User manual Microwave Oven
About the features of your oven.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.

Features of the Oven
About the features of your oven.
Power Saver (Energy Saver) Feature (on some models)
Your GE microwave has an Power Saver (Energy Saver) feature. Many electronic appliances, including Microwaves, consume electric power while they are switched off or in a standby mode. Eliminating standby power can reduce your operating costs.
To ACTIVATE the Power Saver (Energy Saver) Feature—
1 Press the Power Saver button on the unit, and the unit will turn off. (Note: If utilizing this feature, the clock will not be displayed on the unit.)
To DEACTIVATE the Power Saver (Energy Saver) Feature —
1 Press the Power Saver button on the unit, and the unit will turn on. The display will read “On” If the unit has had power aplied recently (within the last few days), the time will be remembered.
2 If prompted, enter the time of day.
NOTE: The time keeping device that keeps your clock running will need to be recharged every few days. It is recommended that once a week you should leave the unit powered on (do not use the Power Saver (Energy Saver) feature) for at least 24 hours. If you are prompted to enter a time when turning on from the Power Saver (Energy Saver) mode, you should have the unit powered on for at least 48 hours. When you first install your unit, you should leave it powered on for at least 48 hours. Some features, such as the auto night light, will not function when you are in Power Saver (Energy Saver) mode.
NOTE: This microwave oven does not detect food in the oven if food was inserted while the unit was Off (Power Saver (Energy Saver) active or power loss). As a result, it will ask you to insert food again when Power Saver (Energy Saver) is deactivated or power is restored to the unit. If this occurs, just open and close the door to clear the message and the oven will be ready for cooking.
About the cooking features of your microwave oven.
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.

Cooking Controls
Check the Convenience Guide before you begin.

About the time features.

Time Cook
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.

Express Cook
This is a quick way to set cooking time for 1-6 minutes.
1. Press one of the Express Cook pads (from 1-6) for 1-6 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 0-10.
NOTE: Express Cook function pertains to pads 1-6 only

Add 30 Sec
It 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 99 seconds.
The oven will start immediately when pressed.
About the time features.

Time Defrost
Allows you to defrost for a selected length of time. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested times. (Time Defrost and 1 lb Quick Defrost explained in the About the convenience features section.)
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.
A dull thumping noise may be heard during defrosting. This is normal when oven is not operating at High power.
Defrosting Tips
About the time features.
Defrosting Guide

About the convenience features.

Auto Defrost
Use Auto Defrost for meat, poultry and fish. Use Time Defrost for most other frozen foods.
(Time Defrost is explained in the About the Time Features section.)
Defrosting Tips
Conversion Guide


1 lb Quick Defrost
1 lb Quick Defrost automatically sets the defrosting times and power levels to give even defrosting results for meats, poultry and fish weighing up to one pounds.
About the MyPlate.gov (MyPyramid) Feature

MyPlate.gov (MyPyramid) Feature
Allows you to microwave healthy food choices by servings or with sensor
For non-sensor foods, you may open the door during cooking to check the food. Close the door and press START to resume cooking.
Cooking Guide for MyPlate.gov (MyPyramid) Feature
NOTE: Use power level 10 unless otherwise noted.

About the sensor microwave features.
Family Snacks
Use the Family Snacks feature to cook from a variety of pre-programmed family snack items.

Melt
Use the Melt feature to melt certain preprogrammed foods:

Steam
Use the Steam feature to steam certain preprogrammed foods. For best performance, please use a NordicWare Rice Cooker/Steamer Bowl.

Popcorn
To use the Popcorn feature:
If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Time Cook for additional cooking time. Use only with prepackaged microwave popcorn weighing 1.0 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
Reheat
Do not use the shelves when microwave cooking.) 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 Time Cook for additional reheating time.
Some Foods Not Recommended for Use With Reheat
It is best to use Time Cook for these foods:
Beverage
Use the Beverage feature to cook 8 to 10 oz beverage.
Potato
Use the Potato feature to cook 1-4 potatoes
Do not open the door until time is done counting down. If the door is opened, close it and press START/PAUSE immediately.
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 Time Cook for additional cooking time.
Microwave terms.

About the sensor microwave features

Changing the Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed after entering the time for Time Cook.
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, boiling 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.
About the other feature.
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.

Clock
Press the Settings button to enter the time of day.

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.

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 the CANCEL/OFF button for about three seconds. When the control panel is locked, CONTROL LOCKED  will be displayed briefly anytime a button or dial 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
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 on/off button. When time is up, the oven will signal. To turn off the timer signal, press TIMER on/ off.

Turntable On/Off
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. Some cooking modes do not allow the turntable to be turned off.

Beeper Volume
Use to set the beeper volume level

Display Speed
The scroll speed of the display can be changed.
2 for Slow
3 for Normal
4 for Fast
5 for Fastest
About the other feature.

Vent Fan
The vent fan removes steam and other vapors from surface cooking. Press VENT FAN once for boost fan speed, twice for high fan speed, three times for medium fan speed, four times for low fan speed or five 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.

Auto Nite Light
The Auto Nite Light can be set to come on and go off at desired times.

Display Language
Use to select to displayed language.
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.
Shelves
Clean with mild soap and water or in the dishwasher.
Do not clean in a self-cleaning oven.

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.

Shelf (on some models)
Shelf (on some models)
Only use microwave shelf when reheating on more than one level. DO NOT store the oven shelf in the microwave.

How to Use the Shelf When Microwaving:

Food microwaves best when placed on the turntable or on the shelf in the lower position. Use lower shelf supports when cooking one oblong or oversized dish.
Use the upper shelf supports for two-level cooking.

Shelf and Reheating

To reheat on 2 levels or

To reheat 2 dishes on the lower level:

To reheat on 3 levels (on some models)
Replacing the light bulb.
Cooktop Light/Nite Light
Replace with a 120 volt, 25 or 50 watt (max.) halogen bulb. Order WB36X10213 from your GE supplier.

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. WB02X10956 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. Remove the top grille by removing the two screws that hold it in place. You may need to open the cabinet doors to remove the screws. Lift the filter at the bottom until it comes free of the tabs. Slide the filter down and out.

About the exhaust feature.

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 behind the tabs.

| 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. | |
| Power Saver (Energy Saver) button not engaged. | Push the Power Saver (Energy Saver) button so it is pressed in. | |
| 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 TIME COOK | Make sure you have entered cooking time after pressing TIME COOK. | |
| CANCEL/OFF was pressed accidentally. | Reset cooking program and press START/PAUSE. | |
| Food weight not entered after selecting AUTO DEFROST or 1 lb QUICK DEFROST. | Make sure you have entered food weight after selecting AUTO DEFROST or FAST DEFROST. | |
| Food type not entered after pressing AUTO COOK. | Make sure you have entered a food type. | |
| CONTROL 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 overn 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 maxiumum amount of time. | Use Time Cook to heat for more time |
Reference file: GE Profile PVM1970SR1SS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Additionally, the document applies to other GE - General Electric models: PVM1970, PNM1971