This document is a user guide for the Insignia 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave, model NS-OTR16SS8Q. It provides comprehensive information on the safe operation, features, usage, and maintenance of the appliance.
Function Description:
The Insignia 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave is designed for heating, cooking, and drying food. It functions as a microwave oven with integrated ventilation hood capabilities to filter out smoke and odors from cooking. The appliance is intended for household use and is suitable for installation above both gas and electric cooking equipment.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: NS-OTR16SS8Q
- Rated voltage: 120V / 60 Hz
- Rated input power: 1500W
- Rated output power: 950W
- Microwave capacity: 1.6 cu. ft.
- Turntable diameter: 12.4 in. (31.5 cm)
- External dimensions (HxWxD): 16.9 x 29.9 x 17.9 in. (42.9 x 75.9 x 45.5 cm)
- Internal dimensions (HxWxD): 10.2 x 21.1 x 14.6 in. (25.9 x 54.1 x 37.1 cm)
- Charcoal filter dimensions (L x W): 5.65 x 3.7 in. (14.4 x 9.4 cm)
- Certifications: UL and CUL approved
- Power cord length: 39.8 in. (101 cm)
- Net weight: 55.1 lbs. (25 kg)
Usage Features:
The microwave offers a variety of cooking and convenience features:
- Auto-Cook Settings: Includes 10 pre-programmed settings for common food items like Pizza, Potato, Meat, Reheat, Veggies, Popcorn, Beverage, Cheese, Ice Cream, and Butter. It also has specific settings for "Kids Meals" such as chicken nuggets, french fries, hot dogs, and frozen sandwiches.
- Variable Power Levels: Provides 10 power levels (0-10) for precise cooking control, with 0% power available for odor removal.
- Express Cooking: Features a 30-second express cooking option, which can be extended in 30-second increments up to a maximum of 99 minutes and 99 seconds.
- Defrosting: Offers three defrosting options: "Weight Defrost" (for 1-96 oz.), "Time Defrost" (for 00:01-99:99), and "1 LB Defrost" for quick defrosting of one pound of food. During defrosting, the microwave pauses and beeps to prompt the user to check and turn the food for uniform results.
- Energy Saver (Eco) Mode: This mode minimizes power consumption by turning off the display, cooking lights, and fans. The microwave can be awakened by pressing any button.
- Clock and Timer: Allows setting a 12-hour or 24-hour clock and includes a kitchen timer function (up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds).
- Oven Rack: A removable oven rack is provided for reheating multiple dishes simultaneously. Users are advised to switch food positions halfway through cooking when using the rack.
- Task Lighting: Features a light underneath the microwave that can be turned on or off.
- Vent Fan: The integrated vent fan operates at two speeds (low and high) to filter out smoke and odors. It can be manually cycled through speeds or turned off. The fan may also start automatically and run at high speed for eight minutes to protect the microwave from excessive temperatures.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that locks the microwave's controls to prevent accidental operation. It is activated by pressing and holding the "Stop" button for three seconds.
Maintenance Features:
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the microwave's performance and longevity:
- Exterior Cleaning: The precoated steel and plastic exterior should be cleaned with mild soap and water, then rinsed and dried with a soft cloth. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
- Door Cleaning: The door window should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove spills. Metal parts should be wiped frequently with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh cleaners that may stain or dull the surface.
- Control Panel Cleaning: The control panel should be wiped with a cloth dampened with water only, avoiding scrubbing or chemical cleaners.
- Interior Cleaning: The oven cavity should be wiped with a soft cloth and warm water. For baked-on food, baking soda or mild soap can be used. The waveguide cover, located on the ceiling, must be kept clean to ensure good microwave performance; it should not be removed.
- Odor Removal: Persistent cooking odors can be removed by boiling a mixture of water, lemon peel and juice, and whole cloves in the microwave, then wiping the interior with a soft cloth.
- Turntable and Support Cleaning: The glass turntable and turntable ring are removable and can be washed in mild, sudsy water or in the top rack of a dishwasher.
- Grease Filter Cleaning: The grease filters, located at the bottom of the microwave, should be cleaned at least once a month. They can be removed, soaked in hot water and detergent, scrubbed, rinsed, and dried. Ammonia or other alkalis should not be used as they can darken the filter material.
- Charcoal Filter Replacement: For non-vented, recirculated installations, the charcoal filter should be changed every 6 to 12 months. Replacement involves disconnecting power, removing louver mounting screws, pulling the louver away, replacing the filter, and reassembling.
- Light Bulb Replacement:
- Countertop Light (Exterior): Disconnect power, remove the screw holding the light cover, replace the bulb (max 30 watts), and reattach the cover. The light cover may be hot.
- Microwave Light (Interior): Disconnect power, remove louver mounting screws, pull the louver away, open the light cover behind the filter, replace the bulb (max 30 watts), and reassemble.