GE 49-8697 manual

2 Important Safety Information Precautions to Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy ......................2 Special Notes About Microwaving ......................6 11 Operating Instructions Features of Y our Microwave ...............................11 The Controls on Y our Microwave .......................12 T ime Cooking ..........[...]

For Y our Safety 2 PRECAUTIONS TO A VOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROW A VE ENERGY For your safety the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property damage, personal injury or loss of life. Do Not Attempt to operate this oven with the door open since open-door operation can resu[...]

Welcome to the GE family. We’re proud of our quality products and we believe in dependable service. You’ll see it in this easy-to-use manual and you’ll hear it in the friendly voices of our customer service department. Best of all, you’ll experience these values each time you use your microwave. That’s important, because your new microwav[...]

4 W arning T o reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, injury to persons, or exposure to excessive microwave energy when using your appliance, follow basic pre- cautions, including the following sections. • Read and follow the specific “Precautions to Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy.” • This appliance must be ground- [...]

• To reduce the risk of fire in the oven cavity: — Do not overcook food. Carefully attend appliance if paper, plastic or other combustible materials are placed inside the oven while cooking. — Remove wire twist-ties and metal handles from paper or plastic containers before placing them in the oven. — Do not use the oven for storage purposes[...]

6 Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by: • The temperature probe in the microwave but not inserted in the food. • The metal shelf not installed cor- rectly so it touches the microwave wall. • Metal or foil touching the side of the oven. • Foil not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas). • Meta[...]

7 • Spontaneous boiling—Under cer- tain special circumstances, liquids may start to boil during or shortly after removal from the microwave oven. To prevent burns from splashing liquid, we recommend the following: before removing the container from the oven, allow the container to stand in the oven for 30 to 40 seconds after the oven has shut o[...]

8 Make sure all cookware used in your microwave oven is suitable for microwaving. Most glass casseroles, cooking dishes, measuring cups, cus- tard cups, pottery or china dinner- ware which does not have metallic trim or glaze with a metallic sheen can be used. Some cookware is labeled “suitable for microwaving.” • If you are not sure if a dis[...]

9 • Plastic cookware—Plastic cookware designed for microwave cooking is very useful, but should be used carefully. Even microwave-safe plastic may not be as tolerant of overcooking conditions as are glass or ceramic materials and may soften or char if subjected to short periods of overcooking. In longer exposures to overcooking, the food and co[...]

10 DP This appliance must be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing an escape wire for the electric current. This appliance is equipped with a power cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an out- let that is properly installed and gr[...]

1 T emperature Probe. Use with Temp Cook and Roast functions only. 2 Shelf. Lets you microwave several foods at once. Food microwaves best when placed directly on the turntable. 3 Door Handle . Pull to open the door. The door must be securely latched for the microwave to operate. 4 Door Latches. 5 Window with Metal Shield. Screen allows cooking to [...]

12 1 EXPRESS COOK 4 EXPRESS COOK 5 EXPRESS COOK 6 EXPRESS COOK 3 EXPRESS COOK 2 EXPRESS COOK Press Enter MICRO COOK I & II Amount of (Press once or twice) Cooking T ime DEFROST AUTO/TIME Amount of (Press twice) Defrosting T ime EXPRESS COOK Starts immediately! ADD 30 SEC Starts immediately! POWER LEVEL Power Level 1–10 DEFRO[...]

13 HELP Press this pad and any feature pad for usage instructions and tips. DISPLA Y F ollow the instructions displayed. GUIDE ON MICROWA VE Before you begin, check the guide located on the inside front of the ov en when you open the door . REHEA T POPCORN FRESH VEG CANNED VEG FROZEN VEG GROUND MEA TS FISH FILLETS CHICKEN PIECES B[...]

14 Variable power levels add flexibility to your microwave cooking. The pow- er levels on your microwave oven can be compared to the surface units on a range. High (Power Level 10) or full power is the fastest way to cook and gives you 100% power. Each power level gives you microwave energy a certain percent of the time. Power Level 7 is microwave [...]

15 Micro Cook I Allows you to microwave for any time up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. Power Level 10 (High) is automati- cally set, but you may change it for more flexibility. You may open the door during Micro Cook to check the food. Close the door and press START to resume cooking. Micro Cook II Lets you change power levels auto- matically during[...]

16 Asparagus (fresh spears) 1 lb. 7 to 9 min., In 1 1 ⁄ 2 -qt. oblong glass baking dish, Med-High (7) place 1/4 cup water. (frozen spears) 10-oz. package 5 to 7 min. In 1-qt. casserole. Beans (fresh green) 1 lb. cut in half 10 to 12 min. In 1 1 ⁄ 2 -qt. casserole, place 1/2 cup water. (frozen green) 10-oz. package 6 to 8 min. In 1-qt. casserole[...]

