When you see a gas range marked down $802 from $2,299 to $1,497, the natural question is: What’s wrong with it? We had the same reaction when we spotted the GE Profile PGB965YPFS (available at Masters Wholesale for $1,497) sitting at clearance pricing.
This honest review examines whether this Black Friday deal is genuine value or a risky purchase. We analyzed Consumer Reports testing data, 396 customer reviews, and compared it to alternatives at similar prices. The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.
Quick Verdict: The Black Friday Reality
The Honest Answer: The GE Profile PGB965YPFS is clearance priced because GE discontinued the model to make room for newer designs. It’s not defective or recalled. Consumer Reports confirms excellent baking performance and very good cooktop capability. When it works, this range delivers $2,299 worth of features for $1,497.
But here’s what we can’t ignore: 33% of reviewers gave it one star due to reliability issues, while 50% gave it five stars. This polarization matters.
Pros:
- Double oven (6.8 cu. ft. total) with air fry capability
- Tri-ring burner technology offers three flame sizes on one element
- Includes reversible grill and griddle (a $100-150 value)
- Consumer Reports rates baking as excellent
- WiFi and SmartHQ app control included
- $802 savings represents genuine value
Cons:
- 33% one-star reviews signal quality control concerns
- Final sale means no returns if you receive a defective unit
- Multiple reports of dead-on-arrival units
- Carbon monoxide safety concern requires professional installation
- Not Energy Star certified
- Extended warranty essential but adds $200-300 to cost
Bottom Line: This is a lottery product. When it works, you get exceptional features at a great price. When it doesn’t, you’re stuck with a final sale item. Extended warranty changes this from risky gamble to calculated risk.
Buy if: You can budget for extended warranty, accept final sale risk, and value the included accessories and double oven convenience.
Skip if: You need return flexibility, can’t afford warranty protection, or prefer the peace of mind that comes with a newer model.
Why Is It $802 Off? The Real Reason
GE discontinued the PGB965YPFS to make room for refreshed models with updated features. This is standard practice in the appliance industry, where manufacturers introduce new model numbers annually even when changes are minimal.
The discount is legitimate clearance pricing, not a red flag. GE still honors the standard one-year parts and labor warranty on this model. The catch is that clearance items at Masters are final sale, meaning no returns or exchanges. If your unit arrives with problems, you’ll need to rely on warranty service rather than swapping it for a different model.
This creates higher stakes than a typical appliance purchase. Limited stock at this clearance price means when inventory sells out, the deal disappears. But it also means you’re committing without a safety net.
The model isn’t being cleared because of defects or recalls. GE simply wants shelf space for the next generation. We see this pattern every year with ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Key Features Worth $2,299
The GE Profile PGB965YPFS includes features we typically see on ranges selling for $2,000 or more. At $1,497, you’re getting significant capability for the money.
The 6.8 cubic foot total capacity splits between a 4.3 cu. ft. lower oven and a 2.5 cu. ft. upper oven. This makes it the largest freestanding gas double oven in the 30-inch category. We’ve found double ovens particularly valuable during holiday cooking, when you need to roast a turkey while baking side dishes at different temperatures.
Air fry mode eliminates the need for a countertop air fryer. The upper oven handles air frying without preheating, delivering crispy results for chicken wings, frozen fries, and vegetables. Some customers tell us they’ve stopped using their standalone air fryers after getting this range.
The reversible grill and griddle adds $100-150 of value. These accessories work with the center oval burner, giving you a breakfast griddle for pancakes on Saturday morning or grill marks on vegetables for dinner. Competitors at this price point rarely include both accessories.
Fingerprint resistant stainless steel reduces the constant wiping required with standard stainless. We’ve seen how regular stainless shows every touch, particularly in kitchens with kids.
Cooktop: 5 Burners with Tri-Ring Technology
The tri-ring center burner gives you three different flame sizes on a single element. Small ring for gentle simmering, medium ring for everyday cooking, large ring for high heat. This versatility means you can use the same burner for melting chocolate or boiling pasta water.
The front right burner delivers 20,000 BTU for rapid boiling. We’ve found this power level brings a large pot of water to boil in minutes rather than the 10-15 minutes lower BTU burners require.
Continuous cast iron grates let you slide pots across the cooktop without lifting them. The grates are dishwasher safe, though we recommend hand washing cast iron to preserve the seasoning.
