Whirlpool 27-Inch Built-In Self-Cleaning & Continuous-Cleaning Electric Ovens
Model RB170PXL
Use & Care Guide
Your Responsibilities
Proper installation and safe use of the oven are your personal responsibilities. Read this "Use and Care Guide" and the "Cooking Guide" carefully for important use and safety information.
Installation
You must be sure your oven is:
- Installed and leveled in a wall or cabinet that will hold the weight;
- Installed in a well-ventilated area protected from the weather;
- Properly connected to the correct electric supply and grounding. (See "Installation Instructions.")
Proper Use
You must be sure your oven is:
- Used only for jobs expected of home ovens;
- Used only by people who can operate it properly;
- Properly maintained.
Safety
Remove Consumer Buy Guide Label before using your oven.
Illustration shows a person inside an oven. Safety warning: Do not allow children to use or play with the oven. Do not store things children might want above the oven. Too much weight on an open oven door can damage the door. Keep children away from the oven when it is ON. The oven frame walls, racks and door can get hot enough to cause burns.
Illustration shows a hand touching an electrical wire. Safety warning: Don't touch any part of the oven, especially heating elements, until you know they are completely cool.
Illustration shows steam rising from a pot. Safety warning: Do not use wet potholders. They can cause steam burns. Do not wear loose clothing while using the oven, or use bulky towels or cloths for potholders. They can catch fire if they touch a hot element.
Illustration shows steam escaping from an oven door. Safety warning: Let steam and hot air escape from the oven before moving food.
Illustration shows a can exploding. Safety warning: Do not heat unopened containers. They can explode.
Illustration shows oven racks being placed. Safety instruction: Put oven racks where you want them before turning on the oven.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: DO NOT STORE OR USE GASOLINE OR OTHER FLAMMABLE VAPORS AND LIQUIDS IN THE VICINITY OF THIS OR ANY OTHER APPLIANCE.
Using Your Ovens
Illustration of the oven control panel with labels pointing to: Automatic MEALTIMER Clock, Stop Time Knob, Manual Oven Light Switch, Adjustable Lower Oven Temperature Control, Adjustable Upper Oven Temperature Control, Minute Timer, Start Time Knob, Lower Oven Selector, Clean Light, Lock Light, Upper Oven Selector.
Setting the Controls
Baking in Either Oven
- Put oven racks where you want them (See page 5 for suggestions).
- Set Oven Selector to BAKE.
- Set Oven Temperature Control to the baking temperature you want.
- Let the oven preheat until the Signal Light goes off.
- Put food in the oven.
- When done baking, turn both knobs to OFF.
During baking, the elements will turn on and off to help hold the oven temperature at the setting. (The top element will never turn red, but will be hot.) The Signal Light will turn on and off with the elements.
Adjusting the Oven Temperature Controls
Does either oven seem to be hotter or colder than your old oven at the same settings? The temperature setting in your old oven may have changed gradually over the years. The accurate setting of your new ovens can seem different. If you think either or both oven temperatures need adjusting, follow these steps:
Illustration shows a hand pulling a control knob off. Step 1: Pull the Oven Temperature Control straight off. Step 2: Loosen the locking screw; notice position of notches. Step 3: To lower the temperature, move a notch closer to LO. Each notch equals about 10°F (5°C). Step 4: To raise the temperature, move a notch closer to HI. Each notch equals about 10°F (5°C). Tighten the locking screw. Replace the knob.
Broiling in Either Oven
- Place the rack where you want it for broiling (See below for suggestions).
- Put broiler pan and food on the rack.
- Set Oven Selector to BROIL.
- Set Oven Temperature Control to BROIL. (Set on a lower temperature for slower broiling. See below).
- During broiling, the oven door must be partly open. A built-in stop will hold it there.
- When broiling is done, turn both knobs to OFF.
Broiling can be slowed by setting the Oven Temperature Control to a setting lower than BROIL. When it's on BROIL, the broil element is on all the time. When it's on a temperature, the element turns off and on. The lower the setting, the shorter the times when the element is on.
The Oven Selector must be on BROIL and the door partly open for all broiling temperatures.
Oven Rack Positions
Position racks before turning on the oven. There are two racks in the upper oven and one rack in the lower oven. The racks can be used in either oven.
