GE RK960 Use and Care Manual

H togetthe best froti

UseandCareof built-inmodel

RK960

Energysatig tips Featuresof

yourCookingCenter Howtouse themicrowave

AUTOROASTfeature

p12

Howtousethemicrowave QUICKSETfeature

Howtooperatethe self-cleaningoven

savetimeandmonev.

p14

p19

Beforeyourequestservice, use theProblemSolver

The GE AnswerCent&

800,626.2000

D26

-.,

Help us

PRECAUTIONS

HelpYou.

● m

Readthisbookcarefully.

It will help you operate and maintain your new Cooking Center properly.

Keep it handy for answersto your

questions.

If you don’t understand something or need more help. . . Call, toll free:

The GE AnswerCenter’”

800.626.2000

consumer information service or write: (include your phone

number);

Consumer Affairs Hotpoint Appliance Park Louisville, KY 40225

Writedown the modeland serialnumbers.

You’llfind them on a label on the front of the lower oven behind the door.

These numbers are also on the Consumer Product Ownership

Registration Card that came with your Cooking Center. Before sending in this card, pleasewrite these numbers here:

Model No.

Serial No.

Usethese numbers in any correspondence or servicecalls concerning your Cooking Center.

Be sureyourovenis registered.

Itis important that we, the manufacturer, know the location of your Cooking Center should a need occur for adjustments.

Yoursupplier is responsible for registering you asthe owner.

Pleasecheck with your supplier to be sure he has done so; also send

in your Consumer Product Ownership Registration Card. If you move, or if you are not the original purchaser pleasewrite to us,stating model and serial numbers. This

appliancemustbe registered. Pleasebe certainthatit is.

Write to: Hotpoint

Range Product Service

Appliance Park

Louisville, KY 40225

If you receiveda damaged oven.. .

immediately contact the dealer (or builder) that sold you the Cooking Center.

Savetime and money.

Beforeyou requestservice,check the ProblemSolveron pages 26-27.

It lists minor causes of operating problems that you can correct

yourself.

TO AVOID

POSSIBLE

EXPOSURETO EXCESSIVE

MICROWAVE

ENERGY

(a) Do Not Attemptto operate this

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

(b) Do Not Placeany object between the oven front face and the door or allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces.

(c) Do Not Operatethe 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 sealsand sealing surfaces. (d) The OvenShouldNot be

adjusted or repaired by anyone except properly qualified service personnel.

MicrowavingTips

@ Make sure all utensils used in your microwave oven are labeled “suitable for microwaving”. Check your Cookbook for specific test to determine “microwave-safe” utensils.

e Papertowels, wax paper,and plastic wrap can be used to cover dishes in order to retain moisture and prevent spattering.

e Some microwaved foods require stirring, rotating, or rearranging. Check your Cookbook for specific

instructions.

@ Some foods such as unshelled eggs and hot dogs must be pierced to allow steam to escape during cooking.

contents

...-.-

Microwave Oven

microwavingTips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

afety Instructions . . . . . . . . . ...3-5

eatures of YourOven . . . . . . . . . . 6

uch Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . 7

‘Time Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8

Defrost .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .9

Temperature Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hold/Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Auto Roast . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...12. 13

Quick SetControl &Chart .. 14,15 Conventional Oven

Safety Instructions .. . . . . . . . ...3-5

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6

OvenControls . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....6

Oven Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 17

OvenShelves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Minute Timer, Clock,

Automatic Oven Timer . . . . . . . 17

Baking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..17

Broiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Roasting .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 18

Baking Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Broiling Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...23

Roasting Chart

_Care of Your Cooking Center

J;-Clean Operation . . . . . . . . . . 19

‘Care of Your Cooking Center . . . 20

mp Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . 21

venThermostat

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

RemovableOven Door . . . . . . . . . 21

Cleaning Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

General

Before Using Your

Cooking Center . . . . . . . . . . . ...2

Energy Saving Tips . . . . . . . . . . ...5

Model &SerialNumber

Location .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

The Problem Solver . . . . . . ...26-27

Consumer Services. . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . .. Back Cover

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS E

Red all instructionsbeforeusingthisappliance.

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

following: WARNING—TOreduce the risk

of burns, electric shock, fire, injury to persons or exposure to excessivemicrowave energy:

e Usethis appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual.

Be sure your appliance is

properly installed and grounded by a qualified technician in accordance with the provided installation instructions.

e This appliance must be con-

nected to a grounded, metallic,

permanent wiring system,or an equipment grounding conductor should be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment grounding terminal or lead on the appliance.

