Amana MW96T, ME96T, FE116T User Manual



Microwave Oven
Use and Care
Manual and
Cooking Guide

ME96T
MW96T
FE116T
FW116T

Attention: Keep these instructions for future reference.
If the oven changes ownership, be sure this manual
accompanies oven.

1

Model Identification 2
Important Safety Instructions 3

Electrical Requirements 6

Grounding Instructions 6
Power Supply Cord 6
Microwave Power 6

Radio Interference 6
Control Panel 7
Usage 8

Oven Light 8

Setting the Clock 8

Child Lock 8

One Touch Cook 8

Instant Cook 9

1, 2, or 3 Stage Cooking 10

Delay Start 10

Auto Accu-Thaw 11

Auto Reheat 12

Hold/Timer 12

Cooking Guide 13

Microwave Cooking Techniques 13
Effects of Food Characteristics
on Microwave Cooking 13
Heating Tips 14
Defrosting Tips 14
Browning Tips 14
Time Variations 14
Microwave Utensil Guide 15
Microwave Utensil Test 15
Heating or Reheating Guide 16
Defrosting Guide 17
Freezer to Table Frozen Foods Guide 19
Cooking Guide 19

Care and Cleaning 26

Interior, Exterior, and Door 26
Discharge Air Vents 26

Glass Tray 26
Before Calling For Service 26
Asure 28

Model Identification

Complete the enclosed registration card and promptly return card to Amana's Product
Registration department. If registration card is missing, call for consumer information at 1-800-843-0304. If
outside U.S.A. call 1-319-622-5511.

When contacting Amana, provide product information. Product information is located on the appliance
nameplate on the left interior oven wall. Record the following information:

Model Number:
Serial Number:
Manufacturing Number:
Date of purchase:
Dealer’s name and address:

Keep a copy of sales receipt for future reference or in case warranty service is required.
If something is operating incorrectly, read “Before Calling for Service” section on page 26. Any further questions

or to locate an authorized servicer, call 1-800-NAT-LSVC (1-800-628-5782). If outside U.S.A. call 1-319-622-

5511. Service must be performed by an Amana authorized servicer if service is required.

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Recognize this symbol as a SAFETY message

WARNING

WHEN USING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE
FOLLOWED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BURNS, ELECTRICAL SHOCK, FIRE, INJURY
TO PERSONS, OR EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY:

1. READ all instructions before using the
appliance.

2. READ AND FOLLOW the specific

“PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE
EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE
ENERGY” found on page 4.

3. This appliance MUST BE GROUNDED.
Connect only to properly grounded outlet. See
“GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS” on page 6.

4. Install or locate this appliance ONLY in
accordance with the provided installation
instructions.

5. Some products such as whole eggs and sealed
containers - for example, closed glass jars ­may explode and SHOULD NOT be HEATED
in this oven.

6. Use this appliance ONLY for its intended use
as described in this manual. Do not use
corrosive chemicals or vapors in this appliance.
This type of oven is specifically designed to
heat or cook. It is not designed for industrial or
laboratory use.

7. As with any appliance, CLOSE SUPERVISION
is necessary when used by CHILDREN.

8. DO NOT operate this appliance if it has a
damaged cord or plug, if it is not working
properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped.

9. This appliance should be serviced ONLY by
qualified service personnel. Contact nearest
authorized service facility for examination,
repair or adjustment.

10. DO NOT cover or block any openings on the
appliance.

11. DO NOT store this appliance outdoors. DO
NOT use this product near water- for example,
near a kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near
a swimming pool, and the like.

12. DO NOT immerse cord or plug in water.

13. Keep cord AWAY from HEATED surfaces.

14. DO NOT let cord hang over edge of table or
counter.

15. See door cleaning instructions on page 26.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE OVEN CAVITY:

a. DO NOT overcook food. Carefully attend appliance if paper, plastic, or other combustible materials are

placed inside the oven to facilitate cooking.
b. Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing bag in oven.
c. If materials inside the oven should ignite, keep oven door closed, turn 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!
d. DO NOT use the cavity for storage purposes. DO NOT leave paper products, cooking utensils, or food in

the cavity when not in use.
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE SERVICED ONLY BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. CONTACT YOUR
NEAREST AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITY FOR EXAMINATION, REPAIR OR ADJUSTMENT.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

3

PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID

POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE

MICROWAVE ENERGY

(a) DO NOT attempt to operate this oven with

the door open since open-door operation can
result in harmful exposure to microwave
energy. It is important not to defeat or tamper
with the safety interlocks.

(b) DO NOT place any object between the oven

front face and the door or allow soil or
cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing
surfaces.

