Whirlpool Use and Care Guide

This guide provides valuable information on how to operate and maintain your Whirlpool range safely and properly. Please read it carefully.

Record your model and serial number information. Keep this book and the sales slip together for future reference.

For questions or comments, call the Consumer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-253-1301.

Table of Contents

A Note to You

Thank you for purchasing a Whirlpool® appliance. Whirlpool ranges are designed to be easy to use, save time, and help manage your home.

Please record your model and serial number. You will need this information when calling for service. You can find this on the model and serial number plate.

Also, record the purchase date and your dealer's name, address, and telephone number.

Range Safety

Your safety is important. This guide contains safety statements under warning symbols. Pay special attention to these symbols and follow instructions.

AWARNING This symbol alerts you to dangers such as fire, electrical shock, burns, and personal injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, injury, or damage:

  • Read all instructions before using the range.
  • Install or locate the range only according to the provided Installation Instructions by a qualified installer. Ensure proper electrical connection and grounding.
  • WARNING: To prevent tipping, secure the appliance with a properly installed anti-tip bracket.
  • CAUTION: Do not store items children might want above the range, as they could be burned or injured climbing on it.
  • Do not leave children alone or unattended in an area where the range is in use.
  • Do not operate the range if it is damaged or not working properly.
  • Do not use the range for warming or heating the room.
  • Use the range only for its intended use as described in this manual.
  • Do not touch surface units, areas near units, heating elements, or interior oven surfaces when hot. They can cause burns.
  • Do not wear loose or hanging garments when using the range, as they could ignite.
  • Use only dry pot holders. Moist or damp pot holders can cause burns from steam. Do not let pot holders touch hot heating elements.
  • Keep range vents unobstructed.
  • Do not heat unopened containers, as they could explode.
  • Use only utensils approved for oven use, following manufacturer instructions.
  • Do not store flammable materials on or near the range.

When using the cooktop

  • Do not cook on a broken cooktop. Contact a qualified technician immediately.
  • Select a pan with a flat bottom the same size as the surface unit for best cooking results.
  • Check if glass cooking utensils are safe for the range.
  • Never leave surface units unattended at high heat settings.
  • Turn pan handles inward, not over other surface units, to reduce the chance of burns and spills.
  • Do not cook food directly on the cooktop.
  • Do not leave an empty utensil or one that has boiled dry on a hot surface unit.

When using the oven

  • Always position oven rack(s) in the desired location before turning the oven on.
  • Use care when opening the oven door. Let hot air or steam escape before removing or replacing food.

Grease

  • Grease is flammable. Do not allow grease to collect around the cooktop or in vents. Wipe spills immediately.
  • Do not use water on grease fires. Smother flaming pans with a lid, cookie sheet, or flat tray. Use baking soda or a dry chemical extinguisher for grease fires outside the pan.

Care and cleaning

  • Clean the cooktop with care. Some cleaners can produce noxious fumes on a hot surface. Be careful to avoid steam burns when wiping spills on a hot cooking area.
  • Small amounts of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide are given off during the Self-Cleaning cycle. Minimize exposure by venting the kitchen.
  • Do not use commercial oven cleaners or oven liners.
  • Before self-cleaning, remove broiler pan, broiler grid, oven racks, and other utensils.
  • Do not clean the oven door heat seal.
  • Do not repair or replace any part of the range unless recommended in this manual. Refer all other servicing to a qualified technician.
  • Disconnect the electrical supply before servicing.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Getting to Know Your Range

This section contains illustrations of your range's parts and features with page references for more information.

  • Control panel: (pp. 8, 29) Contains knobs and indicator lights for operating the range.
  • Surface unit: (p. 8) The heating element on the cooktop.
  • Model and serial number plate: Located on the range for identification.
  • Anti-tip floor bracket: Secures the range to prevent tipping. (See page 21 for details.)
  • CLEANTOP® ceramic cooktop: (pp. 9, 26) The smooth glass surface for cooking.
  • Broil element: (p. 16) Located at the top of the oven for broiling.
  • Bake element: (p. 13) Located at the bottom of the oven for baking.
  • Lower panel: (p. 20) Can be removed for cleaning or checking the anti-tip bracket.

