Emerson MW8111SS 1000W Microwave Oven Owner's Manual

Safety Precautions

Please read all instructions before using this appliance. It is important to follow all safety precautions to avoid potential hazards.

Precautions to Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy

• Do not attempt to operate this oven with the door open, as open-door operation can result in harmful exposure to microwave energy. Ensure safety interlocks are not defeated.
• Do not place any object between the oven front face and the door, or allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces.
• Do not operate the oven if it is damaged, particularly if the door, hinges, latches, or seals are damaged.
• The oven should only be adjusted or repaired by qualified service personnel.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read all instructions before using.
2. Follow specific precautions to avoid excessive microwave energy exposure (see above).
3. This appliance must be grounded. Connect only to a properly grounded outlet. Refer to "Grounding Instructions".
4. Install or locate the appliance only according to provided installation instructions.
5. Do not heat products like whole eggs or sealed containers, as they may explode.
6. Use the appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this manual. Do not use corrosive chemicals or vapors.
7. Close supervision is necessary when used by children.
8. Do not operate if the cord or plug is damaged, or if the oven is not working properly, has been damaged, or dropped.
9. Servicing should only be done by qualified service personnel.
10. Do not cover or block any openings on the appliance.
11. Do not store or use outdoors. Do not use near water (e.g., kitchen sink, wet basement, swimming pool).
12. Do not immerse the cord or plug in water.
13. Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
14. Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter.
15. When cleaning door and oven surfaces that meet when closing, use only mild, non-abrasive soaps or detergents with a sponge or soft cloth.
16. To reduce the risk of fire: Do not overcook food. Attend appliance if combustible materials are placed inside for cooking. Remove wire twist-ties from bags before placing in oven. If materials ignite, keep door closed, turn oven off, and disconnect power. Do not use the cavity for storage.
17. Do not use to heat corrosive chemicals, as vapors can damage safety interlock switches.

General Use Safety Precautions

• Do NOT attempt to tamper with or make any adjustments or repairs to the oven.
• Do NOT operate the oven empty; microwave energy will reflect continuously.
• If a fire occurs, touch Start/Stop, disconnect power, or shut off power at the breaker.
• Do NOT attempt to dry clothes, newspapers, or other materials in the oven.
• Do NOT use recycled paper products, as they may contain metal flecks or ignite.
• Be aware of styrofoam trays with metal strips that can cause arcing or ignite.
• Avoid inserting nails, wire, or other metal objects through any holes in the unit.

Utensils

• METAL CONTAINERS or dishes with metallic rims should not be used.
• METAL TWIST-TIES may not be used.
• Do NOT use SEALED JARS or NARROW NECK bottles for cooking or reheating, as they may shatter.
• Remove PLASTIC STORE WRAPS before cooking or defrosting.
• For further information on proper cooking utensils, refer to the COOKING GUIDE.
• Never use the microwave oven for HOME CANNING.
• Cooking times are approximate and can be affected by food quantity, size, shape, and starting temperature.
• It is better to UNDERCOOK rather than OVERCOOK.
• SMALL QUANTITIES of food or foods with LOW MOISTURE can burn, dry out, or catch fire if cooked too long.
• Do NOT boil eggs in their shell; they may explode.
• Foods with nonporous skins (e.g., potatoes, apples) must be pierced before cooking to prevent bursting.
• POPCORN must be popped in a microwave-approved popper. Do not use oil unless specified by the manufacturer.
• Do NOT attempt to deep fat fry in your oven.
• Do NOT use CONVENTIONAL THERMOMETERS, as they may cause arcing.
• HEATED LIQUIDS can ERUPT if not mixed with air; stir liquids before heating.

Installation

1. Steady, flat location: Position the oven on a steady, flat surface.
2. Ventilation: Do not block air vents. Maintain at least three inches of space around the oven for proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
3. Radio and TV reception: Position the oven away from TVs, radios, and antennas to minimize interference.
4. Temperature and moisture: Locate the oven away from hot air, steam, or splashing liquids.
5. Power supply: Check your local power source. The oven requires a 120V, 60Hz power supply. Use a properly grounded outlet. Use the provided short power supply cord or a suitable extension cord (three-wire, grounding-type, with a rating equal to or greater than the appliance). Ensure cords are arranged to prevent tripping.
6. Examine the oven for any damage: Check for dents, misaligned door, broken door, or cavity damage. Do not install if damaged; notify the dealer immediately.

Grounding Instructions

This appliance must be grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock. It is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire and plug. The plug must be inserted into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded. Consult a qualified electrician if grounding instructions are not completely understood or if doubt exists.

