Whirlpool MC8131XE User Manual

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A Litde Easier.-
UseAndCare
A Note to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Microwave Oven
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Installation
Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Convection Oven . . . . . . . . . 12
Microwave Cooking . . ...21
MICROWAVE-CONVECTION OVEN
PART NO. 3828W5A0072/4359327
Convection Cooking . . . .40
Combination Cooking . . . 44
Caring for Your Microwave-
Convection Oven . . . . . . . . . 51
Cooking Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Questions and
Answers . . . . . . . . . s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
If You Need
Assistance
or Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
I-800-253-1301
Call us with questions or comments.
MODEL MC8131XE
\aqco

Table of Contents

A Note to You ............................................
Microwave Oven Safety
Important safety instructions ................. 4
Precautions to avoid possible exposure
to excessive microwave energy ............ 6
Operating safety precautions ................ 7
Installation Instructions ............................
Getting to Know Your Microwave-
Convection Oven .................................... 12
How microwave cooking works ........... 12
Microwave oven features
Control
Built-in
Setting the clock
Using the
Microwave Cooking
Getting the best cooking results .......... 21
Microwave cooking at high cook
power
Microwave cooking at different
cook
Microwave cooking with more than
one cook cycle
Using
Using WARM One-touch
One-touch reheating chart .................. 32
panel features..
kits .......................................... 17
minute timer
................................................. 21
powers .......................................
POPCORN ............................... 28
HOLD
reheating
.........................
....................
....................... 15
................................. 18
........................
................................
.................................... 25
...........................
........................... 31
4-8
14
19 21
23
30
3
9
One-touch microwave cooking One-touch microwave cooking chart Using PLUS TIME.. Defrosting with microwave energy.. Defrost chart Defrosting tips..
Convection Cooking
How convection cooking works Cooking with CONVECTION.. Convenience foods cooking chart
Combination Cooking
How combination cooking works Combination high and low cooking Meat combination cooking chart Auto cook combination cooking.. Auto cook combination setting chart..
Caring for Your Microwave Convection Oven
Cooking Guide
Reheating chart Microwave cooking chart.. Microwave cooking tips
Oven utensils guide Questions and Answers.. If You Need Assistance or Service
Warranty
..................................................
...................................... 37
................................... 39
............................... 40
.................................... 51
........................................ 52
................................. 52
............ 32
.. .33
............................. 34
..... 35
........... 40
............. 41
....... 43
................... . ......... 44
......... 44
...... 45
.......... 46
......... 49
. .50
................... 53
....................... 54
............................ 56
........................ 57
......... 58
64
2

A Note to You

Thank you for buying a WHIRLPOOL@ appliance.
Because your life is getting busier and more complicated, WHIRLPOOL microwave ovens are easy to use, save time, and help you manage your home better. To ensure that you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care Guide. It is full of valuable information about how to operate and maintain your appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully.
Also, please complete and mail in the Ownership Registration Card provided with your appliance. The card helps us notify you about any new information on your appliance.
Please record your model’s information.
Whenever you call to request service for your appliance, you need to know your complete model number and serial number. You can find this information on the model and serial number plate (see diagram on page 14 for location of plate).
Please also record the purchase date of your appliance and your dealer’s name, address, and telephone number.
Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
Model Number Serial Number Purchase Date Dealer Name Dealer Address Dealer Phone
Our Consumer Assistance Center number is toll-free.
I
1-800-253-1301 1
3