Control panel details:

  • Left front/rear control knobs: (p. 8) Control the surface units.
  • MEALTIMER™ clock/minute timer: (pp. 12, 18) For setting the clock and timer functions.
  • Stop time: (pp. 18, 19, 23, 24) Used with the MEALTIMER for automatic shut-off.
  • Oven temperature control knob: (pp. 13, 14, 15, 19, 23) Sets the desired oven temperature.
  • Oven selector: (pp. 13, 15, 19, 23) Selects oven functions like BAKE, BROIL, or CLEAN.
  • Surface unit marker: (p. 8) Indicates which surface unit is on.
  • Surface unit indicator light: (p. 8) Glows when a surface unit is on.
  • Start time: (pp. 18, 23) Used with the MEALTIMER for automatic start.
  • Hot surface indicator light: (p. 8) Glows when a surface unit is hot, even after it's turned off.
  • Oven heating indicator light: (pp. 13, 15) Indicates when the oven is heating.

Using Your Range

Operate your range properly for the best cooking results.

Using the surface units

Push in control knobs before turning them to a setting. You can set them anywhere between HI and OFF.

Surface unit markers indicate which surface unit is turned on by the knob.

Surface unit indicator lights glow when a surface unit is turned on.

Hot surface indicator light glows when a surface unit is too hot to touch.

AWARNING Fire Hazard: Turn all controls off when done cooking. Failure to do so can result in death, fire, or burns.

Surface unit settings guide:

SETTINGRECOMMENDED USE
HITo start foods cooking; to bring liquids to a boil.
6-8To hold a rapid boil; to fry chicken or pancakes.
5For gravy, pudding, and icing; to cook large amounts of vegetables.
2-4To keep food cooking after starting on a higher setting.
LOTo keep food warm until ready to serve.

Using the ceramic glass cooktop

Cooking on the ceramic glass cooktop is similar to coil surface units, but with some differences:

  • The surface unit glows red when turned on and cycles on/off to maintain temperature.
  • Sliding metal pans can leave marks; wipe the cooktop before and after each use.

Cookware tips

  • Select a pan with a flat bottom about the same size as the surface unit.
  • Use pans with straight sides and tight-fitting lids.
  • Choose medium to heavy gauge pans that are fairly lightweight.
  • Pan material affects heat transfer; choose pans that provide the best cooking results.
  • Handles should be sturdy, heat-resistant, and securely attached.
  • Check pan bottoms for nicks and scratches, which can scratch the cooktop.
  • Ensure pan bottoms are clean and dry before use.
  • Avoid spillovers by using pans with tall sides.
  • Do not cook food directly on the cooktop.
  • Do not leave an empty utensil or one that has boiled dry on a hot surface unit.
  • For best results and energy efficiency, use only flat-bottomed cookware that makes good contact with the surface units.

Home canning information

  • Start with hot water to reduce cooking time.
  • Use the largest surface unit for best results. Use a canner/pan that can be centered over the surface unit.
  • Refer to your canner manual for specific instructions.

Positioning racks and pans

General guidelines

  • Position oven rack(s) before turning the oven on.
  • To move racks, lift at the front and pull out.
  • Ensure racks are level.
  • Use pot holders or oven mitts to protect hands when moving hot racks.
  • For one rack, center the food in the oven.
  • For two racks, place them on the bottom and third level from the bottom.

Rack placement for specific foods:

FOODRACK POSITION
Frozen pies, large roasts, turkeys, angel food cakesLowest level or 2nd level from bottom
Bundt cakes, most quick breads, yeast breads, casseroles, meats2nd level from bottom
Cookies, biscuits, muffins, cakes, nonfrozen pies2nd or 3rd level from bottom

NOTE: For broiling rack placement, see page 16.

For best air circulation

Hot air must circulate around pans for even heat. Place pans so they are not directly over each other. Allow 1½ to 2 inches (4-5 cm) of space around each pan and between pans and oven walls. Use only one cookie sheet at a time.

  • One pan: Center on the oven rack.
  • Two pans: Place in opposite corners of the oven rack.
  • Three or four pans: Place in opposite corners on each oven rack, staggered so no pan is directly over another.

Using aluminum foil for baking

Use aluminum foil to catch spills:

  • Place foil on the rack below the food. Turn up edges, ensuring foil is about 1 inch (3 cm) larger all around than the dish.
  • Do not cover the entire rack with foil, as it reduces air circulation.
  • Do not line the oven bottom or entire oven rack with foil.

Using the Self-Cleaning Cycle

The Self-Cleaning cycle saves you from hand-cleaning the oven interior.

