Owner's Guide Microwave Oven
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.
For best results, use one shelf in the lower position and leave at least a 1-inch gap between the cooking dish and the sides of the oven. For two-level Baking or Fast Baking use both shelves.
Available at extra cost from your GE supplier.
Filler Panel Kits
When replacing a 36" range hood, filler panel kits fill in the additional width to provide a custom built-in appearance.
For installation between cabinets only; not for end-of-cabinet installation. Each kit contains two 3" wide filler panels.
When installing a microwave in a kitchen with 15” deep cabinets, the bump out kit is required. The kit allows the microwave to be installed 3 inches further out which prevents the cabinets from blocking the ventilation holes at the top of the microwave grill.
Filter Kits
Filter kits are used when the oven cannot be vented to the outside.
You can cook by Microwave, Convection Bake, Convection Roast or Combination Fast Bake. Keep hot, cooked foods at serving temperature with the Warm feature.
Cooking Controls
Microwave Cooking
Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.
Your oven uses microwave energy to cook by a set time or weight, or automatically by sensor.
Sensor microwave works by detecting the increasing humidity released during cooking. The oven automatically adjusts the cooking time to various types and amounts of food.
Cooking Method
Microwave energy is distributed evenly throughout the oven for thorough, fast cooking of food.
Heat Source
Microwave energy.
Heat Conduction
Heat produced within food by instant energy penetration.
Benefits
Fast, high efficiency cooking. Oven and surroundings do not get hot. Easy clean-up.
Convection Baking and Convection Roasting
Always use the shelf when baking. For best results, use one shelf in the lower position.
During baking or roasting, a heating element is used to raise the temperature of the air inside the oven. Any oven temperature from 225°F. to 425°F. may be programmed. A fan gently circulates this heated air throughout the oven, over and around the food, producing golden brown exteriors and rich moist interiors. This circulation of heated air is called convection.
Because the heated air is kept constantly moving, not permitting a layer of cooler air to develop around the food, some foods cook faster than in regular oven cooking.
Cooking Method
Hot air circulates around food to produce browned exteriors and seal in juices.
Heat Source
Circulating heated air (Convection).
Heat Conduction
Heat conducted from outside of food to inside.
Benefits
Aids in browning and seals in flavor. Cooks some foods faster than regular ovens.
Combination Fast Cooking
Always use the shelf with Fast Bake. For best results, use one shelf in the lower position
Your oven also offers the option of Combination Fast Cook, using microwave energy along with convection cooking. You cook with speed and accuracy, while browning and crisping to perfection.
Cooking Method
Microwave energy and convection heat combine to cook foods up to 25% faster than regular ovens, while browning and sealing in juices.
Heat Source
Microwave energy and circulating heated air.
Heat Conduction
Food heats from instant energy from penetration and heat conducted from outside of food.
Benefits
Shortened cooking time from microwave energy, plus browning and crisping from convection heat.
Using the Dial
You can make selections on the oven by turning the dial and pressing it to enter the selection.
Pressing the dial can also be used in place of the Start/Pause button for quicker programming of the oven.
Cook Time (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
Cook Time I
Allows you to microwave for any time between 15 seconds and 99 minutes.
Power level 10 (High) is automatically set, but you may change it for more flexibility.
You may open the door during Cook Time to check the food. Close the door and press the dial or Start/Pause to resume cooking.
NOTE: You may change the cook time at any time during cooking by turning the dial. You may also change the power level by pressing the Power Level button.
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.
NOTE: You may change the cook time at any time during cooking by turning the dial. You may also change the power level by pressing the Power Level button.
Add 30 Sec
This is a quick way to set and start cooking in 30 second blocks each time the Add 30 Second button is pressed. The cook time may be changed by turning the dial at any time during cooking.
The power level will automatically be set at 10 and the oven will start immediately.
The power level can be changed as time is counting down. Press the Power Level button, turn the dial and press to enter.
Weight Defrost (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
Weight Defrost automatically sets the defrosting times and power levels to give even defrosting results for meats, poultry and fish weighing up to one pound.
Remove meat from package and place on microwave-safe dish.
Remove defrosted meat or shield warm areas with small pieces of foil.
After defrosting, most meats need to stand 5 minutes to complete defrosting.
Conversion Guide
If the weight of food is stated in pounds and ounces, the ounces must be converted to tenths (.1) of a pound.