Care of Your Microwave Oven

1. Disconnect the AC plug before cleaning.
2. Keep the inside of the oven clean. Wipe spatters and spills with a damp cloth. Mild detergent may be used for heavy soil. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasives.
3. Clean the outside oven surface with soap and water, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. Prevent water from entering ventilation slots.
4. Clean the control panel with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh detergents or abrasives.
5. Wipe steam from the oven door with a soft cloth. This is normal under high humidity conditions and not an indication of malfunction.

Roller Guide

The roller guide and oven floor should be cleaned regularly to prevent excessive noise. The roller guide MUST ALWAYS be used for cooking with the glass tray.

Glass Tray

• Do NOT operate the oven without the glass tray in place.
• Do NOT use any other glass tray with this oven.
• If the glass tray is hot, ALLOW IT TO COOL before cleaning or placing it in water.
• Do NOT cook directly on the glass tray.

How to Use Your Microwave Oven Safely

While the oven is equipped with safety features, observe the following:

• Do not defeat or tamper with safety interlocks.
• Do not place objects between the oven face and door, or allow residue on sealing surfaces. Wipe sealing areas frequently.
• Do not allow children to hang on an open door or place any load on it. Do not operate if the door or oven is damaged; have it repaired by a qualified person. Ensure the door closes properly and is free from damage (bent door, broken hinges/latches, damaged seals).
• The oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except qualified service personnel.

Location of Controls

The control panel features various pads and a display for operating the microwave oven:

• 1. Door latch: Locks when the door is closed; shuts off the magnetron if the door is opened during operation.
• 2. Door seal: Maintains microwaves within the oven cavity.
• 3. Oven cavity: The interior cooking space.
• 4. Spatter shield: Protects the microwave outlet from food splashes.
• 5. Safety interlock system: Prevents operation when the door is open.
• 6. Glass cooking tray: Made of heat-resistant glass; must be in the proper position for operation. Do not cook directly on the tray.
• 7. Roller guide: Supports the glass cooking tray; must be in the proper position.
• 8. Door screen: Allows viewing of food while blocking microwaves.
• 9. Display: Shows cooking time, power level, function indicators, and the present time.
• 10. Popcorn pad: For cooking popcorn.
• 11. Baked Potato pad: For cooking baked potatoes.
• 12. Frozen Dinner pad: For cooking frozen dinners.
• 13. Beverage pad: For heating beverages.
• 14. Timer pad: Functions as a kitchen timer.
• 15. Power pad: Sets the desired cooking power level.
• 16. Defrost By Weight pad: Sets oven to estimate defrosting time by weight.
• 17. Cook By Weight pad: Sets oven to estimate cooking time by weight.
• 18. Clock pad: Sets the present time.
• 19. Start/Stop pad: Starts or stops a selected operation.
• 20. Pizza pad: For reheating or cooking frozen pizza.
• 21. Reheat pad: For reheating plated foods.
• 22. Cook pad: Sets any desired cook setting.
• 23. Speed Defrost pad: Automatically divides defrosting times for even thawing.
• 24. 10 key pads: Used to select power level, cooking time, etc.
• 25. Reset pad: Resets cooking data if pressed before cooking starts.

Operation

Setting the Clock

1. Touch the CLOCK pad. The display will show "ENTER CLOCK TIME".
2. Enter the correct time of day using the number pads (e.g., for 10:02, touch "1", "0", "0", "2").
3. Touch the CLOCK pad again. The display will show the present time, and the colon will stop blinking.

NOTES: To reset the present time, touch the CLOCK pad and reset. A pad must be touched within 15 seconds when setting the clock or entering cooking information. Touch the RESET pad to correct mistakes. Touch the CLOCK pad during cooking or defrosting to view the actual time for three seconds.

Defrost By Weight

This feature allows easy defrosting by eliminating guesswork. Minimum weight is 1 oz; maximum is 6.0 lbs (entered as 5 lbs, 16 oz).

1. Touch the DEFROST BY WEIGHT pad.
2. Using the keypads, enter the pounds, then ounces (e.g., for 1 lb 5 oz, touch "1", "0", "5").
3. Touch the START/STOP pad. The display will show "CODE" and "DEF" and count down.

IMPORTANT NOTE: After partial defrosting, the oven will pause to allow you to turn and rearrange food. Press START/STOP again after rearranging.

Speed Defrost

Automatically sets the oven to defrost at a user-set time for quick thawing of small to medium foods.

1. Touch the SPEED DEFROST pad.
2. Using the key pads, enter the desired defrosting time (up to 99 minutes, 99 seconds).
3. Touch the START/STOP pad. The display will show "DEF" and count down.

