Magic Chef MCM1611B 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity Countertop Microwave

Owner Manual Countertop Microwave Oven

PARTS AND FEATURES

This manual may cover several different models. The model you have purchased may have some or all of the features shown here. The appearance of your particular model may differ slightly from the illustrations in this manual.

A. Door lock system

B. Metal shielded window

C. Glass turntable

D. Microwave inlet cover

E. Microwave oven light

F. Display

G. Control panel

Turntable

A. Turntable

B. Hub

C. Roller Guide

The turntable can rotate in either direction to help cook food more evenly. For best cooking results, do not operate the microwave oven without having the turntable in place. See “Assistance or Service” to reorder any of the parts.

To Install:

1. Install the hub into the hole in the center of the microwave oven cavity bottom
2. Place the support on the microwave oven cavity bottom.
3. Place the turntable on the support.
   Fit the raised, curved mounds in the center of the turntable bottom between the three spokes of the hub.

MICROWAVE OVEN CONTROL

Display

When power is first supplied to the microwave oven, “0:00” will appear in the display. If the “0:00” appears in the display at any other time, a power failure has occurred. Reset the clock if needed. See “Clock” section. When the microwave oven is in use, the display shows cook time remaining. When the microwave oven is not in use, the display shows the time of day (if the clock is set) or Timer countdown.

Start

The START control (START/+30SEC pad) begins any function. If cooking is interrupted by touching STOP/CANCEL or by opening the door, touching START/+30SEC will resume the cycle.

Add 30 Seconds

The +30SEC control (START/+30SEC)automatically starts the microwave oven at 100% power for 30 seconds, and adds 30 seconds of cook time with each additional touch of the control.

Express Cook

Each of the EXPRESS COOK controls (number pads 1-6) automatically starts the microwave oven at 100% power for 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes or 6 minutes, depending on which pad is touched.

Stop/Cancel

The STOP/CANCEL control clears any incorrect command, and pauses and/or cancels any program during cooking. It will not erase the time of day.

A cooking program may be paused by touching STOP/CANCEL once or by opening the door. The cycle may be resumed by touching START/+30SEC. A cooking program may be canceled by touching STOP/CANCEL twice, or by opening the door and then touching STOP/CANCEL.

The STOP/CANCEL control is also used to lock and unlock the control panel. See “Control Lock” section.

Clock

This is a standard 12-hour clock (1:00-12:59). If the clock is not set, “0:00” will remain in the display. When the clock is set,the “:” will flash.During cooking, the clock may be seen for 3 seconds by touching CLOCK.

To Set:

The microwave oven must be in standby mode (no functions operating).

1. Touch CLOCK control “00:00” will appear in the display, with the first “0” flashing.
2. Enter current time, filling all four digits from left to right. The first digit can be only “1” or “0.”
3. Touch CLOCK.

Tones

Tones are audible signals that indicate the following:

One tone

1. Valid entry (short tone)
2. End of stage in multistage cooking
3. Control lock activated or deactivated (long tone)

Five tones

1. End of cycle
2. End of Kitchen Timer countdown

Kitchen Timer

The Kitchen Timer can be set in minutes and seconds, up to 99 minutes, 99 seconds, and counts down the set time. The Kitchen Timer may not be used while any other function is operating.

NOTE: The Kitchen Timer does not start or stop the microwave oven.

To Set:

1. Touch KITCHEN TIMER control.
   “00:00” will appear in the display, with the first “0” flashing.
2. Enter desired time in minutes and seconds, filling all four digits from left to right.
   Example: 1-0-0-0 for 10 minutes, or 0-5-0-0 for 5 minutes.
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   When the set time ends, end-of-timer tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to cancel the Kitchen Timer.

Control Lock

The Control Lock shuts down the control panel pads to avoid unintended use of the microwave oven.

To Lock/Unlock Control: The microwave oven must be in standby mode. Touch and hold STOP/CANCEL for 3 seconds until one long tone sounds and the display clears to show an outline of the display area. Repeat to unlock control, and return the display to the time of day. If any pad is touched while the control is locked, there will be no response from the microwave oven.