Illustration shows oven racks in position. One diagram shows lifting a rack at the front and pulling it out. Another shows a rack with food on it. A third diagram shows a side view of a rack with 'Distance' indicated to the 'Broil Element'.
Baking or Roasting
Food for baking or roasting should be placed in the center of the oven. Always leave at least 1½ to 2 inches (4-5 cm) between the sides of a pan and the oven wall and another pan. For more information, see the "Cooking Guide".
Broiling
Adjust the top rack so the food to be broiled is at a suggested distance from the broil element (see page 6). ALWAYS broil with the door open to the broil-stop.
Suggested Oven-Rack Positions and Broiling Times
| Food | Description of food to Broil Element | Inches (cm) from top | Approximate Minutes Selector set to BROIL | 1st side | 2nd side |
| Beef Steaks | Rare | 1 (2.5 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 7-9 | 3-5 |
| Medium | 1 (2.5 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 9-11 | 4-7 | |
| Well done | 1 (2.5 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 11-13 | 5-7 | |
| Beef Steaks | Rare | 1½ (4 cm) | 4-5 (10-13 cm) | 13-15 | 6-8 |
| Medium | 1½ (4 cm) | 4-5" (10-13 cm) | 17-19 | 8-10 | |
| Well Done | 1½ (4 cm) | 4-5 (10-13 cm) | 19-21 | 14-16 | |
| Hamburgers | 1/2 (1 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 6-8 | 4-5 | |
| Lamb Chops | Medium | 1 (2.5 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 6-8 | 4-5 |
| Ham slice, precooked or tendered | 1½-1 (1-2.5 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 6-8 | 4-5 | |
| Canadian Bacon | 1/2 (1 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 6 | 4 | |
| Pork Rib or Loin Chop | 3/4 -1 (2-2.5 cm) | 4-5 (10-13 cm) | 15 | 10 | |
| Well done | 2-3 lb (1-1.5 kg) cut in half | 7-9 (18-23 cm) | 25-30 | 10-12 | |
| Chicken | |||||
| Fish | whole | 3 (8 cm) | 11-16 | 9-14 | |
| Liver | fillets | 3 (8 cm) | 7-8 | 5-7 | |
| Frankfurters | 1/2-3/4 (1-2 cm) | 3 (8 cm) | 3 | 3 | |
| 4-5 (10-13 cm) | 6-7 | 4-5 |
Setting the Clock
Push in and turn the Minute Timer Knob to set the Clock.
Illustration shows setting the clock. Step 1: Push in Minute Timer Knob and turn clockwise until clock shows the right time of day. Step 2: Let the Minute Timer Knob pop out. Turn counterclockwise until the Minute Timer dial shows OFF. The clock setting will change if you push in when turning.
Using the Minute Timer
DO NOT PUSH IN THE KNOB when setting the Minute Timer.
Illustration shows using the minute timer. Step 1: Without pushing it in, turn the Minute Timer Knob until the hand passes the setting you want. Step 2: Without pushing in, turn the knob back to the setting you want. Step 3: When the time is up, a buzzer will sound. To stop the buzzer, turn the dial to OFF without pushing in the knob.
PUSHING IN AND TURNING THE KNOB CHANGES THE CLOCK SETTING.
Using the Automatic MEALTIMER* Clock
The Automatic MEALTIMER Clock is designed to turn the upper oven on and off at times you set, even when you are not around. IMPORTANT: Follow these steps in order.
To start and stop baking automatically:
Step 1: Put the racks where you want them and place the food in the oven.
Step 2: Set the Oven Selector on TIMED BAKE.
Step 3: Set the Oven Temperature Control on the baking temperature you want.
Step 4: Make sure the clock is set to the right time of day.
Step 5: Push in and turn the Start Time Knob clockwise to the time you want baking to start.
Step 6: Push in and turn the Stop Time Knob clockwise to the time you want the oven to shut off.
Step 7: After baking is done, turn both knobs to OFF.
Step 8: To stop the oven before the preset time, turn both knobs to OFF.
To stop baking automatically:
Follow steps 1-4 above. Then:
- Push in and turn the Stop Time Knob clockwise to the time you want the oven to shut off.
- After baking is done, turn both knobs to OFF.
- To stop the oven before the preset time, turn both knobs to OFF.