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

e Before performing any service, DISCONNECT THE OVEN POWERSUPPLYAT THE HOUSEHOLD DISTRIBUTION PANEL BY REMOVING THE FUSE OR SWITCHING OFF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.

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

e Do not use outdoors. @ Do not operate this appliance

if it is not working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped.

IS As with any appliance, close supervision is necessarywhen used by children.

e Do notleavechildrenalone— children should not be left alone or unattended in area where appliance is in use.They should never be allowed to sit or stand on any part of the appliance.

e Don’t allow anyone to climb,

standorhangonthedoor.They

coulddamagethe oven. ~ CAUTION: DO NOT STORE

ITEMS OF INTEREST TO CHILDREN IN CABINETS ABOVE AN OVEN–CHILDREN CLIMBING ON THE OVEN TO REACH ITEMS COULD BE SERIOUSLYINJURED.

@ Wear proper clothing. Loose

fitting or hanging garments should never be worn while using the appliance. Flammable material could be ignited if brought in contact with hot heating elements and may cause severeburns.

@ Useonly drypotholders—

moist or damp potholders on hot surfaces may result in burns from steam. Do not let potholders touch hot heating elements. Do not use atowel or other bulky cloth.

@ Neveruseyour appiiancefor warmingor heatingthe room.

@ Do not storeflammablematerialsin the oven.

e Keephood and greasefilters cleanto maintain good venting

and to avoid greasefires.

@ Do not let cookinggreaseor

otherflammablematerialsaccumulatein the ovenor nearit.

@ Do not usewateron grease fires.Flamein ovencan be smotheredby completely closingdoor and turningOven Setto OFF.

e Whencookingporkfollow

our directions exactly and always cook the meat to at least 170°. This assuresthat, in the remote possibility that trichina may be present in the meat, it will be killed and meatwill be safeto eat.

(continued next page)

IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS

(continued)

e Do not touch heating elements

or interiorsurfaceof oven.These

surfacesmay be hot enough to burn eventhough they are dark in color. During and after use,do not touch, or let clothing or other flammable materialscontact any interior areaof the oven;allow

sufficient time for cooling, first.

Other potentially hot surfaces include the ovenvent openings and surfaces nearthe openings, crevicesaround the oven door and the edgesof the door

window.

Remernbe~ The insidesurface of

the oven may be hot when the

door is opened.

Microwave CM?ri:

e Readand follow the specific

“PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID

POSSIBLE EXPOSURETO EXCESSIVEMICROWAVE ENERGY” found on page 2.

~ To reduce the risk of fire in

the oven cavity: —Do not overcook food. Care-

fully attend appliance if paper, plastic, or other combustible materials are placed inside the oven to facilitate cooking.

—Remove wire twist-ties from

paper or plastic bags before placing bag in oven.

—Do not use your microwave oven to dry newspapers.

—Paper towels and napkins, wax paper.

products 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.

—Do not pop popcornin your microwaveovenunless in a

special microwave popcorn accessory or unless popcorn labeled for microwave ovens.

Recycled paper

you use use in

—Do not operatethe ovenwhile emptyto avoiddamageto the ovenand the dangerof fire. If by

accident the oven should run empty a minute or two, no harm

is done. However, try to avoid operating the oven empty at all times—it savesenergy and pro-

longs life of the oven. —If materials inside the oven

should ignite, keepoven door

closed,turn oven off, and disconnect the power cord, or shut

off power at the fuse or circuit

breaker panel.

e Some p~oductssuch as whole eggs and sealed containers—for example, closed

glassjars—may explode and should not be heated in this

oven.

~ Avoidheatingbabyfood in

glassjars, evenwithout their

lids; especially meat and egg

mixtures.

e Seedoor surface cleaning

instructions on page 20.

e Don’tdefrostfrozenbever-

agesin narrow necked bottles;

especially carbonated ones.

Evenif the container is opened,

pressure can build up. This can

causethe container to burst,

resulting in injury.

~ Use metalonly as directedin

Cookbook.Metal strips as used

on meat, roasts are helpful when

used as shown in Cookbook.

TV dinners may be cooked in

metal trays. However, when

using metal in microwave oven,

keep metal(exceptfor DOUBLE

DUTYTMshelf)at leastl-inch

awayfromsidesof oven.