Microwave Oven Safety

Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety statements under warning symbols. Please pay special
This symbol alerts you to hazards such as fire, electrical shock, or other injuries.
attention to these symbols and follow any instructions given. Here is a brief explana­tion of the use of the symbol.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Microwave ovens have been thoroughly tested for safe and efficient operation. However, as with any appliance, there are special installation and safety precautions which must be followed to ensure safe and satisfactory operation and prevent damage to the unit.
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical
burns, injury to persons, exposure to excessive microwave energy, or damage when using the microwave oven, follow basic precautions, Including
l Read all instructions before using the
microwave oven.
l Read and follow the specific “PRE-
CAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE
EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICRO-
WAVE ENERGY” found on page 6.
*This appliance must be grounded.
Connect only to properly grounded outlet. See “GROUNDING INSTRUC­TIONS” found on page 10.
l Install or locate this appliance only in
accordance with the provided Installa-
tion Instructions found on page 9.
l Some products such as whole eggs in
the shell and sealed containers -for
example, closed glass jars -could explode and should not be heated in this oven.
l Do not heat, store, or use flammable
materials in or near the oven. Fumes
could create a fire hazard or explosion.
l Do not store this appliance outside. l 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
the following:
food. It is not designed for industrial or
laboratory use.
l As with any appliance, close supervision
is necessary when used by children.
. 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. Electrical shock, fire, or other hazards could result.
l This appliance should be serviced only
by qualified service personnel. Call an authorized Whirlpool service company
for examination, repair, or adjustment.
l Do not cover or block any opening on
the appliance. Fire could result.
l 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, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
l Do not immerse cord or plug in water. l Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
l Do not let cord hang over edge of table
or counter.
l See door surface and interior cleaning
instructions on page 51.
shock,
4
.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 to facilitate cooking. Paper could char or burn, and some plastics could melt if used when heating foods.
- Do not use paper, plastics, or other combustible materials when operating the microwave oven as a convection oven.
- Do not deep fry in oven. Microwavable utensils are not suitable and it is difficult to maintain appropriate deep frying temperatures.
- Test dinnerware or cookware
before using. To test a dish for safe use, put it into the oven with a cup of water beside it. Cook at 100% cook power for one minute. If the dish gets hot and water stays cool, do not use it. Some dishes (melamine, some ceramic dinner­ware, etc.) absorb microwave energy, becoming too hot to handle and slowing cooking times. Cooking in metal containers not designed for microwave use could damage the oven, as could containers with hidden metal (twist-ties, foil lining, staples, metallic glaze or trim).
- Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing bag
in oven.
- 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.
- Do not use the cavity for storage pur­poses. Do not leave paper products,
cooking utensils, or food in the cavity when not in use.
- Do not mount over a sink.
- Do not store anything directly on top
of the appliance when appliance is in operation.
l Read and follow “Operating safety
precautions” starting on page 7.
1. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
2. Longer cord sets or extension cords are available and may be used if care
is exercised in their use.
continued on next page
5
3. If a long cord or extension cord is used temporarily, (a) the marked electrical rating of the cord set or extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance, (b) the extension cord must be a grounding-type, 3-wire cord that has a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot receptacle that will accept the
plug on the appliance, and (c) the longer 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 accidentally.
4.
A qualified electrician must install a properly grounded and polarized 3-prong receptacle near the appliance.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY...
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.
Do not place any object between the oven front face and the door or allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on
sealing surfaces.
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:
6
(1) Door (bent), (2) Hinges and latches (broken or
loosened),
(3) Door seals and sealing surfaces. Do not operate the microwave oven if the
door window is broken.
The microwave oven should be checked for microwave leakage by qualified service personnel after a repair is made.
The oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except properly qualified service personnel.
Do not operate the microwave oven with the outer cabinet removed.

Operating safety precautions

To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, burns, injury to persons, or damage when using the microwave oven, follow the precautions on pages 7-8.
Never lean on the door or allow a child to swing on it when the door is open. injury
could result.
Never cook or reheat a whole egg inside the shell. Steam buildup in whole eggs may cause them to burst and burn you, and
possibly damage the oven. Slice hard-boiled
eggs before heating. In rare instances,
poached eggs have been known to explode.
Cover poached eggs and allow a standing time of one minute before cutting into them.
Stir before heating
For best results, stir any liquid several
times before heating or reheating. Liquids
heated in certain containers (especially
cylindrical containers) may become over-
heated. The liquid may splash out with a
loud noise during or after heating or when
adding ingredients (coffee granules, tea
bags, etc.) resulting in harm to the oven
and possible personal injury.
Use hot pads. Microwave energy does not heat containers, but the hot food does.
Do not overcook potatoes. Fire could result. At the end of the recommended cooking time, potatoes should be slightly firm because they will continue cooking during standing time. After microwaving, wrap potatoes in foil and set aslde for 5 minutes. They will finish cooking while standing.
Do not start a microwave oven when it is empty. Product life may be shortened.
If you practice programming the oven,
put a container of water in the oven.
Do not use newspaper or other printed paper in the oven. Fire could result.
Do not dry flowers, fruit, herbs, wood, paper, gourds, or clothes in the oven. Fire could result.
Ceramic glass turntable
Do not operate in the microwave mode unless the ceramic glass turntable is securely in place and can rotate freely. The turntable can rotate in either direction.
Make sure the turntable is correct-side
up in oven. Carefully place cookware on
turntable to avoid possible breakage.
Handle turntable with care when remov­ing from oven to avoid possible breakage. If turntable cracks or breaks, contact your
Whirlpool dealer for a replacement.
When you use a browning dish, the browning dish bottom must be at least % inch above the turntable. Follow direc­tions supplied with browning dish.
General information
Circuit
breaker or
fuse box
/
Do not try to melt paraffin wax in the oven.
Paraffin wax will not melt in a microwave oven because it allows microwaves to pass through it.
if your electric power line or outlet voltage is less than 110 volts, cooking times may be longer. Have a qualified electrician check your electrical system.