The precise simmer burner maintains low, even heat for sauces and delicate dishes. This matters when you’re making risotto or caramel, where temperature control prevents scorching.
Double Oven System
The lower oven handles large roasts, casseroles, and holiday turkeys. At 4.3 cubic feet, it fits a 15-pound turkey with room around it for air circulation. True convection distributes heat evenly for consistent baking results.
The upper oven’s 2.5 cubic feet is perfect for smaller dishes, reheating, or air frying. While not huge, we’ve fit a 9×13 casserole dish and a half-sheet pan in this space.
Both ovens operate independently with separate temperature controls. You can roast at 425°F in the lower oven while baking cookies at 350°F in the upper oven. The only limitation is a single timer for both ovens, which means you’ll need to track multiple dishes manually.
Self-clean and steam clean options give you flexibility. Steam clean works for light spills and takes 30 minutes instead of the three-hour self-clean cycle. The never-scrub rack stays in during self-clean, saving you the hassle of removing heavy racks.
Smart Features & Connectivity
WiFi connectivity through the SmartHQ app lets you monitor oven temperature, adjust settings, and receive alerts when preheating finishes. Voice control works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Chef Connect synchronizes with GE over-the-range microwaves, automatically turning on the microwave’s surface light and vent when you use the cooktop. This feature only matters if you have or plan to buy a compatible GE microwave.
We’ve found the app most useful for checking on dinner from another room and getting preheat notifications. Some features require the app, which frustrated users who had connectivity issues.
Consumer Reports Confirms Performance
Consumer Reports provides independent verification of performance through controlled laboratory testing. Their analysis confirmed the GE Profile PGB965YPFS delivers on its core cooking capabilities.
Baking performance earned an excellent rating. Consumer Reports tests use cake pans and cookie sheets across multiple racks to evaluate even heating and browning. The GE Profile produced consistent results with minimal hot spots.
Cooktop high heat scored very good, while low heat earned excellent marks. This combination means the range handles both rapid boiling and gentle simmering effectively.
These professional test results validate that when the range functions properly, it performs at a high level. The reliability concerns we discuss next aren’t about cooking capability—they’re about whether the unit works consistently over time.
Customer Reviews: A Polarized Story
We analyzed 396 customer reviews across multiple retailers to understand real-world experience with this range. The average 4.5-star rating looks solid until you examine the distribution.
Half of reviewers gave five stars. These customers love the double oven convenience, powerful burners, and included accessories. They report fast preheating (often 5-6 minutes to 350°F) and excellent cooking results.
But 33% gave one star. This isn’t typical appliance review distribution, where one-star reviews usually represent 5-10% of total feedback. When a third of buyers rate something one star, quality control concerns emerge.
What People Love (The 50% Five-Star Group)
Double oven capability topped the praise list. Customers describe cooking Thanksgiving dinner with a turkey in the lower oven and sides in the upper oven. One reviewer noted fitting a 15-pound turkey with room to spare.
Fast preheating impressed multiple users. Several mentioned 5-6 minute preheat times to 350°F, significantly faster than their previous ranges.
The griddle earned repeated mentions for weekend breakfasts. Customers tell us they make pancakes, bacon, and eggs all at once using the reversible griddle on the center burner.
Powerful burners boil water noticeably faster than standard ranges. Multiple reviews mentioned bringing large pasta pots to boil in 3-4 minutes.
Air fry capability worked better than expected for many users. Frozen foods, chicken wings, and vegetables got crispy without the mess of deep frying or the countertop space of a separate air fryer.
Critical Problems (The 33% One-Star Reality)
Dead-on-arrival units appeared in multiple reviews. Some customers report the range arrived not working at all, or stopped functioning within the first week.
Early failures within three months concerned us. Several reviewers described problems developing shortly after the one-month mark, suggesting quality control issues beyond simple shipping damage.
Build quality complaints focused on plastic knobs that feel cheap compared to the premium price point. The fingerprint resistant finish showed discoloration or scratching after minimal use in some cases.
A carbon monoxide safety concern appeared in Consumer Reports data. This isolated report emphasizes why professional installation with proper ventilation verification is essential for any gas appliance.
Customer service gaps frustrated buyers dealing with defects. Some reported difficulty getting warranty service scheduled or receiving replacement parts.
The single timer for two ovens creates functionality gaps. When you’re running both ovens, you need to track one dish’s timing separately. Some reviewers didn’t realize this limitation until after purchase.