~ Cookingutensilsmay

becomehot because of heat

transferred from the heated

food. This is especially true if

plastic wrap has been covering

the top and handles of the

utensil. Potholders may be

needed to handle the utensil.

s Sometimes,the ovenfloor

can becometoo hot to touch.

Be careful touching the floor during and after cooking. o

s Do not useanythermometer

in food you are microwaving unlessthat thermometer is designed or recommended for use in the microwave oven.

~ Removethe temperature probefrom the ovenwhen not ~singit to cook with. If you leave

the probe inside the oven without

inserting it in food or liquid, and turn on microwave energy, it can create electrical arcing in the oven, and damage oven walls.

~ Boilingeggs(in and out of shell)isnot recommendedfor

microwave cooking. Pressure

can build up inside egg yolk and

may cause it to burst, resulting

in injury.

~ Foodswithunbrokenouter

“skin”such as potatoes, hot

dogs or sausages,tomatoes,

apples, chicken livers and other

giblets, and eggs (seeabove)

should be pierced to allow

steam to escape during cooking.

~ Plastic

utensils designed for microwave cooking are very useful, but should-be used‘carefully. Even microwave plastic may not be as

tolerant of overcooking condi-

tions 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 utensils could ignite. For these reasons: 1) Use microwave plastics only “and use them’; in strict co-mpliancewith the utensil manufacturer’s

recommendations. 2) Do not

subject empty utensils to microwaving. 3) Do not permit children to use plastic utensils without

complete supervision.

LJtensils-Plastic

-.—..

“Boilable” cooking pouches

~and tightly closed plastic

bags

hould be slit, pierced or vented

s directed in Cookbook. If they

are not, plastic could burst during or immediately after cooking, possibly resulting in injury. Also,

plastic storage containers should beat least partially uncovered because they form a tight seal. When cooking with containers

tightly

remove covering carefully and direct steam away from hands and face.

covered with plastic wrap,

@ Useof the DOUBLE IXJTYIM shelfaccessory.(Seeyour

Cookbook for proper use.) —Removethe shelf from oven

when not in use.

—Do not store or cook with shelf on floor of oven. Product damage may result.

—Use potholders when handling

—the shelf and utensils. They may

“ hot.--

—

—Do not use microwave

—

.-~wi-lii-l~ dish on shelf. The

~i-l~if could overheat.

@ Stand awayfrom the oven

whenopeningoven door. The hotair or steamwhichescapes cancause burnsto hands,face and/or eyes.

@ Don’t heat unopenedfood containersin the oven. Pressure couldbuildup and the container couldburstcausingan injury.

@ Keep oven vent ducts unobstructed.

@ Keep oven free from grease build up.

@ Place oven rack in desired position while oven is cool. If racks must be handled when hot, do not let potholder contact heating units in the oven.

@ Pulling out shelf to the shelf

stop is a convenience in lifting

heavyfoods. It is also a precaution against burns from touching hot surfaces of the door or oven walls.

@ When using cooking or roasting bags in oven, follow the manufacturer’s directions.

@ Do not use your oven to dry newspapers. If overheated,they can catch fire.

self-cleaning

@ IDo

not cleandoor gasket.

oven:

The door gasket is essential for a good seal. Care should be taken not to rub, damage, or move the gasket.

@ Do not useovencleaners. No commercial oven cleaner or oven liner protective coating of any kind should be used in or

around any part of the oven. @ Clean only parts listed in this

Use and Care Book. @ Beforeself-cleaningtheoven,

remove broiler pan and other utensils.

@ Listenfor fan—a fan noise should be heard sometime during the cleaning cycle. If not, call for service before selfcleaning again.

SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS

EnergySavingTips

Microwave choking

Useproper power levelas

@ recommended and DO NOT OVERCOOK.

@ Do not operatethe oven while empty. If by accident the oven should run empty a minute or two, no harm is done. However,try to avoid operating the oven empty at all times—savesenergy and also ensures good long term life of oven.

Conventional Oven Cooking

~ Preheatthe oven only when

necessary.Most foods will cook satisfactorily without preheating. If you find preheating is necessary, keep an eye on the indicator light, and put food in the oven promptly after the light goes out.

@ Always turn oven OFF before removing food.

@ Don’t open the oven door any more often than necessary during baking. If you do haveto open it, close it as soon as possible.

@$Be sure to wipe up excess spillage before self-cleaning operation.

@ Cook complete oven meals instead of just one food item.

