculation filter should generally be replaced every six months, although the interval depends on how often and how heavily you cook. Frequent frying, grilling, or grease-producing cooking may require earlier replacement. To install a new filter, lift the existing filter from its slot and replace it with the correct replacement element. Do not operate the recirculation system with the filter’s protective packaging still attached.

What safety precautions apply when installing or using the ANKD kit?

Installation and electrical work should be completed by qualified personnel and comply with applicable codes. Use only metal ductwork, and check for hidden wiring or utilities before cutting the cabinet. The kit is intended for domestic cooking and general ventilation, not hazardous or explosive vapors. Maintain adequate air supply when fuel-burning equipment is present to reduce backdrafting risk. Clean grease-laden surfaces and filters regularly, and have non-recommended repairs handled by a qualified technician.