Models: JVM1540 JNM1541 HVM1540 Spacemaker Microwave Oven Owner’s Manual Important Safety Information Precautions to Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy Special Notes About Microwaving 2 2 5 Operating Instructions 10 Features of Your Microwave The Controls on Your Microwave Time Cooking Automatic Cooking Other Features Oven Shelf 10 11 14 20 24 29 Helpful Information 30 Microwave Terms Care and Cleaning 30 31 If Something Goes Wrong Before You Call For Service GE Service Number
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ ALL SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USING FOR YOUR SAFETY WARNING! To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, fire, injury to persons, or exposure to excessive microwave energy: 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This microwave oven is intended for household use and is UL listed for installation over electric and gas ranges. This microwave oven is not approved or tested for marine use. • Read and follow the specific “Precautions to Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy” on page 2. • This appliance must be grounded. Connect only to properly grounded outlet. See Grounding Instructions section on page 9. • Do not mount this appliance over a sink.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ ALL SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE USING • Do not store this appliance outdoors. Do not use this product near water— for example, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, near a sink or in similar locations. • 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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: • Foil not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas). • The metal shelf (if included) not installed correctly so it touches the microwave wall. • Metal, such as twist-ties, poultry pins or goldrimmed dishes, in the microwave.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT MICROWAVING SAFETY FACT SUPERHEATED WATER 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 THE CONTAINER IS DISTURBED OR A SPOON OR OTHER UTENSIL IS INSERTED INTO THE LIQUID.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT MICROWAVING • Use foil only as directed in this manual. When using foil in the microwave oven, keep the foil at least 1″ away from the sides of the oven. • Plastic cookware—Plastic cookware designed for microwave cooking is very useful, but should be used carefully. Even microwavesafe 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THE VENT FAN The fan will operate automatically under certain conditions (see Automatic Fan feature). Take care to prevent the starting and spreading of accidental cooking fires while the vent fan is in use. • In the event of a grease fire on the surface units below the microwave oven, smother a flaming pan on the surface unit by covering the pan completely with a lid, a cookie sheet or a flat tray. • Clean the underside of the microwave often.
Operating Instructions Features of Your Microwave (Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.) Features 1 2 3 10 9 4 6 8 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 Touch Control Panel. 5 Cooktop Light. 6 Grease Filters. 10 5 7 6 7 Removable Turntable.
Quick Start The Controls on Your Microwave Oven (Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.) You can microwave by time, temperature 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 Enter Amount of cooking time. Amount of defrosting time. Starts immediately! Power level 1–10.
Quick Start GUIDE ON MICROWAVE Before you begin, check the guide located on the inside front of the oven when you open the door.
Operating Instructions Changing Power Levels Variable power levels add flexibility to microwave cooking. The power levels on the microwave oven can be compared to the surface units on a range. High (power level 10) or full power is the fastest way to cook and gives you 100% power. Each power level gives you microwave energy a certain percent of the time. Power level 7 is microwave energy 70% of the time. Power level 3 is energy 30% of the time.
Operating Instructions 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.
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 11⁄2-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. In 2-qt.
Operating Instructions Cooking Guide for Time Cook I & II 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.
Time Features Time Defrost Allows you to defrost for the length of time you select. See the Defrosting Guide for suggested times. Power level 3 is automatically set, but you may change this for more flexibility. You may defrost small items more quickly by raising the power level after entering the time. However, they will need more frequent attention than usual. 1 Press DEFROST AUTO/TIME twice. 2 Enter defrosting time. 3 Press START. 4 Turn food over when the oven signals. 5 Press START.
Operating Instructions 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 (21⁄2 to 3 lbs.) Chicken, whole (21⁄2 to 3 lbs.
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.
Operating Instructions Convenience Features Popcorn How to Use the Popcorn Feature Use only with prepackaged microwave popcorn weighing 3.0 to 3.5 ounces. NOTE: Do not use the metal shelf when cooking popcorn. 1 Follow package instructions, using Time Cook if the package is less than 3.0 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. Tap POPCORN to select the bag size you are cooking. 20 .