Performance When It Works: The Good Stuff
When you receive a properly functioning unit, the GE Profile PGB965YPFS delivers impressive performance across multiple cooking methods.
Air fry mode produces crispy chicken, french fries, and roasted vegetables without oil splattering across your countertops. The dedicated air fry setting in the upper oven preheats quickly and circulates air effectively. We’ve heard from customers who stopped using their countertop air fryers entirely after getting this range.
The double oven configuration shines during holiday cooking. You can roast a turkey at 325°F in the lower oven while baking dinner rolls at 375°F in the upper oven. This flexibility extends beyond holidays—it’s useful any time you need two different temperatures simultaneously.
Tri-ring burner versatility means one burner handles tasks that typically require multiple burners. Melt butter on low, simmer marinara on medium, or boil water on high, all without switching burner positions.
True convection in both ovens produces even baking results. Cookies brown uniformly across the sheet, and casseroles cook through without hot spots.
The reversible grill and griddle expand your cooking options beyond standard stovetop methods. Grill marks on vegetables and fish add restaurant-style presentation. The griddle accommodates pancakes, grilled cheese, or breakfast for the whole family.
WiFi control proves convenient for monitoring progress without hovering in the kitchen. Check oven temperature from your home office or receive preheat notifications while folding laundry.
The Reliability Reality: What You Need to Know
The 33% one-star rating pattern suggests quality control inconsistency that we can’t ignore. This percentage is significantly higher than typical appliance failure rates.
Multiple dead-on-arrival reports indicate some units ship with defects. Other customers describe failures within the first three months. These early failures suggest manufacturing quality issues rather than wear-and-tear problems.
The carbon monoxide concern, while isolated in our research, requires serious attention. Gas appliances need proper ventilation and professional installation. Any gas range can produce carbon monoxide if installed incorrectly or if ventilation fails.
GE customer service reports are mixed. Some buyers received prompt warranty service, while others struggled to schedule repairs or get parts. When you’re dealing with a primary cooking appliance, even a few days without service creates real hardship.
The final sale status amplifies these reliability concerns. With a typical purchase, you could return a defective unit for an immediate replacement. Here, you’re committed to warranty service and repairs instead of a straight swap.
How to Protect Yourself If You Buy
Extended warranty coverage is essential for the GE Profile PGB965YPFS, not optional. Given the 33% one-star pattern, protecting yourself against repair costs makes financial sense. Budget $200-300 for a quality extended warranty that covers parts, labor, and service calls.
Professional installation is mandatory, not negotiable. The carbon monoxide safety concern requires a licensed professional who can verify proper gas line connection and ventilation. Request written confirmation that the installer tested for gas leaks and proper venting.
Test every function immediately upon delivery. Turn on each burner, verify both ovens heat correctly, and check that the WiFi connection works. Any issues need documentation within the first few days while installation problems are evident.
Document everything. Take photos of the range upon delivery, save all receipts, and keep a record of any service calls. If problems develop, this documentation supports warranty claims.
Keep all packaging materials for at least 30 days. If you need warranty service quickly, having the original packaging makes service logistics easier.
Create a simple maintenance schedule. Clean the cooktop after each use, run the self-clean cycle every few months, and check burner ports for blockages monthly. Proper maintenance reduces the likelihood of problems developing.
Review the owner’s manual section on carbon monoxide safety. Know the warning signs and ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
The Alternatives at This Price Point
Double oven gas ranges in the 30-inch size are relatively uncommon. Most manufacturers offer single large ovens instead. This limited selection makes the GE Profile PGB965YPFS deal more interesting, but several alternatives deserve consideration.
Model | Price | Capacity | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$1,497 (save $802) | 6.8 cu. ft. | Air fry, grill/griddle included, tri-ring burner, WiFi | Deal hunters who want accessories & features | |
LG LDGL6924S | $1,499 | 6.9 cu. ft. | Air Sous Vide, Energy Star, 10-min EasyClean | Tech enthusiasts wanting efficiency |
$999 (save $800) | 6.9 cu. ft. | ProBake convection, PrintProof finish | Budget shoppers needing double oven | |
$649 (save $380) | 5.1 cu. ft. | Single oven, center oval burner | Entry-level gas range buyers |
LG LDGL6924S ($1,499) – Tech-Focused Alternative
The LG LDGL6924S matches the GE Profile’s clearance price at $1,499 and offers similar double oven capability with different strengths.
