Quick Verdict: Should You Buy the GE JGP3036DLBB?
YES if: Your kitchen remodel budget is tight, cooking for a large family is part of regular life, or spending less time scrubbing cooktop grates sounds appealing. At $699, the GE 36″ Black Gas Cooktop (JGP3036DLBB) (available at Masters Wholesale) delivers solid performance from a trusted brand at half the usual $1,399 price.
NO if: A scratch-free surface matters more than savings, commercial-grade durability is expected, or watching plastic knobs crack after a year would drive us crazy.
The Black Friday numbers tell a clear story. We analyzed 425 customer reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 87.6% expressing positive sentiment. GE’s appliance service rate sits at 3.6% for their Profile line, earning them the top recommendation from nine appliance service companies we surveyed. At $699, this cooktop beats comparable Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and Samsung models by $30 to $400.
The dishwasher-safe cast iron grates earn praise from 20.5% of reviewers as the standout feature. The flip side? 11.1% mention how easily the black porcelain surface scratches, 8% complain about plastic knobs that feel cheap, and 6.6% notice the grate height issue that wastes some heat.
Price & Black Friday Value at Masters Wholesale
The GE JGP3036DLBB normally sells for $1,399. This Black Friday, we see it at $699. That $700 savings represents a genuine 50% discount, not the inflated “sale” pricing some retailers use.
Competitors asking similar money deliver less. The Frigidaire FCCG3627AS costs $729 (only $30 more, granted) but comes in stainless steel only. The Whirlpool WCG55US6HS with hinged grates runs $809. The Samsung NA36N6555TS with WiFi and LED knobs hits $1,099. Each offers something different, but none beats the GE’s combination of trusted brand reliability and Black Friday pricing.
Masters Wholesale shows this cooktop in stock with a 5-6 day delivery window. Special order status means it ships from the manufacturer rather than sitting in a warehouse, but availability looks solid.
For $699, buyers get five sealed burners topped by a 15,000 BTU power boil burner, continuous cast iron grates that go in the dishwasher, a deep-recessed black porcelain surface that contains spills, and GE’s 125-year reputation for appliance innovation.
How It Compares: Value per Dollar
Breaking down the price-per-BTU reveals interesting patterns. The GE at $699 for 15,000 BTU equals $0.0466 per BTU. The Frigidaire’s 18,000 BTU output at $729 works out to $0.0406 per BTU, making it the better pure power value. Samsung’s 19,000 BTU at $1,099 equals $0.0579 per BTU, the highest cost per unit of heat.
But cooktops involve more than raw BTU math. The GE packages reliable performance, easy cleaning, five-burner versatility, and brand trustworthiness at the lowest total cost. At this Black Friday price, the total value proposition wins even if the per-BTU calculation doesn’t.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Dimensions | 36″ W x 21″ D x 4.75″ H |
Weight | 38 lbs |
Burner Configuration | 5 sealed burners |
Maximum BTU | 15,000 (power boil) |
Other Burners | 12,000 BTU (x2), 9,500 BTU (x2), 5,000 BTU (simmer) |
Grates | Heavy-duty cast iron, continuous, dishwasher-safe |
Surface | Black porcelain coated, deep-recessed |
Ignition | Electronic (requires 120V) |
Fuel Type | Natural gas (likely convertible to propane) |
Warranty | 1 year parts and labor |
ADA Compliant | Yes |
Smart Features | None (no WiFi, no app control) |
The specs reveal what this cooktop is and isn’t. It brings solid cooking power, convenient cleaning, and professional appearance. It skips the WiFi connectivity, LED-lit knobs, and commercial-grade construction found on models costing twice as much.
What 425 Customers Love (and Complain About)
Real experiences from 425 buyers paint a clearer picture than any marketing copy. The overall 4.5-star rating breaks down to 73.2% giving five stars, 14.4% awarding four stars, and 6.8% landing at three stars. Only 5.7% rated it one or two stars, suggesting most buyers feel satisfied with their purchase.
Positive sentiment reaches 87.6%, neutral sits at 6.8%, and negative accounts for 5.7%. These numbers indicate strong overall satisfaction, though the complaints deserve attention since they reveal what buyers sacrifice at this price point.
The Top 5 Things Customers Love
1. Dishwasher-Safe Grates (20.5% mention this)
The single most praised feature makes cleanup dramatically easier. Heavy-duty cast iron grates usually require hand scrubbing, but these go straight in the dishwasher. One customer wrote, “Love the dishwasher-safe grates – game changer for cleaning.” The continuous grate design means sliding heavy pots across the cooktop surface without lifting, then tossing the grates in the dishwasher when dinner ends.
