RANGES AND WALL OVENS

1. My oven does not heat, but the burners heat

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

If the oven is not working, but the burners do:

• Make sure that the oven controls are set correctly for either bake or broil.
• On self-clean ranges, check the oven door to make sure it is in the unlocked position.
• Check the oven knobs to make sure they are in the correct position. If the range has knobs for oven temperature and oven function, and if the control knobs were removed for cleaning, make sure they were reinstalled in the proper location.
• Check the bake element. Turn your range OFF and either remove the fuses or turn the breaker OFF. Then unplug the range. Carefully inspect the bake element (lower element) for cracks or breaks. If it is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced.
2. What type of cookware can I use on my smooth glass cooktop?

The type of cookware you use on a radiant cooktop can affect how it performs. We recommend using medium or heavy-weight cookware.

Flat Bottom pans are essential for good cooking performance since the bottom of the pan needs to touch the glass for the best heat transfer. Most current brands sold today have flat bottoms. Much older, used cookware and/or thinner cookware will show signs of no longer being flat. Non-flat pans may crack the glass.

HERE ARE OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROPER TYPE OF COOKWARE TO USE ON RADIANT GLASS COOKTOPS:

Stainless Steel is highly recommended. A sandwich clad bottom is especially good because it combines the durability and stability of stainless steel with the heat conduction and distribution of aluminum or copper.

Heavy-Weight Aluminum cookware is also recommended. It conducts heat faster than other metals and cooks evenly. Aluminum residue sometimes appears as scratches on the cooktop, but these can be removed if cleaned immediately.

Copper Bottom pans are also good, but they can leave residues on the cooktop that appear as scratches. These can be removed if cleaned immediately, but do not let a copper bottom pan boil dry. An overheated copper pot will leave a residue that will permanently stain the cooktop.

Porcelain/Enamel pans give good performance only if they have a thick, flat bottom. Avoid boiling these pans dry, as porcelain can melt and fuse to the surface.

Glass or Ceramic cookware is not recommended. These pans may scratch the surface. Glass is a poor conductor of heat so cooking times will be longer and they may require constant attention during cooking.

Stoneware is not recommended. It may scratch the surface and will give poor performance.

Cast Iron cookware is not recommended. If the cookware has a burr or rough spot, it will scratch the glass surface. Additionally, it is slow to absorb heat. Once this type of cookware heats up, especially on high heat, it holds an intense amount of heat which is transferred to the cooktop. This can cause the element to shut down as a response to the temperature limiters which indicate surface temperature is too high for cooktop components to handle.

Porcelain Coated Cast Ironcookware is okay as long as the cookware is covered completely with porcelain enamel. Caution is recommended when using cast iron cookware that is not completely covered with smooth porcelain enamel, as it may scratch the glass ceramic cooktop. Additionally, if used at hi heat for a long period it will hold heat as described for plain cast iron and could shut down in response to the temperature limiters which indicate surface temperature is too high for cooktop components to handle.

Carbon Steel cookware is okay as long as the cookware has a flat bottom and is smooth to avoid scratching.

Titanium cookware tested well on ceramic cooktops. Ceramic titanium is a non-stick finish applied to a base metal. We tested one with aluminum as a base metal.

3. My oven door is locked and will not unlock or open.

The Oven Door Has Been Locked Accidentally

• If there is food in the oven, let the oven cool to room temperature and try to unlatch the door.
• If no food or utensils are in the oven, start a self-clean cycle, then hit Clear/Off after 60 seconds. If that does not unlock the door, run a short self-clean cycle (1-2 hours).
• With electronic ranges there is a small chance that turning the circuit breaker off for a few minutes and turning it back on can release the door latch to the “off”.
• If door does not unlatch, and you do have food in the oven, wait for oven to cool completely and try again. If it still will not open, service is required.

Door Will Not Unlock After Self-Cleaning

Try the following to unlock the door:

1. Disconnect power to range for 30 seconds.
2. Reconnect power and see if door will unlatch.
3. If door does not unlatch and you do not have food in the oven, set the oven up to clean for 1-2 hours. Wait approximately 30 minutes for the oven to cool and try to unlock the door. If the door unlocks, the control has reset itself and there should not be any other problems. Do not force the latch at anytime.

If the door will not unlock, you may require service.

