JennAir: Venerated, innovative, and design-forward

April 27, 2025

Innovation and Design Leadership in Kitchen Appliances

JennAir took the kitchen appliance industry by storm in 1965 with its physics-defying downdraft technology, and now the brand is proving to be an upstart once again—this time as a leader in design as well as user experience.

“Innovation has always been a critical element of our brand,” says Anthony Pastrick, Senior Brand Manager. “What we’re doing now is finding new ways for designers to create ‘showcase moments.’ It’s not just our downward ventilation technology that’s creating interest. It’s our design profiles and our finishes.”

The brand was a singular sensation when it launched sixty years ago, but it has always been in competition with big players in the luxury space, says Pastrick, “so our strategy has been to move forward beyond the industry status quo.”

By freeing up the cooktop from the constraints of an adjacent wall, the brand was among the first to introduce the idea of the ‘no-kitchen kitchen,’ which allowed integrated appliances to blend seamlessly into more open-plan spaces.

The kitchen as a gathering room—albeit with a professional vibe—took off.

Downdraft Induction Cooktops and Professional Ranges

Since then, the brand has taken substantial steps toward product differentiation, says Pastrick. JennAir has taken its signature technology to the next level and successfully combined downdraft ventilation with the power of induction. The JennAir^® Induction Downdraft Cooktop, available in 30 and 36 inches, features an extraction system that works “five times faster than steam can rise, so it removes cooking vapors swiftly—and quietly,” says Pastrick. Induction cooking is in high demand because it’s quick, precise, energy-efficient, better for indoor air quality, and has a low carbon footprint.

The cooktop features an Oblivion glass top and a slim profile, allowing for drawers below. “When installed into a cantilevered countertop, it can even give the appearance of a floating island,” says Pastrick. The downdraft also eliminates the need for a bulky hood, further expanding design options.

The new Professional Induction Range, available in three sizes, 30, 36, and 48 inches, has tactile knobs (not a touchpad), dual-fan convection, and three assisted cooking modes. A popular feature of the 48” model is a chrome-infused griddle that can be cleaned easily.

Refrigeration Columns and Custom Luxury Finishes

The brand’s latest innovations in refrigeration are the JennAir^® Refrigerator Columns with SlimTech™ insulation technology. Using compressed powders encapsulated in a reflective, high-barrier film, Vacuum Insulation Panels allow for significantly thinner doors and more spacious interiors.

What makes these columns truly stand out, however, is the number of available surface options. Originally launched in 2018, JennAir brand’s Leather Cuts collection features panels in a wide array of Italian leather colors and textures. Since then, the brand has partnered with Nature Squared, a Swiss-based design brand, to create a suite of innovative luxury surfaces using organic materials, like mussel shells, new for 2025. The Elements Collection includes ten panels in materials that until now were found mostly in well-appointed yachts.

What’s inside is surprising, too. “Our exclusive Obsidian black interior finish is a feast for the eyes,” says Pastrick. “It was inspired by volcanic glass, and I had one customer say it reminded her of her jewelry box.”

While decidedly different, JennAir brand’s two new design profiles, RISE™ and NOIR™, both embody a sense of luxury, says Pastrick. Your choice will largely depend on your kitchen’s existing style and your personal preference.

The traditional RISE™ design is a bold design that leans boldly toward a classic, professional look. It features mixed metals and details like brushed-brass knob collars, geometric grates, polished-brass burner caps, and custom knurled handles.

NOIR™ has a more European look. It’s modern and sophisticated, with sculpted details and a minimalist silhouette. Its unexpected features include sculpted metal lace-back knobs, black burner caps, lace-etched handles, and structured grates. Both RISE™ and NOIR™ are available in a full assortment of cooking, refrigeration, ventilation, and undercounter appliances.

“This pair of design expressions is creating a lot of buzz,” says Pastrick. “We’re having more conversations with designers, who are sharing valuable input, and helping us think about our products in different ways.”

More good news: The brand has kept pace with other luxury brands on pricing. “Let’s just say there won’t be any sticker shock,” says Pastrick. “If anything, there may be a little bit of delight.”

JennAir, jennair.com

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