2. Five-Burner Layout (16% mention this)
Multiple reviewers specifically call out how the five-burner configuration handles holiday cooking and multi-dish preparation. “Five burners make Thanksgiving dinner so much easier” captures the sentiment. The layout provides flexibility for simultaneous cooking that four-burner models can’t match.
3. Power Boil Burner (12.2% mention this)
The 15,000 BTU center burner earns consistent praise for fast heating. While competitors offer 18,000 to 19,000 BTU options, most home cooks find 15,000 BTU plenty powerful for rapid boiling, wok cooking, and high-heat searing.
4. Beautiful Appearance (10.6% mention this)
The professional black finish appeals to buyers wanting a sleek, modern look. The deep-recessed design and continuous grates create clean lines that match higher-end kitchens, even though this cooktop costs considerably less than premium models.
5. Precise Temperature Control (4.5% mention this)
The 5,000 BTU simmer burner provides low, even heat that prevents delicate sauces from scorching. Customers cooking hollandaise, melting chocolate, or simmering stocks appreciate the reliable low-temperature performance.
The Top 5 Customer Complaints (Be Honest)
We hear regularly from customers about these issues. Here’s what matters most:
1. Scratches Easily (11.1% mention this – HIGH severity)
The black porcelain coating shows wear quickly, even with careful cleaning. “Scratches if you look at it wrong” summarizes the frustration. Customers report surface scratches appearing within weeks of installation, despite using soft cloths and gentle cleaners. This represents the biggest trade-off for the black finish and budget-friendly construction.
2. Plastic Knobs Feel Cheap (8% mention this – MEDIUM severity)
Metal knobs grace premium cooktops. Plastic knobs come on budget models. Multiple reviewers report knobs cracking within one to two years of regular use. The heat exposure from cooking gradually degrades the plastic, creating a frustrating situation when the cooktop otherwise works fine. Replacement knobs cost little and install easily, but the issue annoys buyers who expected better from the GE brand.
3. Grates Too High (6.6% mention this – HIGH severity)
The grates sit 1.5 inches above the burner, compared to the typical 0.5 inches found on most gas cooktops. This extra inch creates a larger gap between flame and cookware, reducing heat efficiency. Some customers notice slower boiling times and increased gas consumption. Professional research confirms this design affects performance, though GE likely chose the height to improve spill containment in the deep-recessed surface.
4. Shows Fingerprints Constantly (5.2% mention this – LOW severity)
The black surface reveals every fingerprint and smudge. This cosmetic annoyance requires keeping a microfiber cloth handy for frequent wiping. Not a performance issue, but definitely a maintenance consideration for those who like pristine-looking appliances.
5. Grates Don’t Lock in Place (3.5% mention this – MEDIUM severity)
The continuous grates rest on the cooktop rather than locking into position. They can shift slightly during cooking, especially when moving heavy pots. Most users find this a minor inconvenience rather than a serious problem, but it occasionally frustrates cooks who prefer everything staying exactly where placed.
Rare But Real: Reliability Issues
Most buyers experience no mechanical problems, but a small percentage face reliability concerns worth noting. Burner igniter failures appear in 1.9% of reviews, usually within the first year. Burner valve failures affect 1.2% of users, often occurring right after the one-year warranty expires. Weak BTU output complaints reach 2.8%, though some may stem from improper propane conversion rather than manufacturing defects.
These percentages mean more than 95% of buyers avoid these issues entirely. Still, awareness helps set realistic expectations and explains why extended warranties exist.
Performance Deep Dive: How It Cooks
The GE JGP3036DLBB arranges five sealed burners in a practical pattern. The center power boil burner delivers 15,000 BTU for large stockpots, rapid boiling, and wok cooking. Two front burners provide 12,000 BTU each for everyday saut\u00e9ing and general cooking. Two rear burners offer 9,500 BTU for simmering sauces and keeping dishes warm. A precise 5,000 BTU simmer burner handles delicate work like melting chocolate or cooking gentle sauces.
GE’s Max Burner System delivers the same maximum BTU whether burning natural gas or propane. Most cooktops lose power when converted to propane, but this design maintains consistent output across both fuel types.