On models with mechanical latches:

• Once the oven is cool after a self-clean cycle (approximately 30-90 minutes), slide the latch over to the left.(Some older models have a latch release button that must be pushed in while sliding the latch over.)
• Models with oven Set and Temperature knobs must have those knobs set in the Clean position before the latch can be moved to the left. If your door won't unlock, try turning those knobs back to Clean, then slide the latch over. Do not force the latch at anytime.
4. How do I set the clock and timer on my range?

Depending on the model you have, the clock can be set by one of these means:

Electronic Clocks:

To set the clock (models with LCD touchscreen):

1. Touch the screen to wake it up.
2. Press the Settings and then tap Clock.
3. Follow the on-screen directions to set the clock.

To set the clock (models with Clock or Set Clock pad):

1. Press the Clock pad (some models, press twice).
2. Press the + / - pads or number pads (depending on model) to set the time.
3. Touch the Start pad. The time of day will show in the display.

To set the clock (models without Clock or Set Clock pad):

1. Press and hold the + and - pads for 3 seconds.
2. Press the + / - pads to set the time.
3. Touch the Start pad. The time of day will show in the display.

Digital Clocks:

To set the clock:

1. Push in the center knob of the Minute Timer.
2. Turn knob in either direction to set the Digital Clock numerals to the correct time.

Non-Electronic Clocks:

To set the clock:

1. Push the center knob in.
2. Turn the clock hands to the correct time. If the Minute Timer pointer should also move, let the knob out, and turn the Timer pointer to OFF.
5. My oven takes too long to preheat.

Preheat time for ranges and ovens varies according to oven type.

If the oven is installed at its proper voltage (120 volts for gas and 240 volts for electric):

• Electric Ovens with Hidden Bake Elements and Gas Ovens can take 15-20 minutes to preheat
• Electric Ovens with Hidden Bake and the Fast Preheat feature can take 7-10 minutes.
• Ovens with a visible bottom bake element can take 5-10 minutes to preheat.

his is a normal operation and the preheat time cannot be altered. Factors that will affect the preheat time are:

• Selected temperature (every 25 degree increment above 350 set temperature will add approximately 45-60 seconds to preheat time)
• Starting temperature of the oven
• Room temperature
• Number of racks in the oven (each additional rack will add approximately 30 seconds to preheat time)
• 208 volt installation will increase pre-heat time by 25%
• Below 105 volt (gas installation)

If the oven is taking much longer than normal to preheat:

• First, turn off the circuit breaker for the range, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This makes sure that it is not getting half power.
• If it was newly installed, then we recommend having the installer check the power cord to make sure it was wired to the range properly. If not newly installed, an electrician can check the power connections and power supply to the range.
6. My electric burners do not heat or only partially heat.

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

If the burners are not heating or not working properly, check the following:

• If the top burners do not work, but the clock does work, your appliance may be wired improperly, contact your installer for further assistance.
• Check circuit breakers/fuses and power cord. On most slide-in and free-standing ranges, it will be necessary to pull out the lower drawer to access the plug and verify is connected securely (for others, sliding the appliance out from the wall would be necessary). If the power cord is connected securely, your oven may be wired improperly.
• On coil burner models, check the burner. If one burner doesn't heat, remove it and plug it into another burner receptacle of the same size. Then, turn on that element. If it still does not work, the element will need to be replaced.

If none of the burners work, but the oven bakes and broils, it may be necessary to contact service.

7. How do I clean my smooth glass cooktop?

Before using the glass cooktop for the first time, it is recommended to clean it with CeramaBryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner. This helps protect the top and makes cleanup easier. Daily use of this cleaner will also help keep the cooktop looking new. Other cleaning creams may not be as effective.

Use of sponges or cleaners other than those recommended can result in damage to the cooktop.

Normal Daily Use Cleaning

1. If using the cream version of CeramaBryte® Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner, shake the cleaning cream well and apply a few drops of directly to the cooktop. If using the spray version of CeramaBryte® Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner, spray a small amount on the cooking surface.
2. Use a paper towel or CeramaBryte® Cleaning Pad to clean the entire cooktop surface.
3. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove all cleaning residue. There is no need to rinse; however, it is important that you do not heat the cooktop until the cream has been cleaned off.
8. How do I set my range to self clean?

The following are general instructions for setting the self clean cycle on your oven or range with mechanical controls. Consult your Owner's Manual for instructions specific to your model.

Before running the self-clean cycle, remove all cookware, racks, liners (foil, silicone mats*), food, and heavy soil deposits from oven. A plastic scouring ball and water may be used to remove any heavy soil.