SPECIAL CAUTION: Use for foods that will not go bad or spoil while waiting for cooking to start. Avoid using dishes with milk or eggs, cream soups, cooked meats or fish, or any item with baking powder or yeast. Smoked or frozen meats may be used, so can vegetables, fruits and casserole-type foods. Vegetables can be cooked in a covered baking dish with about a half-cup (118 mL) of water for 1 to 1½ hours. Any food that has to wait for cooking to start should be very cold or frozen before it is put in the oven. MOST UNFROZEN FOODS SHOULD NEVER STAND MORE THAN TWO HOURS BEFORE COOKING STARTS.
Oven Lights and Vents
Oven Lights
Both oven lights will come on when you push the Light Switch. Push the switch again to shut them off. Both lights will also come on when the upper oven door is opened.
Illustration shows steps for replacing an oven light bulb. Step 1: Turn off the electric power at the main power supply. Step 2: Remove the bulb cover by pulling out on the wire holder and moving it to the side. Step 3: Remove the light bulb from its socket. Step 4: Replace the bulb with a 40-watt appliance bulb available from most grocery, variety and hardware stores. Step 5: Replace the bulb cover and snap the wire holder in place. The bulb must have this cover when the oven is being used. Step 6: Turn electrical power back on at main power supply.
Oven Vents
When the oven is on, hot air and moisture escape through a vent on top of the control panel. These vents are needed for air circulation.
Do not block the vents. Poor baking can result.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Ovens
Control Panel and Knobs
Illustration shows cleaning the control panel and knobs. Step 1: First make sure knobs are on OFF, then pull knob straight off. Step 2: Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe the panel. Rinse and wipe dry. Step 3: Wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Step 4: Push knobs straight back on. Make sure they are on OFF.
Cleaning Chart
| PART | WHAT TO USE | HOW TO CLEAN |
| Outside of oven | Soft cloth, warm soapy water Nylon or plastic scouring pad for stubborn spots | Wipe off regularly when oven is cool. Do not allow food containing acids (such as vinegar, tomato, lemon juice or milk) to remain on surface. Acids will remove the glossy finish. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleansers. |
| Control knobs | Warm, sudsy water and bristle brush | Wash, rinse and dry well. Do not soak. |
| Porcelain-enamel broiler pan and grid | Warm, soapy water or soapy steel wool pads | Wash with other cooking utensils. Do not clean in self-cleaning cycle. |
| Control panel | Warm, soapy water Commercial glass cleaner | Wash, rinse and dry with soft cloth. Follow directions with cleaner. |
| Oven door glass | Warm, soapy water or plastic scrubbing pad Commercial glass cleaner | Make certain oven is cool. Wash, rinse and dry well with soft cloth. Follow directions provided with cleaner. |
| Continuous-cleaning lower oven | Warm, soapy water or soapy scrubbing pad | Clean stubborn spots or stains. Rinse well with clean water. Follow directions given on page 15. Do not use commercial oven cleaners. |
| Oven racks | Self-Cleaning Oven cycle Warm, soapy water or soapy steel wool pads | Leave in oven during Self-Cleaning cycle. Wash, rinse and dry. Use soapy steel wool pads for stubborn areas. |
| Self-Cleaning Upper Oven | For areas outside Self-Cleaning area use warm soapy water or soapy steel wool pads | Clean before using Self-Cleaning cycle to prevent burn-on of soil. Follow directions given on page 11. Do not use commercial oven cleaners. |
Most fat spatters on the continuous-cleaning porcelain-enamel interior surface gradually reduce to a presentably clean condition during normal baking or roasting operations.
Do not use foil to line the bottom of your Self-Cleaning Oven.
The Oven Door
The upper oven door should not be removed.
Removing the Lower Oven Door
Illustration shows removing the lower oven door. Step 1: Open the door to the broil stop position. WARNING: To avoid burns, be sure the oven is OFF and COOL. Step 2: Hold the door on both sides and lift slightly to clear the stops in the hinge supports. Step 3: Pull the door, with the hinges, straight away from the oven.
Replacing the Lower Oven Door
Illustration shows replacing the lower oven door. Step 1: Fit the hinge supports into the openings at the bottom oven corners. Step 2: Lift slightly while sliding the hinge supports into the openings. Step 3: When the stops in the hinge supports slide into the oven openings, the door will snap into place and can be closed.