Installation Instructions

Before you begin operating the oven, carefully read the following instructions.
NOTES:
l Do not block the exhaust vents or rear air
intake openings. Allow a few inches of space at back of oven where intake
openings are located. Blocking the air
intake openings and exhaust vents could
cause damage to the oven and poor
1. Empty the microwave oven and clean
inside it with a soft, damp cloth. Check for damage such as misaligned door, damage around the door, or dents inside the oven or on the exterior. If there is any damage, do not operate the unit until it has been checked by an authorized Whirlpool service technician and any repairs made.
cooking results. Make sure the microwave oven legs are in place to ensure proper
airflow.
l Do not install the oven next to or over a
heat source (for example, a cooktop or range) without a UL approved trim kit or
without being in a UL approved built-in
configuration. Also, do not install oven in any area where excessive heat and steam are generated. This could cause a fire, electrical shock, excessive exposure to microwave energy, other personal injury, or damage to the outside of the cabinet.
2. Put the oven on a cart, counter, table, or
shelf that is strong enough to hold the oven and the food and utensils you put in it. (The control side of the unit is the heavy side. Use care when handling.) The weight of the oven is approximately 58 Ibs. The microwave oven should be at a temperature above 50°F (10%) for proper operation.
Exhaust vents
Power supply
cord -
Exhaust vents--l Air Intake openlngs
(on bottom)
Fire Hazard
Do not install the oven next to or over a heat source.
Doing so can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.
Built-in kits
You can build your microwave-convection oven into a wall or cabinet by using one of the trim kits listed on page 17.
These kits are available from your Whirlpool Dealer. if your dealer does not stock the kit you can order it, by kit part
number, by calling l-800-253-1301 and
following the instructions and telephone
prompts you hear.
continued on next page
9
3.
Electrical requirements
Observe all governing codes and ordi­nances. A 120 Volt, 60 Hz, AC only, 15 or 20 amp fused electrical supply is required.
(Time-delay fuse is recommended.) It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only this appliance be provided.
a.GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electrical shock. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, REMOVE THE POWER SUPPLY CORD GROUNDING PRONG.
5. For your personal safety, this appliance must be grounded. In the event of an
electrical short circuit, grounding
reduces the risk of electrical shock by providing an escape wire for the electric electrician.
current. This appliance is equipped with
a polarized 3-prong grounding plug. It must be plugged into a correctly polarized mating 3-prong grounding
type wall receptacle, properly installed
and grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances. If a mating wall receptacle is not available or if you are not sure if the wall receptacle is properly grounded and polarized, have it checked by a qualified electrician.
3-prong grounding type wall receptacle
3-prong grounding
Power
It is the personal responsibility and obliga­tion of the customer to have a properly grounded and correctly polarized 3-prong wall receptacle installed by a qualified
Consult a qualified electrician if the
grounding instructions are not completely
understood, or if doubt exists as to whether the appliance is properly grounded.
It is not recommended to use an
extension cord with your mlcrowave
oven, but if you find It necessary to
do so temporarily (until a properly
grounded and polarized, 3-prong
receptacle is installed), use only a
heavy duty, UL listed, 3-wire grounding type extension cord containing three 16-
gauge (minimum) copper wires. It must
not be longer than 10 feet (cords longer
than 10 feet may affect the cooking perfor-
mance of your microwave oven). The plug
on the extension cord must fit into a 3-prone
grounding type wall receptacle (as shown
on this page) and the receptacle end of the
extension cord must accept the 3-prong
grounding plug of the microwave oven.
10
Electrical Shock Hazard Plug microwave oven into a grounded outlet. Failure to do so can result In death or electrical shock.
6.
__ -
L-
I
1
f3
in the oven. Close the door. Make sure it
latches. Follow the directions on page 21 to set the oven to cook for 2 minutes. When the time is up, the water should be heated.
To test the oven, plug it into the proper electrical outlet. Put about 1 cup (250 mL) of cold water in a glass container
7. This microwave oven Is designed for use in the household only and must not be used for commercial purposes.
Do not remove the door, control panel, or cabinet at any time. The unit is equipped with high voltage and should be serviced by an authorized Whirlpool service technician.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
11
Getting to Know Your
Microwave-Convection
Oven
This section discusses the concepts behind microwave cooking and introduces you to the basics you need to know to operate your microwave oven. Please read this information before use.
How microwave
Microwave ovens are safe. Microwave energy is not hot. It causes food to make its own heat, and it’s this heat that cooks the food.
Microwaves are like TV waves or light waves. You cannot see them, but you can see what they do.
cooking works
Magnetron
Oven cavity
A magnetron in the microwave oven produces microwaves. The microwaves move into the oven where they contact food as it turns on the turntable.
12
Ceramic glass t,urntable
Metal floor
The ceramic glass turntable of your microwave oven lets microwaves pass through. Then they bounce off a metal floor, back through the ceramic glass turntable, and are absorbed by the food.
Microwaves pass through most glass, paper, and plastics without heating them so food absorbs the energy. Microwaves bounce off metal containers so food does not absorb the energy.
Microwaves may not reach the center of a roast. The heat spreads to the center from the outer, cooked areas just as in regular oven cooking. This is one of the reasons for
letting some foods (for example, roasts or baked potatoes) stand for a while after cooking, or for stirring some foods during the cooking time.
The microwaves disturb water molecules in the food. As the molecules bounce around bumping into each other, heat is made, like
rubbing your hands together. This is the heat that does the cooking.
Radio interference
Operation of the microwave oven may cause
interference to your radio, TV, or similar equipment. When there is interference, it may be reduced or eliminated by taking the following measures:
l
Clean door and sealing surfaces of the oven.
l
Adjust the receiving antenna of radio or television.
l
Move the receiver away from the micro­wave oven.
l
Plug the microwave oven into a different outlet so that the microwave oven and receiver are on different branch circuits.
13

