NOTE: Rating plate, oven vent(s) and oven light are located on the inside walls of the microwave oven.
(Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.)
You can microwave by time, temperature or with the convenience features.
| Press | Enter |
| TIME COOK I & II (Press once or twice) | Amount of cooking time. |
| DEFROST AUTO/TIME (Press twice) | Amount of defrosting time. |
| EXPRESS COOK | Starts immediately! |
| POWER LEVEL | Power level 1–10. |
| ADD 30 SEC | Starts immediately! |
GUIDE ON MICROWAVE
Before you begin, check the guide located on the inside front of the oven when you open the door.
GUIDES IN BOOK
Convenience Features
How to Change the Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed immediately after entering the feature time for TIME COOK, TIME DEFROST or EXPRESS COOK. The power level may also be changed during 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. High (power level 10) or full power is the fastest way to cook and gives you 100% power. 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.
A high setting (10) will cook faster but food may need more frequent stirring, rotating or turning over. Most cooking will be done on High (power level 10). 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 | Best Uses |
| High 10 | Fish, bacon, vegetables, boiling liquids. |
| Med-High 7 | Gentle cooking of meat and poultry; baking casseroles and reheating. |
| Medium 5 | Slow cooking and tenderizing such as stews and less tender cuts of meat. |
| Low 2 or 3 | Defrosting without cooking; simmering; delicate sauces. |
| Warm 1 | Keeping food warm without overcooking; softening butter. |
Time Cook 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.
You may open the door during Time Cook to check the food. Close the door and press START to resume cooking.
Time Cook II
Lets you change power levels automatically during cooking. Here’s how to do it:
At the end of Time Cook I, Time Cook II counts down.
(Auto Defrost explained in the section on Convenience Features.)
Allows you to defrost for the length of time you select. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested times.
Power level 3 is automatically set, but you may change this for more flexibility. You may defrost small items more quickly by raising the power level after entering the time. However, they will need more frequent attention than usual.
Power level 7 cuts the total defrosting time in about half; power level 10 cuts the total time to approximately 1/3. Rotate or stir food frequently.
At one half of selected defrosting time, the oven signals TURN. At this time, turn food over and break apart or rearrange pieces for more even defrosting. Shield any warm areas with small pieces of foil.
A dull thumping noise may be heard during defrosting. This sound is normal when the oven is not operating at High power.
Defrosting Tips
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.

You can use this feature two ways:
Popcorn
How to Use the Popcorn Feature
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 20-30 seconds to the automatic popping time.
To add time:
After pressing POPCORN, press 9 immediately after the oven starts for an extra 20 seconds.
Press 9 again to add another 10 seconds (total 30 seconds additional time).
To subtract time:
After pressing POPCORN, press 1 immediately after the oven starts for 20 seconds less cooking time.
Press 1 again to reduce cooking time another 10 seconds (total 30 seconds less time).
Reheat
The Reheat feature reheats servings of many previously cooked foods.
NOTE: The serving size may be changed or added after the oven starts. Press number pad 2 or 3. On some models, the serving size for food type 6 cannot be changed.
Beverage
The Beverage feature heats servings of any beverage.
Press BEVERAGE. The oven starts immediately.
On some models, the serving size is automatically set at 1, but can be changed by pressing 2 or 3 right after pressing BEVERAGE.
Drinks heated with the Beverage feature may be very hot. Remove the container with care.
Potato

The Potato feature cooks up to four 8–10 ounce potatoes.
Press POTATO once for one potato, twice for two potatoes, three times for three potatoes and four times for four potatoes. The oven will start immediately after POTATO is pressed.
Vegetable (on some models)
The Vegetable feature automatically sets the cooking times and power levels to cook fresh, frozen or canned vegetables.

Cook
The Cook feature automatically sets the cooking times and power levels for a variety of foods.
Hint: Press and hold the COOK pad during cooking to display the food type and remaining cook time.
Auto Defrost
The Defrost Auto/Time feature gives you two ways to defrost frozen foods. Press DEFROST AUTO/TIME once for Auto Defrost or twice for Time Defrost.
Use Auto Defrost for meat, poultry and fish. Use Time Defrost for most other frozen foods.
Auto Defrost automatically sets the defrosting times and power levels to give even defrosting results for meats, poultry and fish weighing up to six pounds.
There is a handy guide located on the inside front of the oven.

Cooking Complete Reminder
To remind you that you have food in the oven, the oven will display “FOOD IS READY” or “END” and beep once a minute until you either open the oven door or press CLEAR/OFF.
Clock
Press to enter the time of day or to check the time of day while microwaving.
Scroll Speed
The scroll speed of the display can be changed. Press and hold the AM/PM pad about 3 seconds to bring up the display. Select 1–5 for slow to fast scroll speed.
Display On/Off
To turn the clock display off, press and hold 0 for about three seconds.
To redisplay the clock, repeat.
Delay Start
Delay Start allows you to set the microwave to delay cooking up to 24 hours.
The Delay Start time will be displayed. The oven will automatically start at the delayed time.
The time of day may be displayed by pressing CLOCK.
Timer On/Off
Timer On/Off operates as a minute timer and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating.
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.
Start/Pause
In addition to starting many functions, START/PAUSE allows you to stop cooking without opening the door or clearing the display.
Reminder
The Reminder feature can be used like an alarm clock and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating. The Reminder time can be set up to 24 hours later.
NOTE: The REM indicator will remain lit to show that the Reminder is set. To clear the Reminder before it occurs, press REMINDER, then 0. The REM indicator will no longer be lit.
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 CLEAR/OFF for about 3 seconds. When the control panel is locked, “L” or “LOC” will be displayed to the extreme right.
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.
Surface Light

