Black Friday shoppers face endless claims about unbeatable deals, but this one comes with third-party validation. The GE JGP5036SLSS Gas Cooktop drops to $890 during Black Friday 2025, saving $809 off the regular $1,699 price. That’s a 47.6% discount on a cooktop Consumer Reports ranked #2 out of 23 tested 36-inch models. We’ll break down whether this deal delivers genuine value or just clever marketing.
Black Friday Deal Reality Check
The GE JGP5036SLSS at Masters Wholesale currently sells for $890, down from its regular $1,699 price. We checked the price history across multiple retailers, and this represents the lowest price we’ve seen all year. This is a legitimate Black Friday discount, not an inflated “regular price” designed to create false savings.
When we compare this deal to other Black Friday gas cooktop offers, the value becomes clearer. Samsung’s NA36R5310FS sells for $749, saving you $141 upfront, but it maxes out at 17,000 BTU compared to the GE’s 18,000 BTU power burner. The Whirlpool WCG55US6HS rings in at $1,043 after its Black Friday discount, asking $153 more than the GE without delivering meaningful performance advantages.
At $890, the GE JGP5036SLSS delivers dual high-power burners with 18,000 and 15,000 BTU output. That’s 33,000 BTU of serious cooking power for less than $900. We haven’t found another cooktop under $1,000 that matches this combination of heat output and third-party validation.
The five-burner configuration gives serious home cooks flexibility, from the 18,000 BTU right front burner for rapid boiling down to the 5,000 BTU simmer burner for delicate sauces. The continuous cast iron grates handle large cookware and slide easily into the dishwasher for cleaning.
Quick Verdict: Is This Black Friday Deal Worth It?
Yes, if cooking performance matters more to you than premium materials.
Consumer Reports tested 23 different 36-inch gas cooktops and ranked this GE model #2 overall. Out of 448 customer reviews across retailers, 76.3% gave it five stars, with 95% praising cooking performance specifically. The dual high-power burners deliver restaurant-level heat, and the precise simmer burner earned an “Excellent” rating from Consumer Reports for low-heat control.
Here’s the honest trade-off: At $890, you’re getting $1,699 performance wrapped in $890 materials. The control knobs are plastic, not metal. About 9.4% of reviewers mention the knob coating deteriorates over time, and 8.5% report the stainless steel surface scratches more easily than premium models. These are cosmetic concerns, not performance failures.
This Black Friday deal makes sense for serious home cooks who need high-BTU power, value easy cleaning with dishwasher-safe grates, and prioritize how food cooks over showroom aesthetics. The 4.6-star average across 448 reviews tells us most buyers consider these trade-offs worthwhile.
What Consumer Reports Actually Found
Consumer Reports runs controlled laboratory tests on cooktops, measuring everything from water boiling speed to temperature control precision. Out of 23 tested 36-inch gas cooktops, they ranked the GE JGP5036SLSS at #2 with an overall score of 71 out of 100.
The testing revealed strengths that matter for daily cooking. High-heat performance earned a “Good” rating, meaning the burners bring water to a boil quickly and maintain consistent heat for searing. But the standout result came in low-heat testing, where this GE earned an “Excellent” rating for temperature control.
We rarely see excellent low-heat ratings on cooktops under $1,000. Budget models typically excel at high heat but struggle with gentle simmers. The fact that Consumer Reports validated precise low-temperature control on this model matters if you make sauces, melt chocolate, or cook anything requiring steady, gentle heat.
Consumer Reports has tested cooktops independently for over 85 years without manufacturer influence. When they rank a model #2 out of 23 competitors, we pay attention. This validation gives the Black Friday deal more credibility than marketing claims alone could provide.
Why Low-Heat Control Matters
Think about cooking a delicate béarnaise sauce or melting butter without browning it. Most gas cooktops at this price point struggle to maintain temperatures low enough for these tasks. The burner cycles too hot, scorching your sauce or causing butter to separate.
Consumer Reports tests low-heat performance by measuring how consistently a burner maintains gentle temperatures over extended periods. The GE JGP5036SLSS earned “Excellent” in these tests, meaning the 5,000 BTU simmer burner holds steady temperatures without the temperature spikes common in budget cooktops.
