General Electric's freestanding electric Profile JB988 offers a host of high-end features for people who are willing to pay extra to get exactly what they want. Equipped with a smooth top and a convection oven, the 30-inch JB988 is both a design statement and a functional improvement over a basic range.

Probably the most exciting feature of the JB988 is its convection oven, which offers an abundant 5.3-cubic-foot capacity and a convection fan for more even baking and speedier roasting. The oven also has three racks for turning out small baked items like cookies and muffins in quantity.

We like the variable broil feature that provides exquisitely controlled broiling, making it easy to broil food without overcooking and filling the oven with smoke. Meats other than steaks, chops and burgers benefit from the ability to cook by temperature, and the JB988 includes a handy meat probe that helps prevent overcooking and dryness in roasts.

Packing as much wallop as some 36-inch ranges, the JB988 squeezes five surface elements into its 30-inch glass-ceramic top. With three 6-inch elements, an 8-inch element and a triple element with 6-inch, 9-inch and 12-inch options, this surface is ready to handle the cooking of multiple dishes. What it doesn't have is the warming element and bridge element found on many other GE models, including less-expensive models. However, we believe the benefits of the convection oven far outweigh the minimal conveniences offered by a little-used bridge and a low-wattage warming zone.

For many people, easy cleaning is as important as excellent cooking results, and the JB988 doesn't disappoint in this department either. A convenient, variable self-cleaning feature lets you set a long cycle for a very dirty oven or a short one for an oven that's only slightly soiled. Up on top, the glass-ceramic elements are quite easy to wipe clean, although a cooktop cream is recommended to help loosen baked-on soil without scratching.

Offered in stainless, white, black and bisque, this versatile convection model sells quite well and is ideal if you don't mind spending a bit more to get premium features. The General Electric Profile JB988 has been on the market for a while, so be on the alert for attractive pricing.


Pros: Very large convection oven, variable broiler, variable self-clean, multiple color options
Cons: Costs more than ranges with less features, no bridge or warming elements

Warranty
1 year, parts (limited); 5 years, glass cooktops (limited)