Gas cooktops inherently waste energy. Professional research shows only 32% of a gas burner’s BTU input actually reaches the cookware, with the rest dissipating into the kitchen air. This represents an industry-wide reality rather than a GE-specific limitation. The continuous grates let cooks slide heavy pots from burner to burner without lifting, reducing the risk of spills and burns.
The five-burner advantage shines during holiday cooking and meal prep. We’ve seen customers rave about preparing Thanksgiving dinner with multiple pots and pans going simultaneously. The layout accommodates various pot sizes without burners interfering with each other.
The Grate Height Problem (and Why It Matters)
The 1.5-inch grate height versus the typical 0.5-inch industry standard creates a measurable performance gap. The extra inch between flame and cookware reduces heat transfer efficiency, leading to slower heating and increased gas consumption. Professional testing confirms what 6.6% of customers noticed: this design wastes energy.
The trade-off comes in spill containment. The deep-recessed design with taller grates creates a basin that catches boil-overs and prevents liquid from running off the cooktop onto the floor or counter. Cooks who frequently deal with messy boil-overs might accept the efficiency loss for easier cleanup. Those watching utility bills or wanting maximum cooking speed should consider this a legitimate drawback.
The issue matters more for some buyers than others. Heavy cooktop users notice the difference in monthly gas costs. Occasional cooks probably won’t care. Our view leans toward calling this a minor compromise for most home kitchens, but a bigger deal for efficiency-focused buyers.
Burner-by-Burner Breakdown
The center power boil (15,000 BTU) handles large stockpots for pasta, boiling potatoes, corn on the cob, and rapid water heating. It provides enough heat for stir-frying in a wok and searing steaks at high temperature.
The front left and right high burners (12,000 BTU each) serve as the workhorses for everyday cooking. Saut\u00e9ing vegetables, pan-frying chicken, cooking ground beef, and most general stovetop tasks happen here.
The rear medium burners (9,500 BTU each) work well for simmering sauces, keeping dishes warm while finishing other components, and gentle cooking that needs consistent mid-range heat.
The front simmer burner (5,000 BTU) excels at delicate tasks requiring low, steady heat. Melting chocolate, making custard, preparing hollandaise sauce, and any cooking where scorching would ruin the dish benefits from this burner’s precise low output.
Design, Build Quality & Daily Use

The GE JGP3036DLBB’s black porcelain-coated surface delivers the professional appearance many buyers want, but the coating quality reflects the budget-friendly price point. Customer experiences confirm the surface scratches easily, even with proper care. Using soft cloths and gentle cleaners helps, but avoiding all scratches proves impossible.
The cast iron grates combine two features rarely found together: heavy-duty construction and dishwasher-safe convenience. Most cast iron requires hand washing to prevent rust and maintain seasoning. GE engineered these grates to handle dishwasher detergent and high temperatures without degrading. The 20.5% of reviewers who specifically praise this feature consider it the cooktop’s best attribute.
Some users report the grates create noise during cooking. The rough texture means sliding pots across the surface produces more sound than smoother grates. This bothers noise-sensitive cooks but doesn’t affect performance.
The plastic knobs represent an obvious cost-cutting measure. Premium cooktops use metal knobs that withstand years of heat exposure and daily use. Plastic knobs work fine initially but crack within one to two years for 8% of buyers. Replacement knobs cost little and GE parts availability makes finding them easy, but the issue still disappoints buyers expecting better durability.
The deep-recessed design contains spills better than flat cooktops. When pots boil over or splatter, the basin catches the mess rather than letting it run onto the floor. This practical advantage makes cleanup easier and protects the kitchen from sticky, burnt-on food residue in hard-to-reach places.
Electronic ignition eliminates the need for pilot lights, saving gas and reducing fire risk. The system requires a 120V electrical outlet near the cooktop location. Automatic lighting means no matches or manual igniters, though it does introduce another potential failure point compared to standing pilot systems.
The 36-inch width fits standard cooktop cutouts in most kitchens. At 38 pounds, two people can handle installation without special equipment, though gas line connection requires a licensed professional.
The Dishwasher-Safe Grates Advantage
Most buyers call the dishwasher-safe grates a game-changer for cooktop maintenance. Traditional cast iron grates require hand scrubbing, which takes time and effort. These grates go straight from the stovetop to the dishwasher, eliminating the tedious cleaning process.
The continuous design means the grates span the entire cooktop surface rather than separating into individual pieces. This creates a stable surface for sliding pots and pans without worrying about alignment or gaps. Large roasting pans and griddles sit more securely across multiple burners.
