The Farberware FMO09AHTBKE is a countertop microwave oven designed for household use, offering a range of cooking and defrosting functions. This appliance is built to provide years of good service when used according to the provided instructions.
Function Description:
The microwave oven allows for various cooking methods, including standard microwave cooking with adjustable power levels, express cooking for quick starts, and multi-stage cooking for more complex recipes. It also features dedicated defrosting functions by weight or time, and a selection of auto-cook menus for popular items like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. A kitchen timer and a clock function are also integrated. The oven includes a memory function to save frequently used cooking procedures. Safety features include built-in switches that ensure the power remains off when the door is open, and a child lock to prevent unintended operation.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: FMO09AHTBKE
- Rated Voltage: 120V~60Hz
- Rated Input Power (Microwave): 1350W
- Rated Output Power (Microwave): 900W
- Oven Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
- Turntable Diameter: Ø10.6 inches
- External Dimensions: 19.1(W) x 15.8(D) x 11.5(H) inches
- Net Weight: Approximately 27.5 lbs
- Power Levels: 10 available power levels (10% to 100%)
- Maximum Cooking Time: 99 minutes and 99 seconds
- Clock System: 12-hour system
- Defrost Weight Range: 4-100 Oz
Usage Features:
- Control Panel: The control panel features a digital display, number pads (0-9), and dedicated buttons for various functions such as Time Cook, Time Defrost, Weight Defrost, Power, Clock, Kitchen Timer, Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Vegetable, Beverage, Dinner Plate, Express Cook, STOP/CANCEL, START/+30 SEC., and Memory.
- Turntable System: The oven is equipped with a glass tray and a turntable ring assembly, which must always be used during cooking to ensure even heating. Food and containers should be placed gently on the glass tray.
- Power Level Adjustment: Users can select from 10 power levels, ranging from 10% to 100%, to suit different cooking needs. The default power for microwave cooking is 100%.
- Clock Setting: The clock can be set to the current time using the number pads, with a range of 1:00 to 12:59.
- Microwave Cook: Allows setting specific cooking times up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds, with adjustable power levels.
- Kitchen Timer: Functions as a standalone timer, independent of cooking operations, with a maximum setting of 99 minutes and 99 seconds.
- Express Cooking: Provides instant cooking at 100% power for 30-second increments by pressing the START/+30 SEC. button. Number pads 1-6 can also be used for quick cooking from 1-6 minutes at 100% power.
- Defrost Functions:
- Weight Defrost: Automatically calculates defrosting time based on the input weight (4-100 Oz).
- Time Defrost: Allows manual input of defrosting time (0:01-99:99) with an adjustable power level (default 30%).
- Auto Cook Menus: Pre-programmed settings for common foods, simplifying cooking by selecting the food type and quantity (e.g., Popcorn sizes 1.75, 3.0, 3.5 Oz; Beverage quantities 1, 2, 3 cups; Pizza sizes 4.0, 8.0, 14.0 Oz; Potato quantities 1, 2, 3; Frozen Vegetable sizes 4.0, 8.0, 16.0 Oz; Dinner Plate sizes 9.0, 12.0, 18.0 Oz).
- Memory Function: Up to three cooking procedures can be saved and recalled, making it convenient for frequently prepared dishes.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: Supports setting up to two cooking stages, which can include defrosting as the first stage. Auto menu cannot be used in multi-stage cooking.
- Inquiring Function: Allows checking the current microwave power level and the current time during cooking.
- Lock Function for Children: A child lock can be activated by pressing "STOP/CANCEL" for 3 seconds, preventing accidental use.
- Cooking End Reminding Function: The oven will sound a buzzer five times when cooking is finished.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The door and sealing surfaces should be kept clean to ensure proper operation and prevent residue accumulation. The oven cavity should be cleaned with a wet towel.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a troubleshooting chart to help users identify and resolve common issues such as the oven not starting, arcing/sparking, unevenly cooked food, overcooked food, undercooked food, or improper defrosting. Solutions often involve checking the power cord, ensuring the door is closed, using microwave-safe cookware, defrosting food completely, adjusting cooking time/power level, turning/stirring food, and ensuring ventilation ports are not restricted.
- Service: For issues that cannot be resolved with troubleshooting, users are advised to contact an authorized service center. The light brown Mica cover inside the oven cavity should not be removed as it protects the magnetron.
- General Care: Avoid operating the oven empty, as this can cause fire, charring, or sparking. Do not tamper with safety switches.
- Utensil Guidelines: The manual provides a comprehensive list of materials safe for microwave use (e.g., browning dish, dinnerware, glassware, oven cooking bags, paper plates/cups, paper towels, parchment paper, plastic, plastic wrap, thermometers, wax paper) and materials to be avoided (e.g., aluminum tray, food carton with metal handle, metal/metal-trimmed utensils, metal twist ties, paper bags, plastic foam, wood) to prevent arcing, fire, or damage to the oven or food. A utensil test procedure is also provided to check if a non-metallic utensil is safe for microwaving.