Model: 1000 Watts JVM1640 SpacemakerXL Microwave Oven Owner’s Manual Important Safety Information Precautions to Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy Special Notes About Microwaving 2 2 6 Operating Instructions 11 Features of Your Microwave The Controls on Your Microwave Time Cooking Automatic Cooking Other Features Oven Shelf 11 12 15 21 25 30 Helpful Information 32 Microwave Terms Care and Cleaning 32 33 If Something Goes Wrong Before You Call For Service GE Service Numbers Wa
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION READ ALL SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USING FOR YOUR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY For your safety the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property damage, personal injury or loss of life. Do Not Attempt to operate this oven with the door open since open-door operation can result in harmful exposure to microwave energy.
Welcome Welcome to the GE family. We’re proud of our quality products and we believe in dependable service. You’ll see it in this easy-touse manual and you’ll hear it in the friendly voices of our consumer service department. Best of all, you’ll experience these values each time you use your microwave. That’s important, because your new microwave will be part of your family for a long time. Start Here!…Before using your Microwave Write down the model and serial numbers here.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION READ ALL SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USING WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, burns, electric shock, injury to persons, or exposure to excessive microwave energy when using your appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following sections. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS This microwave oven is UL listed for installation over electric and gas ranges. This microwave oven is not approved or tested for marine use.
• Do not cover or block any openings on the appliance. • Do not store this appliance outdoors. Do not use this product near water—for example, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool or near a sink. • Keep power cord away from heated surfaces. • Do not immerse power cord or plug in water. • 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 while cooking.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT MICROWAVING ARCING If you see arcing, press the CLEAR/OFF pad and correct the problem. Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by: • Metal or foil touching the side of the oven. • Foil not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas). • Metal, such as twist-ties, poultry pins, or goldrimmed dishes, in the microwave. • Recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces being used in the microwave.
SAFETY FACT SUPERHEATED WATER Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. Superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than 2 minutes per cup.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT MICROWAVING MICROWAVESAFE COOKWARE Make sure all cookware used in your microwave oven is suitable for microwaving. Most glass casseroles, cooking dishes, measuring cups, custard cups, pottery or china dinnerware which does not have metallic trim or glaze with a metallic sheen can be used. Some cookware is labeled “suitable for microwaving.” How to test for a microwave-safe dish.
• Plastic cookware—Plastic cookware designed for microwave cooking is very useful, but should be used carefully. Even microwave-safe plastic may not be as tolerant of overcooking conditions 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 cookware could ignite. Follow these guidelines: The fan will operate automatically under certain conditions (see Automatic Fan feature).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS/OPTIONAL KITS GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS Ensure proper ground exists before use. WARNING Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric shock. This appliance must be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing an escape wire for the electric current. This appliance is equipped with a power cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug.
Operating Instructions Features of Your Microwave (Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.) Features 3 ;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;; 4 2 5 1 6 7 9 8 7 6 1000 Watts 1 Door Handle. Pull to open the door. The door must be securely latched for the microwave to operate. 2 Door Latches. 3 Window with Metal Shield. Screen allows cooking to be viewed while keeping microwaves confined in the oven. 4 Shelf.
Quick Start The Controls on Your Microwave Oven (Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.) You can microwave by time or with the convenience features. 1 Time Features Time Cooking Press TIME COOK I & II (Press once or twice) DEFROST AUTO/TIME (Press twice) EXPRESS COOK POWER LEVEL ADD 30 SEC 12 Enter Amount of cooking time. Amount of defrosting time. Starts immediately! Power level 1–10.
HELP Press this pad and any feature pad for usage instructions and tips. GUIDE ON MICROWAVE Before you begin, check the guide located on the inside front of the oven when you open the door. GUIDES IN BOOK • Cooking • Time Defrost • Reheat • Snacks 2 Convenience Features Press POPCORN Press once Press twice Press 3 times BEVERAGE COOK REHEAT DEFROST AUTO/TIME (Press once) Enter Starts immediately! 3.5 oz. 3.0 oz. 1.75 oz.
