GE JES638 User manual

700 Watts
Models: JES638
JES738
Microwave Oven
Owner's Manual
,i,ii,llll,l,lll![!lllllll i ,/'UUI/I/,IUI
ImportantSafetyInformation
Precautions toAvoid Possible Exposure
to Excessive Microwave Eoergy
Special Notes About Microwavhlg 2
6
OperatingInstructions
Features of Your Microwave
The Controlson YourMicrowave
Time Cooking
Automatic Cooking
OtherFeatures
11
12
15
78
22
[] HelpfulInformation
Microwave Terms
Care and Cleaning
25
26
If SomethingGoesWrong
Troubleshooting Tips 28
GEService Numbers 31
Warranty Back Cover
GEAppliances IIII II I I i'1 I

REAj) ALL SAFETY
INFORMATION BEFORE USING
_i TO SSII/E exposure is no damage to the:
_ to microwave energy. Idoor (bent),
ii defeat or tamper with
iENERGY (broken or loosened),
tile safety interlocks. 3door seals and Sealing
a
between the oven front: _The Oven Should Not
face and the door or be _;-sted Ar repaired
allow soil or cleaner by anyone exce t
P
residue to accumulate properiy qualified
on sealing surfaces.

Start Here!. •.Before using your Microwave
•tWrite down the model
and serial numbershere.
They are on a label inside
the oven_
Model number
Serial number
Date ofpurchase
Staple your receipt to the
inside back cover of this
manual You will need it
to make a warranty claim.
Read this manual
It contains insmzctions to
help you use and maintain
your microwave properly.
If you received a damaged
oven...immediately contact
the dealer' (or builder')
that sold you the oven.
Save time and money.
Check the section titled
"If Something Goes
Wrong." This section
helps you solve common
problems that might occur;

READ ALL SAFETY
INFORMATION BEFORE USING
_This microwave oven is: I
i_not approved or tested
ii fO_ ll_rrio_ EIse: :i:: : il
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.
Install or locate this
appliance only in
accordance with the
provided Installation
Instructions.
Be certain to place the
front surface of the door
three inches or more
back from the countertop
edge to avoid accidental
tipping of the appliance
in normal usage,
Do not mount the
microwave oven over'
or near any portion of
a heating or cooking
appliance°
Do not store anything
directly on top of the
microwave oven surface
when the oven is in
operation.
Do not operate any
heating or cooking
appliance beneath
this microwave,
Use this appliance only
for its intended use as
described in this guide.
Do not use corrosive
chemicals or vapors in
this appliance. This
microwave oven is
specifically designed to
heat, dry or cook food,
and is not intended
for laboratory or
industrial use.

• Do not operate this
appliance if it has a
damaged power cord or'
plug, if it is not working
properly or if it has been
damaged or dropped,
•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, near
a sink or in similar
locations.
• Keep power cord away
from heated surfaces.
"Do not immerse power
cord or plug in water;
e Do not let power cord
hang over edge of table
or counter;
• To reduce d_e risk of fire
in the oven cavity:
Do not overcook food,
Carefully attend
appliance when paper,
plastic or' other
combustible materials
are placed inside the
oven while cooldngo
Remove wire twist-ties
and metal handles
from paper or plastic
containers before
placing them in fl_e
oven°
Do not use the oven
for storage purposes.
Do not leave paper'
products, cooking
utensils or food in the
oven when not in use.
If materials inside oven
ignite, keep the oven
door closed, turn d_e
oven off and disconnect
the power cord, or shut
off power at the fi_tse or
circuit breaker panel.
If the door is opened,
the fire may spread.
See door surface
cleaning instructions in
the Care and Cleaning
section(s) of this guide.
GE does not support
any servicing of the
microwave. We strongly
recommend that you do
not attempt to service
the microwave yourseIL
As with any appliance,
close supervision is
necessary when used
by children°
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL NO TES AB 0 UT MICRO WAVING
iuvouseearcing,press
il the STOP/CLEAe pad i !i
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 gold-
rimmed dishes, in
the microwave.
Recycled paper towels
containing small metal
pieces being used in
the microwave.
* Do not pop popcorn in
your microwave oven
unless in a special
microwave popcorn
accessory or unless you
use popcorn labeled for
use in microwave ovens.
Some products such as
whole eggs and sealed
containers-for example,
closed jars--are able to
explode and should not
be heated in this
microwave oven. Such use
of the microwave oven
could result in injury,
Do not boi! eggs in a
microwave oven. Pressure
wilt build up inside egg
yolk and will cause it to
burst, possibly resuhing
in injury.
Operating the microwave
with no food inside for
more than a minute or
two may cause damage to
the oven and could start a
fire. It increases the heat
around the magnetron
and can shorten the life
of the oven.
Foods with unbroken
outer "skin" such as
potatoes, hot dogs,
sausages, tomatoes,
apples, chicken livers
and other giblets, and
egg yolks should be
pierced to allow steam
to escape during
cooking.
6

