Whirlpool WML55011H - User Manual

This document describes a Whirlpool Microwave Hood Combination, a versatile kitchen appliance designed for heating, cooking, and drying food, while also providing ventilation for the cooking area below. It is not intended for industrial or laboratory use.

Function Description

The primary function of this appliance is microwave cooking, offering various modes for heating and preparing food. It operates on a 120-volt, 60 Hz, AC-only electrical supply, requiring a 15- or 20-amp circuit with a time-delay fuse or circuit breaker. The microwave oven must be properly grounded to prevent electrical shock.

Beyond microwave cooking, the appliance integrates a ventilation hood. This hood is designed to extract grease and odors from the cooking area, making it suitable for use above both gas and electric cooking equipment with a maximum width of 36 inches (91.44 cm). The vent fan has multiple speed settings (HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW, OFF) and can automatically activate at high speed if the temperature from the range or cooktop below becomes too hot, in which case it cannot be manually turned off. The appliance also includes a vent light with HIGH, LOW, and OFF settings to illuminate the cooking surface.

For user convenience, the microwave features a 12-hour clock, a timer function, and a Control Lock to prevent unintended operation. A Demo Mode is available for practicing control usage without activating the magnetron. The appliance also includes a turntable for even cooking results, which can be turned off for manual cooking. Tones can be enabled or disabled for button presses, though end-of-cycle and timer tones remain active. To conserve energy, the oven enters Standby Power Mode after 2 minutes of inactivity, dimming the display brightness.

Usage Features

The microwave oven offers both manual and preset cooking options. For manual cooking, users can input cooking time and power level (10-90%). Preset programs are available for specific food items (COOK), reheating (REHEAT), defrosting (DEFROST), and frozen entrees (FROZEN ENTREE) with various quantity options. A dedicated Popcorn function allows users to select bag sizes and automatically adjusts cooking, with a recommendation to stop the cycle when popping slows to 1 pop every 1 or 2 seconds.

Safety is a paramount concern. The manual emphasizes several precautions to avoid possible exposure to excessive microwave energy. Users are warned against operating the oven with the door open, defeating safety interlocks, placing objects between the door and front face, or operating a damaged oven. It is crucial that the oven door closes properly and that there is no damage to the door, hinges, latches, or seals. Only qualified service personnel should adjust or repair the oven.

The appliance is designed for heating, cooking, or drying food and should not be used for corrosive chemicals or vapors, nor for industrial or laboratory purposes. Close supervision is necessary when children use the appliance. Users should avoid operating the oven if it has a damaged cord or plug, is not working properly, or has been damaged or dropped. The microwave oven should not be stored outdoors or near water sources.

Specific cooking precautions include avoiding overcooking food, carefully attending to the oven when combustible materials are inside, removing wire twist-ties from bags, and keeping the oven door closed if materials inside ignite. The oven cavity should not be used for storage. Certain items, such as whole eggs in the shell and sealed containers, should not be heated in the microwave due to explosion risk. Liquids can overheat beyond their boiling point without visible bubbling, so users are advised to stir liquids before and halfway through heating, use non-straight-sided containers, allow liquids to stand after heating, and exercise extreme care when inserting utensils.

For cookware and dinnerware, the manual provides a list of microwave-safe materials (e.g., ceramic glass, china, plastic wraps) and materials to avoid (e.g., metal, gold/silver trim, twist ties). A test method is provided to determine if a dish is microwave-safe.

Maintenance Features

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for the safe and efficient operation of the microwave hood combination. Before cleaning, all controls should be OFF, and the oven should be cool. Users should always follow label instructions on cleaning products. To prevent arcing due to soil buildup, the cavity, microwave inlet cover, cooking rack supports, and door frame area should be kept clean using mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.

Specific cleaning instructions are provided for various components:

Grease filter: Can be cleaned with mild soap and water or in a dishwasher. These filters, located on the underside of the microwave oven, should be removed and cleaned at least once a month.
Door and exterior: Clean with mild soap and water, or glass cleaner applied to a paper towel.
Control panel: Clean with a sponge or soft cloth and water.
Stainless steel (on some models): Clean with mild soap and water, rinse with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth, or use a stainless steel cleaner.
Turntable: Clean with mild soap and water or in a dishwasher.

The appliance also features replaceable filters and light bulbs.

Charcoal filter: These filters, also on the underside of the microwave oven, cannot be cleaned and should be replaced approximately every 6 months. For recirculation models, the microwave should not be operated without the filters in place. For wall and roof ventilation, the charcoal filter should be removed from the bottom plate before operating the microwave oven to ensure good airflow.
Cooktop light: The cooktop light, located on the underside of the microwave oven, is replaceable. Instructions are provided for removing the "T" shaped bottom lighting cover, pulling out the old halogen light, and inserting a new one.
Cavity light: The cavity light bulb, located at the top front of the microwave oven under a cover, is also replaceable. Instructions detail how to remove the second left vent top cover screw, pull out the old halogen light, and insert a new one.

The manual also addresses troubleshooting common issues such as the microwave not operating, arcing, turntable rotation, display messages, fan operation during cooktop usage, and radio/TV interference, providing recommended solutions for each.

Whirlpool WML55011H Specifications

General

Capacity	1.1 cu. ft.
Control Type	Electronic Touch
Color	Stainless Steel
Turntable	Yes
Display Type	Digital
Preset Cooking Programs	6
Power	1000 W
Power Output	1000 W
Turntable Diameter	12 inch
Type	Over-the-Range Microwave