AWARNING Burn Hazard: Do not touch the oven during the Self-Cleaning cycle. Keep children away. Do not use commercial oven cleaners.

Before you start

  • Hand-clean areas that do not get hot enough during cleaning (e.g., door seal). Use hot water and detergent or a soapy steel-wool pad. Do not clean, move, or bend the seal.
  • Remove the broiler pan and grid, and any pots and pans stored in the oven.
  • Wipe out any loose soil or grease to reduce smoke.
  • Remove oven racks if you want them to remain shiny. If cleaned in the cycle, they may become harder to slide. Place them on the 2nd and 4th rack guides if cleaned.
  • Heat and odors are normal. Keep the kitchen well ventilated.

Setting the controls

  1. Move the Lock Lever to the right (Clean position). The door locks automatically when the oven heats up.
  2. Set the Oven Selector and Oven Temperature Control Knob to CLEAN.
  3. Ensure the clock and Start/Stop Times are set correctly.
  4. Push in and turn the Stop Time Knob clockwise for the desired cleaning duration (two hours for light soil, three hours or more for moderate to heavy soil). The OVEN HEATING Indicator Light will come on.
  5. After the cycle is complete and the oven has cooled, move the Lock Lever back to the left. Turn the Oven Selector and Oven Temperature Control Knob to OFF.
  6. Once the oven is cool, wipe off any residue or ash with a damp cloth.

To stop the Self-Cleaning cycle at any time:

  1. Push in and turn the Stop Time Knob clockwise to the correct time of day.
  2. Turn the Oven Selector and Oven Temperature Control Knob to OFF.
  3. When the oven has cooled enough, move the Lock Lever back to the left.

Special tips

  • Keep the kitchen well ventilated during the cycle.
  • After the oven is cool, wipe up residue or ash with a damp cloth or sponge. Use a mild abrasive cleanser for stubborn spots.
  • Clean the oven before it gets heavily soiled.
  • If the cycle doesn't clean as expected, the cycle may have been too short or the oven not prepared properly. Try a longer cycle next time and hand-clean areas noted earlier.

How the cycle works

The Self-Cleaning cycle uses very high heat to burn away soil and grease. The oven gets much hotter than for normal baking or broiling. You can adjust the cycle time between two and four hours.

Caring for Your Range

Your range is designed for easy care. Cleaning spills and soiling promptly helps keep it looking and operating like new.

Cleaning the cooktop

Ceramic cooktops require different maintenance than standard electric open-coil elements. Spills do not burn off easily and the surface should be kept clean.

Your cooktop has been prepolished for protection. You will need the Cooktop Polishing Creme, paper towels or a sponge, and a single-edge razor blade in a holder for cleaning.

To avoid damaging the cooktop:

  • Sugar spills and soils (like jellies and candy syrups) can cause pitting if not removed while the ceramic surface is still warm. Remove as soon as possible.
  • Do not use the cooktop as a cutting board.
  • Do not allow anything that may melt (like plastic or aluminum foil) to contact the surface while it is hot.
  • Do not use the cooktop to cook popcorn in prepackaged aluminum containers.
  • Do not use steel wool, plastic cleaning pads, abrasive powdered cleansers, chlorine bleach, rust remover, ammonia, or glass cleaning products with ammonia, as these can damage the surface.
  • Dropping heavy or hard objects on the cooktop could crack it. Be careful with heavy skillets.

Cleaning tips

What to use:

  • Cooktop Polishing Creme (included with your range) with paper towel or clean, damp sponge.
  • Razor scraper in a holder to remove cooked-on soils.

Steps to follow:

  1. Wipe most spills easily with a paper towel or damp sponge as soon as the Hot Surface Indicator Light goes off.
  2. For stubborn spills, rub Cooktop Polishing Creme into the soil with a paper towel.
  3. Carefully scrape spots with the razor scraper.
  4. Finish by polishing the entire cooktop with Cooktop Polishing Creme and a paper towel.

To order Cooktop Polishing Creme (Part No. 3184477) or a razor scraper (Part No. 3183488), write to: Whirlpool Corporation, Attention: Customer Service Dept., 1900 Whirlpool Drive, LaPorte, IN 46350, or call 1-800-253-1301.

