GE R-508F, R-404F User Manual

MICROWAVE OVEN
OPERATION MANUAL

R-508F/R-501F/R-404F/R-401F

CONTENTS

• For Customer Assistance

................. Inside Front Cover

• Precautions to Avoid Possible
Exposure to Excessive

Microwave Energy .................. Inside Front Cover

• Consumer Limited Warranty ....................... 1

• Product Information Card ........................... 1

• Important Safety Instructions..................... 2

• Unpacking and Installation Instructions ... 3

• Grounding Instructions............................... 3

• Information You Need to Know .................. 4-6

• Part Names ................................................... 7-8

• Before Operating ......................................... 9

• Manual Operation ........................................ 10

• Special Features .......................................... 11-15

• Other Convenient Features......................... 16-17

• Cleaning & Care ........................................... 17

• Service Call Check ...................................... 18

• Specifications .............................................. 18

• THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY ..................... 19

• Cookbook Order Form ................................ 19

• Notes............................................................. 20

• Guia Auto-Touch .......................................... 21

•Auto-Touch Guide................................. Back Cover

®

MODELS

Followed by letter indicating color

K=black, W=white, S=stainless steel

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE OVEN.

FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE

To aid in reporting this microwave oven in case of loss or theft, please record below the model number and serial
number located on the unit. We also suggest you record all the information listed and retain for future reference.

MODEL NUMBER ________________________ SERIAL NUMBER ______________
DATE OF PURCHASE ______________________
DEALER ____________________________ TELEPHONE ________________
SERVICER ___________________________ TELEPHONE ________________

TO PHONE:

DIAL 1-800-BE-SHARP ( 237-4277 ) for :

SERVICE (for your nearest Sharp Authorized Servicer)
PARTS (for your authorized parts distributor)
ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER INFORMATION

DIAL 1-800-642-2122 for :

ACCESSORIES and COOKBOOK

TO WRITE:

Sharp Electronics Corporation
Customer Assistance Center
1300 Naperville Drive
Romeoville, IL 60446-1091

TO ACCESS INTERNET :

Please provide the following information when you write or call: model number, serial number, date of purchase,
your complete mailing address (including zip code), your daytime telephone number (including area code) and
description of the problem.

www.sharp-usa.com

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.

(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.

CONSUMER LIMITED WARRANTY

SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants to the first consumer purchaser that this Sharp brand
product (the “Product”), when shipped in its original container, will be free from defective workmanship and
materials, and agrees that it will, at its option, either repair the defect or replace the defective Product or part
thereof with a new or remanufactured equivalent at no charge to the purchaser for parts or labor for the
period(s) set forth below.

This warranty does not apply to any appearance items of the Product nor to the additional excluded item(s)
set forth below nor to any Product the exterior of which has been damaged or defaced, which has been
subjected to improper voltage or other misuse, abnormal service or handling, or which has been altered or
modified in design or construction.

In order to enforce the rights under this limited warranty, the purchaser should follow the steps set forth
below and provide proof of purchase to the servicer.

The limited warranty described herein is in addition to whatever implied warranties may be granted
to purchasers by law. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE ARE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD(S) FROM THE DATE
OF PURCHASE SET FORTH BELOW. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

Neither the sales personnel of the seller nor any other person is authorized to make any warranties other
than those described herein, or to extend the duration of any warranties beyond the time period described
herein on behalf of Sharp.

The warranties described herein shall be the sole and exclusive warranties granted by Sharp and shall
be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the purchaser. Correction of defects, in the manner and for
the period of time described herein, shall constitute complete fulfillment of all liabilities and responsibilities
of Sharp to the purchaser with respect to the Product, and shall constitute full satisfaction of all claims,
whether based on contract, negligence, strict liability or otherwise. In no event shall Sharp be liable, or in any
way responsible, for any damages or defects in the Product which were caused by repairs or attempted
repairs performed by anyone other than an authorized servicer. Nor shall Sharp be liable or in any way
responsible for any incidental or consequential economic or property damage. Some states do not allow the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

Your Product Model Number
& Description:

Warranty Period for this Product:

Additional Item(s) Excluded from
Warranty Coverage (if any):

Where to Obtain Service:

What to do to Obtain Service:

TO OBTAIN SUPPLY, ACCESSORY OR PRODUCT INFORMATION, CALL 1-800-BE-SHARP OR VISIT www.sharp-usa.com.

SAVE THE PROOF OF PURCHASE AS IT IS NEEDED SHOULD YOUR OVEN EVER REQUIRE WARRANTY SERVICE.

R-508F, R-501F, R-404F or R-401F Home Use Carousel Microwave
Oven. (Be sure to have this information available when you need
service for your Product.)