Corn (frozen kernel) 10-oz. package 5 to 7 min. In 1-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons water. Corn on the cob (fresh) 1 to 5 ears 3 to 4 min. In 2-qt. oblong glass baking dish, place per ear corn. If corn is in husk, use no water; if corn has been husked, add 1/4 cup water. Rearrange after half of time. (Turntable should be turned off.) (frozen) 1[...]

18 Allows you to defrost for the length of time you select. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested times. Power Level 3 is automatically set, but you may change this for more flexibility. You may defrost small items more quickly by raising the power level after entering the time. However, they will need more fre- quent attention than usual. Power L[...]

Breads, Cakes Bread, buns or rolls (1 piece) 1 min. Sweet Rolls (approx. 12 oz.) 3 to 5 min. Fish and Seafood Fillets, frozen (1 lb.) 7 to 9 min. Shellfish, small pieces (1 lb.) 5 to 7 min. Place block in casserole. Turn over and break up after half the time. Fruit Plastic pouch —1 to 2 3 to 6 min. (10-oz. package) Meat Bacon (1 lb.) 3 to 5 min. [...]

20 This is a quick way to set cooking time for 1–6 minutes. Press one of the Express Cook pads (from 1 to 6) for 1 to 6 minutes of cooking at Power Level 10. For example, press the 2 pad for 2 minutes of cooking time. The power level can be changed as time is counting down. Press POWER LEVEL and enter 1–10. Express Cook 1 EXPRESS COOK 4 E[...]

21 The Defrost Auto/Time feature gives you two ways to defrost frozen foods. Press DEFROST AUTO/TIME once for Auto Defrost or twice for Time Defrost. Use Auto Defrost for meat, poultry and fish. Use Time Defrost for most other frozen foods. Auto Defrost automatically sets the defrosting times and power levels to give even defrosting results for mea[...]

22 Cooking with the probe allows you to heat to a certain internal tem- perature. This is the best way to cook many foods. Three Ways to Use the T emp Cook/Roast Feature 1 Y ou set the temperature you want. Press TEMP COOK/ROAST once. This is good for foods such as soups, casseroles, sandwiches and beverages. 2 T emperature is automatically selecte[...]

23 How to Use the Probe and Set the T emperature Y ourself 1 Insert the temperature probe in the center of a casserole and attach it securely in the oven wall. 2 Press TEMP COOK/ROAST once. 3 Enter the desired food temperature. 4 Change power level if you don’t want full power. (Press POWER LEVEL. Select a power level 1–10.) 5 Press START. 6 Wh[...]

24 Operating Instructions Temperature Features How to Use the Probe with the Roast Settings For the two Roast settings, the probe temperature is preprogrammed. The microwave signals when the temperature is reached. Food will be held at this temperature for 60 minutes. The oven beeps when hold time is complete. Preparing Meats for Roasting • Place[...]

25 How to Use the Probe to Simmer The Simmer feature heats food to 180°F. and holds it at that temper- ature up to 12 hours or until you remove it and press CLEAR/OFF. 1 Insert the temperature probe into the food, resting it on the side of the dish. Attach it securely in the oven wall. 2 Press TEMP COOK/ROAST 4 times to select Simmer. 3 Press STAR[...]

26 Operating Instructions Sensor Features • The Auto/Sensor Controls use a gas/humidity sensor that detects the increasing humidity created during the heating process. By using this process, the oven auto- matically adjusts the heating or cooking time to various types and amounts of food. • The proper containers and covering are essential for b[...]

27 Use only with prepackaged microwave popcorn weighing 1.75 to 3.5 ounces. 1 Follow package instructions. 2 Place the package of popcorn in the center of the microwave. 3 Press POPCORN. The oven starts immediately. If you open the door while “POP- CORN” is displayed, “SENSOR ERROR” will appear. Close the door, press CLEAR/OFF and begin aga[...]

28 Operating Instructions Sensor Features For reheating single servings of pre- viously cooked foods or a plate of leftovers. 1 Place covered food in the oven. Press REHEAT. The oven starts immediately. 2 The oven signals when steam is sensed and the time remaining begins counting down. Do not open the oven door until time is counting down. If the [...]

29 Canned V egetables, Frozen V egetables, Fresh V egetables, Potatoes, Fish Fillets, Chicken Pieces, Ground Meats The Sensor Cooking pads give you easy, automatic results with a vari- ety of foods. (See the Cooking Guide below.) 1 Place covered food in the oven. Press the food pad. The oven starts immediately. 2 The oven signals when steam is sens[...]