How to keep your cooktop looking like new:

IF THERE AREWHAT TO DO
Sugary spills and soilsTo prevent pitting, wipe up with paper towel or clean, damp sponge while the ceramic surface is still warm. Remove as soon as possible after the spill occurs.
Dark streaks, specks, and discolorationUse Cooktop Polishing Creme or nonabrasive cleanser with a damp paper towel or sponge.
Metal marks (from copper or aluminum pans)Use Cooktop Polishing Creme or nonabrasive cleanser with a damp paper towel or sponge before heating the cooktop again. If heated, metal marks may not come off.
Tiny scratches or abrasionsScratches and abrasions do not affect cooking. To prevent them, use Cooktop Polishing Creme regularly.

NOTE: Always wipe with clean water and dry your cooktop thoroughly after using cleanser to prevent streaking or staining.

Cleaning other range parts

PARTWHAT TO USEHOW TO CLEAN
Control knobsSponge and warm, soapy waterTurn knobs to OFF and pull straight away. Wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Do not soak. Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleansers. Replace knobs, ensuring they point to OFF.
Control panelSponge and warm, soapy water OR Paper towel and spray glass cleanerWash, wipe with clean water, and dry thoroughly. Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleansers. Do not spray cleaner directly on panel; apply to paper towel.
Exterior surfaces (other than cooktop and control panel)Sponge and warm, soapy waterWash, wipe with clean water, and dry thoroughly. Use nonabrasive, plastic scrubbing pad on heavily soiled areas. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleansers.
Broiler pan and grid (clean after each use)Steel-wool pad and warm, soapy waterWash, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Do not clean in Self-Cleaning cycle.
Oven racksSteel-wool pad and warm, soapy water OR The Self-Cleaning cycleWash, rinse, and dry thoroughly. OR Leave in oven during Self-Cleaning cycle. NOTE: Racks will discolor and become harder to slide if cleaned in the cycle. Apply vegetable oil to side rungs to aid sliding.
Oven door glassPaper towel and spray glass cleaner OR Warm, soapy water and a nonabrasive, plastic scrubbing padMake sure oven is cool. Follow cleaner directions. OR Wash, wipe with clean water, and dry thoroughly.
Oven cavitySelf-Cleaning cycleSee "Using the Self-Cleaning Cycle" on pages 22-25.

Troubleshooting

Most cooking problems can be fixed without tools. Check the lists below and on the next page before calling for assistance or service.

If nothing operates, check the following:

  • Is the range plugged into a live outlet with the proper voltage? (See Installation Instructions.)
  • Have you blown a household fuse or tripped a circuit breaker?

Other possible problems and their causes:

PROBLEM: The oven will not operate

  • You have not turned the Oven Selector to BAKE or BROIL.
  • You have programmed a delayed start time; wait for it to be reached or cancel/reset controls.
  • You have not turned the Oven Temperature Control Knob to a temperature setting.
  • You have not set the MEALTIMER clock correctly.
  • You have not set the MEALTIMER clock's Stop or Start Time Knobs to the correct time of day. If delay start/stop is not desired, turn Stop and Start Time Knobs to the correct time of day; turn knobs until they pop out.

PROBLEM: The surface units will not operate

  • You have blown a household fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
  • You have not set the control knobs correctly; push control knobs in before turning.

PROBLEM: Control knob(s) will not turn

  • You are not pushing in before turning.

PROBLEM: The Self-Cleaning cycle will not operate

  • You have not set the Oven Selector and Oven Temperature Control Knob to CLEAN.
  • The range clock does not show the correct time of day. Reset clock.
  • The Lock Lever is not in the CLEAN position.
  • The Start Time Knob does not show the correct time of day or is not fully out.
  • The Stop Time Knob is not set ahead to the desired stop time. See Step 3 in "Setting the controls" on page 23.

PROBLEM: Cooking results are not what you expected

  • The range is not level.
  • The oven temperature seems too low or too high. Adjust oven temperature (see page 14).
  • You did not preheat the oven before baking (if required by recipe).
  • The recipe may need alteration.
  • You are using the wrong type or size of pan. Refer to a cookbook for recommendations.
  • There is not enough air space around pans during baking (allow 1½ to 2 inches).
  • The cooking utensil is too large or too small for the surface unit.

If none of these items resolves your problem, see "Requesting Assistance or Service" on page 31.

Requesting Assistance or Service

Before calling for assistance or service, check "Troubleshooting" on pages 29-30.

1. If you need assistance:

Call the Whirlpool Consumer Assistance Center toll-free at 1-800-253-1301. Consultants can instruct you on operation or recommend a qualified service company.