Microwave oven features

Your microwave oven is designed to make your cooking experience as enjoyable and productive as possible. To get you up and running quickly, the following is a list of the
oven’s basic features:
1. One-Touch Door Open Button. Push to open door.
2. Door Safety Lock System. The oven will not operate unless the door is securely closed.
3. Window with Metal Shield. Shield pre-
vents microwaves from escaping. It is designed as a screen to allow you to view food as it cooks.
4. Ceramic Glass Turntable. This turntable
turns food as it cooks for more even cooking. It must be in the oven during operation for best cooking results. See pages 8, 13, and 51 for more details.
10
a
P? n
5. Turntable Support (under turntable).
6. Bi-Level Cooking Rack. Use to convec­tion or combination cook on two levels at the same time. Place one plate of food on the turntable and another above it on the rack.
7. Control Panel. Touch pads on this panel to perform all functions. See pages 15 17 for more information.
6. Light. Automatically turns on when door is opened or when oven is operating.
9. Cooking Guide Label.
10. Convection Alr Openings. See page 41 for information on convection cooking.
11. Model and Serial Number Plate.
14

Control panel features

Your microwave oven control panel lets you
select the desired cooking function quickly and easily. All you have to do is touch the necessary Command Pad. The following is a list of all the Command and Number Pads located on the control panel. For more information, see pages 18-50.
1. Display. This display includes a clock and indicators to tell you time of day, cooking time settings, and cooking functions.
2. CONVECTION. Touch this pad to con­vection cook. See pages 41-43 for more information.
3. COMBI HIGH. Touch this pad to combination cook with a convection temperature of 375°F and a percentage of microwave oven power. See page 45 for more information.
4. COMBI LOW. Touch this pad to combina­tion cook with a convection temperature of 350°F and a percentage of microwave oven power. See page 45 for more
information.
5. AUTO COOK. Touch this pad followed
by Number Pads to combination cook by weight. See page 49 for more information.
6. REHEAT. Touch this pad to reheat foods
from one of three preset categories. You do not have to set a cook time or cook power. See page 31 for more information.
7. POPCORN. Touch this pad when pop-
ping popcorn in your microwave oven. The oven will automatically heat for a preset time at a preset cook power. See page 28 for more information.
1
0
2
0
3
0
6
0
9
0
10
0
12
o-
14
0
15
0
CONVECl7ON
16
0
1
0 0
Q 0 Q
13
Q
5
4 7
8
11
continued on next page
15
8. DEFROST. Touch this pad followed by Number Pads to thaw frozen meat, poultry, or fish by weight. You do not have to set a cook time or cook power. See page 35 for more information.
9. COOK. Touch this pad to cook foods
from one of four preset categories. You do not have to set a cook time or cook
power. See page 32 for more information.
10. PLUS TIME. Touch this pad to add 10 to 30 seconds to your cooking time
after cooking. See page 34 for more information.
11. WARM HOLD. Touch this pad to keep
hot, cooked food safely warm in your microwave oven for up to 60 minutes. WARM HOLD can be used by itself, or it can automatically follow a cooking cycle. See page 30 for more information.
12. MICRO TIME. Touch this pad followed
by Number Pads to enter cooking times (see pages 21, 24, or 25 for more information) or to set the minute timer (see page 19 for more information).
13. MICRO POWER. Touch this pad after