Caution

To avoid personal injury or property damage,
observe the following:

1. Always press STOP/RESET before
programming oven.

2. Do not deep fat fry in oven. Fat could
overheat and be hazardous to handle.

3. Do not cook or reheat eggs in shell or with
an unbroken yolk. Pressure may buildup
and erupt. Pierce yolk with a fork or knife
before cooking. Do not reheat previously
cooked eggs in the microwave oven unless
finely chopped or scrambled.

4. Pierce skin of potatoes, tomatoes, or other
foods with a "skin" before cooking in
microwave oven. This allows steam to
escape during cooking.

5. Remove excess fat from meats and
poultry to prevent spattering.

6. Do not heat baby bottles in microwave oven.

7. Do not home can in microwave oven. Home
canning is generally done with metal lids.
Since metal lids reflect heat, product may
not be heated uniformly to 212°F or above.
Food could deteriorate. USDA extension
specialists do not recommend home canning
in microwave ovens.

(c) DO NOT operate the oven if it is damaged.

It is particularly important that the oven door
close properly and that there is no damage
to the: (1) Door (bent), (2) hinges and
latches (broken or loosened), (3) door seals
and sealing surfaces.

(d) The oven should NOT be adjusted or

repaired by anyone except properly
qualified service personnel.

8. Briskly stir or pour liquids before heating to
prevent spontaneous boiling or eruption. Do
not overheat. If air is not mixed into a liquid,
liquid can erupt in oven or after removal
from oven.

9. All uncooked foods should be heated to a
final internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Some foods require higher temperatures.
These recommended temperatures kill most
food borne, disease causing organisms.
Some common visual signs that indicate the
cooking temperature has been reached:

• Food steams throughout, not just around
edges.

• Center bottom of dish is very hot to the
touch.

10. If using a microwave popcorn popper, use
according to manufacturer's instructions. Do
not continue to heat after popping has
stopped. Popcorn will scorch or burn. Do
not leave oven unattended.

11. Use only popcorn in packages designed and
labeled for microwave use. Pop according
to package directions, beginning with the
minimum amount of time recommended.
Use caution when handling hot popcorn
bag.

4

12. Microwave convenience foods are often
packaged in specially designed packaging.
Special plates, lids, containers, or other
unique packaging materials may be used.
Susceptor packing material (a thin,
metalized plastic film) is frequently used to
help brown and crisp foods such as
microwave pizzas, French fries, or fish
sticks. Be sure to follow food package
instructions carefully. Contact convenience
food manufacturer with questions
concerning these products. Amana
Refrigeration, Inc., does not endorse
any brand of microwave convenience foods,
or any type of microwave food packaging.

13. Do not operate microwave oven empty.
This could damage the oven.

14. Do not use regular cooking thermometers in
oven. Most cooking thermometers contain
mercury and may cause “arcing”,
malfunction, and/or damage to oven.

15. Do not heat sealed containers in oven.
Containers with restricted openings such as
syrup bottles or baby food jars must not be
used for cooking. Food or liquid could
expand quickly and cause container or bag
to break. Pierce or open container or bag
before heating.

16. Metal or ceramic accessories which are
designed to absorb microwave energy to
provide heat may be used with caution. Test
device before use (See "Microwave Utensil
Test" on page 15). Read and follow
manufacturer's instructions provided with the
accessory. Contact accessory manufacturer
with questions concerning these
accessories. Amana Refrigeration, Inc.,
does not endorse any brand of accessory.

17. Never use newspapers in oven since paper
may ignite.

18. Pierce or open plastic bags (and other
airtight containers) before heating in
microwave oven. This allows steam to
escape during cooking.

19. Containers may become hot and pot
holders may be needed.

20. Closely supervise any use by children.
Make sure they can read instructions and
reach controls. Never allow them to lean or
swing on oven door.

5

Electrical Requirements

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

DO NOT UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CUT OR
REMOVE THE ROUND
GROUNDING PRONG FROM THE
PLUG OR BEND THE POWER
PRONGS TO FIT A RECEPTACLE
OTHER THAN THE ONE SHOWN
FOR YOUR OVEN. SUCH ABUSE
OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN
ELECTRICAL SHOCKS OR
OVERHEATING.

120V-15AMP

WARNING - IMPROPER USE OF THE GROUNDING

PLUG CAN RESULT IN A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR
DEATH.

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 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
use a two-prong adapter.

Consult a qualified electrician or serviceman if the grounding
instructions are not completely understood, or if doubt exists
as to whether the appliance is properly grounded.

Do not use an extension cord. If the product power cord is
too short, have a qualified electrician install a three-slot
receptacle. This oven should be plugged into a separate 60
hertz circuit with the electrical rating as shown in the drawing
at left. When a microwave oven is on a circuit with other
appliances, an increase in cooking times may be required
and fuses can be blown.

Power Supply Cord

• A short power supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping

over a longer cord.

