Whirlpool RF396PCY, RF396PXY User Manual

A

Note To You

2

ImportantSafety

instructions 3

Parts And Features

Using Your Range

!$&Ekg Cyde 28
Carin For

Your ange

R

If You Need Assistance

Or Sewice
Warranty

1-800-253-1301

Call us with questions or comments.

SELF-CLEANING DESIGNERSTYLE ELECTRIC RANGE

6
7

32

37
40

MODELS RF396PXY

RF396PCY

ANoteToYou

Thank you for buying a Whirlpool appliance.

You have purchased a quality, world-class home appliance. Years of engineering experience have gone
into its manufacturing. To ensure that you will enjoy many years of trouble-free operation, we have
developed this Use and Care Guide. tt is full of valuable information on how to operate and maintain
your appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail the Owner­ship Registration Card provided with your appliance. This will help us notify you about any new informa­tion on your appliance.

Your safety is important to us.

This guide contains safety symbols and statements. Please pay special attention to these symbols and
follow any instructions given. Here is a brief explanation of the use of each symbol.

This symbol will help alert you to such dangers as
personal injury, burns, fire and electrical shock.

This symbol will help you avoid actions which
could cause product damage (scratches, dents,
etc.) and damage to your personal property.

Our Consumer Assistance Center number, l-800-253-1301.
is toll-free, 24 hours a day.

lf you ever have a question concerning your appliance’s operation, or if you need service, first see ‘lf
You Need Assistance Or Service’ on page 37. If you need further help, feel free to call our Consumer
Assistance Center. When calling, you will need to know your appliance’s complete model number and
serial number. You can find this information on the model and serial number plate (see diagram on
page 6). For your convenience, we have included a handy place below for you to record these numbers,
the purchase date from the sales slip and your dealer’s name 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 Phone

2

Important Safety Instructions

To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, in’ury to

/

persons, or damage when using the range,
basic precautions, including the following:

General

l

Read all instructions before
using the range.

l

Install or locate the range only
in accordance with the pro­vided Installation Instructions.

l

Use the range only for its
intended use as described in

this manual.

allow

l

WARNING: To reduce the risk

ping of the appliance, the

of ti

P

app iance must be secured by
a proper1 installed anti-tip

f!

bracket.

o check if the bracket
is installed properly, see ‘The
anti-tip bracket” on page 27.

l

CAUTION: Do not store things
children mi
range. Chil El

ht want above the

ren could be
burned or injured while climb­ing on it.

l

Do not leave children alone or
unattended in area where the
range is in use. They should

never be allowed to sit or stand
on an
could ‘b

l

Do not operate the range if

part of the range. They

e burned or injured.

rt is damaged or not working
properly.

l

Do not use the range for

warming or heatin the room.

% Persons could be urned or

injured, or a fire could start.

*Donott

units,
areas near units, heating ele­ments or interior surfaces of
oven. Surface units and heat­ing elements may be hot even

though they are dark in color.
Areas near surface units and

interior surfaces of an oven
become hot enou h to cause

bums. During an 2 after use,
do not touch, or let clothing or
other flammable materials
contact surface units, areas
near units, heatin

elements or
interior surfaces 0 oven until 3
they have had sufficient time
to cool. Other surfaces of the
range may become hot enough

to cause bums; such as, the
oven vent opening, the surface
near the vent opening, the
cooktop, the oven door and
window.

l

Do not wear loose or hanging
garments when using the

range. They could ignite if they
touch a hot surface unit and
you could be burned.

continued on next page

3

l

Use only d

potholders. Moist

or damp po holders on hot 7
surfaces ma
from steam.

result in bums

b

0 not let pot­holder touch hot heating
elements. Do not use a towel
or bulk cloth for a potholder.

It coul

l

Keep range vents unobstructed.

l

Do not heat unopened contain-

J catch on fire.

ers. They could explode. The
hot contents could cause burns
and container particles could
cause injury.

l

Do not store flammable materi-

als on or near the range. The

fumes can create an explosion

and/or fire hazard.

l

Check to be sure glass cooking
utensils are safe for use on the
range. Only certain types of
glass, glass-ceramic, ceramic,
earthenware or other glazed

utensils are suitable for cook­tops without breaking due to the
sudden change in temperature.

l

Never leave surface units

unattended at high heat set­tings. A boilover could result

and cause smoking and greasy
spillovers that may ignite.