Time Defrost (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
Use Time Defrost to defrost for a selected length of time.
You may change the defrost time at any time during defrosting by turning the dial.
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
Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed immediately after entering the time for Cook Time, Time Defrost or Combination Speed 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. 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 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.
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: Fish, bacon, vegetables, heating liquids.
Med-High 7: Gentle cooking of meat and poultry; baking casseroles and reheating.
Medium 5: Slow cooking and tenderizing for stews and less tender cuts of meat.
Low 2 or 3: Defrosting; simmering; delicate sauces.
Warm 1: Keeping food warm; softening butter.
| Term |
Definition |
|---|---|
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Arcing |
Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by:
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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. |
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Shielding |
In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked food 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. |
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StandingTime |
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. |
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Venting |
After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap by turning back one corner so excess steam can escape. |
Humidity Sensor
What happens when using the Sensor Features:
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. If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time.
NOTE: Sensor features will not operate when the oven is hot. If one of the sensor cooking buttons is pressed when the temperature inside the oven is greater than 200°F, “OVEN TOO HOT FOR SENSOR COOKING---USING ALTERNATE METHOD” will be displayed. The oven will automatically change to cook by time (follow the directions in the display) or once the oven is cool enough, the sensor features will function normally.
Cook (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
Because most cooking containers must be covered during Cook, this feature is best with foods that you want to steam or retain moisture.
NOTE: Use of the metal shelf with Cook is not recommended.
Recommended Foods
A wide variety of foods including meats, fish and vegetables can be cooked using this feature.
Foods not recommended
Foods that must be cooked uncovered, foods that require constant attention, foods that require addition of ingredients during cooking and foods calling for a dry look or crisp surface after cooking should not be cooked using this feature. It is best to Cook Time them.
Popcorn (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
Use only with prepackaged microwave popcorn weighing 1.5 to 3.5 ounces.
NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion - it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.
To use the Popcorn feature:
If you open the door while POPCORN SENSOR is displayed, an error message 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 Automatic Popcorn Setting to Provide a Shorter or Longer Cook Time
If you find that the brand of popcorn you use underpops or overpops consistently, you can add or subtract 20–30 seconds to the automatic popping time.
To subtract or add time for sensor cook, turn the dial when the time appears.
Beverage (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
The Beverage feature heats beverages from 6 to 12 ounces.
Press the Beverage button. Then oven start immediately.
Drinks heated with the Beverage feature may be very hot. Remove the container with care.
Reheat (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion - it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.
The Reheat feature reheats servings of previously cooked foods or a plate of leftovers.
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. 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:
How to Adjust the Oven’s Automatic Settings for a Shorter or Longer Time
To subtract 10% from the automatic cooking time: Within the first 30 seconds after the oven starts, turn the dial counterclockwise, until a minus (“–”) sign appears, and press to enter.
To add 10% to the automatic cooking time: Within the first 30 seconds after the oven starts, turn the dial clockwise, until a plus (“+”) sign appears, and press to enter.
Cook (Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.)
NOTE: Do not use this feature twice in succession on the same food portion - it may result in severely overcooked or burnt food.
See the Sensor Food Type Guide below for specific foods and instructions.
The oven starts immediately.
NOTE: If the door was open while the control was being set, close the door and press the Start/Pause button to begin cooking.
If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time.
Do not open the oven door before the countdown time is displayed - steam escaping from the oven can affect cooking performance. If the door is opened, close the door and press Start/Pause immediately.
If ground meat was selected, the oven may signal you to drain and stir the meat. Open the door, drain the meat and close the door. Press the Start/Pause button if necessary to resume cooking.
Cooking Tips
How to Adjust the Oven’s Automatic Settings for a Shorter or Longer Cook Time (Not available for all food types)
To subtract 10% from the automatic cooking time:
Within the first 30 seconds after the oven starts, turn the dial counterclockwise, until a minus (“–”) sign appears, and press to enter.
To add 10% to the automatic cooking time: Within the first 30 seconds after the oven starts, turn the dial clockwise, until a plus (“+”) sign appears, and press to enter.
Sensor Food Type Guide
Baking or roasting uses a heating element to raise the temperature of the air inside the oven. Any oven temperature from 225°F to 425°F may be set. A fan gently circulates this heated air throughout the oven, over and around the food, producing golden brown exteriors and rich, moist interiors. This circulation of heated air is called convection.