MICROWAVE OVEN USE

A magnetron in the microwave oven produces micro waves which reflect off the metal floor, walls and ceiling and pass through the turntable and appropriate cookware to the food. Microwaves are attracted to and absorbed by fat, sugar and water molecules in the food, causing them to move, producing friction and heat which cooks the food.

1. To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not lean on or allow children to swing on the microwave oven door.
2. To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not operate when it is empty.
3. Baby bottles and baby food jars should not be heated in microwave oven.
4. Clothes, flowers, fruit, herbs, wood, gourds, paper, including brown paper bags and newspaper,should not be dried in microwave oven.
5. Paraffin wax will not melt in the microwave oven because it does not absorb microwaves.
6. Use oven mitts or pot holders when removing con tainers from microwave oven.
7. Do not overcook potatoes. At the end of the reco mmended cook time, potatoes should be slightly firm. Let potatoes stand for 5 minutes. They will finish cooking while standing.
8. Do not cook or reheat whole eggs inside the shell. Steam buildup in whole eggs may cause them to burst, requiring significant cleanup of microwave oven cavity. Cover poached eggs and allow a standing time.

Food Characteristics

When microwave cooking, the amount, size and shape, starting temperature, composition and density of the food affect cooking results.

Amount of Food

The more food heated at once, the longer the cook time needed. Check for doneness and add small increments of time if necessary.

Size and Shape

Smaller pieces of food will cook more quickly than larger pieces, and uniformly shaped foods cook more evenly than irregularly shaped food.

Starting Temperature

Room temperature foods will heat faster than refrigerated foods, and refrigerated foods will heat faster than frozen foods.

Composition and Density

Foods high in fat and sugar will reach a higher temper ature, and will heat faster than other foods. Heavy, dense foods, such as meat and potatoes, require a longer cook time than the same size of a light, porous food, such as cake.

Cooking Guidelines

Covering

Covering food helps retain moisture, shorten cook time and reduce spattering. Use the lid supplied with cookware. If a lid is not available, wax paper, paper towels or plastic wrap approved for microwave ovens may be used. Plastic wrap should be turned back at one corner to provide an opening to vent steam. Condensation on the door and cavity surfaces is normal during heavy cooking.

Stirring and Turning

Stirring and turning redistribute heat evenly to avoid over cooking the outer edges of food. Stir from outside to center. If possible, turn food over from bottom to top.

Arranging

If heating irregularly shaped or different sized foods, arrange the thinner parts and smaller sized items toward the center.If cooking several items of the same size and shape, place them in a ring pattern, leaving the center of the ring empty.

Piercing

Before heating, use a fork or small knife to pierce or prick foods that have a skin or membrane, such as potatoes, egg yolks, chicken livers, hot dogs, and sausage. Prick in several places to allow steam to vent.

Shielding

Use small, flat pieces of aluminum foil to shield the thin pieces of irregularly shaped foods, bones and foods such as chicken wings, leg tips and fish tail. See “Aluminum Foil and Metal” first.

Standing Time

Food will continue to cook by the natural conduction of heat even after the microwave cooking cycle ends. The length of standing time depends on the volume and density of the food.

Cookware and Dinnerware

Cookware and dinnerware must fit on the turntable. Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling because any dish may become hot from heat transf erred from the food. Do not use cookware and dinnerware with gold or silver trim. Use the following chart as a guide, then test before using.

To Test Cookware or Dinnerware for Microwave Use:

1. Place cookware or dinnerware in microwave oven with 1 cup (250 mL) of water beside it.
2. Cook at 100% cooking power for 1 minute.

Do not use cookware or dinnerware if it becomes hot and the water stays cool.

Aluminum Foil and Metal

Always use oven mitts or pot holders when removing dishes from the microwave oven.

Aluminum foil and some metal can be used in the microwave oven. If not used properly, arcing (a blue flash of light) can occur and cause damage to the microwave oven.

OK for Use

Racks and bakeware supplied with the microwave oven (on some models), aluminum foil for shielding, and approved meat thermometers may be used with the following guidelines:

1. To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not allow aluminum foil or metal to touch the inside cavity walls, ceiling or floor.
2. Always use the turntable.
3. To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not allow contact with another metal object during microwave cooking.

Do Not Use

Metal cookware and bakeware, gold, silver, pewter, nonapproved meat thermometers, skewers, twist ties, foil liners such as sandwich wrappers, staples and objects with gold or silver trim or a metallic glaze should not be used in the microwave oven.

