GE Profile™ PEM31SFSS 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven

OWNER’S MANUAL MICROWAVE OVEN

USING YOUR OVEN

Features

Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.

1. Door Latches
2. Window with Metal Shield.
   Screen allows cooking to be viewed while keeping microwaves confined in the oven.
3. Convenience Guide
4. Touch Control Panel Display
5. Door Latch Release.
   Press latch release to open door.
6. Removable Turntable.
   Turntable and support must be in place when using the oven. The turntable may be removed for cleaning.
7. Removable Turntable Support.
   The turntable support must be in place when using the oven. The turntable support may be removed for cleaning.

Controls

You can microwave by time or with the convenience features. Not all features on all models.

Cooking Controls

Check the Convenience Guide before you begin.

About the features

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.

1. Press Cook Time.
2. Enter cooking or defrosting time
3. Press Power Level.
4. Select desired power level 1-10.
5. Press Start/Pause.

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 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.

1. Press Cook Time.
2. Enter cooking time.
3. Change power level if you don’t want full power. (Press Power Level. Select a desired power level 1–10.)
4. Press Start/Pause.

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:

1. Press Cook Time.
2. Enter the first cook time.
3. Change the power level if you don’t want full power. (Press Power Level. Select a desired power level 1–10.)
4. Press Cook Time again.
5. Enter the second cook time.
6. Change the power level if you don’t want full power. (Press Power Level. Select a desired power level 1–10.)
7. Press Start/Pause.

At the end of Cook Time I, Cook Time II counts down.

Cooking Guide for Cook Time

NOTE: Use power level 10 (High) unless otherwise noted.

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.)

1. Press Defrost Weight/Time twice.
2. Enter defrosting time.
3. Press Start/Pause.
4. Turn food over when the oven signal.
5. Press Start/Pause.

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

• Foods frozen in paper or plastic can be defrosted in the package. Closed packages should be slit, pierced or vented AFTER food has partially defrosted. Plastic storage containers should be partially uncovered.
• Family-size, prepackaged frozen dinners can be defrosted and microwaved. If the food is in a foil container, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish.
• For more even defrosting of larger foods, such as roasts, use Defrost Weight. Be sure large meats are completely defrosted before cooking.
• Foods that spoil easily should not be allowed to sit out for more than one hour after defrosting. Room temperature promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.
• When defrosted, food should be cool but softened in all areas. If still slightly icy, return to the microwave very briefly, or let it stand for a few minutes.

Weight Defrost

Weight defrost automatically sets the defrosting times and power levels to give even defrosting results for meats, poultry and fish weighing up to six pounds.

1. Press Defrost Weight/Time once.
2. Using the conversion guide, enter food weight. For example, press pads 1 and 2 for 1.2 pounds (1 pound, 3 ounces).
3. Press Start/Pause.

(Time Defrost is explained in the Time Features section.)

There is a handy guide located on the inside front of the oven.

• Remove meat from package and place on microwavesafe dish.
• When the oven signals, turn the food over. Remove defrosted meat or shield warm areas with small pieces of foil.
• After defrosting, most meats need to stand 5 minutes to complete defrosting. Large roasts should stand for about 30 minutes.

Conversion Guide

Defrosting Guide

Express Cook

This is a quick way to set cooking time for 1–6 minutes.

Press one of the Express Cook pads (from 1 to 6) for 1 to 6 minutes of cooking at power level 10. For example, press the 2 pad for 2 minutes of cooking time.

The power level can be changed as time is counting down. Press POWER LEVEL and enter 1–10.

Add 30 Sec

You can use this feature two ways:

• It will add 30 seconds to the time counting down each time the pad is pressed.
• It can be used as a quick way to set 30 seconds of cooking time.

Humidity Sensor

The Sensor Features detect the increasing humidity released during cooking. The oven automatically adjusts the cooking time to various types and amounts of food.

Do not use the Sensor Features twice in succession on the same food portion—it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food. Be sure to let the oven cool down for 5-10 minutes before starting the next sensor cook.

If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time.

• The proper containers and covers are essential for best sensor cooking.
  
• Always use microwavesafe containers and cover them with lids or vented plastic wrap. Never use tight sealing plastic containers - they can prevent steam from escaping and cause food to overcook.
  
• Be sure the outside of the cooking containers and the inside of the microwave oven are dry before placing food in the oven. Beads of moisture turning into steam can mislead the sensor.
  

Popcorn

1. Follow package instructions, using Cook Time if the package is less than 3.0 ounces or larger than 3.5 ounces. Place the package of popcorn in the center of the microwave.
2. Press POPCORN. The oven starts immediately.

Your popcorn bag may get stuck and stop rotating, but this will not effect to the cooking performance. Do not open the door even if the bag is not rotating.

If you open the door while “Pop” is displayed, “Err” will appear. Close the door, press Cancel/Off and begin again.

If food is undercooked after the countdown use Cook Time for additional cooking time.

How to Adjust the Popcorn Program to Provide a Shorter or Longer Cook Time

If you find that the brand of popcorn you use underpops or overcooks consistently, you can add or subtract 10% to the automatic popping time.