Operating Instructions Changing Power Levels How to Change the Power Level The power level may be entered or changed immediately after entering the feature time for TIME COOK, TIME DEFROST or EXPRESS COOK. The power level may also be changed during time countdown. 1 Press TIME COOK or select Time Defrost. 2 Enter cooking or defrosting time. 3 Press POWER LEVEL. 4 Select desired power level 1–10. 5 Press START. 14 Variable power levels add flexibility to microwave cooking.
Time Features Time Cook Time Cook I Allows you to microwave for any time up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. Power level 10 (High) is automatically set, but you may change it for more flexibility. You may open the door during Time Cook to check the food. Close the door and press START to resume cooking. 1 Press TIME COOK. 2 Enter cooking time. 3 Change power level if you don’t want full power. (Press POWER LEVEL. Select a desired power level 1–10.) 4 Press START.
Operating Instructions Cooking Guide for Time Cook I & II NOTE: Use power level High (10) unless otherwise noted. Vegetable Amount Time Asparagus (fresh spears) 1 lb. (frozen spears) 10-oz. package 6 to 9 min., In 11⁄ -qt. oblong glass baking dish, Med-High (7) place 1/4 cup water. 5 to 7 min. In 1-qt. casserole. Beans (fresh green) 1 lb. cut in half (frozen green) 10-oz. package 9 to 11 min. 6 to 8 min. (frozen lima) 10-oz. package 6 to 8 min. Beets (fresh, whole) 1 bunch 17 to 21 min.
Vegetable Amount Time Comments 5 to 7 min. In 1-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons water. 1 to 5 ears 3 to 4 min. per ear 1 ear 2 to 6 ears 5 to 6 min. 3 to 4 min. per ear In 2-qt. oblong glass baking dish, place corn. If corn is in husk, use no water; if corn has been husked, add 1/4 cup water. Rearrange after half of time. Place in 2-qt. oblong glass baking dish. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Rearrange after half of time. 10-oz. package 5 to 7 min. Corn (frozen kernel) 10-oz.
Operating Instructions Time Features Time Defrost Allows you to defrost for the length of time you select. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested times. 1 Press DEFROST AUTO/TIME twice. 2 Enter defrosting time. 3 Press START. 4 Turn food over when the oven signals. 5 Press START. (Auto Defrost explained in the section on Convenience Features.) Power level 3 is automatically set, but you may change this for more flexibility.
Defrosting Guide Food Time Breads, Cakes Bread, buns or rolls (1 piece) Sweet rolls (approx. 12 oz.) 1 min. 3 to 5 min. Fish and Seafood Fillets, frozen (1 lb.) Shellfish, small pieces (1 lb.) 6 to 8 min. 5 to 7 min. Fruit Plastic pouch—1 to 2 (10-oz. package) Meat Bacon (1 lb.) Franks (1 lb.) Ground meat (1 lb.) Roast: beef, lamb, veal, pork Steaks, chops and cutlets Poultry Chicken, broiler-fryer cut up (21⁄ to 3 lbs.) 2 Chicken, whole (21⁄ to 3 lbs.) 2 Cornish hen Turkey breast (4 to 6 lbs.
Operating Instructions Time Features Express Cook This is a quick way to set cooking time for 1–6 minutes. Press one of the Express Cook pads (from 1 to 6) for 1 to 6 minutes of cooking at power level 10. For example, press the 2 pad for 2 minutes of cooking time. The power level can be changed as time is counting down. Press POWER LEVEL and enter 1–10. Add 30 Seconds You can use this feature two ways: • It will add 30 seconds to the time counting down each time the pad is pressed.
Convenience Features Popcorn How to Use the Popcorn Feature (less time) (less time) time) (more (more time) Use only Use onlywith with prepackaged prepackaged microwave microwavepopcorn popcorn weighing weighing 1.75 to 3.5 1.75 to 3.5ounces. ounces. 1 Follow package instructions, using Time Cook if the package is less than 1.75 ounces or larger than 3.5 ounces. Place the package of popcorn in the center of the microwave. 2 Press POPCORN. The oven starts immediately.