Customer reviews back up the lab findings. Home cooks mention successfully simmering tomato sauce for hours without scorching and keeping cheese dips warm during parties without burning. One reviewer noted they could finally make caramel without constant stirring because the heat stayed consistent.
Cooking Performance: The Real-World Experience
Laboratory testing tells part of the story, but 448 customer reviews reveal how the GE JGP5036SLSS performs in actual kitchens. The verdict from home cooks aligns closely with Consumer Reports findings: this cooktop excels at its primary job of cooking food efficiently.
The burner configuration covers the full range of cooking needs. The 18,000 BTU right front burner brings large pots of water to a boil faster than the 15,000 BTU burners common on competing models. The center 15,000 BTU burner handles high-heat searing and stir-frying. Two 9,500 BTU burners take care of everyday cooking tasks, while the 5,000 BTU simmer burner protects delicate foods.
About 31.7% of reviewers specifically mention easy cleaning as a major benefit. The sealed burner design prevents spills from dripping underneath, where they’d bake onto hard-to-reach surfaces. When spills do happen, they stay on the stainless steel surface where a quick wipe removes them.
The continuous cast iron grates simplify cooking when using multiple pots and pans. We can slide a heavy Dutch oven from the high-heat burner to a lower one without lifting it off the cooktop. The grates go in the dishwasher, though some users prefer hand washing to maintain their finish.
Power Where It Matters
The 18,000 BTU right front burner generates the kind of heat professional kitchens rely on. We’ve seen customers use it for wok cooking, where high heat and quick temperature response make the difference between crisp vegetables and soggy stir-fry. The same burner shaves minutes off bringing pasta water to a boil or searing steaks at temperatures that create proper crust.
The 15,000 BTU center burner handles large stockpots and serves as a second high-heat zone when preparing multi-course meals. Having dual high-power burners at this price point sets the GE apart from competitors that typically offer only one premium burner surrounded by standard 9,000 BTU units.
The 5,000 BTU simmer burner operates at the opposite end of the spectrum. This is where Consumer Reports’ “Excellent” low-heat rating comes into play. The burner maintains gentle, even heat for rice, oatmeal, and sauces that would scorch on higher settings.
Daily Cleaning Reality
The sealed burner design creates a shallow basin around each burner that catches spills before they spread. When pasta water boils over or sauce splatters, it pools around the burner instead of seeping underneath. Most spills wipe up with a damp cloth while the surface is still warm.
The continuous grates lift off as single units rather than individual pieces. This design means fewer parts to remove and clean, but the grates are heavy cast iron that requires two hands to maneuver. GE rates them dishwasher-safe, and about half of reviewers run them through the dishwasher regularly without problems. The other half prefer hand washing to prevent potential discoloration.
The stainless steel surface requires gentle cleaning products. Abrasive scrubbers leave scratches, and some users report even standard stainless cleaners scratch the finish more easily than expected. We’ll address this limitation honestly in the trade-offs section.
The Honest Trade-Offs: What You’re Not Getting at $890
At $890, you’re getting Consumer Reports #2 performance with contractor-grade materials. GE invested in components that affect cooking performance, like precise burner valves and sealed burner systems. They saved costs on aesthetic elements that don’t impact how food cooks. Understanding these trade-offs helps set realistic expectations.
The control knobs are plastic with a metallic coating rather than solid metal. About 9.4% of the 448 reviewers mention knob deterioration over time. The coating can chip or peel, revealing the plastic underneath, and some users report the finish wearing away where fingers grip the knobs daily. A small number of reviews mention knobs melting when hot pans slide across them during cooking, though this affects only 2.7% of users.
The stainless steel surface scratches more easily than premium cooktops. About 8.5% of reviewers report visible scratches appearing from normal use, even when following recommended cleaning procedures. One reviewer noted scratches appeared during the first cleaning, while others saw gradual scratching develop over months. Higher-priced cooktops use heavier-gauge stainless steel that resists scratching better.
