USER MANUAL Microwave Oven
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
1000 Watts

NOTE: Oven vent(s) and oven light are located on the inside walls of the microwave oven.
You can microwave by time or with the sensor features. Not all features on all models.

Changing the Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed immediately after entering the feature time for Cook Time, Time Defrost, Add 30 Sec or Express Cook. The power level may also be changed during the time countdown.

Variable power levels add flexibility to microwave cooking. The power levels on the microwave oven can be compared to the surface units on a range. Each power level gives you microwave energy a certain percent of the time. Power level 7 is microwave energy 70% of the time. Power level 3 is energy 30% of the time. Most cooking will be done on HI which gives you 100% power.
Power Level 10 will cook faster but food may need more frequent stirring, rotating or turning over. A lower setting will cook more evenly and need less stirring or rotating of the food.
Some foods may have better flavor, texture or appearance if one of the lower settings is used. Use a lower power level when cooking foods that have a tendency to boil over, such as scalloped potatoes.
Rest periods (when the microwave energy cycles off) give time for the food to “equalize” or transfer heat to the inside of the food. An example of this is shown with power level 3—the defrost cycle. If microwave energy did not cycle off, the outside of the food would cook before the inside was defrosted.
Here are some examples of uses for various power levels:
Power Level 10: Fish, bacon, vegetables, boiling liquids.
Power Level 7: Gentle cooking of meat and poultry; baking casseroles and reheating.
Power Level 5: Slow cooking and tenderizing for stews and less tender cuts of meat.
Power Level 2 or 3: Defrosting; simmering; delicate sauces.
Power Level 1: Keeping food warm; softening butter.
Cook Time I
Allows you to microwave for any time up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds.
Power level 10 (high) is automatically set, but you may change it for more flexibility
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You may open the door during Cook Time to check the food. Close the door and press Start/Pause to resume cooking.
Cook Time II
Lets you change power levels automatically during cooking. Here’s how to do it:
At the end of Cook Time I, Cook Time II counts down.
Weight Defrost
The Defrost Weight/Time feature gives you two ways to defrost food.
Press Defrost Weight/Time once for weight defrost or twice for Time Defrost.
Use Weight Defrost for meat, poultry and fish up to 6 pounds. Use Time Defrost for most other frozen foods. Weight Defrost automatically sets the defrosting times and power levels to give even defrosting results for meats, poultry and fish. | ![]() |
(Time Defrost is explained in the Time Features section.)

Time Defrost
Time Defrost allows you to defrost for a selected length of time. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested times. (Weight Defrost is explained in the Auto Feature section.)
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When the oven signals, turn food over and break apart or rearrange pieces for more even defrosting. Shield any warm areas with small pieces of foil. The oven will continue to defrost if you don’t open the door and turn the food.
Power level is automatically set at 3, but can be changed. You can defrost small items quickly by raising the power level after entering the time. Power level 7 cuts the total defrosting time in about half; power level 10 cuts the total time to approximately 1/3. However, food will need more frequent attention than usual.
A dull thumping noise may be heard during defrosting. This is normal when oven is not operating at High power.
Defrosting Tips
Helpful Hints
![]() | An occasional thorough wiping with a solution of baking soda and water keeps the inside fresh. Be sure the power is off before cleaning any part of this oven |
How to Clean the Inside
Walls, Floor, Inside Window, Metal and Plastic Parts on the Door Some spatters can be removed with a paper towel; others may require a damp cloth. Remove greasy spatters with a sudsy cloth, then rinse with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or sharp utensils on oven walls. Never use a commercial oven cleaner on any part of your microwave. | Removable Turntable and Turntable Support To prevent breakage, do not place the turntable into water just after cooking. Wash it carefully in warm, sudsy water or in the dishwasher. The turntable and support can be broken if dropped. Remember, do not operate the oven in the microwave mode without the turntable and support seated and in place. | |
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How to Clean the Outside
We recommend against using cleaners with ammonia or alcohol, as they can damage the appearance of the microwave oven. If you choose to use a common household cleaner, first apply the cleaner directly to a clean cloth, then wipe the soiled area.
Case
Clean the outside of the microwave with a sudsy cloth. Rinse and then dry. Wipe the window clean with a damp cloth.
Control Panel
Wipe with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly. Do not use cleaning sprays, large amounts of soap and water, abrasives or sharp objects on the panel—they can damage it. Some paper towels can also scratch the control panel.