30 Press to enter the time of day or to check the time of day while microwaving. 1 Press CLOCK. 2 Enter time of day. 3 Select AM/PM. 4 Press START. Clock CLOCK 1 EXPRESS COOK 4 EXPRESS COOK 7 5 EXPRESS COOK 6 EXPRESS COOK 89 3 EXPRESS COOK 2 EXPRESS COOK 0 DISPLAY ON/OFF SCROLL SPEED AM/PM To remind you that you have food in the o[...]

The Reminder feature can be used like an alarm clock and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating. The reminder time can be set up to 24 hours later. 1 Press REMINDER. 2 Enter the time you want the oven to remind you. (Be sure the microwave clock shows the cor- rect time of day.) 3 Select AM or PM. 4 Press REMINDER. To turn off the [...]

32 The Vent Fan removes steam and other vapors from surface cooking. Press VENT FAN once for High fan speed, twice for Low fan speed or a third time to turn the fan off. V ent Fan VENT FAN HI-LO-OFF You may lock the control panel to prevent the microwave from being accidentally started or used by children. To lock or unlock the controls, press a[...]

Press SURFACE LIGHT once for bright light, twice for the night light or three times to turn the light off. Surface Light SURF ACE LIGHT BRIGHT -NIGHT -OFF An automatic fan feature protects the microwave from too much heat rising from the cooktop below it. It automatically turns on at low speed if it senses too much heat. If you have turned the f[...]

34 Food microwaves best when placed on the turntable or on the shelf in the lower position. For best cooking results, remove the shelf unless you are cooking on two levels. • Make sure the shelf is positioned properly inside the microwave to prevent damage to the oven from arcing. • Do not use a microwave brown- ing dish on the shelf. The shelf[...]

35 The lower position provides a flat surface for placing dishes that may tilt if placed on the turntable. The lower position also allows you to place 2 dishes side-by-side. This is helpful for casseroles or other cookware that may be too tall to cook on 2 levels. The upper position gives you the option to reheat or cook more than one dish of food [...]

Arcing Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by: • the temperature probe staying in the oven but not inserted in the food. • the metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching the microwave walls. • metal or foil touching the side of the oven. • foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like a[...]

37 Opening the oven door a few min- utes after cooking helps air out the inside. An occasional thorough wiping with a solution of baking soda and water keeps the inside fresh. BE CERT AIN POWER IS OFF BEFORE CLEANING ANY P ART OF THIS OVEN. Helpful Hints Walls, Floor , Inside Window , Metal and Plastic Parts on the Door . Some spatters can be remov[...]

38 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 and Door . Wipe with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly. Do not use cleaning sprays, large amounts of soap and water, abra- sives or sharp objects on the panel— they can damage it. Some paper towels can also scratch[...]

39 To replace the bulb(s), first discon- nect the power at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or pull the plug. Remove the screw at the front of the light cover and lower the cover. Be sure the bulb(s) to be replaced are cool before removing. After breaking the adhesive seal, remove the bulb by gently turning. Replace with 40-watt tubular bulbs[...]

40 The vent fan has 2 metal reusable grease filters. Models that recirculate air back into the room also use a charcoal filter. The V ent Fan CHARCOAL FIL TER (on some models) REUSABLE GREASE FIL TERS (on all models) To remove, slide it to the rear using the tab. Pull it down and out. T o Remove Grease Filter The metal filters trap grease released [...]

To clean the grease filter, soak it and then swish it 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 it dry before replacing. To replace, slide the filter in the frame slot on the back of the opening. Pull up and [...]

42 Problem Possible Causes What to Do Oven Will Not Come On The cooktop light is located • This is normal. below the ov en floor. When the light is on, the heat it produces may make the ov en floor get warm. Floor of Oven is Warm, Even When the Oven Has Not Been Used Probe has been forgotten or • Insert the probe properly into the wall not inse[...]

Problem Possible Causes What to Do • Steam or vapor escaping from around the door. • Light reflection around door or outer case. • Dimming oven light and change in blower sound may occur while operating at power levels other than high. • Dull thumping sound while oven is operating. • Some TV-radio interference might be noticed while using[...]

44 Notes[...]

Notes 45[...]

46 800.626.2000 GE Service Numbers We’ll be there! Whatever your question about any GE major appliance, GE Answer Center ® information service is available to help. Your call—and your question—will be answered promptly and courteously. And you can call any time. GE Answer Center ® service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GE Answer Cen[...]

We’re proud of our service and want you to be pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the service you receive, here are three steps to follow for further help. First, contact the people who ser- viced your appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most cases, this will solve the problem. Next, if you are still not pleased, write a[...]

FULL ONE- YEAR W ARRANT Y For one year from date of original pur- chase, we will provide, free of charge, parts and service labor in your home to repair or replace any part of the microwave oven that fails because of a manufacturing defect. LIMITED ADDITIONAL NINE- YEAR W ARRANT Y For the second through the tenth year from the date of original purc[...]