the cooking time has been set, followed by a Number Pad, to set the amount of microwave energy released to cook the food. The higher the number, the higher the power or faster the “cooking speed.” See page 23 for more information. See the charts on pages 52 and 53 for specific cook powers to use for the food you are cooking.
14. Number Pads. Touch Number Pads to enter cooking times, temperatures, cook powers, and food weights.
15. START/ENTER. Touch this pad to start a function that you have set. If you open the door after the oven begins to cook,
retouch START/ENTER.
16. CLOCK SET. Touch this pad to enter the correct time of day. See page 18 for
more information.
17. OFF/CANCEL. Touch this pad once to erase an incorrect command or twice to cancel a program during cooking. This
pad will not erase time of day.
NOTES:
l If you touch two Command Pads for the
same cycle (for example, POPCORN and WARM HOLD), the second command will cancel the first.
l If you attempt to enter unacceptable
instructions, “Error” will appear in the
Display and three tones will sound. Touch
OFF/CANCEL and re-enter the
instructions.
Audible signals
Audible signals are available to guide you when setting and using your oven:
l A programming tone will sound each
time you touch a pad.
l Three tones signal the end of a cooking
cycle.
Interrupting cooking
You can stop the oven during a cycle by opening the door. The oven stops heating and the fan stops, but the light stays on. To restart cooking, close the door and
TOUCH
START
ENTER
0
If you do not want to continue cooking:
l Close the door and the light goes off.
then
l TOUCH
NOTE: Before setting a function, touch OFF/CANCEL to make sure no other function is on.
16
Changing a setting
To change a setting before you start the oven:
TOUCH
once and enter the setting you want. To change a setting after you start
the oven: TOUCH
Using the child lock
The child lock prevents unwanted use of the microwave oven by locking the control panel.
To lock the control panel:
1. TOUCH
2. TOUCH and hold
OFF
CANCEL
0
twice and enter the setting you want.
until LOCK lights up on the Display and you hear a tone.
To unlock the control panel: TOUCH and hold
until LOCK goes off. The time of day shows
on the Display.

Built-in kits

You can build in vour microwave oven bv usina one of the followina trim kits:
UL APPROVED FOR INSTALLATION OVER
SIZE COLOR KIT MODEL NO.
27” 30” 27” 30”
See page 9 for more information.
Black
Black White White
MK8137XEB MK8130XEB MK8137XEQ MK8130XEQ
WHIRLPOOUKITCHENAID OVEN MODEL RBS277PD KEBI171 D KEBS177D KEBIl 01 D KEBS107D RBS270PD RBS275PD RBS305PD RBS307PD
17

Setting the clock

When your microwave oven is first plugged
in or after a power failure, the Display will only show “0”. If a time of day is not set, “0” will stay on the Display until you set the cooking time.
1. Touch CLOCK SET.
2. Enter the time of day.
Example for 5:30:
NOTES:
l You can only set the clock if the oven is
not cooking food.
l If you touch in an incorrect time, “Error”
will appear on the Display and three tones will sound. Touch OFF/CANCEL and CLOCK SET and enter the correct time.
l If you touch OFF/CANCEL while setting
the clock, the clock will return to the last time of day set.
3. Complete entry.
18

Using the minute timer

You can use the microwave oven controls as a minute timer. Use MICRO TIME at “0” cook power for timing up to 99 minutes, 99 seconds.
NOTE: The oven will not operate while the Minute Timer is in use.
1. Touch MICRO TIME.
2. Enter the time to be counted down.
Example for 1 minute, 30 seconds:
3. Enter “0” cook power so oven does not start.
TOUCH
TOUCH
TOUCH
YOU SEE
YOU SEE
TOUCH
YOU SEE
continued on next page
19
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