SAFETYFACT
SUPERHEATEDWATER
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 ORA SPOON
OR OTHER UTENSIL IS
INSERTED INTO THE LIQUID.
To reduce the risk of injury
to persons:
Do not overheat the
liquid.
Sdr the liquid both
before and halfway
through heating it.
-- Do not use straight-sided
containers with narrow
necks.
-- After heating, allow the
container to stand in
the microwave oven for
a short time before
removing the container:
Use extreme care when
inserting a spoon or
other utensil into the
container:
Avoid heating baby food
in glass jars, even with
the lid offl Make sure all
infant food is thoroughly
cooked° Stir food to
distribute the heat evenly.
Be careful to prevent
scalding when warming
formula. The container
may feel cooler than the
formula really iso Always
test the formula before
feeding the baby.
Don't defrost frozen
beverages in narrow-
necked bottles (especially
carbonated beverages).
Even if the container is
opened, pressure can
build up. This can cause
the container to burst,
possibly resulting in
injury.
Hot foods and steam
can cause burns. Be
careful when opening
any containers of hot
food, including popcorn
bags, cooking pouches
and boxes. To prevent
possible injury, direct
steam away fi'om hands
and face.
Do not overcook
potatoes. They could
dehydrate and catch
fire, causing damage
to your' oven.
Cook meat and poultry
thoroughly-meat to
at least an INTEPaNAL
temperature of 160°F
and poultry to at least an
INFERNAL temperature
of 180°E Cooking to these
temperatures usually
protects against foodborne
illness.

%
SPECIAL NOTES A_BOUT .MICRO WAVING
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
microwavingo"
How totest for a microwave-
safe dish. ,
• If you are not sure if a o
dish is microwave-safe,
use this test: Place in the
oven both the dish you
are testing and a glass
measuring cup filled with
1 cup of water--set the
measuring cup either
in or next to the dish.
Microwave 1 minute at •
high. If the dish heats,
it should not be used •
for micr owaving_
If the dish remains cool
and only the water in the
cup heats, then the dish
is microwave_safe.
• If you use a meat
thermometer while
cooking, make sure
it is safe for use in
microwave ovens.
• Do not use recycled
paper products. Recycled
paper towels, napkins
and waxed paper can
contain metal flecks
which may cause arcing
or igniter Paper products
containing nylon or
nylon filaments should
be avoided, as they may
also ignite,
Some styrof6am trays
(like those that meat is
packaged on) have a thin
strip of metal embedded
in the bottom. When
microwaved, the metal can
burn the floor of the oven
or ignite a paper towel.
Do not use the microwave
to dry newspapers.
Not all plastic wrap is
suitable for use in
microwave ovens. Check
the package for proper use,
Paper' towels, waxed
paper' and plastic wrap
can be used to cover
dishes in order to retain
moisture and prevent
spattering. Be sure to
vent plastic wrap so steam
can escape,
Cookware may become
hot because of' heat
transferred from the
heated food. Pot holders
may be needed to handle
the cookware.
"Boitable" cooking
pouches and tightly
closed plastic bags should
be slit, pierced or vented
as directed by package.
If they are not, plastic
could bulst during or
immediately after
cooking, possibly resuldng
in injury. Also, plastic
storage containers should
be at least partially
uncovered because they
form a tight seal. When
cooking with container's
tightly covered with
plastic wrap, remove
covering carefuUy and
direct steam away from
hands and face.