Potatoes, other vegetables,and some dessertswill cook together with a main-dish casserole,meat loaf, chicken or roast. Choose foods that cook at the same temperature in approximately the same

time.

~ Use residual heat in oven whenever possible to finish cooking casseroles, oven meals, etc. Also add rolls or precooked dessertsto warm oven, using residual heat to warm

them.

FeaturesofYour CookingCenter

Microwavec)ven

1.Door Handle. Pull to open door. Door must be securely latched for oven to operate.

2. Inside Door Latches.

3. Window with Metal Shield. Allows cooking to be viewed while keeping microwaves confined in oven.

4. Oven Light.

5. PlasticAntenna Cover. Protects the antenna which distributes microwave energy into the oven.

6. Oven Vent.

7. Oven Floor.

8. Automatic Temperature Probe.

9. Receptaclefor Temperature Probe.

10. DOUBLE-DLJTYIMshelf. Lets you micro-

wave several foods at once. Do not use shelf without plastic spacers in place as shown. (See Safety Instructions for special instructions. ) When this shelf is not in use, please remove from the oven.

11. Readout Display.

12. Function Pads.

13. Number Pads.

14. Start.

15. Clear/Off.

conventional oven

16. Oven Set (Clean) Knob

17. Oven “ON” Light 18, Oven Temp (Clean) Knob

19. Oven Cycling Light

20. Automatic OvenTimer, Clock, Minute Timer

21. Oven Timer (Clean) Dial

22. Latch Release Button

23. Latch

24. Self-Cleaning Oven Clean Light

25. Lock Light

ModelandSerialNumbers—-locatedat

26.

ri~ht side of lower oven frame.

27. Shelf Support

28. Oven Shelves

29. Oven Frame

30. Door Gasket

31. Window

32. Door Liner

33. Broiler Pan and Rack

34. Oven Light Switch—Door

W’

-0000 — ----- —

Model RK960

Microwave OvenTouchControlPanel ~

—

$2 6?

“—

_ ___

—-

—

K{;

—

— —

CLOCK. Touch this pad to enter time of day or check time of day while microwaving. To set clock, first touch CLOCK pad and then enter time of day. For example, if time is 1:30, touch number pads 1,3, and Oand 1:30 will appear in display. Retouch CLOCK pad. To reset or change time, simply repeat above process.

TIME COOK. Microwave for a preset amount of

time using automatic Power Level 10(or change

power level after entering cooking time. See page 8.)

TEMP COOK. Use the temperature probe to

3. cook by using a preset temperature. Oven shows temperature until preset temperature is reached and then turns off. (See page 10.)

AUTO ROAST. Insert Probe, touch this pad,

4. and desired number pad for Code to temperature cook meat with automatic preset program. (See page 12.)

POWER LEVEL. Touch this pad before entering

another power level number if you want to change from automatic Power Level 10 (HIGH) for cooking or Power Level 3 (LOW) for defrosting.

START.After all selections are made, touch this

6. pad to start oven.

DISPLAY. Displaystime of day, time or temper-

7. ature during cooking functions (or power level when Power Level Pad is touched).

DEFROST. Gentle, generally uniform thawing at

8. automaticPower Level3 (or change power level after entering defrosting time. See page 9.)

liOLD/TIMER. This feature uses no microwave

9. energy while it functions as both a kitchen timer or asa holding period between defrost and time or temperature cooking. (See page 11.)

10.

QUICK SET CONTROL. Use this pad as a short-cut method for entering cooking time,

and power level. (See page 14.) NUMBER PADS. Touch these pads to enter

11. cooking/defrosting time, time of day, temperature, Power Level, Auto Roast Code or QUICK SET digits.

CLEAR/OFF. When touched, it shuts off the

12. oven and erases all settings (except time of day).

—

CookingbyTime

The TIME COOK feature allows you to preset the cooking time.

The oven shuts off automatically. Power Level 10is automatically set

for time cooking, but you may change this for more flexibility. See your Cookbook.

To become better acquainted with TIME COOK function, make a cup of coffee by following the steps below.

Step 1: Fill a cup 2/3 full of water

and add 1teaspoon of coffee. Use a cupthat hasno metal

decoration. Place

freezedried

cup in oven and

closedoor.

Step 2: Touch TIME COOK. The display shows :0. Signal light aboveTIME COOKflashes.Power Level 10 is automatically set in oven, but does not appear in display.