Cooking in One Stage

Set a cooking time and/or power level.

1. Using the key pads, enter the desired cooking time (up to 99 minutes, 99 seconds).
2. Touch the POWER pad, then a key pad to enter the power level (skip if cooking at 100%). The display shows the percentage.
3. Touch the START/STOP pad. The display will show "COOK" and count down.

2 Stage or 3 Stage Time Cooking

For two-stage cooking, press the COOK pad after setting the first stage, repeat steps 1 and 2 for the second stage, then press START/STOP. "MEM" will appear. For three-stage, repeat for a third stage. You can also add defrosting by pressing SPEED DEFROST after setting cooking stages.

Start/Stop Pad

Press to start or stop cooking. Pressing it during cooking adds one minute (for Time Cooking and Speed Defrost).

Cook By Weight

This feature automatically sets times and power levels for roasting meats. Meat must be defrosted and at refrigerated temperature. Roasts approximately 3-5 lbs work best.

1. Touch the COOK BY WEIGHT pad.
2. Using the keypads, select the desired code for the food type from the chart.
3. Using the keypads, enter the pounds, then ounces (e.g., for 1 lb 5 oz, touch "1", "0", "5").
4. Touch the START/STOP pad. The display will show "CODE" and "COOK" and count down.

NOTES: After partial cooking, the oven will pause to allow you to turn and rearrange food. Press START/STOP again after rearranging.

Baked Potato Quick Cook Pad

Automatically sets cooking time based on potato quantity. Includes standing time for temperature equalization.

1. For 4-6 oz potatoes, touch BAKED POTATO once. For 8-10 oz potatoes, touch twice. Display shows "ENTER AMT".
2. Pierce skins before cooking.
3. Enter the amount of potatoes (up to four) and the cooking time will appear. Touch START/STOP.

Pizza Quick Cook Pad

Automatically sets cooking time based on pizza type (reheated or frozen).

1. For a thick slice or two smaller slices, touch PIZZA once (45 seconds total). For a whole frozen pizza, touch twice (2 minutes, 40 seconds total). Display shows "CODE".
2. Touch START/STOP. Display shows "CODE" and "COOK" and counts down.

Popcorn Quick Cook Pad

Automatically sets cooking time for popcorn.

1. To cook a standard 3 to 3.5 oz bag, touch POPCORN pad (2 minutes, 10 seconds total). Display shows "CODE".
2. Touch START/STOP. Display shows "CODE" and "COOK" and counts down.

Setting Popcorn Quick Cook Pad to a Different Time

Allows setting a custom popcorn time. The oven will use this new time for subsequent uses of the POPCORN pad.

1. Touch the POPCORN pad twice. Display shows "ENTER TIME".
2. Enter a new popcorn time using the key pads. Touch START/STOP to cook.

NOTES: Set popcorn packages on a microwaveable plate to avoid discoloration of the glass tray. Use only microwaveable popcorn packages. Do not try to pop unpopped kernels. Do not leave unattended. If popcorn does not pop sufficiently, do not press POPCORN pad again; check bag instructions. Face package away from you when opening to avoid steam.

Beverage Quick Cook Pad

Automatically sets cooking time based on beverage size and quantity.

1. For 5-7 oz beverage(s), touch BEVERAGE once. For 10-12 oz beverage(s), touch twice. Display shows "ENTER AMT".
2. Enter the amount of cups (up to four) and the cooking time will appear. Touch START/STOP.

Frozen Dinner Quick Cook Pad

Automatically sets cooking time based on frozen dinner size and quantity.

1. For 7-9 oz frozen dinner(s), touch FROZEN DINNER once. For 10-12 oz frozen dinner(s), touch twice. Display shows "ENTER AMT".
2. Enter the amount of frozen dinners (up to two) and the cooking time will appear. Touch START/STOP.

Reheat Quick Cook Pad

Automatically sets cooking time for reheating food.

1. To reheat a standard plate, touch REHEAT pad (3 minutes total). Display shows "CODE".
2. Touch START/STOP. Display shows "CODE" and "COOK" and counts down.

Arranging food: Dense foods should be placed around edges; spread out for even cooking. Cover dry meat slices with gravy. Light, airy foods absorb energy quickly and should be placed in the center.

Child Lock

Prevents unwanted oven operation. To activate, press and hold the RESET pad for three seconds; "LOCK" appears, and no buttons can be pressed. To deactivate, press and hold RESET for three seconds; "LOCK" disappears.

