GE Electric Kitchen Range, Model JBS55 Review

This GE JBS55 is nicely styled and a relative bargain but it takes more than a pretty face and a decent price when it comes to quality control, durability and standing up to the task at hand.

The first one delivered by Lowes had unacceptable cosmetic scalloping in the metal on the top rolled edge. It was covered with lots of white finish but you can't hide poor craftsmanship and weak quality control with paint. The second one was better but still not as good as it should be, so whomever is responsible for letting these pass like this either is looking the other way or has orders from the top that say something like, 'Hey, it's good enough, no one will notice."

That aside, the real troubling issue with this appliance is the ceramic cooktop. The very first time I used one of the burners the finish stuck to the enamel bottomed pan and actually chipped off - just one week after my brand new range had arrived! This is also unacceptable since the owners manual makes no reference to this potential problem. Beware and best to use glass pans and pots if you can! Othewise the beautiful cooktop will soon look like a scarred battlefield. To add insult to injury, the price of a new ceramic top lists for as much as you paid for the entire stove, so again, be very careful!

I noticed that the left front burner doesn't stay red and constantly heating when I need it to while boiling water to steam veggies too. It's like it's recycling when I need costant heat. Not sure if this is a defect or just a thermostat. Will find out when the GE repair man arrives.

All in all this proves the old adage - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.