Convenience Features Beverage The Beverage feature heats servings of any beverage. Press BEVERAGE. The oven starts immediately. Drinks heated with the Beverage feature may be very hot. Remove the container with care. On some models, the serving size is automatically set at 1, but can be changed by pressing 2 or 3 right after pressing BEVERAGE. Reheat The Reheat feature reheats servings of many previously cooked foods. 1 Press REHEAT. NOTE: Do not use the metal shelf when using the Reheat feature.
Operating Instructions Convenience Features Potato The Potato feature cooks up to four 8–10 ounce potatoes. Press POTATO once for one potato, twice for two potatoes, three times for three potatoes and four times for four potatoes. The oven will start immediately after POTATO is pressed. Vegetable (Model HVM1540 only) The Vegetable feature automatically sets the cooking times and power levels to cook fresh, frozen or canned vegetables. 1 Press VEGETABLE. “Select Veggie type 1–3” will be displayed.
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. 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). 3 Press START. (Time Defrost is explained in the Time Features section.
Operating Instructions Other Features Your Model May Have Cooking Complete Reminder To remind you that you have food in the oven, the oven will display “FOOD IS READY” or “END” 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 On some models, select AM or PM. 4 Press START or CLOCK.
Other Features Your Model May Have Scroll Speed (On some models) 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.
Operating Instructions Other Features Your Model May Have 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.
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 3 seconds. When the control panel is locked, “L” or “LOC” 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.
Operating Instructions Other Features Your Model May Have Vent Fan When the microwave oven is off, you may operate the vent fan: 1 Press the Vent Fan pad once for high fan speed. 2 Press the Vent Fan pad a second time for low fan speed. 3 Press the Vent Fan pad a third time to turn the fan off.
Other Features Your Model May Have Shelf (on some models) How to Use the Shelf When Microwaving Food microwaves best when placed on the turntable or on the shelf in the lower position. NOTE: Only use the shelf when reheating on more than one level. Do not store the shelf inside the oven cavity. • Do not use the oven with the shelf on the microwave floor. This could damage the microwave. 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: • the metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching the microwave walls. • 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.
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. Walls, Floor, Inside Window, Metal and Plastic Parts on the Door Removable Turntable and Turntable Support ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; How to Clean the Inside Some spatters can be removed with a paper towel, others may require a damp cloth.
Helpful Information Care and Cleaning How to Clean the Outside 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. Case Clean the outside of the microwave with a sudsy cloth. Rinse and then dry. Wipe the window clean with a damp cloth. Control Panel Wipe with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly.
Light Bulb Replacement Cooktop Light/ Night Light Replace the burned-out bulb with a 30- or 40watt incandescent bulb (30-watt—WB36X10198/ 40-watt—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. 3 Be sure the bulb(s) to be replaced are cool before removing. After breaking the adhesive seal, remove the bulb by gently turning. 2 Remove the screw from light cover and lower the cover.
Helpful Information The Exhaust Feature The Vent Fan Charcoal Filter (on some models) The vent fan has two metal reusable grease filters. Models that recirculate air back into the room also use a charcoal filter. The reusable grease 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. WB02X10776 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 6–12 months, depending on hood usage). See “Optional Kits,” page 9 for more information.
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. Door not securely closed. • Open the door and close securely.
Before You Call For Service Things That Are Normal • Moisture on the oven door and walls while cooking. Wipe the moisture off with a paper towel or soft cloth. • Moisture between the oven door panels when cooking certain foods. Moisture should dissipate shortly after cooking is finished. • Steam or vapor escaping from around the door. • Light reflection around door or outer case. • TV-radio interference might be noticed while using the microwave.
GE Service Numbers We’ll Be There! GE Appliances Website ge.com Schedule Service ge.com 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) Real Life Design Studio ge.com 800.TDD.GEAC (800.833.4322) Extended Warranties ge.com 800.626.2224 38 Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can now download Owner’s Manuals, order parts or even schedule service on-line.
Parts and Accessories ge.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 ge.com Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally should be referred to qualified service personnel.
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 LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY For one year from date of original purchase, GE will replace any part in the microwave oven that fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this limited one-year warranty, GE will provide, free of charge, all labor and related service costs to replace the defective part.