One (1) year parts and labor. The warranty period continues for an
additional four (4) years, for a total of five (5) years, with respect to the
magnetron tube in the Product for parts only; labor and service are not
provided free of charge for this additional period.

Non-functional accessories, turntable and light bulb.
From a Sharp Authorized Servicer located In the United States. To

find the location of the nearest Sharp Authorized Servicer, call Sharp
toll free at 1-800-BE-SHARP (1-800-237-4277).

Ship prepaid or carry in your Product to a Sharp Authorized Servicer.
Be sure to have Proof of Purchase available. If you ship the Product,
be sure it is insured and packaged securely.

PRODUCT INFORMATION CARD

The Product information card should be completed within ten days of purchase and returned. It is necessary to write
the model and serial numbers, found on the nameplate in the oven cavity, on the product information card. We will
keep it on file and help you access the information in case of loss, damage or theft. This will also enable us to
contact you in the unlikely event that any adjustments or modifications are ever required for your oven.

1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using electrical appliances basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:

WARNING -

To reduce the risk of burns, electric 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” on inside front cover.

3. This appliance must be grounded. Connect only
to properly grounded outlet. See “GROUNDING
INSTRUCTIONS” on page 3.

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—are
able to 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, cook or
dry food. 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
Sharp Authorized Servicer for examination, repair
or adjustment.

10. Do not cover or block any openings on the
appliance.

11. Do not store or use this appliance outdoors. Do
not use this product near water—for example, near
a kitchen sink, in a wet basement, near a swimming
pool, or similar locations.

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 surface cleaning instructions on page 17.

16. To reduce the risk of fire in the oven cavity:

a. Do not overcook food. Carefully attend to

appliance when 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 ignite, keep

oven door closed, turn oven off and
disconnect the power cord or shut off power
at the fuse or circuit breaker panel.

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.

17. 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 A SPOON
OR OTHER UTENSIL IS INSERTED INTO THE
LIQUID.

To reduce the risk of injury to persons:
a. Do not overheat the liquid.
b. Stir the liquid both before and halfway through

heating it.

c. Do not use straight-sided containers with

narrow necks. Use a wide-mouthed container

d. After heating, allow the container to stand in

the microwave oven at least for 20 seconds
before removing the container.

e. Use extreme care when inserting a spoon or

other utensil into the container.

18. If the oven is installed as a built-in, observe the
following instructions:

a. Do not operate any heating or cooking

appliance beneath this appliance.

b. Do not mount unit over or near any portion of

a heating or cooking appliance.
c. Do not mount over a sink.
d. Do not store anything directly on top of the

appliance surface when the appliance is in

operation.

19. If the oven light fails, consult a SHARP
AUTHORIZED SERVICER.

.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

2

UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unpacking and Examining Your Oven

Remove:

1. all packing materials from inside the oven cavity;
however, DO NOT REMOVE THE WAVEGUIDE
COVER, which is located on the right cavity wall.

Read enclosures and SAVE
the Operation Manual.

2. the feature sticker, if there
is one, from the outside of the
door.

Check the oven for any dam­age, such as misaligned or
bent door, damaged door

seals and sealing surfaces,
broken or loose door hinges and latches and dents in­side the cavity or on the door. If there is any damage,
do not operate the oven and contact your dealer or
SHARP AUTHORIZED SERVICER.

Choosing a Location for Your Oven

You will use the oven frequently so plan its location for
ease of use. It's wise, if possible, to have counter space
on at least one side of the oven. Allow at least 2 inches

on the sides, top and at the rear of the oven for air
circulation. Do not place or install the oven in any area
where heat and steam are generated; for example, next
to or above a conventional gas or electric range or above
a conventional wall oven. Heat and steam may damage
the electronics or the mechanical parts of the oven.

Built-in Kit

Your oven can be built into a cabinet or wall—not
near or above a heat source—using Sharp’s black
Built-in Kit RK-51(27") or RK-51K30 (30") for the
R-501FK, the white RK-51W(27") or RK-51W30 (30")
for the R-501FW; the stainless steel RK-51S27 (27")
or RK-51S30 (30") for the R-508FS; the black
RK-46K for the R-404FK; RK-42 for R-401FK and
RK-42W for the R-401FW. If your dealer does not
stock the kit, it can be ordered directly from the Sharp
Accessories and Supplies Center. Have your credit
card number available and call toll-free: 1-800-642-2122
for ordering the kit to be sent to your address.

The kit includes ducts, finish trim strips and easy­to-follow instructions for installation as well as the
location of the power supply .

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This appliance must be grounded. This oven is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug.
It must be plugged into a wall receptacle that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with the National
Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces risk of
electric shock by providing an escape wire for the electric current.

WARNING – Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric shock.