1. On window doors with shields, slide the door shield to the closed position, then close the door.
2. If your model has a latch release button, push and hold the latch release while sliding the oven latch to the Clean position. Turn the oven set and oven temperature knobs clockwise to “Clean”. If the temperature knob does not have a “Clean” position, turn the knob to any temperature.
3. Push in and turn the STOP dial ahead from the present time of day: 2 hours for light soil or 3 hours for heavy soil. Ex: If the current time is 9:30, set the clean stop dial to 12:30 for a 3 hr. clean.
4. The “Clean Light” comes on immediately to indicate the clean cycle has begun. On some models it may cycle on and off.
5. The “Lock Light” will turn on approx. 30 - 40 minutes into the cycle.
6. When the clean cycle has ended, the Clean Light will go off.
7. Approx. 30 - 40 minutes after the Clean Light has gone out and the oven has cooled, the “Lock Light” will go off.
8. When the “Lock Light” goes off, push and hold the latch release button while sliding latch back to the “Cook” position.
9. Turn the oven SET Knob to OFF.

Do not set the oven for self-clean if the oven clock is not working properly or the oven lamp cover is missing.

* Foil or silicone liners are not recommended.

9. Is it normal for my oven to make a clicking sound?

What you are hearing are the control relays cycling the bake and broil elements on and off to accurately maintain oven temperature. This is normal. Due to the precise control our ovens have, you may hear more relay noise than in older ovens.

10. When should my oven fan turn on? My oven fan runs too long and runs after the oven is turned off.

Convection Fans

Only electric ranges have the PreciseAir Convection System. When convection baking, the fan reverses direction to allow air to circulate around the food. Performance testing has shown reversing the fan produces more evenly-browned, baked goods.

On some models of dual-fuel and electric ranges/wall ovens, the oven convection fan comes on immediately. On some models, the fan is also used during preheat. The convection fan will typically operate during all convection cooking modes and will shut off when the door is opened. During cooking modes it will run to a specified on/off cycle, dependent upon the cooking mode being selected.

On all gas models, the fan does not start until preheat is reached. On the gas range, the convection fan will cycle off every time the unit calls for heat.

It is normal for the fan to cycle on and off frequently during the convection cooking cycle. Algorithms decide when elements and fans should run to create the optimal heat distribution within the oven cavity.

All Other Fans

Many range products use fans to cool down the internal components. Some GE ranges use fans to help cool an oven or range after self-cleaning. The fan or blower could come on during any operation. The oven-cooling fan for the electronic controls is controlled by a thermostat.The cooling fan may run throughout the entire bake cycle and continue even when the oven is off. This is considered normal operation.

Note: Gas and Dual Fuel free-standing ranges do not have cooling fans

11. My oven temperature is not correct.

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

IF YOUR OVEN TEMPERATURE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CORRECT, CHECK THE FOLLOWING:

Make sure the oven preheated and set to the proper temperature.

• The oven needs time to preheat before baking. Most pies, cakes, biscuits, etc., have such short cooking times that failure to preheat the oven can make a significant difference in cooking results.
• On convection ovens and ranges, most have Convection Conversion/Auto Recipe Conversion that will automatically change the set temperature 25 degrees lower for better convection cooking performance.
• When using recipes you've used for a long time, differences in timing or cooking performance between an old and a new oven are not unusual. For the first few uses, follow your recipe times and temperatures carefully and use the rack positions recommended in the Cooking Guide in your manual.

Oven thermostat

• Ovens will cycle on and off throughout the cycle to maintain the set temperature. When it has dropped below the set temperature, the oven cycles on again to heat and will then cycle off again once it is higher than the set temperature. The goal is to maintain an average set temperature, but you will see a normal swing in temperatures throughout the cycle. This is typical of ovens, and is factored into how recipes are created and used.
• The amount the oven will cycle higher or lower than the set temperature will vary and each individual unit can be different. Temperatures can vary by + 30 degrees to – 30 degrees in most cases for a total swing of 60 degrees.
• The temperature swing can also vary by how and where you are measuring the temperature in the oven, room temperature, door openings, etc.
• If you are following your recipe times and temperatures carefully and still think your new oven is too hot or too cold, you can adjust the temperature yourself to meet your specific cooking preference.
• See the “Adjust the Oven Thermostat” “Do It Yourself” section of your Owner's Manual for directions about calibrating your oven thermostat.
• Checking Temperature: Avoid using oven thermometers - most are not very accurate, and in many cases the door has to be opened to read them.

Check the type of cookware that is being used and the placement of pans.