Microwave Cooking Power

Many recipes for microwave cooking specify which cooking power to use by percent, name or number. For example, 70% = 7 = Medium-High.

Use the following chart as a general guide for the suggested cooking power of specific foods.

Manual Cooking

To Use:

1. Place food on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch TIME COOK.
3. Enter length of time to cook.
4. Touch POWER. “PL10” will appear briefly in the display.
   If cooking with a power other than 100%, touch number keys to select the power levels from highest to lowest. See “Microwave Cooking Power” chart.
5. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the set cook time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
6. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel cooking.

Cooking in Stages

The microwave oven can be set to cook at different cooking powers for various lengths of time, up to 2 stages. One of the stages may be an automatic Defrost function (see “Defrost” section), which will be the first stage.

To Cook in Stages:

1. Place food on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch TIME COOK.
3. Enter length of time to cook.
4. Touch POWER. “PL10” will appear briefly in the display.
   If cooking with a power other than 100%, touch number keys to select the power levels from highest to lowest. See “Microwave Cooking Power” chart.
5. Touch TIME COOK.
6. Enter length of time to cook for second stage.
7. Touch POWER. “PL10” will appear briefly in the display.
   If cooking with a power other than 100%, touch number keys to select the power levels from highest to lowest.
8. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the set cook time for each stage, and a short tone will sound at the end of the first stage.
   The power level may be seen for 3 seconds by touching POWER during the cycling stage.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
9. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel cooking.

Cook time may be added in 30-second increments during the second stage by touching START/+30SEC control.

To Use Defrost As First Stage: Touch Weight Defrost, "dEF1" appears in the display. Enter the number of ounces between 4 and 100 ounces (see “Defrost” section), then follow steps 5-8 above for second stage programming.

Defrost

The Defrost feature has two functions: dEF1, which is an automatic defrost by weight, and dEF2, which is a manual defrost by time. The default power level is 30%, and can be adjusted.

1. Unwrap foods and remove lids (for example, from fruit juice containers) before defrosting.
2. Shallow packages will defrost more quickly than deep blocks.
3. Separate food pieces as soon as possible during or at the end of the cycle for more even defrosting.
4. Use small pieces of aluminum foil to shield parts of food such as chicken wings, leg tips and fish tails. See “Aluminum Foil and Metal” first.

The Defrost feature should not be used for food that has been left outside the freezer for more than 20 minutes, or for frozen ready-made food. Use the following chart as a guide.

To Defrost by Weight:

1. Place food, uncovered, on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch WEIGHT DEFROST. “dEF1” will appear.
3. Enter the weight in ounces, from 4 to 100.
   If an invalid value is entered, the microwave oven will not start.
4. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the defrost time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
5. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel cooking.

To Defrost by Time:

1. Place food, uncovered, on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch TIME DEFROST. “dEF2” will appear in the display.
3. Enter the desired time for defrosting.
   The default microwave power is power level 3. If you want to change the power level, press " POWER " once, and the LED will display "PL 3", then press the number pad of the power level you wanted.
4. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the defrost time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
5. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the coun t down to pause or cancel cooking.

Memory

The Memory feature can store up to 3 unique cooking programs. The Auto Menu functions cannot be programmed as a memory function.

To Set Memory:

1. Touch MEMORY control. “1” will appear in the display for the first memory program.
2. Set the program, following the instructions in “Manual Cooking” or “Cooking in Stages.”
3. Touch START/+30SEC. . A valid entry tone will sound, indicating that the program has been accepted to memory.
   or
   Touch START/+30SEC. again. The program will immediately start, and it will be saved to memory

To Set Second and Third Memory Programs: Touch MEMORY twice or three times, then follow steps 2 and 3 above.

To Use Memory:

1. Place food on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch MEMORY repeatedly until the desired program number is displayed.
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the program cook time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel cooking.

Popcorn

NOTE: During Popcorn function, as with all microwave cooking functions, the microwave oven should be attended at all times. Listen for popping to slow to 1 pop every 1 or 2 seconds, then stop the cycle.