Alternatively, write to: Mr. William Clark, Consumer Assistance Representative, Whirlpool Corporation, 2000 North M-63, Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692. Include a daytime phone number.

2. If you need service:

Whirlpool has a nationwide network of authorized service companies. Call the Consumer Assistance Center (Step 1) or check your local Yellow Pages under "Appliance-Household-Major, Service & Repair" or "Washing Machines & Dryers, Service & Repair" for authorized service.

3. If you need FSP® replacement parts:

FSP® is a registered trademark of Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts. Look for this symbol of quality. FSP parts fit right and work right. Refer to Step 2 or call the Consumer Assistance Center (Step 1) to locate parts.

4. If you are not satisfied with how the problem was solved:

Contact the Major Appliance Consumer Action Program (MACAP). MACAP is a group of independent consumer experts. Contact MACAP only when the dealer, authorized servicer, and Whirlpool have failed to resolve your problem.

Major Appliance Consumer Action Program, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.

When asking for help or service: Please provide a detailed description of the problem, your appliance's complete model and serial numbers, and the purchase date. This information will help us respond properly.

Index

This index is alphabetical and contains topics and their corresponding page numbers.

  • ANTI-TIP BRACKET: 21
  • ASSISTANCE: 31
  • BAKING: Aluminum foil (11), Pans (10, 11), Racks (10), Setting cycle (13)
  • BROILING: Broil stop position (15), Broiling rack position chart (16), Grid (17), Pan (15, 17), Setting cycle (15), Tips (17)
  • CLEANING: Broiler pan and grid (28), Control knobs (28), Control panel (28), Cooktop (26-27), Exterior surfaces (28), Oven cavity (28), Oven door glass (28), Oven racks (28)
  • CLOCK: 12
  • CONTROL KNOBS: 8, 28
  • COOKTOP: Cleaning (26-27), Using (8-10)
  • COOKWARE: Canning (10), Tips (9)
  • ENERGY SAVING TIPS: 17
  • FEATURES: 7
  • LOCK LEVER: 23, 24
  • LOWER PANEL: 20
  • MEALTIMER™ CLOCK: Delaying start and stop automatically (18), Starting now and stopping automatically (19)
  • MINUTE TIMER: 12
  • MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER: 3
  • OPTIONAL DOOR PANEL PAC: 21
  • OVEN TEMPERATURE: Adjusting (14), Setting (13, 15, 19)
  • OVEN VENT: 20
  • PANS: 10, 11
  • PARTS: 7
  • RACKS: 10
  • ROASTING: Pans (10, 11), Racks (10), Setting cycle (13)
  • SAFETY: 4-6
  • SELF-CLEANING: How cycle works (25), Preparing oven (22), Setting controls (23), Stopping cycle (24), Tips (25)
  • SERVICE: 31
  • SURFACE UNITS: Control knobs (8, 28), Control setting guide (8), Hot surface indicator light (8), Oven heating indicator light (13, 15), Surface unit indicator lights (8), Surface unit markers (8)
  • TROUBLESHOOTING: 29
  • WARRANTY: 36

Whirlpool® Cleantop® Freestanding Range Warranty

LENGTH OF WARRANTY

  • FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY (From Date of Purchase): FSP® replacement parts and repair labor for defects in materials or workmanship. Service by an authorized Whirlpool service company.
  • FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY (From Date of Purchase): FSP replacement parts and repair labor for CLEANTOP ceramic cooktop. Whirlpool warrants that:
    • The ceramic cooktop will not discolor.
    • The ceramic cooktop pattern will not wear off.
    • The rubber seal between the ceramic cooktop and porcelain edge will not crack.
    • The ceramic cooktop will not crack due to thermal shock.
    • The surface units will not burn out.

WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR:

A. Service calls to:

  1. Correct installation.
  2. Instruct how to use the range.
  3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring.
  4. Replace owner-accessible light bulbs.

B. Repairs when the range is used in other than normal, single-family household use.

C. Pickup and delivery. The range is designed for in-home repair.

D. Damage caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of God, or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.

E. Repairs to CLEANTOP ceramic cooktop if not cared for as recommended.

F. Repairs to parts or systems caused by unauthorized modifications.

Whirlpool Corporation is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow these exclusions.

Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. Contact your authorized Whirlpool dealer.

If you need service, see "Troubleshooting" or "Requesting Assistance or Service," or call 1-800-253-1301.

PART NO. 3189074 Rev. B © 1995 Whirlpool Corporation

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