• Your cookware may be having an effect on the baking results. If the pans being used are dark baking pans, be sure to reduce the oven temperature 25 degrees. These pans retain heat and at the regular baking temperatures some foods may burn or overcook.
• Check the placement of pans in the oven. Pan placement may be affecting how the oven heats. How and where the pans are placed in the oven will make a difference. Make sure that there is at least one to two inches between pans and between pans and the side and rear walls of the oven to ensure proper air/heat circulation.
• Check the rack position. Rack position can also be critical to proper baking. Placing pans too close or too far from the heating element can affect cooking performance.

Make sure heat is not blocked from circulating in the oven.

• If aluminum foil is being used on the oven shelf, never cover the entire shelf. This will block the circulation of heat in the oven.
• There should always allow two inches around the back sides of the oven shelf for heat circulation.

Make sure you are not losing heat.

• Opening the oven door frequently when cooking can increase the cooking time.
• Placing the racks in backwards may keep the door from sealing properly.
• Check the oven gasket for rips or tears. A torn gasket will need to be replaced by service.

Elements malfunctioned

• On electric ranges, one of the heating elements may have malfunctioned.
• Check to make sure they glow or heat during the cycle.
• Check the bake element. Turn your range OFF and either remove the fuses or turn the breaker OFF. Then unplug the range. Carefully inspect the bake element (lower element) for cracks or breaks. If it is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced.
12. Is it normal to see steam or smoke coming out of the control panel of my range?

It is normal to see steam and vapors coming from the oven vent during baking or roasting. Your new oven may be larger than your former range and, therefore, holds more food for baking and roasting. With this increased capacity, you may see an increase in visible steam and vapors.

When using the convection feature, it is normal to see steam coming out of the oven vent. As the number of shelves or amount of food being cooked increases, the amount of visible steam will also increase.

13. My range surface or coil cooktop seems too hot.

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

CHECK THE BELOW IF THE RANGE SURFACE SEEMS TOO HOT:

Make sure the oven vent is not misplaced or covered.

On ranges with Calrod coils (not smooth top cooktop), the oven vents from beneath the right or left rear burner. When the oven is in use, heat is exhausted under that coil. If the vent opening on the burner bowl is turned the wrong way, heat from the oven will divert under the cooktop, rather than out from right rear burner.

• For help in positioning offset vent, refer to the Owner's Manual.
• Avoid covering the right rear Calrod element with a decorative burner cover. This will cause heat to build up under the cooktop when the oven is in use

Check the pan size.

• Oversized pans will trap heat between the bottom of the pan and the cooktop; this will transfer a lot of heat to the cooktop.
• Your pans should not hang over more than one inch on each side of any surface burner.
• For example: On an 8” burner the maximum pan size should not exceed ten inches. On 6” burners, the pans should not be larger than eight inches.

Make sure the burners are uncovered.

• Covering the drip pans with aluminum foil will transfer more heat to the cooktop.

Check the type of burners and drip pans.

• Check the type of drip pans. Dark or porcelain drip pans can conduct more burner heat to the cooktop than bright aluminum drip pans under your Calrod coil surface elements.
14. Do I need to install an anti-tip bracket on my range?

All of our freestanding, slide-in and drop-in ranges manufactured since the Fall of 1988 include an anti-tip device. This bracket is essential to the safe operation of the range. It provides protection when excess force or weight is applied to an open oven door. (The bracket is not needed on Hi/Low ranges).

• The Range Anti-Tip Kit can be used on range models manufactured prior to the Fall of 1988 if an anti-tip device is not listed in the parts list.
• The ranges we build meet all current Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standards for stability. Anti-tip devices became a UL requirement June 3, 1991.

Our installation instructions require that ranges so equipped must be installed with the anti-tip device that is supplied with the range, and there is a warning label on the edge of the open oven door.

If missing, we will furnish anti-tip devices with all of our freestanding, slide-in and drop-in ranges at no charge. Please call 1-800-561-3344 if you do not have a bracket for your range. We will ship you the bracket for your range at no charge. We will also need to mail, email or fax a copy of the installation instructions for the anti-tip bracket.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE ANTI-TIP BRACKET IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY:

There are two methods to check the anti-tip bracket.

Visual Method

This method can be used on 30” Electric Ranges with removable drawers. It does not apply to gas ranges, drop-in ranges or electric ranges with double ovens or warming drawers.

Remove the drawer and shine a flashlight into the space. One of the rear legs should be attached to a fork-shaped device, which is anchored to the floor or wall. If it is, your bracket is installed.