The Self-Cleaning Upper Oven Cycle
The upper oven self-cleaning cycle uses very high heat to burn away soil. Before you start, make sure you understand exactly how to use the cycle safely.
Before You Start
Illustration of the oven interior showing areas to clean before self-cleaning: Clean Frame, Clean Door. Step 1: Clean areas that may not be cleaned during the cycle. Use hot water and detergent or a soapy steel-wool pad on: the frame around the oven; the inside of the door, especially the part outside the oven seal. DO NOT try to clean the fiberglass seal. DO NOT move it or bend it. Step 2: Remove any pots or pans you may have stored in the oven. They can't stand the high heat. Step 3: Wipe out any loose soil or grease. This will help reduce smoke during the cleaning cycle.
Special Cautions
DO NOT block the vent during the cleaning cycle. Air must move freely for best results.
DO NOT touch the oven during the cleaning cycle ... it can burn you.
DO NOT use commercial oven cleaners in your oven. Damage to the porcelain finish may occur.
DO NOT use foil or other liners in the oven. During the cleaning cycle, they can burn or melt.
Setting the Controls
Step 1: Make sure the clock and start and stop time dials all have the right time of day.
Step 2: Push in the Stop Time Knob and turn the hand clockwise about two or three hours (Two hours for light soil, three or more for heavier soil).
Step 3: Set the Oven Selector to CLEAN. The Clean Light will come on and the door will lock automatically.
Step 4: Set the Oven Temperature Control to CLEAN.
Step 5: The Lock Light comes on when the oven gets above normal baking temperatures. The door can't be unlocked when the Lock Light is on.
Step 6: When the Lock Light goes off, turn the Oven Selector to OFF and leave the Oven Temperature Control at CLEAN. This unlocks the door.
Step 7: When the door is unlocked, turn the Oven Temperature Control to OFF.
Step 8: After the oven is cool, wipe off any residue or wash with a damp cloth. If needed, touch up spots with cleanser or soapy steel wool pad.
DO NOT TOUCH THE OVEN DURING THE CLEANING CYCLE. IT CAN BURN YOU.
Special Tips
Keep the kitchen well-ventilated during the cleaning cycle to help get rid of normal heat odor and smoke.
Illustration shows oven racks. Oven racks lose their shine and become harder to slide on the guides when they are left in the oven during the cleaning cycle. To make them slide easier, polish the edges of the racks and rack guides with a soapy steel wool pad, rinse well, and wipe with a light coat of salad oil.
If the cleaning cycle doesn't get the oven as clean as you expected, the cycle may not have been set long enough. Set the cleaning time longer for heavier soil.
Illustration shows how to stop the cleaning cycle. To stop the cleaning cycle after it has started: Turn the Stop Time Knob clockwise until the hand points to the right time of day. Turn the Oven Selector to OFF and leave the Oven Temperature Control at CLEAN. When the oven cools, you can open the door. Wait until the oven is cool.
How It Works
During the self-cleaning cycle, the oven gets much hotter than it does for baking or broiling, approximately 875°F (468°C). This heat breaks up grease and soil and burns it off.
The graph shows approximate temperatures and times during a self-cleaning cycle for 3 hours.
Graph titled "SELF-CLEANING CYCLE -- THREE HOUR SETTING (Approximate Temperatures and Times)". The X-axis represents time from 0 to 3.5 hours. The Y-axis represents temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius. The graph shows the temperature starting at room temperature, rising to 875°F (468°C) for the 'CLEANING CYCLE', then dropping. The 'LOCK LIGHT ON' is indicated around 560°F (293°C). The 'OVEN SHUTS OFF' is indicated around 538°C. The 'LOCK LIGHT OFF' is indicated around 520°F (271°C). A note states: 'Notice that the heating stops when the 3-hour setting is up, but that it takes longer for the oven to cool down enough to unlock.'
The Continuous-Cleaning Lower Oven
Standard oven walls are coated with smooth porcelain-enamel. Your continuous-cleaning oven walls are coated with a special rougher porcelain-enamel.
A fat spatter beads up on the soil surface. It spreads out on the rougher surface. The bead of fat chars and turns black. The spread-out fat gradually burns away at medium to high baking temperatures (350-475°F, 176-231°C), so the oven can return to a presentably clean condition.