1. To avoid damage to the microwave oven, do not use regular paper bags or glassware.
2. Pop only one package of popcorn at a time.
3. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using a microwave popcorn popper.
4. For best cooking results, do not try to pop unpopped kern
5. Use fresh bags of popcor n for optimal results.
6. Cooking results may vary by brand and fat content. For bag sizes not listed in this section, follow directions on the package.

To Use POPCORN:

1. Place popcorn bag on the turntable, and close the door.
2. Touch POPCORN to select size (see chart).
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the popping time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel popping.

Potato

1. Pierce each potato several times with a fork before baking.
2. Place a single potato on the turntable, off to the side (not centered). Place 2 or 3 potatoes on the turntable around the edges, at least 1" (2.5 cm) apart.
3. Let potato(es) stand for 5 minutes after baking.

To Use POTATO:

1. Place potato(es) on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch POTATO to select number of potatoes (see chart).
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the cook time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel cooking.

Pizza

1. Place pizza slice(s) on a paper towel or paper plate.

To Use PIZZA:

1. Place pizza on the turntable, and close the door.
2. Touch PIZZA to select number of slic es (see chart).
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the reheat time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of- cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel heating.

Beverage

1. Do not cover.
2. The diameter of the cup’s opening will affect how the liquid heats. Beverages in cups with smaller openings may heat faster.

To Use BEVERAGE:

1. Place cup(s) on the turntable, and close the door.
2. Touch BEVERAGE to select amount (see chart).
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the heat time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel heating.

Dinner Plate

1. Place food on plate(s),cover with plastic wrap and vent.

To Use DINNER PLATE:

1. Place dinner plate on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch DINNER PLATE to select size (see chart).
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the cook time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel heating.

Frozen Vegetable

1. Remove frozen vegetables from package.
2. Place in microwave-safe container.
3. Add water:
   2 tbs (30mL) to 4.0 oz (113 g) vegetables;
   4 tbs (60 mL) to 8.0 oz (230 g) vegetables;
   1/3 cup (80 mL) to 16.0 oz(460 g) vegetables.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and vent.
5. Stir and let stand 2-3 minutes after cooking.

To Use FROZEN VEGETABLE:

1. Placefood on the turntable and close the door.
2. Touch FROZEN VEGETABLE to select amount (see chart).
3. Touch START/+30SEC.
   The display will count down the cook time.
   When the cycle ends, the end-of-cycle tones will sound, and the display will return to the time of day.
4. Touch STOP/CANCEL at any time during the countdown to pause or cancel cooking.

CARE OF YOUR MICROWAVE OVEN

The oven should be cleaned regularly and any food deposits removed.

Failure to maintain the oven in a clean condition could lead to deterioration of the surface that could adversely affect the life of the appliance and possibly result in a hazardous situation.

1. Unplug the power cord before cleaning any part of this oven.
2. Keep the inside of the oven clean. When food spatters or spilled liquids adhere to oven walls, wipe with a damp cloth. Mild detergent may be used if the oven gets very dirty.
   The use of harsh detergent or abrasives is not recommended.
3. The outside oven surface should be cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and dried with a soft cloth. To prevent damage to the operating parts inside the oven, water should not be allowed to seep into the ventilation openings.
4. If the Control Panel becomes wet, clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh detergents or abrasives on Control Panel.
5. If steam accumulates inside or around the outside of the oven door, wipe with a soft cloth. This may occur when the microwave oven is operated under high humidity conditions and in no way indicates malfunction of the unit.
6. It is occasionally necessary to remove the glass tray for cleaning. Wash the tray in warm sudsy water or in a dishwasher.
7. The roller guide and oven cavity floor should be cleaned regularly to avoid excessive noise. Simply wipe the bottom surface of the oven with mild detergent water or window cleaner and dry.

ROLLER GUIDE

1. The ROLLER GUIDE and oven floor should be cleaned frequently to prevent excessive noise.
2. The ROLLER GUIDE MUST ALWAYS be used for cooking together with the Glass Tray.

GLASS TRAY

1. DO NOT operate the oven without the Glass Tray in place.
2. DO NOT use any other Glass Tray with this oven.
3. If Glass Tray is hot, ALLOW TO COOL before cleaning or placing it in water.
4. DO NOT cook directly on the Glass Tray.

BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE

Refer to following checklist, you may prevent an unnecessary service call.

* The oven doesn’t work :

1. Check that the power cord is securely plugged in.
2. Check that the door is firmly closed.
3. Check that the cooking time is set.
4. Check for a blown circuit fuse or tripped main circuit breaker in your house.

* Sparking in the cavity:

1. Check utensils. Metal containers or dishes with metal trim should not be used.
2. Check that metal skewers or foil does not touch the interior walls.

If there is still a problem, contact the service station. A list of these stations is included in the oven.

CARE AND CLEANING

Although your oven is provided with safety features, it is important to observe the following:

1. It is important not to defeat or tamper with safety interlocks.
2. Do not place any object between the oven front face and the door or allow residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces. Wipe the sealing area frequently with a mild detergent, rinse and dry. Never use abrasive powders or pads.
3. When opened, the door must not be subjected to strain, for example, a child hanging on an opened door or any load could cause the oven to fall forward to cause injury and also damage to the door. Do not operate the oven if it is damaged, until it has been repaired by a competent service technician. It is particularly important that the oven closes properly and that there is no damage to the:
   i) Door(bent)
   ii) Hinges and Hookes(broken or loosened)
   iii) Door seals and sealing surfaces.
4. The oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except a properly competent service technician.
5. The oven should be cleaned regularly and any food deposits removed;
6. Failure to maintain the oven in a clean condition could lead to deterioration of the surface that could adversely affect the life of the appliance and possibly result in a hazardous situation.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

* Q : Can the oven be used with the glass tray or roller guide removed?

A : No. Both the glass tray and roller guide must always be used in the oven before cooking.

* Q : Can I open the door when the oven is operating?

A : The door can be opened anytime during the cooking operation. Then microwave energy will be instantly switched off and the time setting will maintain until the door is closed.

* Q : Why do I have moisture in my microwave oven after cooking?

A : The moisture on the side of your microwave oven is normal. It is caused by steam from cooking food hitting the cool oven surface.

* Q : Does microwave energy pass through the viewing screen in the door?

A : No. The metal screen bounces back the energy to the oven cavity. The holes are made to allow light to pass through. They do not let microwave energy pass through.

* Q : Why do eggs sometimes pop?

A : When baking or poaching eggs, the yolk may pop due to steam build-up inside the yolk membrane. To prevent this, simply pierce the yolk with a toothpick before cooking. Never cook eggs without piercing their shells.

* Q : Why this standing time recommended after the cooking operation has been completed?

A : Standing time is very important. With microwave cooking, the heat is in the food, not in the oven. Many foods build up enough internal heat to allow the cooking process to continue, even after the food is removed from the oven. Standing time for joints of meat, large vegetables and cakes is to allow the inside to cook completely, without overcooking the outside.

* Q : What does “standing time” mean?

A : “Standing time” means that food should be removed from the oven and covered for additional time to allow it to finish cooking. This frees the oven for other cooking.

* Q : Why does my oven not always cook as fast as the microwave cooking guide says?

A : Check your cooking guide again, to make sure you’ve followed directions exactly ; and to see what might cause variations in cooking time. Cooking guide times and heat settings are suggestions, to help prevent over-cooking... the most common problem in getting used to a microwave oven.

Variations in the size, shape and weights and dimensions could require longer cooking time. Use your own judgement along with the cooking guide suggestions to check whether the food has been properly cooked just as you would do with a conventional cooker.

* Q : Will the microwave oven be damaged if it operates while empty?

A : Yes. Never run it empty.

* Q : Can I operate my microwave oven without the turntable or turn the turntable over to hold a large dish?

A : No. If you remove or turn over the turntable, you will get poor cooking results. Dishes used in your oven must fit on the turntable.

* Q : Is it normal for the turntable to turn in either direction?

A : Yes. The turntable rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the rotation of the motor when the cooking cycle begins.

* Q : Can I pop popcorn in my microwave oven? How do I get the best results?

A : Yes. Pop packaged microwave popcorn following manufacture’s guidelines. Do not use regular paper bags. Use the “listening test” by stopping the oven as soon as the popping slows to a “pop” every 1 or 2 seconds. Do not repop unpopped kernels. Do not pop popcorn in glass cookware.

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