The GE JB256DMBB is the black-finish variant of GE's entry-level 30-inch electric range, offering 5.0 cu ft of oven space and a digital temperature display at $679. It shares the same core specs as its white counterpart, with the color difference being the primary distinction.
Buyers who want a full-size GE electric range in a black finish to match existing appliances or kitchen color schemes, without stepping up to a smooth ceramic cooktop. It suits basic cooking needs at a modest price.
Skip if
Anyone who values easy stovetop cleanup should avoid open coil elements and look for a smooth-top model instead. Buyers wanting convection or smart features will need to consider a higher model tier.
Capacity 5.0 cu ft
Fuel type Electric
Heating Open
Installation Freestanding
Width 30.0 in
Controls Digital Temperature Display
Priced 55% below the category median ($1,499.00 across 135 tracked models)
Weight of 150.0 lb - lighter than 71% of the 135 models we track
Our scorecard
4.0/5overall
Owner rating3.6/5
3.6 average across 4 owner ratings
Value for money4.8/5
$136 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity3.6/5
4 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space2.9/5
5.0 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The JB256DMBB delivers a 5.0 cu ft oven alongside 4 open coil burners in a standard 30-inch freestanding package. The 240V electric setup is typical for residential ranges, and the digital temperature display steps up slightly from basic mechanical dial controls. At 150 lb and 28.75 x 30 x 47 inches, it fits standard kitchen openings without modification.
Open coil heating is the simplest electric stovetop technology, individual elements are cheap to replace if damaged, and they heat consistently across a wide range of cookware. The tradeoff is cleanup: spills around the drip pans require more attention than a smooth glass surface.
The 3.6-star rating from 4 reviews is directionally mixed and based on very limited data. At $679 the price is competitive for a name-brand 5 cu ft electric range, but prospective buyers should weight the limited review pool accordingly.
Pros
5.0 cu ft oven capacity is solid for a 30-inch entry-level electric range
Black finish suits kitchens that mix or match dark appliances
240V standard operation compatible with typical residential wiring
Digital temperature display offers more precise oven control than a mechanical dial
Competitive $679 price for a full-size GE electric range
Cons
3.6-star average from only 4 reviews, too little data to assess reliability
Open coil burners are harder to clean than smooth ceramic alternatives
No convection oven functionality
No smart home connectivity
Specifications
Capacity
5.0 cu ft
Fuel type
Electric
Heating
Open
Installation
Freestanding
Width
30.0 in
Controls
Digital Temperature Display
Dimensions
28.75 X 30 X 47 In
Weight
150.0 lb
Voltage
240 Volts
Performance notes
A 5.0 cu ft oven handles most household baking and roasting tasks with room to spare. Open coil burners on this unit provide consistent heat for boiling, sauteing, and simmering, while they lack the sleek look of glass-ceramic surfaces, they are serviceable and easy to maintain by swapping out individual elements. The 30-inch width and standard 240V connection make it a drop-in replacement for most existing electric range openings. The digital display takes the guesswork out of oven temperature setting.
What buyers say
With a 3.6-star average from 4 reviews, the JB256DMBB's feedback is mixed and the sample is too small to draw firm conclusions. The rating is below what you'd typically want to see for a confident purchase. At $679 the value proposition depends heavily on whether this color variant appeals to your kitchen setup, the core cooking specs are the same as better-reviewed GE models.
What is the difference between the GE JB256DMBB and JB256DMWW?
The JB256DMBB is the black-finish version and the JB256DMWW is the white-finish version. Both models share the same 5.0 cu ft oven, open coil burners, 30-inch width, and 240V electrical requirement. The color is the only practical difference.
Does the JB256DMBB have a self-cleaning oven?
GE's entry-level JB256 series does not list self-clean as a feature. For self-cleaning capability, you would need to step up to a higher tier in GE's electric range lineup.
Is the JB256DMBB a freestanding or slide-in range?
It is a freestanding range, meaning it has finished sides and a rear control panel. This allows it to stand alone or be placed between cabinets without requiring any cabinetry cutouts to hide the sides.
We use necessary cookies to keep the site working. With your permission, we also use functional, analytics, and marketing cookies. Read our Cookie Policy.