The trade-off appears in the rough grate texture that some users find creates more noise when moving cookware. The grates also don’t lock into position, so they can shift slightly during cooking. Neither issue affects cooking performance, but both represent minor annoyances for some buyers.
We’ve seen the dishwasher-safe feature consistently rank as the most praised aspect across hundreds of reviews. For cooks who hate scrubbing cooktop grates, this single feature justifies choosing this model over competitors with similar specs.
Installation & Setup Considerations
Installing a gas cooktop requires more preparation than plugging in an electric appliance. The 36-inch cutout represents an industry-standard size, so most existing cooktop spaces accommodate this model without modification. The installation guide provides exact dimensions and clearance requirements.
Natural gas comes standard, but conversion to propane should be possible. Check with the manufacturer or installer to confirm compatibility and obtain the proper conversion kit. Licensed professionals must handle gas line connection and pressure testing for safety and code compliance.
The electronic ignition system needs a 120V electrical outlet within reach of the cooktop location. Older homes with gas cooktops may lack this outlet, requiring an electrician to install one before the cooktop can function. The electrical requirement powers the automatic ignition system that lights burners with the turn of a knob.
Proper ventilation matters with any gas cooktop. A range hood or downdraft system removes combustion byproducts, excess heat, and cooking odors from the kitchen. Building codes in most areas require ventilation for gas cooking appliances.
The ADA-compliant design meets accessibility standards, making the cooktop usable for people with various physical abilities. The control placement and operation accommodate users who might struggle with less accessible designs.
Masters Wholesale shows 5-6 day availability, meaning the cooktop ships from the manufacturer within about a week of ordering. Special order status indicates it doesn’t sit in local warehouse inventory but remains readily available from GE’s distribution system.
How It Stacks Up: GE vs. Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Samsung
The competitive landscape reveals why the GE dominates the value segment. At $699, it undercuts every comparable 36-inch gas cooktop we examined while delivering solid performance from a brand service companies trust most.
The Frigidaire FCCG3627AS costs $729, only $30 more than the Black Friday GE price. That extra $30 buys 18,000 BTU maximum power compared to the GE’s 15,000 BTU. The Frigidaire earns a 4.4 rating across 18 reviews, nearly matching the GE’s 4.3 rating. The catch? Frigidaire offers stainless steel only. Buyers wanting a black finish must choose the GE or look elsewhere.
The Whirlpool WCG55US6HS runs $809, adding $110 to the cost for a unique feature: EZ-2-Lift hinged grates that lift up for easier cleaning access. This addresses the grate cleaning challenge differently than the GE’s dishwasher-safe approach. Some users prefer lifting grates out of the way. Others prefer tossing them in the dishwasher. Quality control issues with Whirlpool knobs appear in some reviews. This creates a trade-off similar to the GE’s plastic knob concerns.
The Samsung NA36N6555TS jumps to $1,099, a $400 premium over the GE. That money buys 19,000 BTU maximum power, WiFi connectivity, smartphone app control, and LED-illuminated knobs. Consumer Reports named a similar Samsung model their 2025 top pick, rating it 89 out of 100. The tech features appeal to smart home enthusiasts and serious cooks. The price premium represents 57% more than the GE. This puts it in a different market segment entirely.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | GE JGP3036DLBB | Frigidaire FCCG3627AS | Whirlpool WCG55US6HS | Samsung NA36N6555TS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $699 | $729 | $809 | $1,099 |
Max BTU | 15,000 | 18,000 | N/A | 19,000 |
Burners | 5 sealed | 5 sealed | 5 sealed | 5 sealed |
Grates | Dishwasher-safe | Standard | Hinged EZ-2-Lift | Standard |
Finish | Black | Stainless | Stainless | Stainless |
Smart Features | None | None | None | WiFi, LED knobs |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | N/A | Top CR pick |
Best For | Budget + Black | More power + $30 | Easy cleaning | Tech + Max power |
When to Choose Competitors Instead
Choose the Frigidaire when maximum BTU power matters more than $30 in savings. The 18,000 BTU burner delivers 20% more heat than the GE’s 15,000 BTU. That difference shows up in faster boiling times. It also means better performance with very large pots. The Frigidaire represents the closest competitor in price and features.
Choose the Whirlpool when cleaning convenience tops the priority list but dishwasher-safe grates aren’t the preferred solution. The hinged grates lift up and out of the way. This provides clear access to the cooktop surface for wiping. Some cooks prefer this approach over removing grates entirely. The knob quality concerns reported by some users should factor into the decision.