When using the cooktop

l

Do not cook on a broken

cooktop. If cooktop should

break, cleaning solutions and

spillovers may penetrate the

broken cooktop and create a

risk of electrical shock. Contact
a qualified technician immedi­ately.

l

Select a pan with a flat bottom
that is about the same size as
the surface unit. If pan is
smaller than the surface unit,
some of the heat in

element

will be-exposed an may result il
b”o:“h~l~~~.n~,sf~~t~~~~~e

a!so improves cooking effi­ciency.

l

Turn pan handles inward, but

not over other surface units.
This will help reduce the chance
of bums, igniting of flammable

materials, and spills due to

bumping of the pan.

When using the oven

l

Always
desired ocation while oven

osition oven rack(s) in

P

IS

cool. If a rack must be removed
while oven is hot, do not let
potholder contact hot heating
element in oven.

l

Use care when opening oven
door. Let hot air or steam es­cape before removing or replac­ing food.

4

Grease

l

Grease is flammable. Do not
allow grease to collect around
cooktop or in vents. Wipe spill­overs immediately.

l

Do not use water on grease

fires. Never pick up a flaming

pan. Smother flamin

range by coverin
fitted lid, cookie s
tray. Flaming

an can be e
aking soda or, i

E

vl

rease outside of

ii

in uished with

B

pan on

9

WI

h a well-

eet or flat

available, a
multipurpose dry chemical or
foam-type extinguisher.

Care and cleaning

l

Clean cooktop with care. Some
cleaners can produce noxious
fumes if applied to a hot sur­face. If a wet pa

used to wipe s
cookin 9 area,

er towel is

7

I

Is on a hot

g e careful to

avoid s earn bums.

l

Small amounts of formaldehyde

and carbon monoxide are 9 iven

off in the Self-Cleaning cyc e
from fiberglass insulation and

food decomposition. Si 9 nificant

exposure to these subs

antes

can cause cancer or reproduc­tive harm. Exposure can be

minimized by venting with a
hood or o en window and
wipin
prior 0 self-cleaning.

l

Do not use oven cleaners. No

o UP excess food spills

a

commercial oven cleaner or
oven liner
any kind s

rotective coating of

I!

ould be used in or

around any part of the oven.

l

Before self-cleaning the oven.,
remove broiler
oven racks an

an, broiler

cf 9 other utensi s.

Do not use your oven to clean
miscellaneous parts unless you
are instructed to do so in this

Use and Care Guide.

l

Do not clean door heat seal. It

is essential for a

Care should be ta

ood seal.

R

en not to
rub, damage or move the seal.
Clean only parts recommended
in this Use and Care Guide.

l

Do not repair or replace any
part of the range unless specifi­cally recommended in. this
manual. All other servlclng
should be referred to a qualified
technician.

l

Disconnect the electrical supply

before servicing the range.

rid,

- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -

PartsAnd Features

This section contains captioned illustrations of your range. Use them to become familiar with the
location and appearance of all parts and features.

Anti-tip bracket

(on wall behind control panel )

Control panel

Oven vent

Surface unit

Model

and ser

IMI

\

/ indicator light8

cddop light

CleanTo~“’

ceramic cooktop

Hot surface

Automatic oven

light switch

Broil element

Removable storage

Control panel

Left

front
control light
knob

Surface unit marker
6

Cooktop rear

switch

I

LaR

control
knob

Electronic
MEALTIMEW’ clock
with oven controls
and minute timer

Bake element

Right
rear
control
knob

Surtace unit indicator light

Manual
oven
light
switch

I

Right

front
control
knob

Using Your Range

In This Section

the ourface units

Using
Positioning
For best
Using
The dectronic oven controls
6etthg
Using
Using
Audible signals
Bakinglroasting

rack8 and

air circulation

duminum foil

the clock ...............................................

the electronk
the Off/Cancel

.....................................

pans ..............................

.....................................

for baking.. ....................

Minute Timer.. ...............

pad .................................

.................................................

................................................

P&P

...........................

Adjusting the oven temperature control

.7
.9

Broiling ..............................................................

10

Broiling tips .......................................................

Energy saving tips

.10

Using the electronic MEALTIMER” control

11

The oven vent

12

.12

The rtoraga drawer

13

The anti-tip bracket

13

Optional door panel pat

14

............................................

...................................................

.........................................

..........................................

..................................

Page

....... .15

16
17
17

.. .16

26

.27

27
27

To obtain the best cooking results possible, you must operate your range properly. This section gives
you important information for efficient and safe use of your range.

Using the

surface

units

Control knob8 must be pushed in before
turning them to a setting. They can be set
anywhere between HI and OFF.

Surface unit markers

The solid dot in the surface unit marker shows
which surface unit is turned on by that knob.

