Window with Metal Shield. Screen allows cooking to be viewed while keeping microwaves confined in the oven.
Control Panel.
Removable Turntable. Do not operate the oven in the microwave mode without the turntable and turntable support seated and in place.
Removable Turntable Support. Do not operate the oven in the microwave mode without the turntable and turntable support seated and in place.
Cooking Controls
You can microwave by time or with the convenience features. Not all features on all models.
About the time and auto microwave features.
Cook Time
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.
Press Cook Time.
Enter cooking time.
Change power level if you don’t want full power. (Press Power Level. Set a desired power level 1-10.)
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:
Press Cook Time.
Enter the first cook time.
Change the power level if you don’t want full power. (Press Power Level. Set a desired power level 1-10.)
Press Cook Time again.
Enter the second cook time.
Change the power level if you don’t want full power. (Press Power Level. Set a desired power level 1-10.)
Press Start/Pause.
At the end of Cook Time I, Cook Time II counts down.
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 1-6 minutes of cooking at power level 10. The power level can be changed as time is counting down. Press Power Level and enter 1-10.
NOTE: Express Cook function pertains to pads 1-6 only.
Add 30 Sec
This will add 30 seconds to the time counting down each time the pad is pressed. Each touch will add 30 seconds, up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds.
Add 30 Sec can also be used like an express 30 seconds button. The microwave oven will start immediately when pressed.
About the defrost features
Weight Defrost
Use Weight Defrost for meat. Use Time Defrost for most other frozen foods.
Press Defrost once for Weight Defrost
Enter the weight in pounds.
Press Start/Pause. Cooking will start when the countdown begins in the display.
Defrosting Tips
Remove meat from package and place on microwave-safe 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.
Time Defrost
Allows you to defrost for a selected length of time. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested time.
Press Defrost twice for Time Defrost
Enter defrosting time in minutes and seconds.
Press Start/Pause. Cooking will start when the countdown begins in the display.
At one half of selected defrosting time, 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. Noises 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 microwavesafe dish.
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.
For more even defrosting of larger foods, such as roasts, use Time Defrost. Be sure large meats are completely defrosted before cooking.
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 a few minutes.
About the convenience features.
Popcorn
To use the Popcorn feature: Press Popcorn once for 2.0 ounce bag, twice for 2.5 ounce bag, or three times for a 3.0 ounce bag. Cooking starts immediately. You can change the selection during the initial 30 seconds. If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time. We recommend 30 seconds and watch carefully
Use only with prepackaged microwave popcorn weighing 2.0 to 3.0 ounces.
NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion—it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.
Reheat
The Reheat feature reheats servings of previously cooked foods or a plate of leftovers. Place the cup of liquid or covered food in the oven.
Press the Reheat button up to six times to choose the correct selection. Press once for a pizza. Press twice for vegetables. Press three times for a plate of leftovers. Press four times for soup. Press five times for meat. Press six times for pasta.
Press the 1, 2, or 3 pad to select the serving size. For a plate of leftovers, only one servicing size is valid.
Press Start/Pause. Cooking will start when the countdown begins in the display
After removing food from the oven, stir, if possible, to even out the temperature. Reheated foods may have wide variations in temperature.
Some areas of food may be extremely hot.
If food is not hot enough after the countdown use Cook Time for additional reheating time. Some Foods Not Recommended for Use With Reheat 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.
NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion—it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.
Beverage
Use the Beverage feature to heat various amounts of liquids measured in ounces: Place the liquid into the microwave oven.
Press Beverage up to four times to choose the correct selection.
Press once for a 4 ounce beverage. Press twice for an 8 ounce beverage. Press three times for a 12 ounce beverage. Press four times for a 16 ounce beverage.
Cooking starts immediately. You can change the selection during the initial 30 seconds.
Potato
To use the Potato feature: Place the potato(es) into the oven. Press Potato up to four times to choose the correct selection.
Press once for 1 item. Press twice for 2 items. Press three times for 3 items. Press four times for 4 items.
Cooking starts immediately. You can change the selection during the initial 30 seconds. NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion—it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.
About changing the power level
Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed before or during cooking. Power Level is set for Level 10 (high) unless it is changed.
Press Cook Time.
Enter your cooking time.
Press Power Level.
Enter new power level by using the number pads. 5 After you have selected the power level, wait five seconds. The display will go back to the Cook Time (Enter Time) screen 6 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 your 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 High (Power Level 10) 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 and some casseroles.
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:
High 10 (100%): Fish, bacon, vegetables, boiling liquids. Med-High 7 (70%): Gentle cooking of meat and poultry; baking casseroles and reheating. Medium 5 (50%): Slow cooking and tenderizing for stews and less tender cuts of meat. Low 2 or 3 (20 or 30%): Defrosting; simmering; delicate sauces. Warm 1 (10%): Keeping food warm; softening butter.
NOTE: You can also change the power level during many cooking modes by pressing the power level button entering a valid power level.
About the other features
Clock
To change the time of day:
Press Set Clock. (The microwave should not be running.)
Enter the appropriate time of day. Clock is on a 12-hour scale by default.