Setting the Timer

1. Touch the TIMER pad. Display shows "ENTER TIMER TIME".
2. Enter the desired timer time using the number pads.
3. Touch the START/STOP pad. The display counts down the timer time.

NOTES: The clock appears when the timer is counting down. Press TIMER to view remaining time. The Timer can be set while the oven is cooking. Touch TIMER pad followed by RESET pad to cancel.

To Stop the Oven While it is Operating

1. Press the START/STOP pad.
2. The oven can be restarted by pressing START/STOP. Press RESET to erase all instructions and re-enter if needed.
3. Open the door.

Cooking Guide

The Principles of Microwave Cooking

Microwaves are high-frequency radio waves that heat food by activating molecules, primarily water, fat, and sugar. They penetrate food to a depth of about 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches. Heat is produced by friction. Internal cooking occurs via conduction.

• Reflection: Metal reflects microwaves; use only microwave-safe containers.
• Transmission: Paper, glass, and plastic allow microwaves to pass through.
• Absorption: Food absorbs microwave energy, causing molecules to vibrate and generate heat.

Food Characteristics

• Quantity: Smaller amounts cook faster than larger amounts.
• Size: Smaller pieces cook faster. Cut pieces uniformly for even cooking.
• Shape: Place thin parts of uneven foods toward the center of the dish.
• Starting Temperature: Frozen or refrigerated foods require longer cooking times.
• Bone and Fat: Bones conduct heat; fat attracts microwaves.
• Moisture Content: Moist foods absorb microwaves better. Add minimal liquid.
• Density: Porous foods microwave faster than dense foods.
• Piercing: Pierce foods with skins (like potatoes) to prevent bursting from steam buildup.

Microwave Techniques

• Stirring: Stir foods from outside to center to equalize heat.
• Arrangement: Place thicker or tougher parts of food toward the outside of the dish for even cooking.
• Spacing: Arrange foods evenly in the oven, ideally in a circular pattern.
• Rearrangement: Rearrange overlapping areas or stacked pieces during cooking.
• Standing Time: Allows food to finish cooking via conduction after removal from the oven.
• Covering: Speeds cooking, retains moisture, tenderizes, and prevents spattering. Vent plastic wrap or use a casserole lid.
• Browning: Microwave energy alone does not typically brown food. Browning agents can be used for color and flavor.

Some Foods Do Not Microwave Well

• Eggs in Shells and hard-boiled eggs can burst.
• Deep Fat Frying can cause burns.
• Bottles with narrow necks may shatter.
• Pop popcorn only in special microwave poppers. Do not use oil unless specified.

Hot Snacks and Appetizers

Appetizers can be prepared quickly. Use non-metal serving platters. Cheese melts rapidly and can toughen if overcooked; watch closely. Appetizers with crisp pastry exteriors are best in a conventional oven. Precook bacon before wrapping. Oysters wrapped in bacon are easier in a conventional broiler. Seafood mixtures can be cooked in serving shells. Be cautious with spreads on crackers to avoid sogginess; heat only until spread is at serving temperature. Remember food can become very hot even if the dish is cool.

Meats

Poultry

Seafood

Eggs & Cheese

Scrambled Eggs

Poached Eggs

Vegetables

Soups

Sauces

White Sauce

Brown Gravy

Casseroles

Casseroles may require occasional stirring. They cook more evenly when made with ingredients of similar size and shape. Use less liquid than conventional recipes. For meats requiring slower cooking, use power level 4. Prepare casseroles with cream and cheese sauces, or meats, ahead of time, freeze, then reheat. Line a casserole or baking dish with plastic wrap, transfer food, freeze, then wrap for storage. Reheat for 4-6 minutes.

Dry Casserole Mixtures

Follow package directions. Many box mixes have freeze-dried or evaporated foods. Prepare by boiling recommended water, adding noodles (if included), covering, and cooking for 10 minutes. Allow noodles to stand covered for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and drain. Prepare mix according to package directions. Reheat for 4-6 minutes before serving.

Sandwiches, Including Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Sandwiches heat quickly due to their porous nature. The filling determines heating time. Be careful not to overcook, as the bread can become tough. Use thin slices of meat. Sandwiches may be placed on a paper plate, napkin, or paper towel and covered with a paper towel. Remove wrapping immediately after warming. Thawed fillings are recommended. Toast provides a firm base.

Pasta & Grains

Microwaving pasta and grains is faster than conventional methods and easier for fluffy rice without sticking. Cooked rice and pasta reheat well. No extra water is needed to prevent sticking or drying.

Cereals

Microwaved hot cereals can be cooked directly in the cereal bowl for easy cleanup.