• Use f0il only as directed
in this guide, TV dinners
may be microwaved in
foil trays less than 3/4"
high; remove the top foil
cover and return the tray
to the box. When using
foil in the microwave
oven, keep the foil
at least !" away from
the sides of the oven
• Plastic cookware--Ptastic
cookware desigaaed for'
microwave cooking is very
useful, but should be ttsed
carefnlly. 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. 111longer
exposures to overcooking,
the food and cookware
could ignite.
Follow these guidelines:
1Use microwave-safe
plastics only and use
them in strict compliance
with the cookware
manufacturer's
recommendations.
2Do not microwave empty
containers.
Do not permit children
to use plastic cookware
without complete
supervision.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
PREFERRED
METHOD
Ensureproper ground
exists beforeuse.
AWARNING
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 plugo The plug
must be plugged into an
outlet that is properly
installed and grounded_
Consult a qualified electridan
or service technician if tile
grounding instlucfions are
not completely understood,
or' if doubt exists as to
whedler d_e appliance is
properly grom_ded.
If the outlet is astandard
2-prong wall outlet, it is
your personal responsibility
and obligation to have it
replaced with a properly
grounded 3-prong wall
oufleL
Do not under any
circumstances cut or
remove the thiid
(ground) prong from
the power cord.
For best operation,
plug this appliance into
its own electrical outlet to
prevent flickering of lights,
blowing of fltse or tripping
of circuit breaker'.

GR 0 UNDING INS TR UC TIONS
::::: _nSureproper ground
TEMPORARY and firm Connection:
METHOD:: b_f0reuse;
Usagesituationswhere
appliance'spower cord will
be disconnectedinfrequently.
Because of potential safety
hazards under certain
conditions, we strongly
recommend against the
use of an adapter plug.
However; if you still elect
to use an adapter; where
local codes permit,
a TEMPORARY
CONNECTION may
be made to a properly
grounded two-prong wall
receptacle by the use of a
UL listed adapter which is
available at most local
hardware stores.
The larger slot in the
adapter must be aligned
with the larger slot in the
wall receptacle to provide
proper polarity in the
connection of the power
cord.
CAUTION:Attaching the
adapter ground terminal
to the wall receptacle cover
screw does not ground the
appliance unless the cover
screw is metal, and not
insulated, and the wall
receptacle is gnounded
through the house wiring.
You should have the
circuit checked by a
qualified electrician to
make sure the receptacle
is properly grounded.
When disconnecting the
power cord from the
adapter; always hold the
adapter with one hand. ff
this is not done, the adapter
ground terminal is very
likely to break with repeated
use. Should this happen,
DO NOT USE the appliance
until a proper ground has
again been established°
Usage situations where
appliance's power cord will
be disconnected frequently.
Do not use an adapter plug
in these situations because
flequent disconnection of
the power cord places
undue strain on the adapter
and leads to eventual failure
of the adapter ground
terminal. You should have
the two-prong wall
receptacle replaced with a
three-prong (grounding)
receptacle by a qualified
electrician before using
the appliance,
A short power supply cord is
provided to reduce the risks
resulting from becoming
entangled in or' tripping over
a longer cord.
Extension cords may be used
if you are careful in using
them,
10
If an extension cord is used--
1The marked electrical
rating of the extension
cord should be at least as
great as the electrical
rating of the appliance;
2The extension cord must
be a grounding-type
3-wire cord and it must
be plugged into a 3-slot
outlet;
3The extension 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 unintentionally.
If you use an extension cord,
the interior light may flicker
and the blower sound may
vary when the microwave
oven is on. Cooking times
may be longer, too.

Features of Your Microwave
(Throughout thi_ manual, features and appearance
may vary,,from your' model,, )
700 Watts
-.. • F---I
i
I
1 DoorLatches.
2 Window with Metal
Shield. Screen a!lows
cooking to be viewed
while keeping
microwaves confined
in the oven,
3 Touch ControlPanel
Display.
4Door Latch Release,
Press latch release
to open door.
5 Removable Turntable.
Turntable and support
must be in place when
using the oven. The
turntable may be
removed for cleaning.
6 Convenience Guide.
NOTE: Rating plate, oven
vent(s) and oven light are
located on the inside walls
of the microwave oven,
11

The Controls on Your Microwave Oven
(Throughout this manual, feature_ and appearance may vary from your mode!,,)
YOU cab
microwave by
time or with the
convenience
features.
TIME COOK
POWER
LEVEL
Time Features
ilTIMEC00K(eressbncei_iceorthieetimes)::: Amount of cooking time_
30 Starts automatically!
PoWER LEVEL ::iPower level 1-9
;: i :: (automatically set at Hi).
12

.... GUIOESIN BOOK : :
POPCORN PIZZA BEVERAGE
POTATO VEGETABLE iREHEAT
Convenience Features
3.5 oz., 3.0 oz. or 1.75 ozo package
PIZZA _ : :1-3 slices
1 cup (8 oz.) or2 cups (16 oz_) beverage
1-4 servings
1-4cups
Food type, serving size
AUTODEFROST_ Foodtype,roodweight
13