Despite these material limitations, the overall satisfaction rating holds at 4.6 out of 5 stars across 448 reviews. The majority of users accept the cosmetic compromises because the cooktop performs its essential function well. One five-star reviewer summed it up: “This GE cooktop should have been rated a 10 star. We got the best quality for a fraction of the other manufacturers prices.”
The Plastic Knob Reality
Replacement knobs are available from GE parts suppliers and third-party manufacturers on Amazon. The fact that multiple companies sell replacement knobs confirms this is a known issue, not an isolated problem. The good news is replacement knobs cost $10-15 each, making repairs affordable if deterioration bothers you.
The knobs are not a safety issue in most cases. The coating peeling is cosmetic and tactile decline rather than functional failure. The small percentage of users who experienced melting typically had pans positioned where they touched the knobs during use, creating heat exposure beyond normal operation.
Premium cooktops in the $2,000-3,000 range use solid metal knobs with substantial weight and polished finishes. This is part of where your extra $1,100+ would go at regular pricing. At the $890 Black Friday price, the plastic knob trade-off becomes more acceptable.
Stainless Steel Surface Care
The surface requires gentle cleaning products and soft cloths to minimize scratching. Abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemicals, and rough sponges all increase scratching risk. Some reviewers found even approved stainless steel cleaners left micro-scratches when rubbed vigorously.
Higher-end cooktops use thicker-gauge stainless steel with different finishes that hide scratches better. Some premium models use brushed finishes specifically designed to camouflage minor surface damage. The GE’s polished stainless shows every mark clearly.
The scratches don’t affect cooking performance. The burners operate identically whether the surrounding surface is pristine or marked. This is purely an aesthetic concern for buyers who want showroom appearance years after installation.
Why These Trade-Offs Make Sense
GE designed this cooktop with a clear priority: cooking performance over cosmetic luxury. The $809 Black Friday savings came from somewhere, and it came from material choices that don’t impact how food cooks.
The precise burner valves that earned “Excellent” low-heat ratings from Consumer Reports aren’t cheap components. The sealed burner system that customers praise for easy cleaning requires quality engineering. The high-BTU burners that deliver restaurant-level heat need robust gas delivery systems. GE invested in these performance elements rather than premium knobs and scratch-resistant steel.
You’re choosing restaurant power over showroom aesthetics. For serious home cooks who prioritize how food cooks over how the cooktop looks, this allocation makes sense. The 4.6-star average rating suggests most buyers agree.
Black Friday Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
We compared the GE JGP5036SLSS Black Friday deal against other gas cooktop sales running during the same period. The comparison reveals why this deal stands out for performance-focused buyers.
Samsung’s NA36R5310FS sells for $749 during Black Friday, saving you $141 compared to the GE. The Samsung offers front-mounted controls for easier access and earned #1 in J.D. Power’s Cooktop Satisfaction survey. However, the maximum burner output reaches only 17,000 BTU versus the GE’s 18,000 BTU, and the grates aren’t dishwasher-safe. Samsung’s customer service reputation lags significantly behind GE’s established network.
Whirlpool’s WCG55US6HS Black Friday price hits $1,043, asking $153 more than the GE. The Whirlpool features innovative hinged grates that lift for cleaning underneath without complete removal. The concept is clever, but we question whether the hinged mechanism adds $153 worth of value when the GE’s grates already go in the dishwasher. Whirlpool doesn’t publish clear BTU specifications, making performance comparison difficult.
The Frigidaire Gallery FGGC3645QS occasionally appears on clearance for around $1,035 because it’s discontinued. When available, it offers remarkable simmer control ranging from 450 BTU up to 18,000 BTU. That 450 BTU minimum beats the GE’s 5,000 BTU simmer burner significantly. However, the discontinued status means limited inventory, uncertain parts availability, and only one 18,000 BTU burner compared to the GE’s dual high-power configuration.
The GE delivers the best BTU-per-dollar ratio among currently available models. At $890, you get 33,000 BTU of combined high-heat power from the dual 18,000 and 15,000 BTU burners. No competitor under $1,000 matches this combination of output and Consumer Reports validation.
