JennAir vs GE Cafe Slide-In Ranges (Review/Ratings)

A slide-in is really a range without a back guard. They also fit over the cabinet and are more cleanable than a regular freestanding range. Slide-ins are popular, because they accentuate the backsplash. Have a look at some slide-in applications from our showroom:

Jenn-Air and GE Cafe

I admittedly have gone comparison crazy over the last couple weeks, but its a good way for people to understand a category and the differences between products. Slide-ins are an interesting product. People want them in upscale renovations, yet many manufacturers market really disappointing products, with these companies being the exception for different reasons.

Jenn-Air was the leader in slide-ins for 20 years, until recently. An ill-fated acquisition from Maytag stopped its development. Whirlpool bought Jenn-Air and has spent 300 million for product development, but mostly in wall ovens and professional cooking. Other than enhancing burner output and styling, the range really hasn't changed much.

However, Whirlpool lowered the prices and added some aggressive rebates, so it is really competitive. Have to admit, it was an unusual yet successful move. I have never seen a brand repositioning like this in our industry.

GE Cafe is a totally different story. Cafe is another example of a parent company leveraging its brand. There is GE Profile and GE Monogram. GE Cafe fits in the middle. Cafe has different, commercial styling and really great features like the center griddle burner in the gas slide-in and a second oven underneath the main oven compartment.

Cafe is a success story. GE successfully created this brand to directly compete in this particular niche.

Jenn-Air vs GE Cafe Gas Slide-In

	VS
Jenn-Air JGS8850CDS $1899(after rebate)		GE Cafe CGS990SETSS $3,009

Although Jenn-Air has two decent power burners at 17K and 15K, Cafe has a 20K and a 17K. The average professional range has 15-17K BTU burners, so that is pretty compelling. Cafe also has the second oven and a 8K BTU elongated griddle burner. Jenn-Air has the warming drawer and just four burners.

The difference in price after rebates is ~$1100, so it's almost two different categories.

Jenn-Air vs GE Cafe Electric Slide-In

	VS
Jenn-Air JES8850CAS $1,799 after rebate		GE Cafe CS980STSS $3,099

The differences in electric are similar to the gas. GE has the fifth warming burner and bridge elements, connecting burners with continuous heat and also the second oven versus Jenn-Air's warming drawer.

Once again, the difference is ~$1,399 between the two products.

As I said in the beginning, Jenn-Air is super aggressive with rebates, so let's look at the two stoves in coordinated packages. Most people are buying slide-ins with other appliances, so it's worth a look.

	VS
Jenn-Air Slide-In Kitchen Package $4,849 after rebates		GE Cafe Slide-In Kitchen Package $8,099 after rebates

The GE Cafe range is a better range from a feature standpoint without question. The french door is 2 cubic foot larger. Jenn-Air, however, has a better dishwasher (it's really a KitchenAid) and a convection, combination over-the-range microwave versus a regular microwave for the Cafe.

The price difference is $3,249 after rebates. Cafe without question is technically better, but through repricing, rebates and promotion Jenn-Air becomes a really interesting affordable luxury brand.

Read our Gas Cooking Buying Guide for more information.