GE Microwave Oven JE1160 User Manual

GEAppliances.com  
Safety Information . . . . . . . . .2–6  
Owner’s Manual  
Operating Instructions  
JE1160  
Auto Features . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 13  
Microwave Terms . . . . . . . . . . . .18  
Other Features . . . . . . . . . . .17, 18  
Oven Features . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 8  
Power Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9  
Sensor Features . . . . . . . . . .13–16  
Time Features . . . . . . . . . . . .9–12  
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . .19  
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . .20  
Things That Are Normal . . . . . .20  
Consumer Support  
Consumer Support . . .Back Cover  
Product Registration . . . . . .21, 22  
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
Write the model and serial  
numbers here:  
Model # __________________  
Serial # __________________  
You can find them on a label  
inside the oven.  
164D3370P278 49-40348 05-03 JR  
 
GEAppliances.com  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.  
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.  
I Do not store this appliance outdoors. Do not use this  
product near water—for example, in a wet basement,  
near a swimming pool, near a sink, or in similar  
locations.  
I See door surface cleaning instructions in the Care and  
cleaning of the microwave oven section of this manual.  
I This appliance must only be serviced by qualified service  
personnel. Contact nearest authorized service facility for  
examination, repair, or adjustment.  
I This microwave oven is not approved or tested for  
marine use.  
I As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary  
I Keep power cord away from heated surfaces.  
I Do not immerse power cord or plug in water.  
when used by children.  
I Do not let power cord hang over edge of table or  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
counter.  
I To reduce the risk of fire in the oven cavity:  
Do not overcook food. Carefully attend appliance  
when 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. Do not leave  
paper products, cooking utensils, or food in the oven  
when not in use.  
If materials inside the oven ignite, keep the oven door  
closed, turn the oven off, and disconnect the power  
cord, or shut off power at the fuse or circuit breaker  
panel. If the door is opened, the fire may spread.  
Do not use Sensor Features twice in succession on the  
same food portion. If food is undercooked after the first  
countdown, use Time Cook for additional cooking time.  
WARNING!  
ARCING  
If you see arcing, press the CLEAR/OFF pad and correct the problem.  
Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. I Metal, such as twist-ties, poultry pins, or gold-  
Arcing is caused by:  
rimmed dishes, in the microwave.  
I Metal or foil touching the side of the oven.  
I Recycled paper towels containing small metal  
pieces being used in the microwave.  
I Foil not molded to food (upturned edges act  
like antennas).  
3
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.  
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.  
WARNING!  
FOODS  
I Do not pop popcorn in your microwave oven  
unless in a special microwave popcorn accessory  
or unless you use popcorn labeled for use in  
microwave ovens.  
I Avoid heating baby food in glass jars, even  
with the lid off. Make sure all infant food is  
thoroughly cooked. Stir food to distribute the  
heat evenly. Be careful to prevent scalding when  
warming formula. The container may feel cooler  
than the formula really is. Always test the formula  
before feeding the baby.  
I Some products such as whole eggs and sealed  
containers—for example, closed jars—are able  
to explode and should not be heated in this  
microwave oven. Such use of the microwave  
oven could result in injury.  
I Don’t defrost frozen beverages in narrow-necked  
bottles (especially carbonated beverages). Even  
if the container is opened, pressure can build up.  
This can cause the container to burst, possibly  
resulting in injury.  
I Do not boil eggs in a microwave oven. Pressure  
will build up inside egg yolk and will cause it to  
burst, possibly resulting in injury.  
I Hot foods and steam can cause burns. Be careful  
when opening any containers of hot food,  
including popcorn bags, cooking pouches, and  
boxes. To prevent possible injury, direct steam  
away from hands and face.  
I Operating the microwave with no food inside for  
more than a minute or two may cause damage to  
the oven and could start a fire. It increases the  
heat around the magnetron and can shorten the  
life of the oven.  
I Do not overcook potatoes. They could dehydrate  
I Foods with unbroken outer “skin” such as  
potatoes, hot dogs, sausages, tomatoes, apples,  
chicken livers and other giblets, and egg yolks  
should be pierced to allow steam to escape  
during cooking.  
and catch fire, causing damage to your oven.  
I Cook meat and poultry thoroughly—meat to at  
least an INTERNAL temperature of 160°F and  
poultry to at least an INTERNAL temperature  
of 180°F. Cooking to these temperatures usually  
protects against foodborne illness.  
I SUPERHEATED WATER  
Liquids, such as water, coffee or tea, are able to  
be overheated beyond the boiling point without  
appearing to be boiling. Visible bubbling or boiling  
when the container is removed from the microwave  
oven is not always present. THIS COULD RESULT  
IN VERY HOT LIQUIDS SUDDENLY BOILING OVER  
WHEN THE CONTAINER IS DISTURBED OR A  
SPOON OR OTHER UTENSIL IS INSERTED INTO  
THE LIQUID.  
To reduce the risk of injury to persons:  
Do not overheat the liquid.  
Stir the liquid both before and halfway through  
heating it.  
Do not use straight-sided containers with  
narrow necks.  
After heating, allow the container to stand in  
the microwave oven for a short time before  
removing the container.  
Use extreme care when inserting a spoon or  
other utensil into the container.  
4
 