Press to turn the surface light on or off.
On some models, there is a night light option.
Press SURFACE LIGHT once for bright light, twice for the night light or three times to turn the light off.
Auto Nite Light
You can set the night light to turn on and off automatically at any time you want.
NITE will stay lit to remind you that the feature is set. You can review the Auto Nite Light settings by pressing AUTO NITE LIGHT.
To erase your settings and turn off the automatic feature, press AUTO NITE LIGHT, then 0.
Beeper Volume
The beeper sound level can be adjusted. Press BEEPER VOLUME. Choose 0-3 for mute to loud.
Vent Fan
The vent fan removes steam and other vapors from surface cooking.
Press VENT FAN once for high fan speed, twice for low fan speed or a third time to turn the fan off.
Automatic Fan
An automatic fan feature protects the microwave from too much heat rising from the cooktop below it. It automatically turns on if it senses too much heat.
If you have turned the fan on you may find that you cannot turn it off. The fan will automatically turn off when the internal parts are cool. It may stay on for 30 minutes or more after the cooktop and microwave controls are turned off.
How to Use the Shelf When Microwaving
Food microwaves best when placed on the turntable.
To reheat on 2 levels or
1. Multiply reheat time by 1%.
2. Switch places after ½ the time.
Microwave Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Arcing | Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by:
|
| Covering | Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce cooking time. Venting plastic wrap or covering with wax paper allows excess steam to escape. |
| Shielding | In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked foods to prevent over-browning. When microwaving, you use small strips of foil to shield thin parts, such as the tips of wings and legs on poultry, which would cook before larger parts. |
| Standing Time | When you cook with regular ovens, foods such as roasts or cakes are allowed to stand to finish cooking or to set. Standing time is especially important in microwave cooking. Note that a microwaved cake is not placed on a cooling rack. |
| Venting | After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap by turning back one corner so excess steam can escape. |

An occasional thorough wiping with a solution of baking soda and water keeps the inside fresh.
NOTE: Be certain the power is off before cleaning any part of this oven.
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.
Temperature Probe (if included)
Clean immediately after using. To clean, wipe with a sudsy cloth, then rub lightly with a plastic scouring ball if necessary. Rinse and dry. The probe can also be washed in the dishwasher
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 without the turntable and support in place.
Shelf (if included)
Clean with mild soap and water or in the dishwasher. Do not clean in a self-cleaning oven.
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, “G” is Graphite, “L” is CleanSteel and “B”, “W” or “C” are plastic colors.
Stainless Steel
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.
CleanSteel or Graphite
Use a clean, soft, light and lightly dampened cloth, then dry thoroughly. Do not use appliance wax, polish, bleach or products containing any chemical agent on the CleanSteel or Graphite surfaces.
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, non-abrasive 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.
Replace the burned-out bulb with a 120 volt, 40-watt incandescent bulb (WB36X10003), available from your GE supplier.
1. To replace the bulb(s), first disconnect the power at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or pull the plug.
2. Remove the screw at the front of the light cover and lower the cover.
3. Be sure the bulb(s) to be replaced are cool before removing. After breaking the adhesive seal, remove the bulb by gently turning. Replace with the same size and type bulb.
4. Raise the light shield and replace the screw. Connect electrical power to the oven.
Replace the burned-out bulb with a 120 volt, 40-watt incandescent bulb (WB36X10003), available from your GE supplier.
1. To replace the oven light, first disconnect the power at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or pull the plug.
2. To remove the top grille, open the door and remove the 3 screws on top of the oven that hold the grille into place. Slide the grille to the left to remove it.
3. Lift the metal tab on the light cover located above the handle.
4. After breaking the adhesive seal, remove the bulb by gently turning. Replace with the same size and type bulb.
5. Replace the light cover.
6. Replace the grille and screws. Connect electrical power to the oven.
Before You Call For Service
| 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 into wall outlet. | • Make sure the 3-prong plug on the 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 | The cooktop light is located below the oven floor. When the light is on, the heat it produces may make the oven floor get warm. | • This is normal. |
| Vent fan will not turn off | The vent fan automatically turns on to cool internal parts while the microwave is on. | • The vent fan cannot be turned off while the microwave is operating. This is normal. Wait for the microwave to turn off and the fan will either go off automatically or you will need to turn it off by pressing the Vent Fan pad after the microwave is off. |
| “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 was not detected in maximum amount of time. | • Use Time Cook to heat for more time. |
Reference file: GE JVM1730DP1WW Spacemaker 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Additionally, the document applies to other GE - General Electric models: JVM1730, JNM1731, JVM1740