To add time: After pressing POPCORN, press 9 immediately after the oven starts for an extra 10% of the automatic popping time.

To subtract time: After pressing POPCORN, press 1 immediately after the oven starts for 10% less of the automatic popping time.

NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portionit may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.

Beverage

Press Beverage to heat a cup of coffee or other beverage.

Drinks heated with the Beverage feature may be very hot. Remove the container with care.

If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time.

NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion - it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.

About the sensor features

Reheat

The Reheat feature reheats single servings of previously cooked foods or a plate of leftovers.

1. Place covered food in the oven. Press Reheat.
2. Using the conversion guide below, enter food code.
   For example, press pad 1 for Pizza.
   Conversion Guide
   
3. Press Start/Pause. The oven signals when steam is sensed and the time remaining begins counting down.

Do not open the oven door until time is counting down. If the door is opened, close it and press Start/Pause immediately.

After removing food from the oven, stir, if possible, to even out the temperature. If the food is not hot enough, use Cook Time to reheat for more time. Reheated foods may have wide variations in temperature. Some areas may be extremely hot.

It is best to use Cook Time for these foods:

• Bread products.
• Foods that must be reheated uncovered.
• Foods that need to be stirred or rotated.
• Foods calling for a dry look or crisp surface after reheating.

How to Change the Automatic Settings

To reduce time by 10%: Press 1 after the feature pad.

To add 10% to cooking time: Press 9 after the feature pad.

NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portionit may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.

Vegetable and Potato

To use the Vegetable or Potato features:

1. Place covered food in the oven. Press Vegetable.
2. Using the Conversion Guide below, enter food code. For example , press pad 1 for Fresh.
3. Press Start/Pause . The oven signals when the steam is sensed and the time remaining begins counting down. Turn or stir the food if necessary.
4. For the potatoes, pierce skin with fork. Place potatoes on the turntable, press the Potato. The oven starts immediately.

Do not open the oven door until time is counting down. If the door is opened, close it and press Start/Pause immediately.

How to Change the Automatic Settings

To reduce time by 10%: Press 1 after the feature pad.

To add 10% to cooking time: Press 9 after the feature pad.

NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portionit may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.

If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time.

Other Features

Cooking Complete Reminder

To remind you that you have food in the oven, the oven will display “END” and beep once a minute until you either open the oven door or press the Cancel/Off button.

Set Clock

Press to enter the time of day or to check the time of day while microwaving.

1. Press Set Clock.
2. Enter time of day.
3. Press Start or Set Clock.

Start/Pause

In addition to starting many functions, Start/Pause allows you to stop cooking without opening the door or clearing the display. Press Start/Pause again to restart the oven.

Child Lock-Out

You may lock the control panel to prevent the microwave from being accidentally started or used by children.

To lock or unlock the controls, press and hold Cancel/ Off for about three seconds. When the control panel is locked, LOCKED will appear in the display.

Turntable

For best cooking results, leave the turntable on. It can be turned off for large dishes. Press TURNTABLE to turn the turntable on or off.

Sometimes the turntable can become too hot to touch. Be careful touching the turntable during and after cooking.

Timer On/Off

Timer On/Off operates as a minute timer and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating.

1. Press TIMER ON/OFF.
2. Enter time you want to count down.
3. Press TIMER ON/OFF to start.

When time is up, the oven will signal. To turn off the timer signal, press TIMER ON/OFF.

NOTE: The timer indicator will be lit while the timer is operating.

Display On/Off

To turn the clock display on or off, press and hold 0 for about 3 seconds. The Display On/Off feature cannot be used while a cooking feature is in use.

Microwave Terms

CARE AND CLEANING

Helpful Hints

An occasional thorough wiping with a solution of baking soda and water keeps the inside fresh.

Be certain the oven control is turned 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.

To clean the surface of the door and the surface of the oven that come together upon closing, use only mild, nonabrasive soaps or detergents using a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry.

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.

How to Clean the Outside

Do not use cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol on the microwave oven. Ammonia or alcohol can damage the appearance of the microwave.

Case

Clean the outside of the microwave with a sudsy cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and then dry. Wipe the window clean with a damp cloth.

Control Panel and Door

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 Surface

It is 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.

Power Cord

If the cord becomes soiled, unplug and wash with a damp cloth. For stubborn spots, sudsy water may be used, but be certain to rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly before plugging cord into outlet.

Stainless Steel (on some models)

Do not use a steel-wood pad; it will scratch the surface.

To clean the stainless steel surface, use a hot, damp cloth with a mild detergent suitable for stainless steel surfaces. Use a clean, hot, damp cloth to remove soap. Dry with a dry, clean cloth. Always scrub lightly in the direction of the grain.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Things That Are Normal With Your Microwave Oven

• Steam or vapor escaping from around the door.
• Light reflection around door or outer case.
• Dimming oven light and change in the blower sound at power levels other than high.
• Dull thumping sound while oven is operating.
• TV/radio interference might be noticed while using the microwave. Similar to the interference caused by other small appliances, it does not indicate a problem with the microwave. Plug the microwave into a different electrical circuit, move the radio or TV as far away from the microwave as possible, or check the position and signal of the TV/radio antenna.

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