GEAppliances.com  
MICROWAVE-SAFE COOKWARE  
Make sure all cookware used in your microwave  
oven is suitable for microwaving. Most glass  
casseroles, cooking dishes, measuring cups, custard  
cups, pottery, or china dinnerware which does not  
have metallic trim or glaze with a metallic sheen  
can be used. Some cookware is labeled “suitable  
for microwaving.”  
I Cookware may become hot because of heat  
transferred from the heated food. Pot holders  
may be needed to handle the cookware.  
I “Boilable” cooking pouches and tightly closed  
plastic bags should be slit, pierced, or vented as  
directed by package. If they are not, plastic could  
burst during or immediately after cooking,  
possibly resulting in injury. Also, plastic storage  
containers should be at least partially uncovered  
because they form a tight seal. When cooking  
with containers tightly covered with plastic wrap,  
remove covering carefully and direct steam away  
from hands and face.  
I If you are not sure if a dish is microwave-safe, use  
this test: Place in the oven both the dish you are  
testing and a glass measuring cup filled with  
1 cup of water—set the measuring cup either in  
or next to the dish. Microwave 30–45 seconds at  
high. If the dish heats, it should not be used for  
microwaving.  
I Use foil only as directed in this guide. TV dinners  
may be microwaved in foil trays less than 3/4  
high; remove the top foil cover and return the  
tray to the box. When using foil in the microwave  
oven, keep the foil at least 1 inch away from the  
sides of the oven.  
If the dish remains cool and only the water in  
the cup heats, then the dish is microwave-safe.  
I If you use a meat thermometer while cooking,  
make sure it is safe for use in microwave ovens.  
I Do not use recycled paper products. Recycled  
paper towels, napkins, and waxed paper can  
contain metal flecks which may cause arcing  
or ignite. Paper products containing nylon or  
nylon filaments should be avoided, as they may  
also ignite.  
I 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 cookware could ignite.  
I Some styrofoam trays (like those that meat is  
packaged on) have a thin strip of metal embedded  
in the bottom. When microwaved, the metal can  
burn the floor of the oven or ignite a paper towel.  
Follow these guidelines:  
Use microwave-safe plastics only and use  
I Do not use the microwave to dry newspapers.  
1
them in strict compliance with the cookware  
I
Not all plastic wrap is suitable for use in  
microwave ovens. Check the package for  
proper use.  
manufacturer’s recommendations.  
Do not microwave empty containers.  
2
I Paper towels, waxed paper, and plastic wrap  
can be used to cover dishes in order to retain  
moisture and prevent spattering. Be sure to  
vent plastic wrap so steam can escape.  
Do not permit children to use plastic  
cookware without complete supervision.  
3
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS  
Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric shock.  
WARNING  
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.  
If the outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet,  
it is your personal responsibility and obligation  
to have it replaced with a properly grounded  
3-prong wall outlet.  
This appliance is equipped with a power cord  
having a grounding wire with a grounding plug.  
The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is  
properly installed and grounded.  
Do not under any circumstances cut or remove  
the third (ground) prong from the power cord.  
We do not recommend using an extension cord  
with this appliance. If the power cord is too  
short, have a qualified electrician or service  
technician install an outlet near the appliance.  
(See EXTENSION CORDS section.)  
Consult a qualified electrician or service technician  
if the grounding instructions are not completely  
understood, or if doubt exists as to whether the  
appliance is properly grounded.  
For best operation, plug this appliance into its  
own electrical outlet to prevent flickering of lights,  
blowing of fuse, or tripping of circuit breaker.  
5
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.  
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.  
ADAPTER PLUGS  
Usage situations where appliance’s power cord will be disconnected infrequently.  
(Adapter plugs not  
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions,  
permitted in Canada)  
we strongly recommend against the use of an adapter plug.  
Align large  
However, if you still elect to use an adapter, where local codes  
prongs/slots  
permit, a TEMPORARY CONNECTION may be made to a properly  
grounded two-prong wall receptacle by the use of a UL listed adapter  
which is available at most local hardware stores.  
Ensure proper ground  
and firm connection  
before use.  
TEMPORARY  
METHOD  
The larger slot in the adapter must be aligned with the larger slot in  
the wall receptacle to provide proper polarity in the connection of  
the power cord.  
CAUTION: Attaching the adapter ground terminal to the wall receptacle cover screw does not ground  
the appliance unless the cover screw is metal, and not insulated, and the wall receptacle is grounded  
through the house wiring.  
You should have the circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the receptacle is properly  
grounded.  
When disconnecting the power cord from the adapter, always hold the adapter with one hand. If this  
is not done, the adapter ground terminal is very likely to break with repeated use. Should this happen,  
DO NOT USE the appliance until a proper ground has again been established.  
Usage situations where appliance’s power cord will be disconnected frequently.  
Do not use an adapter plug in these situations because frequent disconnection of the power cord places  
undue strain on the adapter and leads to eventual failure of the adapter ground terminal. You should  
have the 2-prong wall receptacle replaced with a 3-prong (grounding) receptacle by a qualified electrician  
before using the appliance.  
EXTENSION CORDS  
A short power supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping  
over a longer cord.  
Extension cords may be used if you are careful in using them.  
If an extension cord is used—  
The marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of  
the appliance;  
1
The extension cord must be a grounding-type 3-wire cord and it must be plugged into a 3-slot outlet;  
2
The extension cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where  
it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally.  
3
If you use an extension cord, the interior light may flicker and the blower sound may vary when the  
microwave oven is on. Cooking times may be longer, too.  
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
6
 