POWER
LEVEL
[]D[]
14115I1°I
mlT
[]
START
How to Change the ii
Power Level
The power level may =
be entered or changed
ii immediately after i
._entering the feature
il time for TIME COOK. ;
! ii
il 1 Press TIME COOK. i
3 Press POWER LEVEL, i i
5 Press START
14
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.
Power level Hi 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.
A high setting will cook
faster but food may need
more frequent stirring,
rotating or turning over:
Most cooking will be done
on power level Hi. A lower
setting will cook more
evenly and need less
stirring or rotating of
the food.
Some foods may have
better flavor, texture or"
appearance if one of the
lower settings is used. Use
a lower power level when
cooking foods that have
a tendency to boil over,
such as scalloped potatoes.
Rest periods (when the
microwave energy cycles
off) give time for the food
to "equalize" or transfer
heat to the inside of' the
food. An example of this is
shown with power level 3--
the defrost cycle. If
microwave energy did not
cycle off, the outside of the
food would cook before
the inside was defrosted.
Here are some examples
of uses for various power'
levels:
Med.lligh 71 _fie
: meat arid
baklng
c_s_roles
reheating:::
Meai,n
Sauces'
::: ; :: softening

i,,lllllnnunul nUllU i unl
Time Features
7- !
TIMECOOK
DDD
DD[]
DDD
D
@
START
Time Cook allows you ii
tO programup to
different cooking stages.
In addition, you can
also set one Auto
!!Defrost stage for a total
of four stages. See the
Auto Defrost section
for instructions on how
to set Auto Defrost.
1 Press TIME COOK.
2 Enter cooking time.
3 Change power level
ff you don't want full
power. (Press POWER
LEVEL.Select a desired
pewer level 1.9,)
4 Press START
lime Cook i
Mlows you to microwave
for any time up to 99
minutes and 99 seconds.
Power level Hi is
automatically set, but
you may change it for
more flexibility.
You may open the door
during Time Cook to
check dae food° Close the
door and press START
to resume cooking.
Time Cook II &Ill
Lets you change power
levels automatically during
cooking° Here's how to
do it:
1Press TIME COOIC
2Enter the first cook time.
3Change the power level
i[you don't want full
power. (Press POWER
LEVEL Select a desired
power level 1-9_)
4Press TIME COOK
again.
5Enter the second cook
time.
6Change the power level
if you don't want full
power. (Press POWER
LEVEL Select a power
level 1-9.)
7Press START, or, to set
a third cooking stage,
repeat steps 4-6 and
press START.
Time Cook I will count
down first, [ollowed by
Time Cook II, then Time
Cook III. If an Auto
Defrost stage was set,
it will count down before
the Time Cook stages.
15

Cooking Guide for Time Cook
NOTE: Use power level Hi unless otherwise noted.
llb.
ffr0_en spea_): 10-oz. package
(fresh green) 1 lb. cut in half
(frozen green) 10-oz. package
(frozen lima) 10-oz. package
Beets
(fres!l, Mmle)
Broccoli
(fresh cut)
(fresh spears)
(frozen,
chopped)
(frozen spears)
Cabbage
(fresh)
(wedges)
7 to 10 mino,
Med-High (7)
5 to 8 min.
12 to 17 rain.
6 to 9 rain.
In 1K_qt. casserole, place 1/4 cup waten
In 1-qt. casserole.
6 to 9 mino
1 bunch In 2-qt. casserole, place 1/2 cup water:
1 bunch
(1V_to 1K, lbs.)
1 bunch
(1V_to 1½ lbs.)
10-oz. package
lO-oz, package
1 medium head
(about 2 lbs.)
18 to 25 mino
7to 10 min,
9 to 13 min.
5 to 8 min.
5 to 8 min,
8 to 13 min°
7 to 14 min.
6 to 9 mino
5 to 8 min.
Carrots
(fresh, sliced) 1 lb.
(frozen) 10-oz. package
In 1N-qL casserole, place 1/2 cup water'.
In 1-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons
water.
In 1-qt. casserole, place 1/4 cup water.
In 2-qt. casserole, place 1/2 cup water:
In 2-qt. casserole, place 1/4 cup water;
In 1-qt. casserole,
In 1-qt, casserole, place 3 tablespoons
water;
In t_/>.or 2-qt. casserole, place 1/4 cup
water.
In 2- or 3Nt. casserole, place 1/4 cup
water.
in 1N-qt. casserole, place 1/4 cup water:
In 1-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons
Cauliflower
(flowerets)
(fresh, whole)
(frozen)
water:
1 medium head
1 medium head
10-oz_ package
9 to 14 min.
9 to 17 mino
5 to 8 min.
In 2-qt. casserole, place 1/2 cup water:
In 2-qt. casserole, place 1/2 cup water.
In 1-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons
water°
16