Because the heated air is kept constantly moving, not permitting a layer of cooler air to develop around the food, some foods cook faster than in regular oven cooking.
For Best Results…
Use one shelf in the lower position and leave at least a 1-inch gap between the cooking dish and the sides of the oven. For two-level cooking only, use both shelves. Use the circular rack if possible. If the food is too long to turn (casseroles, lasagnas, etc.) or too tall to fit (roasts, etc.), we recommend using the rectangular rack in the lower position.
The shelf is required for good air circulation and even browing.
See the Cookware Tips section for information on suggested cookware.
Convection Bake or Convection Roast with Preheat
NOTE: You may change the cook time at any time during cooking by turning the dial.
You may change the oven temperature at any time during cooking by pressing the Power Level button. Turn the dial to set the oven temperature and press the dial to enter.
To view the cook time and oven temperature during cooking, press the Bake button.
Convection Bake or Convection without Preheating
NOTE: You may change the cook time at any time during cooking by turning the dial.
You may change the oven temperature at any time during cooking by pressing the Power Level button. Turn the dial to set the oven temperature and press the dial to enter.
To view the cook time and oven temperature during cooking, press the Convection Bake button.
Convection Bake Offset
When using Convection Bake, the Convection Bake Offset feature will automatically convert entered regular baking temperatures to convection baking temperatures.
This feature is activated so that the display will show OFFSET ON and the actual converted (reduced) temperature. For example, if you enter a regular recipe temperature of 350°F and press the Start/Pause button, the display will show the converted temperature of 325°F.
This feature can be turned off in the Settings menu. See the Convection Bake Offset Selection in the About the other features section.
NOTE: If convection baking and the Convection Bake Offset feature is turned off, reduce the oven temperature 25°F from the recipe to prevent overbrowning on the top of baked goods.
Fast Cook offers the best features of microwave energy and convection cooking. Microwaves cook food fast and convection circulation of heated air browns foods beautifully. Any oven temperature from 225°F to 425°F may be set.
For Best Results…
Use one shelf in the lower position and leave at least a 1-inch gap between the cooking dish and the sides of the oven.
The shelf is required for good air circulation and even browing.
See the Cookware Tips section for information on suggested cookware.
See the Best Method of Cooking section to determine the which foods are appropriate to cook using Fast Cook.
Fast Cook with Preheat
NOTE: You may change the cook time at any time during cooking by turning the dial.
You may change the oven temperature and microwave power level at any time during cooking by pressing the Power Level button. Turn the dial to set the oven temperature and press the dial to enter. Then, turn the dial to set microwave power level 1 through 4 and press the dial to enter. The default power level is 4.
To view the cook time and oven temperature during cooking, press the Fast Cook button.
Fast Cook without Preheat
NOTE: You may change the cook time at any time during cooking by turning the dial.
You may change the oven temperature and microwave power level at any time during cooking by pressing the Power Level button. Turn the dial to set the oven temperature and press the dial to enter. Then, turn the dial to set microwave power level 1 through 4 and press the dial to enter. The default power level is 4.
To view the cook time and oven temperature during cooking, press the Fast Cook button.
NOTE:
Convection Bake or Roast
Metal Pans are recommended for all types of baked products, but especially where browning is important.
Dark or dull finish metal pans are best for breads and pies because they absorb heat and produce crisper crust.
Shiny aluminum pans are better for cakes, cookies or muffins because they reflect heat and help produce a light tender crust.
Glass or Glass-Ceramic casserole or baking dishes are best suited for egg and cheese recipes due to the cleanability of glass.
Combination Fast Bake
Glass or Glass-Ceramic baking containers are recommended. Be sure not to use items with metal trim as it may cause arcing (sparking) with oven wall or oven shelf. This can damage the cookware, the shelf or the oven.
Heat-Resistant Plastic microwave cookware (safe to 450°F) may be used, but it is not recommended for foods requiring all-around browning, because the plastic is a poor conductor of heat.
Use the following guide to select the best method of cooking. Recipes can be adapted using the guidelines below to determine the appropriate cooking mode.
Cooking Complete Reminder
To remind you that you have food in the oven, the oven will display YOUR FOOD IS READY and beep once a minute until you either open the oven door or press the Cancel/Off button.