Surface unit indicator lights

One of the Surface Unit Indicator Lights on the
control panel will glow when a surface unit is on.

Hot surface indicator lights

The Hot Surface Indicator Lights on the cooktop
surface will glow when the surface units get hot.
The Indicator Lights will continue to glow as long
as the surface units are too hot to touch, even
after they are turned off.

Burn and Fire Hazard

Be sure all control knobs are turned to OFF
and all indicator lights are OFF when you
are not cooking.

Someone could be burned or a fire could
start if a surface unit is accidentally left ON.

NOTE: The surface elements may smoke slightly
and emit a burning odor during the first few hours
of use. This is normal. It is caused by the
insulation material of the new ceramic cooktop
elements and will not occur again.

Until you get used to the settings, use the
following as a guide.

cooking at the high settings; then turn the control
knob down to continue cooking.

1 SElTING 1

HI

Medium-

high

Medium

(opposite OFF)

Medium-

low

LO

For best results, start

RECOMMENDED USE

l

To start foods cooking.

l

To bring liquids to a boil.

* To hold a rapid boil.

l

To fry chicken or pancakes.

l

For gravy, pudding and icing.

l

To cook large amounts of
vegetables.

. To keep food cooking after

starting it on a higher setting.

l

To keep food warm until ready
to serve.

Using the ceramic cooktop

Cooking on the ceramic cooktop is almost the
same as cooking on conventional surface units.
There are, however, a few differences:

l

The ceramic cooktop will take slightly longer to
heat up than a coil surface unit. It will also take a
little longer to cool down.

l

The surface unit will glow red when it is turned
on. You will see the element cycling on (glowing
red) and off to maintain the proper temperature
setting you have selected.

l

If you use the ceramic cooktop for canning, use
the left front surface unit. For best canning
results, use a flat-bottomed canner.

l

Sliding metal pans on the ceramic cooktop
surface could leave marks. Clean metal marks
using the Cooktop Polishing Creme included with
your range.

the cooktop again.

each use will help keep the surface free from
stains and provide the most even heating. See
pages 32 and 33 for care and cleaning sugges­tions.

l

Do not leave an empty utensil, or one which has
boiled dry, on a hot surface unit. It can overheat
and may damage the utensil or surface unit.

l

Do not use canners, woks and specialty utensils
with rounded, warped, ridged or dented bottoms.
These could cause severe overheating which
damages the utensil and/or surface unit.

Remove these marks before using

Wiping off the cooktop after

Cookware tips

There is no one brand of cooking utensil that is
best for all people. Knowing something about pan
materials and construction will help you select the
correct cooking utensils for your needs.

I

l

With your hand, feel the bottom of your pans
while they are cool for nicks and scratches.
Nicks and scratches on pan bottoms will
scratch the ceramic cooktop.

l

For best results and greater energy efficiency,
use only flat-bottomed utensils that make good
contact with the surface units. To check the
flatness of a utensil:

- Turn it over and check the bottom of the pan
by placing a ruler across it.

- Rotate the ruler in all directions. There should
be no gaps between the pan and the ruler.

NOTE:

bottoms suitable for use on your cooktop are
now available in most houseware stores or

departments.

l

The pan should have straight sides and a tight­fitting lid.

l

Choose medium to heavy gauge (thickness)
pans that are fairly lightweight. Remember that
a very heavy pan will be even heavier when
filled with food.

l

The pan material (metal or glass) affects how
fast heat transfers from the surface unit through
the pan material and how evenly heat spreads
over the pan bottom. Choose pans that provide
the best cooking results.

l

Handles should be made of a sturdy, heat­resistant material and be securely attached to
the pan.

Woks, canners and teakettles with flat

Home canning information

l Use flat-bottomed canners/pans for best

results. Some canners have ridged bottoms
(porcelain enamel-ware) and are not recom-

mended. They do not make good contact with
the surface unit and cause severe overheating
which damages the cooktop.

l For best results, use the largest surface unit.

Also, use a canner/pan which can be centered
over the surface unit and which does not
extend more than one inch outside surface unit
area. Large diameter canners/pans, if not
properly centered, trap heat and can cause
damage to the cooktop.

l Do not place canner on two surface units at the

same time. Excessive heat build-up will
damage the cooktop.

l Start with hot water. This reduces the time the

control is set on high. Reduce heat setting to

lowest position needed to keep water boiling.

l To prolong the life of the elements:

- Prepare small batches at a time.

- Do not use elements for canning all day.

Positioning racks and pans

For baking/roasting with one rack, the rack

should be placed so the top of the food will be
centered in the oven. Always leave at least
2 inches (4-5 cm) between the sides of the pan
and the oven walls and other pans.