Electrical Requirements

The electrical requirements are a 120 volt 60 Hz, AC only, 15 amp. or more
protected electrical supply. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only
this appliance be provided.

The oven is equipped with a 3-prong grounding plug. It must be plugged into a
wall receptacle that is properly installed and grounded. Should you only have a
2-prong outlet, have a qualified electrician install a correct wall receptacle.

A 3-prong adapter may be purchased and used temporarily if local codes allow.
Follow package directions.

A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risk of becoming entangled in or
tripping over a longer cord.

Extension Cord

If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a 3-wire extension cord that
has a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot receptacle that will accept the plug on
the microwave oven. The marked rating of the extension cord should be AC 115­120 volt, 15 amp. or more.

Be careful not to drape the cord over the countertop or table where it can be pulled
on by children or tripped over accidentally.

Notes:

1.If you have any questions about the grounding or electrical instructions, consult
a qualified electrician or service person.

2.Neither Sharp nor the dealer can accept any liability for damage to the oven or
personal injury resulting from failure to observe the correct electrical connection procedures.

Radio or TV Interference

Should there be any interference caused by the microwave oven to your radio or TV, check that the microwave oven
is on a different electrical circuit, relocate the radio or TV as far away from the oven as feasible or check position and
signal of receiving antenna.

3

INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT YOUR OVEN

This Operation Manual is valuable: read it carefully
and always save it for reference.

A good microwave cookbook is a valuable asset.
Check it for microwave cooking principles, techniques,
hints and recipes. See page 19 for ordering the Ultimate
Accessory, the SHARP CAROUSEL MICROWAVE
COOKBOOK.

NEVER use the oven without the turntable and support

nor turn the turntable over so that a large dish could
be placed in the oven. The turntable will turn both
clockwise and counterclockwise.

ALWAYS have food in the oven when it is on to absorb

the microwave energy.
When using the oven at power levels below 100%, you

may hear the magnetron cycling on and off. It is normal

ABOUT FOOD

FOOD

Eggs, sausages,
nuts, seeds,
fruits &
vegetables

• Puncture egg yolks before cooking
to prevent “explosion”.

• Pierce skins of potatoes, apples,
squash, hot dogs and sausages so
that steam escapes.

DO

for the exterior of the oven to be warm to the touch
when cooking or reheating.

Condensation is a normal part of microwave cooking.
Room humidity and the moisture in food will influence
the amount of moisture that condenses in the oven.
Generally, covered foods will not cause as much
condensation as uncovered ones. Vents on the oven
back must not be blocked.

The oven is for food preparation only. It should not be
used to dry clothes or newspapers.

Your oven is rated 1200 watts (R-508F) or 1000 watts
(R-501F, R-404F, R-401F) by using the IEC Test
Procedure. In using recipes or package directions,
check food a minute or two before the minimum time
and add time accordingly.

DON’T

• Cook eggs in shells.

• Reheat whole eggs.

• Dry nuts or seeds in shells.

Popcorn

Baby food

General

• Use specially bagged popcorn for the
microwave oven.

• Listen while popping corn for the
popping to slow to 1 or 2 seconds or
use special POPCORN pad.

•Transfer baby food to small dish and
heat carefully, stirring often. Check
temperature before serving.

• Put nipples on bottles after heating
and shake thoroughly. “Wrist” test
before feeding.

• Cut baked goods with filling after
heating to release steam and avoid
burns.

• Stir liquids briskly before and after
heating to avoid “eruption”.

• Use deep bowl, when cooking liquids
or cereals, to prevent boilovers.

4

• Pop popcorn in regular brown bags
or glass bowls.

• Exceed maximum time on popcorn
package.

• Heat disposable bottles.

• Heat bottles with nipples on.

• Heat baby food in original jars.

• Heat or cook in closed glass jars or
air tight containers.

• Can in the microwave as harmful
bacteria may not be destroyed.

• Deep fat fry.

• Dry wood, gourds, herbs or wet papers.

INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT UTENSILS AND COVERINGS

It is not necessary to buy all new cookware. Many
pieces already in your kitchen can be used success­fully in your new microwave oven. Make sure the
utensil does not touch the interior walls during cooking.

Use these utensils for safe microwave cooking
and reheating:

• glass ceramic (Pyroceram®), such as
Corningware

• heat-resistant glass (Pyrex®)

• microwave-safe plastics

• paper plates

• microwave-safe pottery, stoneware and
porcelain

• browning dish (Do not exceed recommended
preheating time. Follow manufacturer's
directions.)

®

.