Vegetable Amount
CON
(frozenkemel) lO-oz, package
Cornon the cob
(fresh) 1 to 5 ears
(frozen) 1 ear
2to 6 ears
Mixed
vegetables
(frOzen) lO-oz, package
Peas
(fresh; shelled) i:
(frozen) . :
2lbsounshelled
lO-oz, package
4potatoes
:whiie) (6 to 8 oz, each'
(freSh;Whole; i 1 (6 to 8 oz.)
_veet 6r whiie)
:(fresh):: :::: tOtol6oz.
i(frgzen i lO-oz, package
:and !eaf)
:SquaSh :lbsliced
a!ow)
:(_fiter, aCo_ 1 to 2 squash
OrbuRe_ut) ii (about 1 lbo each)
4 to 8 rain.
3 to 5 rain,
per ear
5 to 7 rain,
2 to 4 rain.
per ear
4 to 8 rain.
9 to 12 min.
4 to 8 min.
11 to 14rain.
2 to 5 min,
5 to 8 min.
5 to 8 min.
4 to 7 min.
7 to !1 min.
In l-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons
water.
In 2-qtoglass baking dish, place com_
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. glass baking dish.
Covet with vented plastic wrap.
Rearrange after half of time.
In l-qt, casserole, place 3 tablespoons
water.
In 1-qt. casserole, place 1/4 cup water;
In t-qt. casserole, place 2 tablespoons
water.
Peel and cut into 1 inch cubes, Place in
2-qt. casserole with 1/2 cup water. Stir
after half of time,
Pierce with cooking fork. Place in
center of die oven. Let stand 5 minutes°
In 2-qt. casserole, place washed spinach.
In 1-qt. casserole, place 3 tablespoons
water.
In l_qt, casserole, place 1/4 cup water:
Cut in half and remove fibrous
membranes, In 2-qt. glass baking dish,
place squash cut-sideKtown. Turn
cut-side-up after 4 minutes,
17

Time Features
You can use this feature
two ways:
* tt will add 30 seconds to
the time counting down
each time the pad is
pressed°
* It can be used as a quick
way to set 30 seconds of
cooking time.
Convenience Features
How to Use the
Popcorn Feature
1Follow package
instructions. Place
the package of popcorn
in the center of the
microwave.
2Press POPCORN once
for a 3.5 ounce package
of popcorn, twice for
a 3.0 ounce package
or' three times for a
1.75 ounce package.
The oven starts
automatically.
iii! !!iiiiTheizzaeatureisorl
reheating 1-3 slices of
plzza_
Press PIZZA once for one
slice of pizza, twice for two
slices or three times for
three slices. The oven starts
automatically.
15 i ::i i! :_ i::_ : i: 2 i ii ,ii i
18

::BEVERAGE
i_!i_!_ii_ili_i_!iiiiil!iii!_i!i!i!!ii!ili_ii_ii!i!!ilililiiii_il!_
The Beverage feature works
best for heating a beverage
that is at room temperature.
Press BEVERAGE once for
t cup (8 oz.), or v,vice for
2 cups (16 oz,)_ The oven
starts automatically.
Beverages heated with the
Beverage feature may be
very hot. Remove the
container with care.
The Potato feature cooks up
to four 8-!0 ounce potatoes.
Press POTATO, The
serving size is automatically
set at 1, but can be changed
by pressing POTATO a
second dine for2 potatoes,
a third time for 3 potatoes
or a fourth time for4
potatoes, The oven starts
automatically°
19

Convenience Features
Use the Vegetable feature
to cook up to 4 cups of
fresh vegetables,
Press VEGETABLE once
to cook 1 cup of vegetables,
twice to cook 2 cups,
three times to cook 3 cups
or four times to cook
4 cups. The oven starts
automatically.
i:_!i!i_iii!i:i_i!_ii!i:_::i,::iiiii:;!!}!_i:i:_:i!il_!::'_!,i_,!::_i;ii_ii:I!::!::!i
The Reheat feature reheats
previously cooked foods.
Press REHEAT once to
reheat a plate of leftovers
(2-3 foods) or twice to
reheat pasta (8-10 oz.).
The oven starts
automatically.
2O