Press Set Clock or Start/Pause to accept the time. Press and hold Set Clock for 3 seconds to switch the clock between 12-hour and 24-hour scales. (The microwave should not be running.)
Start/ Pause
In addition to starting many functions, Start/ Pause allows you to stop cooking without opening the door or clearing the display and resume cooking later.
Cancel/Off
Press Cancel/Off to stop and cancel cooking at any time.
Control Lock-Out
You may lock the control panel to prevent the oven from being accidentally started during cleaning or being used by children. To lock or unlock the controls, press and hold Cancel/Off for about three seconds. When the control panel is locked, “Loc” will be displayed briefly anytime a button is pressed.
Surface Light
Press Surface Light once for bright light, twice for the night light or a third time to turn the light off.
Timer On/Off
NOTE: The Timer indicator will be lit while the timer is operating.
The Timer operates as a minute timer and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating.
Press Timer On/Off.
Enter a time.
Press Timer On/Off to start.
To cancel, press Timer On/Off again before any entry is made or when Timer is shown countdown on the display”..
NOTE: If you press Cancel/Off to cancel the timer and you are cooking at the same time, it will cancel your cooking selection also. When time is up, the oven will signal. To turn off the timer signal, press Timer On/Off.
Display
If you have the Timer counting down and you are using the Cook Time at the same time, you can change the display to show either the timer or the cook time countdown.
If the display shows the time for the Timer and you would like to view the Cook Time, press the Cook Time button.
If the display shows the time for the Cook Time and you would like to view the Timer, press Timer On/Off
Turntable
For best cooking results, leave the turntable on. It can be turned off for large dishes.
Press Turntable once to turn the turntable off. Press again to turn the turntable back on.
Sometimes the turntable can become too hot to touch. Be careful touching the turntable during and after cooking.
Turntable can be turned off during Cook Time or Express Cook features by pressing Turntable. Note: At the conclusion of Cook Time and Express Cook features, the turntable will automatically return to ON.
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 three times 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.
Sound On/Off
Press and hold “0” for 3 seconds to switch the sound on or off. Fault beep signals cannot be turned off.
Insert Food Reminder
A reminder will show on the display if the user tries to start the cooking cycle without placing food inside the microwave oven within 5 minutes prior to starting the cooking cycle.
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 Cancel/Off.
Care and cleaning of the oven
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.
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, 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.
Replacing the light bulb.
Cooktop Light/Nite Light Replace with a 130 volt, 50 watt (max.) halogen bulb. Order WB08X10057 from your GE supplier.
To replace the cooktop light/nite light, first disconnect the power at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel, or pull the plug.
Remove the screw from the side of the light compartment cover and lower the cover until it stops. 3
Be sure the bulb is cool before removing. Break the adhesive seal by gently unscrewing the bulb.
Screw in the new bulb, then raise the light cover and replace the screw. Connect electrical power to the oven.
About the exhaust feature.
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. Order Part No. WB02X10943 from your GE supplier. 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 8, for more information.
To Remove the Charcoal Filter To remove the charcoal filter, first disconnect power at the main fuse or circuit breaker, or pull the plug. To remove the top grille:
open the microwave door
remove 2 screws from the top
slide the grille to the left and forward to remove You may need to open the cabinet doors to remove the screws. Slide the filter down and out
To Install the Charcoal Filter To install a new charcoal filter, remove plastic and other outer wrapping from the new filter. Insert the top of the filter up and into the grooves on the inside of the top opening. Push the bottom of the filter in until it rests in place. Replace the grille by aligning the tabs with the cutouts on the frame and sliding the grille to the right. Replace the grille screws.
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem
Possible Causes
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.
Control panel lighted yet oven will not start
Door not securely closed.
• Open the door and close securely
Start/Pause button not pressed after entering cooking selection.
• Press Start/Pause.
Another selection entered already in oven and Cancel/Off button not pressed to cancel it.
• Press Cancel/Off.
Cooking time not entered after pressing Cook Time.
• Make sure you have entered cooking time after pressing Cook Time.
Cancel/Off was pressed accidentally.
• Reset cooking program and press Start/Pause
Food weight not entered after selecting Weight Defrost or Time Defrost.
• Make sure you have entered food weight after selecting Weight Defrost or Time Defrost.
LOCKED appears on display
The control has been locked
• Press and hold Cancel/Off for about 3 seconds to unlock the control
Floor of the oven is warm even when the oven has not been used
The cooktop light is located below the oven floor. When light is on, the heat it produces may make the oven floor get warm.
• This is normal.
You hear an unusual low-tone beep
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.
Vent fan comes on automatically
The vent fan automatically turns on to protect the microwave if it senses too much heat rising from the cooktop below.
• This is normal.
SENSOR ERROR appears on the 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 the display
Steam was not detected in a maximum amount of time.
• Use Cook Time to heat for more time.
Things That Are Normal With Your Microwave Oven
Moisture on the oven door and walls while cooking. Wipe the moisture off with a paper towel or soft cloth.
Moisture between the oven door panels when cooking certain foods. Moisture should dissipate shortly after cooking is finished.
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.
The vent fan operating while the microwave is operating. The vent fan will not go off nor can it be turned off until the microwave is off.
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.