These items can be used for short time reheat­ing of foods that have little fat or sugar in them:

• wood, straw, wicker

DO NOT USE

• metal pans and bakeware

• dishes with metallic trim

• non-heat-resistant glass

• non-microwave-safe plastics (margarine tubs)

• recycled paper products

• brown paper bags

• food storage bags

• metal twist-ties

Should you wish to check if a dish is safe for
microwaving, place the empty dish in the oven and
microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. A dish which
becomes very hot should not be used.

The following coverings are ideal:

• Paper towels are good for covering foods for re­heating and absorbing fat while cooking bacon.

•Wax paper can be used for cooking and
reheating.

• Plastic wrap that is specially marked for micro­wave use can be used for cooking and reheat­ing. DO NOT allow plastic wrap to touch food.
Vent so steam can escape.

• Lids that are microwave-safe are a good choice
because heat is kept near the food to hasten
cooking.

• Oven cooking bags are good for large meats or
foods that need tenderizing. DO NOT use metal
twist ties. Remember to slit bag so steam can
escape.

How to use aluminum foil in your microwave
oven:

• Small flat pieces of aluminum foil placed
smoothly on the food can be used to shield
areas that are either defrosting or cooking too
quickly.

• Foil should not come closer than one inch to any
surface of the oven.

Should you have questions about utensils or coverings,
check a good microwave cookbook or follow recipe
suggestions.

ACCESSORIES There are many microwave accesso-

ries available for purchase. Evaluate carefully before
you purchase so that they meet your needs. A micro­wave-safe thermometer will assist you in determining
correct doneness and assure you that foods have
been cooked to safe temperatures. Sharp is not
responsible for any damage to the oven when acces­sories are used.

ABOUT CHILDREN AND THE MICROWAVE

Children below the age of 7 should use the microwave
oven with a supervising person very near to them.
Between the ages of 7 and 12, the supervising person
should be in the same room.

The child must be able to reach the oven comfortably;
if not, he/she should stand on a sturdy stool.

At no time should anyone be allowed to lean or swing
on the oven door.

Children should be taught all safety precautions: use
potholders, remove coverings carefully, pay special
attention to packages that crisp food because they
may be extra hot.

Don’t assume that because a child has mastered one
cooking skill he/she can cook everything.

Children need to learn that the microwave oven is not
a toy. See page 17 for Child Lock feature.

5

INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT MICROWAVE COOKING

• Arrange food carefully. Place thickest areas towards

outside of dish.

• Watch cooking time. Cook for the shortest amount
of time indicated and add more as needed. Food
severely overcooked can smoke or ignite.

• Cover foods while cooking. Check recipe or cook­book for suggestions: paper towels, wax paper,
microwave plastic wrap or a lid. Covers prevent
spattering and help foods to cook evenly.

• Shield with small flat pieces of aluminum foil any
thin areas of meat or poultry to prevent overcooking
before dense, thick areas are cooked thoroughly.

• Stir foods from outside to center of dish once or twice
during cooking, if possible.

• Turn foods over once during microwaving to
speed cooking of such foods as chicken and ham­burgers. Large items like roasts must be turned over
at least once.

• Rearrange foods such as meatballs halfway
through cooking both from top to bottom and from
the center of the dish to the outside.

• Add standing time. Remove food from oven and
stir, if possible. Cover for standing time which allows
the food to finish cooking without overcooking.

• Check for doneness. Look for signs indicating that
cooking temperatures have been reached.

Doneness signs include:

- Food steams throughout, not just at edge.

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

- Poultry thigh joints move easily.

- Meat and poultry show no pinkness.

- Fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

ABOUT SAFETY

• Check foods to see that they are cooked to
the United States Department of Agriculture's
recommended temperatures.

TEMP FOOD

160°F

165°F

170°F
180°F

To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in a
thick or dense area away from fat or bone. NEVER
leave the thermometer in the food during cooking,
unless it is approved for microwave oven use.

... for fresh pork, ground meat,

boneless white poultry, fish,
seafood, egg dishes and frozen
prepared food.

... for leftover, ready-to-reheat

refrigerated, and deli and carry-

out “fresh” food.
... white meat of poultry.
... dark meat of poultry.

• ALWAYS use potholders to prevent burns when
handling utensils that are in contact with hot food.
Enough heat from the food can transfer through
utensils to cause skin burns.

• Avoid steam burns by directing steam away from
the face and hands. Slowly lift the farthest edge of
a dish's covering and carefully open popcorn and
oven cooking bags away from the face.

• Stay near the oven while it's in use and check
cooking progress frequently so that there is no
chance of overcooking food.

• NEVER use the cavity for storing cookbooks or
other items.

• Select, store and handle food carefully to preserve
its high quality and minimize the spread of
foodborne bacteria.

• Keep waveguide cover clean. Food residue can
cause arcing and/or fires.

• Use care when removing items from the oven so
that the utensil, your clothes or accessories do not
touch the safety door latches.

6