For proper cooklng, follow these guidellnee
for specific foods:

l Angel and bundt cakes, yeast breads, frozen

pies, large roasts and turkeys-place rack on
lowest level.

l Casseroles, muffins, most quick breads and

meats-place rack on second or third level from
bottom.

l Cookies, biscuits, cakes and non-frozen pies-

place rack on second or third level from bottom.

When baking on two racks, arrange racks on
bottom and third level from bottom.

NOTE: For recommended rack placement when
broiling, see “Broiling rack position chart” on
page 17.

1’12

to

l Always position oven rack(s) in desired

location before turning oven on. Be sure

the rack(s) is level.

l lf rack(s) must be moved while oven is

hot, use potholders or oven mitts to

protect hands.

Failure to follow the above precautions may
resutl in personal injury.

Personal Injury Hazard

9

For best air circulation

The hot air must circulate around the pans in the
oven for even heat to reach all parts of the oven.
This results in better baking.

l

Place the pans so that one is not directly over

the other.

l

Allow

1’12

to 2 inches (4-5 cm) of space around

each pan and between pans and oven walls.

l

Use only one cookie sheet in the oven at one

time.

Use the following as a guide to determine where
to place the pans.

One pan

Place in the center of the oven rack.

Two pans

Place in opposite corners of the oven rack.

Three or four pans

Place in opposite corners on each oven rack.

Stagger pans so no pan is directly over another.

NOTE:

longer cooking times and unsatisfactory baking or
roasting results. Use a reliable kitchen timer to
keep track of the cooking time.

“Oven peeking” may cause heat loss,

Using aluminum foil for baking

Use aluminum foil to catch spillovers from pies or
casseroles.

l

Place the foil on the oven rack below the rack
with the food. The foil should have the edges
turned up and be about 1 inch (3 cm) larger all
around than the dish holding the food.

l

Do not cover the entire rack with aluminum foil.
It will reduce air circulation and cause poor
cooking results.

l

Do not line oven bottom or entire oven rack with
foil or other liners. Poor baking will result.

Electrical Shock and Fire Hazard

Do not allow foil to touch the heating
elements because it will damage them and
could result in shock or fire hazard.

10

The electronic oven controls

Electronic
diSVlW

Oven I TemPedur; Electronic’
8elactor pa&

pa*

MEALTIMER
control pads

There are two parts in the oven control section:

-The display

-The command pads
Instructions for the oven control are covered on

the following pages. Read them carefully.

When you first plug in the range, a time of day
and “PF will show in the temperature display. lf.
after you set the clock (page 12) the display again
shows ‘PF, your electricity was off for a while.

Reset the clock

Display/clock

When you are not using the oven, this is an
accurate clock. When using the oven or Minute
Timer, the display will show the time, temperature
settings and what command pads have been

pressed.

When showing the time of day, the display will
show the hour and minutes.

When using the Minute Timer, the display
shows minutes and seconds in the following

sequence:

l For settings from l-59 minutes, the display will

count down each second.

l For settings over 1 hour, the display will count

down each minute.

When using Cook Time and/or Stop Time, the
display shows hours and minutes.

Clock Minute timer l et
ret pad

Hour Minute
PaA

pa&

and off padr

StarV ’ off!
enter

pad pad

CMCOI

Command pads

The command pads tell the oven what to do and
in what order. A few examples:

-Clock/Set tells the oven you are going to set the
clock

-Off/Cancel tells the oven to turn off.
Each command pad (except Off/Cancel and Start/

Enter) has its own indicator. The indicator comes

on when you touch the command pad.

11

Setting the clock

1. Push the Clock/Set pad. The colon flashes
and TIME will light up in the display.

2. Use the Hour and Minute pads to set the time

of day. Push the tp” (A) or “down” (V) pad(s)
until the correct time shows in the display.

3. Push the Start/Enter pad.

NOTE: lf you do not want the clock time dis­played, push and hold the Clock/Set pad for
seconds. To display the clock time again, push

the ClocWSet pad once.

4

Using the electronic Minute Timer

The Minute Timer does not start or stop the oven.

lt works like a kitchen timer. lt can be set in hours
and minutes up to 11 hours, 59 minutes. The
Minute Timer will display minutes and seconds for
settings under one hour. You will hear four

1 -second tones when the set time is up.

1. Push the Timer Set pad. TIMER will come on
and the display will show “0~00” wfth the colon

flashing.

2. Use the Hour and Minute pads to set the
desired time. Push the “up” (A) or “down” (r)
pad(s) until the correct time shows in the
display.

12