About the features of your microwave oven.  
GEAppliances.com  
Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.  
1100 Watts  
Features of the Oven  
Door Latches.  
Door Latch Release. Press latch release to  
open door.  
Window with Metal Shield. Screen allows  
cooking to be viewed while keeping  
microwaves confined in the oven.  
Removable Turntable. Turntable and support  
must be in place when using the oven. The  
turntable may be removed for cleaning.  
Convenience Guide.  
Removable Turntable Support. The turntable  
support must be in place when using the oven.  
Touch Control Panel Display.  
NOTE: Rating plate, oven vent(s), and oven light are located  
on the inside walls of the microwave oven.  
7
 
About the features of your microwave oven.  
You can microwave by time, with the sensor features or with the auto feature.  
Cooking Controls  
Check the Convenience Guide before you begin.  
Time Features  
Press  
Enter  
TIME COOK  
Press once or twice  
Amount of cooking time  
TIME DEFROST  
EXPRESS COOK  
POWER LEVEL  
MINUTE PLUS  
Amount of defrosting time  
Starts immediately!  
Power level 0 to HIGH  
Starts immediately!  
Sensor Features and Auto Features  
Press  
Enter  
Option  
POPCORN  
RICE  
REHEAT  
FISH FILLET  
BAKED POTATO  
FRESH VEGETABLES  
FROZEN VEGETABLES  
SOUP  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
Starts immediately!  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
more/less time  
FROZEN DINNER  
Press  
Enter  
AUTO DEFROST  
AUTO COOK  
Food type 1–4 and food weight  
Food type 1–5 and amount  
8
 
About changing the power level.  
GEAppliances.com  
The power level may be entered or  
changed before entering the time for  
Time Cook.  
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.  
Press TIME COOK. Press repeatedly to  
select desired power level 0 to HIGH  
1
.
Enter cooking time.  
2
3
Press START.  
Here are some examples of uses for various  
power levels:  
You can view the power level during  
cooking by pressing 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 which gives you 100% power.  
High power level 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.  
High: 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 time features.  
Time Cook  
Allows you to microwave for any time up to  
59 minutes and 99 seconds.  
Time Cook II  
Lets you change power levels automatically  
High power level is automatically set, but you during cooking. Here’s how to do it:  
may change it for more flexibility.  
Press TIME COOK.  
1
Press TIME COOK.  
1
Change the power level if you don’t  
want full power. (Press TIME COOK  
repeatedly to select a desired power  
level.)  
2
Change power level if you don’t want  
full power. (Press TIME COOK repeatedly  
to select a desired power level.)  
2
Enter cooking time.  
Enter the first cook time.  
3
3
4
5
Press START.  
Press TIME COOK again.  
4
Change the power level if you don’t  
want full power. (Press TIME COOK  
repeatedly to select a desired power  
level.)  
You may open the door during Time Cook  
to check the food. Close the door and press  
START to resume cooking.  
Enter the second cook time.  
6
7