Operating Instructions Convenience Features Reheat The Reheat feature reheats 1 to 3 servings of many previously cooked foods. 3 Press 2 or 3 to reheat 2 or 3 servings. 1 Press REHEAT. NOTE: The serving size may be changed or added after pressing START. Press number pad 2 or 3. 2 Select food type 1–6 for one serving (see Reheat Guide below). 4 Press START. Reheat Guide Food Type Comments 1 Pasta Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap.
Cook The Cook feature automatically sets the cooking times and power levels for a variety of foods. 1 Press COOK. 2 Select food type 1–9 (see the Cook Guide below). 3 Enter weight in ounces. 4 Press START. Hint: Press and hold the COOK pad during cooking to display the food type and remaining cook time. Cook Guide Food Type Weight 1 Canned Vegetables 4 to 20 oz. 2 Frozen Vegetables 4to 20 oz. 3 Fresh Vegetables 4 to 16 oz. 4 Potatoes 8 to 40 oz. 5 Fish 4 to 16 oz. 6 Chicken Pieces 4 to 40 oz.
Operating Instructions Convenience Features Auto Defrost The Defrost Auto/Time feature gives you two ways to defrost frozen foods. Press DEFROST AUTO/TIME once for Auto Defrost or twice for Time Defrost. Use Auto Defrost for meat, poultry and fish. Use Time Defrost for most other frozen foods. 1 Press DEFROST AUTO/TIME once. 2 Using the Conversion Guide at right, enter food weight. For example, press pads 1 and 2 for 1.2 pounds (1 pound, 3 ounces).
Other Features Your Model May Have Help The HELP pad displays feature information and helpful hints. Press HELP, then select a feature pad. Cooking Complete Reminder To remind you that you have food in the oven, the oven will display “FOOD IS READY” and beep once a minute until you either open the oven door or press CLEAR/OFF. Clock Press to enter the time of day or to check the time of day while microwaving. 1 Press CLOCK. 2 Enter time of day. 3 Select AM or PM. 4 Press START or CLOCK.
Operating Instructions Other Features Your Model May Have Scroll Speed The scroll speed of the display can be changed. Press and hold the AM/PM pad about 3 seconds to bring up the display. Select 1–5 for slow to fast scroll speed. Display On/Off To turn the clock display off, press and hold 0 for about three seconds. To redisplay the clock, repeat. Delay Start allows you to set the microwave to delay cooking up to 24 hours. 4 Select any combination of Defrost Auto/Time or Time Cook I & II.
Timer On/Off Timer On/Off operates as a minute timer and can be used at any time, even when the oven is operating. When time is up, the oven will signal. To turn off the timer signal, press TIMER ON/OFF. 1 Press TIMER ON/OFF. NOTE: The timer indicator will be lit while the timer is operating. 2 Enter time you want to count down. 3 Press TIMER ON/OFF to start. Start/Pause In addition to starting many functions, START/PAUSE allows you to stop cooking without opening the door or clearing the display.
Operating Instructions Other Features Your Model May Have Child Lock-Out You may lock the control panel to prevent the microwave from being accidentally started or used by children. To lock or unlock the controls, press and hold CLEAR/OFF for about three seconds. When the control panel is locked, an “L” will be displayed to the extreme right. For best cooking results, leave the turntable on. It can be turned off for large dishes. Press TURNTABLE to turn the turntable on or off.
Beeper Volume The beeper sound level can be adjusted. Press BEEPER VOLUME. Choose 0–3 for mute to loud. Vent Fan The vent fan removes steam and other vapors from surface cooking. Press VENT FAN once for high fan speed, twice for low fan speed or a third time to turn the fan off. An automatic fan feature protects the microwave from too much heat rising from the cooktop below it. It automatically turns on if it senses too much heat. If you have turned the fan on you may find that you cannot turn it off.