Alternative: Black Finish Option
If you prefer a black finish to match your kitchen aesthetic, the GE JGP3036DLBB offers similar performance in a different color. This model uses the same burner platform with comparable BTU output and features. The black finish may hide scratches and smudges better than stainless steel, though the same plastic knob limitations apply. Check our separate Black Friday review of the JGP3036DLBB for detailed analysis of the black model.
Who Should Buy This Black Friday Deal
This GE JGP5036SLSS Black Friday deal makes the most sense for specific buyer profiles. Understanding whether you match these scenarios helps avoid buyer’s remorse.
The ideal buyer cooks frequently and needs reliable high-heat performance for boiling, searing, and stir-frying. They value third-party validation from Consumer Reports and appreciate 448 customer reviews confirming real-world performance. Easy cleaning matters because they use the cooktop daily and don’t want maintenance becoming a chore. They’re willing to accept plastic knobs and more scratch-prone stainless steel in exchange for saving $809 while getting Consumer Reports #2 performance.
Value-conscious buyers who prioritize function over form fit this profile well. If you’ve researched cooktops and understand what high-BTU burners deliver for your cooking style, you’ll appreciate what the GE offers at $890. Home cooks who make sauces, melt chocolate, or prepare delicate dishes benefit specifically from the “Excellent” low-heat control Consumer Reports validated.
This deal also suits buyers replacing a broken cooktop who need reliable performance without blowing their budget. The standard 36-inch width fits most existing cutouts, and the GE Fit Guarantee provides up to $100 toward modifications if needed. The five-burner layout accommodates households that cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Best Fit Scenarios
You cook daily and need the 18,000 BTU burner for rapid boiling and high-heat techniques. You value Consumer Reports’ independent testing and the #2 ranking gives you confidence. You’re comfortable with plastic knobs knowing replacement knobs cost $10-15 if needed. You want dishwasher-safe grates because hand-washing cast iron doesn’t fit your schedule. The $809 Black Friday savings matter more than premium materials throughout.
You make sauces, caramel, or delicate foods requiring precise low-heat control. The “Excellent” low-heat rating from Consumer Reports matches your cooking needs. You need multiple burner options for preparing complex meals with several components. Easy cleanup with sealed burners fits your busy household. You understand the cosmetic trade-offs and consider them acceptable at this price point.
Consider Alternatives If
You need absolute premium materials throughout the cooktop, including solid metal knobs and heavy-gauge scratch-resistant stainless steel. Metal knobs are non-negotiable for your aesthetic preferences or tactile expectations. You rarely cook and don’t need high-BTU power, making a less expensive model more appropriate. Budget isn’t a primary concern and you’d prefer investing in luxury-grade materials even at 2-3x the cost.
Your kitchen is a showpiece where appearance matters as much as performance. You want the cooktop to look pristine years after installation regardless of use. You’re sensitive to surface imperfections and would find scratches frustrating even knowing they don’t affect cooking. You prefer features like front-mounted controls or hinged grates despite higher costs.
Specifications & Installation
The GE JGP5036SLSS measures 36 inches wide, fitting standard cooktop cutouts that measure 33.88 inches wide by 19.13 inches deep. The unit stands 5.5 inches tall and weighs 40 pounds, making it manageable for two-person installation.
The five sealed burners deliver a total of 58,500 BTU output across the cooking surface. The burner configuration includes an 18,000 BTU right front Power Boil burner, 15,000 BTU center Power Boil burner, two 9,500 BTU standard burners at left front and left rear positions, and a 5,000 BTU Precise Simmer burner at right rear.
The continuous cast iron grates are dishwasher-safe and provide stable support for large cookware. The grates allow easy pan movement across burners without lifting. The sealed burner design contains spills and simplifies cleanup.
The cooktop ships configured for natural gas with an LP conversion kit included for propane installations. The unit requires a gas line connection and standard 120V/5A electrical outlet for electronic ignition. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper gas connections and safe operation.
GE includes a Fit Guarantee that provides up to $100 toward modifications if the cooktop doesn’t fit when replacing a similar cooktop. The unit carries ADA compliance certification and outdoor approval for covered outdoor kitchen installations.