Choose the Samsung when $400 extra fits the budget and smart features matter. WiFi connectivity, smartphone app control, LED-lit knobs, and 19,000 BTU output create a cooking experience closer to professional equipment. Consumer Reports’ top rating suggests excellent overall performance. The features may prove overkill for casual cooks. They appeal to serious home chefs who cook frequently.
Stick with the GE when budget constraints matter. The black finish preference matters to some buyers. GE brand trust carries weight. The combination of features and price delivers better total value than spending more for incremental improvements.
The Honest Trade-Offs at $699
This cooktop costs $699 during Black Friday sales instead of $1,399, $2,000, or more for a reason. Understanding where GE saves money helps buyers set realistic expectations and avoid post-purchase disappointment.
The black porcelain coating looks professional but scratches easily compared to the tougher finishes on premium models. Careful cleaning with soft cloths and gentle cleaners reduces but doesn’t eliminate scratching. Buyers should expect visible wear to appear over time, especially around the most-used burners.
Plastic knobs cost less to manufacture than metal alternatives and work fine initially. Heat exposure and daily use gradually degrade plastic, leading to cracks and eventual failure within one to two years for 8% of users. Metal knobs on $2,000 cooktops last decades. These plastic knobs require occasional replacement, adding minor ongoing costs.
The 1.5-inch grate height creates the spill-containing deep-recessed design but sacrifices heat efficiency compared to the 0.5-inch standard. Gas costs increase slightly, boiling takes a bit longer, and some heat energy dissipates into the kitchen rather than reaching cookware. The magnitude varies by cooking style and frequency, but the physics remain constant.
The 15,000 BTU maximum burner delivers plenty of power for most home cooking but falls short of the 18,000 to 19,000 BTU output competitors offer. Professional-level searing, very large pot boiling, and commercial-style wok cooking benefit from the extra power GE doesn’t provide.
Smart features like WiFi connectivity, smartphone app control, LED-illuminated knobs, and integration with home automation systems don’t exist on this model. Buyers accustomed to controlling appliances from their phone or wanting voice assistant compatibility need to look elsewhere.
The trade-offs make sense at $699. They wouldn’t be acceptable at $1,399. GE’s reliability, parts availability, service network, and brand reputation provide a foundation that cheaper brands can’t match. The company’s 3.6% service rate for their Profile line and recommendation from nine appliance service companies suggests the core product performs reliably even if the cosmetic elements show budget-friendly compromises.
Who Should Buy the GE JGP3036DLBB
The perfect buyer profile emerges clearly from 425 customer reviews and competitive analysis. This cooktop serves specific needs better than alternatives while falling short for other use cases.
Large family cooking benefits enormously from five burners. We’ve seen numerous reviews mentioning holiday meal preparation, Sunday dinners, and multi-dish cooking sessions. The ability to run five pots simultaneously without crowding makes this cooktop shine for busy households.
Budget kitchen remodels face tough choices between cutting corners and overspending. At $699, this cooktop delivers GE reliability and solid performance without breaking the renovation budget. The money saved can go toward better cabinets, countertops, or other elements that create more dramatic kitchen improvements.
New construction homes often use builder-grade appliances that balance cost and quality. This cooktop fits that category perfectly, providing dependable GE engineering at a price builders can include in base packages. Homebuyers can upgrade later if desired, but many find this level satisfies their needs for years.
First-time gas stove users rate the ease of use at 4.6 out of 5 stars. The straightforward controls, reliable ignition, and predictable performance create a gentle learning curve for cooks transitioning from electric cooktops. The dishwasher-safe grates reduce maintenance anxiety for those unfamiliar with gas cooktop cleaning.
Anyone prioritizing easy cleaning should seriously consider this model. The dishwasher-safe grates earn the most praise from reviewers. Cooks who hate scrubbing cooktop grates find this feature alone justifies choosing the GE over competitors with similar specs and pricing.
You’ll Love This Cooktop If:
Budget matters but brand trust still counts. The GE name carries 125 years of appliance manufacturing history and earns recommendations from service professionals who see which brands break and which keep working.
Cooking for a crowd happens regularly. Five burners provide the flexibility needed for complex meal preparation and holiday cooking.
Cleaning effort should stay minimal. Dishwasher-safe grates dramatically reduce the time spent maintaining the cooktop.
Good performance beats premium features. Solid cooking results matter more than WiFi connectivity or LED knobs.