Questiohs

landAnswers

Q. I set my oven for the time called for in -the recipe but at the end of the time allowed, my dish wasn’t done. What happened?

A. Since house power varies due to time or location, many Time Cook recipes give you a time range to prevent overcooking. oven for minimum time, test the food for doneness, and cook your dish a Ii.ttlelonger, if necessary.

Set the

Step 3: Select your time. Touch

1,2 and Ofor a minute and 20secends. 1:20 and signal light above TIME COOK appear on display. If another Power Level is desired touch POWER LEVEL and the number, although Power Level 10

(HIGH) is preferred for this cup of coffee.

Q. I want to cook my dish on a ~ Power Level other than HIGH, what do I need to do?

A. To change the Power Level, touch the POWER LEVEL pad after entering desired cooking time. Enter the desired number and then touch START.

Q. Can I interrupt my Time Cook function to check the food?

A. Yes. To resume cooking, simply close the door and touch START. NOTE: Microwave power will not come on until you are ready. You must touch START for cooking to begin.

Step 4: Touch START. Time counting down shows on display.

Step 5: When time is up, oven sounds and oven, light, and fan shut off.

NOTE: When lower oven is cieaning, microwave fan will remain on until Lock Light goes out,

Q. I touched the number pads and

selected my power level. When I touched START, however, my oven didn’t come on. Why not?

A. The TIME COOK pad must be

touched before setting the number pads or else your oven will not begin cooking.

Q. I tried to change Power Level

but the display changed back to

cooking time. Why?

A. After touching Power Level pad

you only have 4 seconds to enter the number. Try setting controls again.

—

6!9

Howtouse Defrost -

Waarl

The Defrost setting is designed for even thawing necessary for large amounts of food and is one of the

most important advantages of a microwave oven.

@ Power Level 3 is automatically

set for defrosting, but you may change this for more flexibility.

@ See your Cookbook for the

complete defrosting chart.

To become better acquainted with your Defrost function, defrost fro-

zen pork chops by following the steps below.

Step 1: Place package of frozen chops in the oven and close door.

—

s Step 2: Touch DEFROST. Display

reads :0. Power Level 3 is automatically set in oven. but does not appear on readout. Signal Light above DEF. flashes.

Step 3: Touch 8,0, and Ofor8 minutes. 8:00 and signal light above’

DEF. are displayed. If you wish to change Power Level, touch Power Level pad and then new number.

Step 4: Touch START, Time counts down on display. When cycle is completed, the oven signals and automatically shuts off.

Step 5: Turn package over, close door and repeat Steps 2, 3 and 4.

Step 6: When oven signals, remove package and separate chops to finish defrosting.

Defrosting Tips e

Foods frozen in paper or plastic can be defrosted in the package.

e For even defrosting, many foods need to be broken up or separated part of the way through the de

@ Homemade dinners can be frozen in shallow foil trays and heated for later use. (Do not heat on metal shelf). Select foods

which microwave well. @ Pre-packaged frozen dinners

can be defrosted and microwave cooked, but foil tray must be returned to box before cooking on metal shelf.

@ Check your Cookbook for

other defrosting

tips.

F C

—

——

Questions

andAnswers

Q. When I press START, I hear a dull thumping noise. What is it?

A. This sound is normal. It is letting you know the oven is using a Power Level lower than HIGH.

Q. Can I Defrost small items in a hurry?

A. Yes, but they will need more

frequent attention than usual. Raise

the Power Level after entering the time by touching POWER LEVEL and 7 or 10. Power Level 7 cuts the

—

time about in %; Power Level 10 cuts the t~me to approximately I/s.

During either, rotate or stir food

frequently.

Q. Can I open the door during DEFROST to check on the progress of my food?

A. Yes. You may open the door at any time during microwaving. To resume defrosting, close the door and press START.

Q. Why don’t the defrosting times in the Cookbook seem right for my

food? A. Cookbook times are average.

Defrosting time can vary according to the temperature in your freezer. Set your oven for the time in-

dicated in your Cookbook. If your food is still not completely thawed at the end of that time, re-set your oven and adjust the time accordingly.

Q. Can I select a-Power Level other than automatic Power Level 3 for defrosting?

A. Yes. Some smaller foods may be defrosted quicker on higher Power Levels but for even, carefree de- -m frosting, Power Level 3 is suggested. Check the chart in the =; Cookbook for specific times and = Power Levels.

~rf m

-f

+ 19 hidden pages