Start/Pause
In addition to starting many functions, Start/ Pause allows you to stop cooking without opening the door or clearing the display.
Cancel/Off
Press the Cancel/Off button to stop and cancel cooking at any time.
Timer On/Off
The Timer operates as a minute timer and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating.
To cancel, press the Timer button.
When time is up, the oven will signal. To turn off the timer signal, press Timer.
NOTE: The TIMER indicator will be lit while the timer is operating.
Steam Clean
Turntable
For best cooking results, leave the turntable on. It can be turned off for large dishes.
Sometimes the turntable can become too hot to touch.
Be careful touching the turntable during and after cooking.
Mute On/Off
You can control sound using Mute On/Off button.
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 seconds. When the control panel is locked, CONTROL LOCKED will be displayed briefly anytime a button or dial is pressed.
Set Clock
Clock Mode
Clock Mode can be set for 12 hours and 24 hours.
Display Speed
Display Speed can be adjusted for Slow, Normal, or Fast
Sound Level
Sound Level can be adjusted for Mute, Low, Normal or Loud
Surface Light Sync
Vent Fan Sync
Sync Auto Off
Convect Bake Offset
Bake Temp Adjust
Filter Replace Reminder
When the Filter Replace light turned on, replace filter and press Reset Filter and hold for 3 seconds to reset.
A filter is only needed for models that are not vented to the outside.
Surface Light
Press Surface Light once for bright light, twice for the night light or a third time to turn the light off.
Vent Fan
The vent fan removes steam and other vapors from surface cooking.
Press Vent Fan once for high fan speed, twice for medium fan speed, three times for low fan speed or a fourth time to turn the fan off.
NOTE: The FAN indicator will be lit while the fan is operating.
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.
Add 30 Sec
The Add 30 Sec button can be used in 2 ways.
My Cycle
The Add 30 Sec button can be adjusted to the My Cycle feature.
Chef Connect
Use the Chef Connect feature for connecting your microwave to a GE range to sync your vent fan, cooktop surface lights and clock via Bluetooth technology.
on the display will start flashing as the microwave starts to search and pair with your GE Range. The icon will remain ON after pairing successfully. will turn OFF. turns ON, the units will return to stand-by mode and use the default settings. will illuminate when ON.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.
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.
Shelves
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, “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.
Cooktop Light/Nite Light
Replace with LED lamp. Order WB02X26814 from your GE supplier.
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. JX81H 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. Push down 2 buttons on the filter door.
Lift the filter at the bottom until it comes free of the tabs. 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. Push the bottom of the filter in until it rests in place behind the tabs. Close filter door.
| Problem |
Possible Causes |
What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Oven will not start |
A fuse in your home may be blown or the circuit breaker tripped. |
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| Power surge. |
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| Plug not fully inserted into wall outlet. |
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| Door not securely closed. |
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| Control panel lighted, yet oven will not start |
Door not securely closed. |
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Start/Pause button not pressed after entering cooking selection. |
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Another selection entered already in oven and Cancel/Off button not pressed to cancel it. |
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Cooking time not entered after pressing Cook Time. |
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Cancel/Off was pressed accidentally. |
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Food weight not entered after selecting Auto Defrost or Fast Defrost. |
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Food type not entered after pressing Auto Cook. |
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CONTROL LOCKED appears on display |
The control has been locked. |
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| OVEN TOO HOT FOR SENSOR COOKING--USING ALTERNATE METHOD appears on display |
One of the sensor cooking buttons was pressed when the temperature inside the oven was greater than 200°F. |
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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. |
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You hear an unusual low-tone beep |
You have tried to change the power level when it is not allowed. |
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Oven emits a smoky odor and gray smoke after using the Bake feature |
Oils on the stainless steel cavity are burning off after using the Bake feature the first few times. |
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Food browns on top much faster than on the bottom |
Rack has been placed in the “high” position. |
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Oven temperature fluctuates during cooking |
The cooking element cycles on and off to maintain the oven temperature at the desired setting. |
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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. |
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During Bake, Roast or Fast Bake (after preheating), the vent fan will automatically come on to cool the oven components. |
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SENSOR ERROR appears on the display |
When using a Sensor feature, the door was opened before steam could be detected. |
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Steam was not detected in a maximum amount of time. |
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Things That Are Normal With Your Microwave Oven