Convenience Foods

Frozen Foods

Follow manufacturer's instructions for microwave ovens. General directions are provided as market selections change rapidly.

T.V. Dinners

Follow maker's instructions. Allow about five to seven minutes for thawing and heating. Allow plastic wrap to remain over the dish for two minutes to equalize heat. For dinners with mashed potatoes, you may want to remove half the potatoes after defrosting starts, spread the remainder, and heat the removed portion separately. Use a conventional broiler to crisp food if needed.

Individual Frozen Foods

Place frozen food in the oven and heat until it starts to defrost. Empty contents into a casserole or serving dish and continue to heat. Do not heat foods in deep foil containers. Use a conventional broiler to crisp toppings. Avoid heating in plastic containers that may warp or melt.

Frozen Foods in Cooking Pouches or Boilable Bags

Slit the plastic bag (X-type cut helps removal). Place cut side down on a serving dish (no metal trim). Heat foods (except vegetables) for about three minutes. Frozen vegetables require eight to nine and a half minutes. Allow pouch to remain over food for two minutes to equalize heat. For foods in cheese or white sauce, remove from pouch, place in a glass casserole dish, and stir to prevent overcooking.

Complete Meals from Table Leftovers

Freeze prepared meals on paper, glass, or china plates (no metal trim). Wrap with freezer paper. When apportioning servings, use similar amounts of each food for even heating. Mashed potatoes heat better if spread slightly and hollowed with butter in the center. Mound small pieces of vegetables near the center to prevent dehydration.

Desserts

Microwave ovens can be used to make desserts like fruit desserts, cakes, pie crusts, custards, and puddings.

Guide for Cooking Cakes

Baking

Bar cookies work best. Greasing or lining the baking dish is optional. Frost, glaze, or add food coloring for better browning. A serviceable cookie sheet can be made by covering cardboard with waxed paper. Round glass dishes or ring molds work best for cakes. Never fill microwaveable cake pans more than half full. Reduce baking powder/soda by approximately one-fourth for conventional recipes. Fill muffin cups only half full. "Brown 'n serve" breads and rolls can be reheated until warm. For yeast bread, use recipes with commeal, whole wheat, or rye flour for richer color.

Weight & Measure Conversion Chart

Pounds & Ounces to Grams

Fluid Measurements

Specifications

Before You Call for Service

Refer to the following checklist before calling for service:

The oven does not work:

1. Check that the power cord is securely plugged in.
2. Check that the door is firmly closed.
3. Check that the cooking time is set.
4. Check for a blown circuit fuse or tripped main circuit breaker in your house.
5. Check that the Child Lock feature is not engaged.

Sparking in the cavity:

1. Check the containers, dishes or utensils in the oven and make sure they are not metal or have metal trim.

To Find the Location and Phone Number of the Nearest Authorized Service Center:

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-695-0098

For Additional Set-Up or Operating Assistance:

PLEASE CALL: 1-800-898-9020

For Customer Service, Please Write To:

Emerson Radio Corp.
Consumer Affairs Dept.
1901 Diplomat Drive
Farmers Branch, TX 75234

Limited Warranty

Emerson Radio Corp. warrants this product to be free from manufacturing defects in original material, including original parts, and workmanship under normal use and conditions for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase in the United States. Emerson will provide repair service for one (1) year at no charge for labor and parts. A defective magnetron is covered for seven (7) years from the date of original purchase (labor not included after the initial twelve (12) months).

To find the nearest Independent Service Center or Regional Repair Facility, call 1-800-695-0098. If the product must be mailed to a Regional Repair Facility:

• Pack the unit in a well-padded box.
• Enclose a check or money order payable to the Regional Repair Facility for $15.00 to cover return shipping and handling costs.
• Enclose a copy of your dated proof of purchase.
• Ship the unit prepaid via UPS or parcel post (insured).

NOTE: This warranty does not cover:

• Damage to equipment not properly connected.
• Shipping costs to and from a Regional Repair Facility.
• Damage or improper operation due to customer abuse, misuse, negligence, or failure to follow operating instructions.
• Ordinary adjustments that can be performed by the customer.
• Signal reception problems caused by external antennas or cable systems.
• Products not purchased in the United States.
• Damage to products used outside the United States.

This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser. Applicable implied warranties, including the warranty of MERCHANTABILITY, are limited in duration to the period of the expressed warranty. Emerson makes no warranty as to the fitness of the product for any particular purpose or use. Emerson's liability is limited to the repair or replacement of the product, not exceeding the purchase price. This warranty is valid only in the United States of America.

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