Illustration shows how fat spatter behaves on different surfaces. On 'Standard porcelain-enamel', fat spatter beads up and turns black. On 'Continuous cleaning porcelain enamel', fat spatter beads up, turns black, spreads out, and burns away.
Using Foil
Foil must be used on the lower oven bottom to catch spillovers. The foil must be used properly. Using foil in the self-cleaning upper oven is not recommended.
Cut foil from a roll of heavy-duty 18-inch (45 cm) aluminum foil, or buy a foil kit (Part No. 2414366 from your Whirlpool Appliance dealer).
Illustration shows how to use foil in the lower oven. Step 1: Lift the cool bake element slightly to lift the feet off the oven bottom. Step 2: Slide the foil under the bake element. Make sure foil is centered, long enough to start up both sides, and lying flat without wrinkles. Step 3: For proper baking, lower the bake element so all feet rest solidly on the foil.
If You Need Service or Assistance
We suggest you follow these four steps:
1. Before Calling for Assistance
Performance problems often result from little things you can find and fix yourself without tools of any kind.
If nothing operates:
- Is the oven correctly wired to a live circuit with the proper voltage? (See Installation Instructions.)
- Have you checked your home's main fuses or circuit breaker box?
If the upper oven will not operate:
- Is the Upper Oven Selector turned to a setting (BAKE or BROIL, but not TIMED BAKE)?
- Is the Upper Oven Temperature Control turned to a temperature setting?
If the lower oven will not operate:
- Is the Lower Oven Selector turned to a setting (BAKE or BROIL)?
- Is the Lower Oven Temperature Control turned to a temperature setting?
If the self-cleaning cycle will not operate:
- Are the Upper Oven Selector and Upper Oven Temperature Controls set to "CLEAN"?
- Does the Start Time dial show the correct time of day?
- Is the Stop Time dial set ahead to the time you want the cleaning cycle to stop?
If soil is visible on continuous-cleaning oven finish:
- The special finish is designed to gradually reduce oven soil during normal baking or roasting. It is not designed to keep your oven spotless...only presentably clean.
- If you broil often, you may see oven soil.
- The door is cooler than oven walls. Soil will be more visible on the door than other areas in the oven. See page 15, "Hand Cleaning."
2. If you need assistance
Call the Whirlpool COOL-LINE* service assistance telephone number. Dial free from: Continental U.S. . . . . . . . . (800) 253-1301 Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 632-2243 Alaska & Hawaii . . . . . . . . (800) 253-1121 and talk with one of our trained Consultants. The Consultant can instruct you in how to obtain satisfactory operation from your appliance or, if service is necessary, recommend a qualified service company in your area.
3. If you need service
Whirlpool has a nationwide network of franchised TECH-CARE* Service Companies. TECH-CARE service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide after-warranty service, anywhere in the United States. To locate TECH-CARE service in your area, call our COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number (see Step 2) or look in your telephone directory Yellow Pages under:
- APPLIANCES-HOUSEHOLD-MAJOR-SERVICE & REPAIR
- WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES FRANCHISED TECH-CARE SERVICE
- ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES-MAJOR-REPAIRING & PARTS
- WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES FRANCHISED TECH-CARE SERVICE
- WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS & IRONERS-SERVICING
- WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES FRANCHISED TECH-CARE SERVICE
Example listings from Yellow Pages are provided for XYZ SERVICE CO.
4. If you have a problem
Call our COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number (see Step 2) and talk with one of our Consultants, or if you prefer, write to: Mr. Robert Stanley, Division Vice President Whirlpool Corporation, 2000 US-33, North Benton Harbor, MI 49022
If you must call or write, please provide: model number, serial number, date of purchase, and a complete description of the problem. This information is needed in order to better respond to your request for assistance.
FSP is a registered trademark of Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts. Look for this symbol of quality whenever you need a replacement part for your Whirlpool appliance. FSP replacement parts will fit right and work right, because they are made to the same exacting specifications used to build every new Whirlpool appliance.
Benton Harbor, Michigan. Automatic Washers, Clothes Dryers, Freezers, Refrigerator-Freezers, Ice Makers, Dishwashers, Built-in Ovens and Surface Units, Ranges, Microwave Ovens, Compactors, Room Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Central Heating and Air Conditioning Systems.
Part No. 5040210/816018 Rev. B ©1986 Whirlpool Corporation Printed in U.S.A.