Capacity reaches 6.9 cubic feet, slightly larger than the GE’s 6.8 cu. ft. The lower oven handles 4.1 cu. ft., while the upper oven provides 2.8 cu. ft.
Air Sous Vide capability sets this model apart from the GE. This feature maintains precise low temperatures for sous vide cooking without a separate water bath. If you enjoy sous vide cooking, this feature matters.
The 20,000 BTU UltraHeat burner matches the GE’s highest power output. Five sealed burners provide flexibility, though LG doesn’t offer the tri-ring technology.
EasyClean technology uses water and heat to loosen baked-on messes in 10 minutes. This is faster than the GE’s steam clean option.
Energy Star certification means lower operating costs compared to the GE Profile. This certification matters if energy efficiency is a priority.
The LG doesn’t include a grill or griddle. You’ll need to purchase these accessories separately if you want them.
LG LDG4313ST ($999) – Best Budget Double Oven
The LG LDG4313ST (available at Masters Wholesale for $999) costs $498 less than the GE Profile while still delivering double oven convenience.
At 6.9 cubic feet total capacity, this LG actually provides more space than the GE. The lower oven measures 4.5 cu. ft., and the upper oven offers 2.4 cu. ft.
ProBake convection in the lower oven circulates heat for even baking. The upper oven uses conventional heating.
What you give up at this price includes air fry capability, smart features, and included accessories. The cooktop offers five burners with 17,000 BTU maximum output—sufficient for most cooking but less powerful than the GE’s 20,000 BTU burner.
For shoppers who need double oven capability on a tighter budget and don’t require air frying or WiFi control, this LG represents better value than gambling on the GE’s reliability concerns. If you’re considering LG gas ranges, this model deserves serious attention.
Whirlpool WFG320M0MS ($649) – Best Entry-Level Option
The Whirlpool WFG320M0MS represents the most affordable Black Friday gas range option at just $649 (down from $1,029).
This is a traditional single oven range with 5.1 cubic feet of capacity—enough for most families’ daily cooking needs. You won’t get the dual oven flexibility of the GE or LG models, but you save $848 compared to the GE Profile.
The five-burner cooktop includes a center oval burner that accommodates griddles and specialty cookware. Continuous grates make moving pots easy.
What you’re giving up includes air fry capability, smart features, double oven configuration, and convection cooking. This is a straightforward gas range focused on basic cooking performance.
For first-time homebuyers, apartment dwellers, or anyone who simply needs reliable gas cooking without premium features, this Whirlpool delivers solid value at the lowest Black Friday price point.
Quick Comparison: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the GE Profile PGB965YPFS if you want the reversible grill and griddle, air fry capability, and tri-ring burner technology, and you’re willing to accept final sale risk with extended warranty protection. The included accessories and comprehensive features justify the price when you factor in $802 savings.
Choose the LG LDGL6924S if Air Sous Vide capability appeals to you, you prefer a newer model with Energy Star certification, and you value the 10-minute EasyClean feature. The similar price point means you’re not paying a premium for reliability peace of mind.
Choose the LG LDG4313ST if your budget is firm at $1,000 or less, you need basic double oven functionality without smart features, and you want to save $498 compared to the GE clearance price. This is the sensible choice for risk-averse shoppers.
The GE offers the best included accessory value. When you calculate the separate cost of a quality grill and griddle, the GE’s package becomes more competitive despite reliability concerns.
Looking at the broader Black Friday 2024 kitchen range deals, this GE Profile sits in an interesting middle ground between budget options and premium ranges.
Should You Buy It? Decision Framework
Your risk tolerance and specific needs determine whether the GE Profile PGB965YPFS makes sense for your kitchen.
Buy If You:
Want air frying, reversible grill, and griddle included without additional purchases. The $100-150 value of these accessories effectively reduces the range’s cost to $1,347-1,397 when compared to buying them separately.
Value GE’s extensive service network and brand presence. GE Appliances has service centers and authorized repair technicians in most areas, making warranty service more accessible than some brands.
Can budget for extended warranty coverage. If you allocate $200-300 for extended protection, the total investment of roughly $1,700-1,800 still represents strong value for the features included.
Accept final sale risk for $802 savings. Some shoppers are comfortable taking a calculated risk when savings are substantial and warranty coverage provides a safety net.
Need comprehensive features at clearance pricing. The combination of double oven, air fry, smart features, and included accessories is hard to match at any price under $2,000.