Operating Instructions Other Features Your Model May Have Shelf How to Use the Shelf When Microwaving • Make sure the shelf is positioned properly inside the microwave to prevent damage to the oven from arcing. • Do not use a microwave browning dish on the shelf. The shelf could overheat. Food microwaves best when placed on the turntable. Only use the shelf when reheating on more than one level. Do not store the shelf inside the oven cavity.
Shelf and Reheating • To reheat on 2 levels or • To reheat 2 dishes on the lower level: Switch places after 1/2 time. 1 Multiply reheat time by 11⁄ 2. 2 Switch places after 1/2 the time. Switch places after 1/2 time.
Helpful Information Microwave Terms Term Definition Arcing Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by: • metal or foil touching the side of the oven. • foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas). • metal such as twist ties, poultry pins, gold-rimmed dishes. • recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces. Covering Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce cooking time.
Care and Cleaning Helpful Hints An occasional thorough wiping with a solution of baking soda and water keeps the inside fresh. NOTE: Be certain the power is off before cleaning any part of this oven.
Helpful Information Care and Cleaning How to Clean the Outside Case We recommend against using cleaners with ammonia or alcohol, as they can damage the appearance of the microwave oven. If you choose to use a common household cleaner, first apply the cleaner directly to a clean cloth, then wipe the soiled area. Clean the outside of the microwave with a sudsy cloth. Rinse and then dry. Wipe the window clean with a damp cloth. Control Panel and Door Wipe with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly.
Light Bulb Replacement Cooktop Light Replace the burned-out bulb with a 40-watt incandescent bulb (WB36X10003), available from your GE supplier. 1 To replace the bulb(s), first disconnect the power at the main fuse or circuit breaker panel or pull the plug. 2 Remove the screw at the front of the light cover and lower the cover. 3 Be sure the bulb(s) to be replaced are cool before removing. After breaking the adhesive seal, remove the bulb by gently turning. Replace with the same size and type bulb.
Helpful Information The Exhaust Feature The Vent Fan Charcoal Filter (on some models) The vent fan has 2 metal reusable grease filters. Models that recirculate air back into the room also use a charcoal filter. The metal filters trap grease released by foods on the cooktop. They also prevent flames from foods on the cooktop from damaging the inside of the microwave. For this reason, the filters must ALWAYS be in place when the hood is used.
Charcoal Filter (on some models) The charcoal filter cannot be cleaned. It must be replaced. Order Part No. WB02X10943 from your GE supplier. If the model is not vented to the outside, the air will be recirculated through a disposable charcoal filter that helps remove smoke and odors. The charcoal filter should be replaced when it is noticeably dirty or discolored (usually after 6 to 12 months, depending on hood usage).
If Something Goes Wrong Before You Call For Service Problem Possible Cause What to Do Oven will not start A fuse in your home may be blown or the circuit breaker tripped. • Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker. Power surge. • Unplug the microwave oven, then plug it back in. Plug not fully inserted into wall outlet. • Make sure the 3-prong plug on the oven is fully inserted into wall outlet.
Things That Are Normal • Steam or vapor escaping from around the door. • Light reflection around door or outer case. • Dimming oven light and change in the blower sound at power levels other than high. • Dull thumping sound while oven is operating. • TV-radio interference might be noticed while using the microwave. Similar to the interference caused by other small appliances, it does not indicate a problem with the microwave.
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GE Service Numbers We’ll Be There! GE Appliances Website www.GEAppliances.com Schedule Service www.GEAppliances.com 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) Real Life Design Studio www.GEAppliances.com 800.TDD.GEAC (800.833.4322) Extended Warranties www.GEAppliances.com 800.626.
Parts and Accessories www.GEAppliances.com 800.626.2002 Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their home. (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted.) Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or by phone at 800.626.2002 during normal business hours. Register Your Appliance www.GEAppliances.com Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user.
MICROWAVE OVEN WARRANTY Staple sales slip or cancelled check here. Proof of original purchase date is needed to obtain service under warranty. What Is Covered FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY For one year from date of original purchase, we will provide, free of charge, parts and service labor in your home to repair or replace any part of the microwave oven that fails because of a manufacturing defect.