Service network access provides peace of mind. GE parts availability and widespread service technician familiarity make repairs easier if problems develop.
Black finish matches the kitchen design. This finish option doesn’t appear on most competitors in this price range.
Who Should Skip This (and What to Buy Instead)
Honesty about limitations helps buyers avoid regret. Some people should definitely spend more or look elsewhere.
Perfectionists wanting scratch-free surfaces will feel frustrated watching wear appear despite careful maintenance. The 11.1% complaint rate about scratching tells us this issue affects enough buyers to warrant concern. Anyone who cares deeply about pristine appearance should choose stainless steel or invest in higher-quality coatings found on premium models.
Serious cooks needing optimal heat efficiency should consider the grate height issue a deal-breaker. The 1.5-inch measurement creates measurable performance losses that matter for frequent, intensive cooking. Professional-grade or semi-professional cooktops position grates closer to burners for better heat transfer.
Buyers expecting commercial-grade durability need to adjust expectations or increase budget. The plastic knobs, scratch-prone surface, and budget construction materials serve home kitchen duty adequately but won’t survive restaurant-level abuse. Commercial-rated equipment costs significantly more for good reason.
Smart home enthusiasts wanting WiFi connectivity and app control should look at the Samsung NA36N6555TS instead. Voice commands, remote monitoring, timer notifications, and smart home integration require electronics this cooktop doesn’t include. The technology adds real convenience for users invested in connected home ecosystems.
Maximum power seekers should choose the Frigidaire FCCG3627AS with 18,000 BTU or Samsung with 19,000 BTU. The GE’s 15,000 BTU works well for most cooking, but serious high-heat applications benefit from the extra 3,000 to 4,000 BTU those models provide.
Better Alternatives for Different Needs
For $729 (Frigidaire FCCG3627AS) – adds 18,000 BTU maximum power while keeping price similar. Best for those prioritizing BTU output over finish choice or dishwasher-safe grates.
For $809 (Whirlpool WCG55US6HS) – provides hinged EZ-2-Lift grates for different cleaning approach. Suits buyers who prefer lifting grates over dishwasher cleaning but should verify knob quality.
For $1,099 (Samsung NA36N6555TS) – delivers smart features, 19,000 BTU, WiFi, LED knobs, and Consumer Reports top rating. Ideal for tech-savvy serious cooks who value connected convenience.
For premium buyers – look at Wolf, Miele, or Thermador models in the $2,000-$3,000 range offering commercial-grade construction, superior materials, better warranties, and true professional performance.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
At $699, the GE JGP3036DLBB delivers genuine value for buyers with the right expectations. The 87.6% positive sentiment from 425 customer reviews, GE’s strong service reputation, and 50% Black Friday savings create a compelling package for budget-conscious shoppers who need reliable cooking performance.
The dishwasher-safe grates alone justify this purchase for many buyers. That single feature transforms cooktop maintenance from a tedious scrubbing chore into a simple load-the-dishwasher task. Combined with five burners, adequate cooking power, and GE brand reliability, the cooktop serves large families and frequent cooks well.
The compromises matter, though. Surface scratching affects 11.1% of users and bothers perfectionists. Plastic knobs crack for 8% of buyers within two years. The grate height issue reduces efficiency enough that 6.6% of customers notice and mention it. None of these problems create deal-breakers at $699, but they would feel unacceptable at the original $1,399 price.
This cooktop makes the most sense for buyers who:
- Need five burners for holiday cooking and large meal prep
- Value easy grate cleaning enough to prioritize dishwasher-safe design
- Trust GE brand reliability and service network accessibility
- Prefer black finish in a price range dominated by stainless steel
- Accept visible wear as reasonable trade-off for significant savings
- Cook frequently enough to appreciate convenience but not intensively enough to need commercial-grade equipment
Skip this cooktop if surface appearance matters more than savings, commercial durability is expected, smart home integration is required, or maximum BTU output is needed.
The Black Friday price of $699 versus the normal $1,399 shifts the value equation substantially. At full price, the compromises feel harder to justify. At 50% off, the GE delivers solid performance from a trusted brand at genuinely compelling value.
For budget kitchen remodels, large family cooking, and buyers who prioritize reliable function over perfect finish, we recommend this cooktop. The combination of five burners, dishwasher-safe grates, adequate power, and GE’s service reputation at $699 beats the alternative of spending $400 to $700 more for incremental improvements most home cooks won’t notice daily.
Ready to save $700? Check availability at Masters Wholesale before Black Friday stock runs out.