Door Panel
Before cleaning the front door panel, make sure you know what type of panel you have. Refer to the eighth digit of the model number. “S” is stainless steel, “L” is CleanSteel and “B”, “W” or “C” are plastic colors.
Stainless Steel (on some models)
The stainless steel panel can be cleaned with Stainless Steel Magic or a similar product using a clean, soft cloth. Apply stainless cleaner carefully to avoid the surrounding plastic parts. Do not use appliance wax, polish, bleach or products containing chlorine on Stainless Steel finishes.
Plastic Color Panels
Use a clean, soft, lightly dampened cloth, then dry thoroughly.
Door Seal
It’s important to keep the area clean where the door seals against the microwave. Use only mild, nonabrasive detergents applied with a clean sponge or soft cloth. Rinse well.
Bottom
Clean off the grease and dust on the bottom often. Use a solution of warm water and detergent.
Cooktop Light/Nite Light
Replace with a 120 volt, 50 watt (max.) halogen bulb. See back cover for ordering online at geappliances. com.
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Vent Fan
The vent fan has two metal reusable vent filters. Models that recirculate air back into the room also use a charcoal filter. | ![]() |
Reusable Vent Filters
The metal filters trap grease released by foods on the cooktop. They also prevent flames from foods on the cooktop from damaging the inside of the oven.
For this reason, the filters must always be in place when the hood is used. The vent filters should be cleaned once a month, or as needed.
Removing and Cleaning the Filters
To remove, slide them to the rear using the tabs. Pull down and out | ![]() |
To clean the vent filters, soak them and then swish around in hot water and detergent. Don’t use ammonia or ammonia products because they will darken the metal. Light brushing can be used to remove embedded dirt.
Rinse, shake and let dry before replacing.
To replace, slide the filters into the frame slots on the back of each opening. Press up and to the front to lock into place.
Charcoal Filter
The charcoal filter cannot be cleaned. It must be replaced. See back cover for ordering online at GEAppliances website.
If the model is not vented to the outside, the air will be recirculated through a disposable charcoal filter that helps remove smoke and odors.
The charcoal filter should be replaced when it is noticeably dirty or discolored (usually after 6 to 12 months, depending on usage). See Optional Kits page 24, for more information.
CHARCOAL FILTER REPLACEMENT

| Problem | Possible Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not start | A fuse in your home may be blown or the circuit breaker tripped. | Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker. |
| Power surge. | Unplug the microwave oven, then plug it back in. | |
| Plug not fully inserted wall outlet. | Make sure the 3-prong plug on the into oven is fully inserted into wall outlet. | |
| Door not securely closed. | Open the door and close securely. | |
| Floor of the oven is warm, even when the oven has not been used | Heat from the cooktop light may make the oven floor get warm. | This is normal. |
| “LOCKED” appears on display | The control has been locked | Press and hold SET CLOCK for about 3 seconds to unlock the control. |
| You hear an unusual, low-tone beep | You have tried to start the Reminder without a valid time of day. | Start over and enter a valid time of day |
| You have tried to change the power level when it is not allowed. | Many of the oven’s features are preset and cannot be changed. | |
| “SENSOR ERROR” appears on display | When using a Sensor feature, the door was opened before steam could be detected. | Do not open door until steam is sensed and time is shown counting down on display. |
| Steam not detected in maximum amount of time. | Use Time Cook to heat for more time. | |
| Food amount too large for Sensor Reheat | Sensor Reheat is for single servings of recommended foods. | Use Time Cook for large amounts of food. |
Things That Are Normal With Your Microwave Oven
Reference file: GE® JVM6175DKBB 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven
Additionally, the document applies to other GE - General Electric models: JVM6175