Microwave Power

Models ME96T and MW96T deliver 800 watts and models FE116T and FW116T deliver 900 watts of
microwave cooking power to the oven cavity.

Radio Interference

Microwave oven operation may cause interference to radio, TV, or similar equipment. To reduce or eliminate
interference:

• Clean door and sealing surfaces of oven. See "Care and Cleaning" instructions on page 26.

• Place radio, TV, etc. away from oven.

• Use properly installed antenna on radio, TV, etc. to obtain stronger signal reception.

6

Control Panel

Readout Display--Normally displays time of day.

Displays remaining time when cooking by time or
using timer.

ONE TOUCH COOK/ONE MINUTE +--Operates
oven for one minute increments on high power.
Convenient one press programming.

INSTANT COOK--Use to cook commonly
microwaved items: POPCORN, BEVERAGE,
FROZEN DINNER, PIZZA, POTATO, and BACON
pads.

AUTO REHEAT/SELECT--Use during Auto Reheat
to select food item.

AUTO ACCU-THAW/ACCU-THAW--Defrost meat,
poultry, or fish by weight.

TIME COOK--Programs up to 99 minutes and 99
seconds cycle time.

COOKMATIC LEVEL--Programs cooking power
levels.

CLOCK--Sets time of day.
DELAY START--Programs oven to start at desired

time of day.
HOLD/TIMER--

• Use as a separate timer with no microwave

cooking power.

• Use in connection with defrosting and cooking.

After defrosting, holds food with oven off for
predetermined time after which oven turns on
again to cook.

STOP/RESET--Stops oven operation. Also cancels
programming.

• Erases mistakes during programming

• Cancels minute timer

• Stops oven temporarily during cooking. Touch

twice to cancel programming.

Numbers--Press in same order as would write them.
Use to enter heating times, power levels and
weights. Also used in Auto Accu-Thaw
programming.

START--Starts oven operation.
Note: When Cookmatic Level is set on other than

full power, intensity of oven light may vary. This is
normal and indicates oven is operating correctly.

7

Usage

Oven Light

Oven light comes on when door is opened and also
when oven is operating. If oven light burns out, it
must be changed by authorized servicer.

Setting the Clock

1. Press CLOCK/DELAY START.

2. Enter time of day by pressing numbers in
sequence. For example, 10:35 (a.m. or p.m.)
press number pads 1,0,3,5.

3. Press CLOCK/DELAY START again. Clock
is set. If oven power is interrupted all
programming instructions erase. Reset clock
as indicated above.

Child Lock

When in the child lock mode, touch pads are
disabled and microwave activity cannot take place.

To Lock:

1. Press STOP/RESET.

2. Press and hold 5 and 7 at same time until L
indicator lights up in the upper right corner of
display. The child lock is now on.

To Unlock:

1. Press and hold 5 and 7 at same time until L
indicator disappears. Child lock is now off.

One Touch Cook

1. Press ONE MINUTE+. To increase time by one
minute intervals, touch ONE MINUTE+
repeatedly. POWER, TIME, and COOK
indicators light up. Selected cooking time
displays. Oven starts automatically and cooks at
full power for time selected. Cooking time counts
down in display.

2. When cooking cycle is complete, signal sounds
and "END" displays. Remove food from oven.

8

Instant Cook

Press one of the instant cook pads.

1. Press desired instant cook pad appropriate
number of times. (See chart below.) Oven starts
2 seconds after last pad press. Total cooking

time counts down in display.

2. When cooking cycle is complete, signal sounds
and "END" displays. Remove food from oven.

Instant

Cook Pad

POPCORN

BEVERAGE

FROZEN
DINNER

PIZZA
(1/12 of 15"
pizza or 1/8
of 12" pizza
each slice)

Number of times

to press pad

1
2
3

4

1
2
1
2
1
2
3
4

Size or Amount of
Food or Beverage

Regular 3.5 oz. Use one bag of microwave popcorn.
Light 3.0-3.5 oz.
Single 1.75 oz.
Light Single

1.5-1.75 oz.
3-4 oz. Start with room temperature beverage. Stir

beverage before serving.

6-8 oz.
7-10 oz. Follow box instruction for covering dinner and

standing time.

10-12 oz.
1 slice Place cold slice on microwave safe plate.
2 slices
3 slices
4 slices

Remarks

POTATO
(6-8 oz.
each)

BACON

1
2
3

1
2

1 potato Wash potatoes and prick with fork. Place on
2 potatoes
3-4 potatoes
2 slices Arrange bacon slices on a plastic rack, in a utility

4 slices

turntable in spokelike arrangement. Turn
potato(es) over when signal sounds. Let stand
2-3 minutes after cooking.

dish or on several microwave safe paper towels.
Cover with microwave safe paper towel.

9