Tip Method

This method can be used on all models.

Installation of Bracket

Remove all utensils from the top and inside of the range. Carefully pull on the range from the rear. If the bracket is installed correctly, the range will not tip more than 4” from the wall. If it tips forward more than 4”, the anti-tip device has not been installed or has not been installed correctly.

• CAUTION: DO NOT TIP THE RANGE MORE THAN 4” FROM THE WALL AS IT COULD TIP OVER AND CAUSE INJURY.

WHAT TO DO IF THE DEVICE IS NOT INSTALLED OR IF THE RANGE TIPS MORE THAN 4 INCHES.

• If a dealer or builder installed your range please contact them directly and specifically request the anti -tip device be installed.
• If you would like to install the bracket yourself, but you do not have the part please call 1-800-561-3344. GE will send the anti-tip bracket at no charge.
15. My oven won't let me set the right temperature while in convection bake mode. What am I doing wrong?

If the oven will not set the right temperature while in a Convection mode, the oven may have the Auto Recipe™ Conversion feature. Many of our cooking products that feature convection oven baking and roasting will have this conversion feature.

Auto Recipe™ conversion is used in Convection Bake and Convection Roast*. When the oven is set for Auto Recipe™ conversion you will see CON appear shortly after setting the temperature and then the oven will automatically be set for 25 degrees less than the temperature entered. On most newer ranges, the display will show the set temperature, not the converted temperature.

Less heat output is required for the CONVECTION BAKE mode because the oven uses two different methods of cooking.

• Convection: Hot air is circulated around the food to cook.
• Conventional: Electric heating elements cook the food.

*On some models. Consult the Owner's Manual for more information about this feature.

16. Why is the display on my clock blank?

If the display on your clock was set and is now blank try unplugging your range for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This will reset the controls.

To reset the clock, follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual for your model.

• Typically, to set the time of day press the CLOCK pad. Press and hold the + and - pad and the time of day will change 10 minutes at a time.
• To change the time by single minutes give the pad short taps. When you have reached the correct time, press the CLOCK pad to start the clock.
17. Why is my oven cooking too slow? Why is my oven cooking too fast?

If the oven is cooking too slow or too fast, the oven thermostat may need to be adjusted (calibrated).

If you have a new oven or range, the oven has been set correctly at the factory and is more apt to be accurate than the oven which it replaced. When using recipes you've used for a long time, differences in timing or cooking performance between an old and a new oven are not unusual. For the first few uses, follow your recipe times and temperatures carefully and use the rack positions recommended in the Cooking Guide in your manual.

If you still think your new oven is too hot or too hot or too cold, you can adjust the temperature yourself to meet your specific cooking preference. You can also adjust your thermostat if your oven is not new, since thermostats may “drift” from the factory setting over time. See the “Adjust the Oven Thermostat” “Do It Yourself” section of your Owner's Manual.

Tips:

• Make 1 adjustment and then use the oven 3 to 5 times before making a second adjustment (if necessary).
• After adjusting, you might test the oven temperature for accuracy with biscuits or cookies which have specific instructions. You can easily test to see if your oven is cooking properly using the “biscuit test”.
18. My gas burners are clicking.

If the burners are clicking check the following:

• If the burner igniters are clicking in the OFF position, make sure the knob is turned completely to the OFF position and the knob has popped back out.
• Moisture after cleaning can also cause the igniters to click intermittently. Let the unit dry for a few hours.
• It is normal to hear multiple burners click when only one ignites.
19. My gas burners do not heat or only partially heat.

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

If one or more burners is not trying to light (not clicking), check the following:

• Make sure the correct burner is selected. Match the burner to the correct switch.
• Verify that the burner knob was first turned to the Lite position. Only after a flame is visible around the burner should the knob be turned to the desired cooking setting.
• Make sure the burner cap is on the correct burner. Your range may have one or more burners of different sizes. A medium burner cap will not work properly on a small burner, for example.
• Check to see if there is power to the range or cooktop at the plug or home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
• Try turning on the oven. If it comes on, but no burners work, then you will need to contact service.

If the igniters do not click when the surface burners are turned on, please schedule a service appointment

20. The surface indicator lights say “ON” on my glass ceramic cooktop, however I've turned the elements off. Is there something wrong?

On radiant (glass) cooktops, the surface temperature limiters are what monitor the surface temperature and will shut off (surface indicator lights) when the surface temperature drops below 150 degrees.