Will use professional installation. Gas appliances require licensed installation regardless of the brand or model. If you’re already budgeting for professional installation, the safety requirements aren’t an additional burden.
Skip If You:
Can’t afford extended warranty protection or don’t want the added cost. If $1,497 is your absolute maximum budget with no room for warranty coverage, the reliability risk is too high.
Need the ability to return if issues arise. Final sale means you’re committed to warranty service rather than a simple exchange. If this restriction creates too much anxiety, look elsewhere.
Prefer a newer model with updated features. The clearance status means you’re buying discontinued technology. Some shoppers prefer the latest releases rather than last year’s models.
Want Energy Star certification for lower operating costs. If energy efficiency is a priority, the LG LDGL6924S offers similar features with Energy Star rating at a comparable price.
Are uncomfortable with the 33% failure rate pattern. If quality control concerns outweigh feature value in your decision-making process, spending more for peace of mind makes sense.
Would rather spend $500 less on the LG LDG4313ST budget option. If air fry and smart features aren’t must-haves, the LG offers double oven convenience at $999 without reliability gamble.
Bottom Line: Our Honest Recommendation
The GE Profile PGB965YPFS (available at Masters Wholesale for $1,497) offers $2,299 worth of features at a legitimate $802 discount. The clearance price reflects discontinued model status, not defective product. Consumer Reports confirms excellent baking performance and very good cooktop capability.
The reliability concerns are real. A 33% one-star rating pattern can’t be dismissed as isolated incidents. Quality control inconsistency means some buyers receive excellent units while others struggle with defects.
Extended warranty coverage transforms this from a risky gamble into a reasonable calculated risk. When you factor warranty cost into your budget, you’re still getting significant value while protecting against becoming one of the unlucky 33%.
Professional installation isn’t optional. The carbon monoxide safety concern, combined with general gas appliance requirements, means licensed installation with ventilation verification is mandatory.
This range works best for deal-savvy shoppers who understand trade-offs and can budget for extended protection. If you’re comfortable with final sale risk, value the included grill and griddle, and want air fry capability, the price-to-feature ratio is compelling.
Risk-averse buyers should look at the LG LDG4313ST at $999 or wait for deals on current-model ranges where return policies provide more flexibility.
The final word: Yes, the deal is legit. No, it’s not risk-free. Your comfort with calculated risk determines whether this Black Friday clearance makes sense for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the GE Profile PGB965YPFS so cheap?
GE discontinued this model to make room for newer designs with updated features. This is standard appliance industry practice. The range isn’t defective or recalled—it’s clearance priced at $1,497 (down from $2,299) because it’s no longer in active production. Limited remaining inventory creates final sale conditions with no returns or exchanges.
Is the GE Profile PGB965YPFS reliable?
Reliability is mixed. 50% of reviewers gave five stars and love their units, while 33% gave one star due to quality control issues. This polarization suggests inconsistent manufacturing. Multiple reports of dead-on-arrival units and early failures within three months raise concerns. Extended warranty is strongly recommended given this failure rate pattern.
Does the PGB965YPFS come with a grill and griddle?
Yes, the GE Profile PGB965YPFS includes a reversible grill and griddle, representing $100-150 in value. This accessory works with the center oval burner and provides versatility for breakfast griddle cooking or adding grill marks to vegetables and proteins. Many competitors at this price point don’t include these accessories.
Can I return the GE Profile PGB965YPFS if I have problems?
No, this is a final sale clearance item with no returns or exchanges. If your unit arrives with problems, you’ll need to rely on warranty service for repairs. The standard one-year parts and labor warranty covers defects, but you cannot simply swap the range for a different model. This final sale status makes extended warranty coverage even more important.
What’s better, the GE Profile PGB965YPFS or LG LDGL6924S?
Both cost approximately $1,499 and offer double oven gas ranges with similar capacity. The GE includes a grill and griddle while the LG doesn’t. The LG offers Air Sous Vide capability and Energy Star certification, which the GE lacks. The GE provides better included accessories, while the LG offers more advanced cooking modes and lower operating costs. Choose based on whether accessories or efficiency matter more to you.
Is professional installation required for PGB965YPFS?
Yes, professional installation is mandatory for safety. A carbon monoxide concern appeared in Consumer Reports data, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation. Gas line connection requires a licensed professional who can verify proper installation and test for gas leaks. Request written confirmation of ventilation verification during installation. This isn’t optional for any gas range.