The standard warranty covers parts and labor for one year from purchase date. Extended warranty options may be available through Masters Wholesale at purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a real Black Friday discount or an inflated regular price?
We verified the $1,699 regular price across multiple retailers throughout the year. The $890 Black Friday price at Masters Wholesale represents a genuine $809 savings and the lowest price we’ve seen in 2025. This is a legitimate discount, not a manipulated “sale” price.
Do the plastic knobs really break or melt?
About 9.4% of 448 reviewers mention knob coating deterioration, typically appearing as peeling or chipping of the metallic finish that reveals plastic underneath. This is cosmetic wear rather than structural failure. A smaller group (2.7%) reported melting, usually when hot pans touched the knobs during use. These are not widespread safety failures, but the plastic knobs do represent a compromise compared to metal knobs on premium models.
How does the GE compare to the Samsung cooktop at $749?
The Samsung costs $141 less but delivers 17,000 BTU maximum power versus the GE’s 18,000 BTU. The GE also offers a second 15,000 BTU burner and dishwasher-safe grates, which the Samsung lacks. Consumer Reports hasn’t rated the Samsung model we found on sale. GE’s service network is more established than Samsung’s for appliances. The Samsung makes sense if budget is your absolute priority and 17,000 BTU meets your needs.
Is professional installation required?
Professional installation is strongly recommended for any gas cooktop. The installation requires proper gas line connections, leak testing, and verification of safe operation. Improper gas connections create serious safety risks. The electrical connection is standard 120V, but the gas work demands professional expertise. Installation costs typically range from $150-300 depending on your market and existing setup.
What’s covered under the warranty?
GE provides a one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor from the purchase date. This standard warranty protects against manufacturing defects and component failures. Normal wear items like knob coating deterioration or surface scratches from regular use typically aren’t covered. Extended warranty options may be available at purchase through Masters Wholesale.
Can I use cast iron cookware on the continuous grates?
Yes, the continuous cast iron grates support heavy cast iron cookware without problems. The grates are designed to handle substantial weight across their span. Multiple reviewers mention using large cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens without issues. The continuous design means weight distributes across connected grate sections rather than stressing individual pieces.
How difficult is the surface to keep clean?
About 31.7% of reviewers specifically praise easy cleaning. The sealed burners contain spills on the stainless surface where they wipe away easily. However, 8.5% of users report the stainless steel scratches more easily than expected, requiring gentle cleaning products and soft cloths. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh chemicals that increase scratching. The burner grates are dishwasher-safe, though some users prefer hand washing to maintain their finish.
What if the cooktop doesn’t fit my existing cutout?
GE’s Fit Guarantee provides up to $100 toward modifications if the cooktop doesn’t fit when replacing a similar cooktop. The standard cutout dimensions are 33.88 inches wide by 19.13 inches deep, which matches most 36-inch cooktop installations. Measure your existing cutout before purchasing and compare against the specifications to identify any modifications needed.
The Bottom Line on This Black Friday Deal
The GE JGP5036SLSS at $890 delivers Consumer Reports #2 performance at 47.6% off regular pricing. We verified this represents the lowest price of 2025 and a legitimate Black Friday value rather than marketing hype.
The cooking performance backs up the deal. Dual high-power burners at 18,000 and 15,000 BTU provide restaurant-level heat, while the 5,000 BTU simmer burner earned “Excellent” ratings from Consumer Reports for low-heat control. The 448 customer reviews with a 4.6-star average confirm real-world performance matches laboratory testing results.
The trade-offs are real but not dealbreakers for the target buyer. Plastic knobs deteriorate cosmetically for about 9.4% of users, and the stainless steel surface scratches more easily than premium models according to 8.5% of reviews. These represent material compromises rather than performance failures. GE invested in components that affect cooking rather than showroom aesthetics.
This Black Friday deal makes sense for serious home cooks who prioritize how food cooks over premium materials. The $809 savings, Consumer Reports validation, and 448 customer reviews provide confidence this isn’t just another overhyped holiday sale.
