Kenmore Electric Range Use and Care Guide

Kenmore Electric Range

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING YOUR COOKTOP

• Know which knob controls each surface heating unit.
• Use Proper Pan Size — This appliance is equipped with one or more surface units of different sizes. Select utensils having flat bottoms large enough to cover the surface unit. The use of undersized utensils will expose a portion of the surface heating unit to direct contact and may result in the ignition of clothing. Proper relationship of utensils to the surface unit will also improve efficiency.
• Utensil Handles Should Be Turned Inward and Should Not Extend Over Adjacent Surface Units — To reduce the risk of burns, ignition of flammable materials, and spillage due to unintentional contact with the utensil.
• Never Leave Surface Units Unattended — Boilovers cause smoking and greasy spillovers that may ignite, or a pan that has boiled dry may melt.
• Protective Liners — Do not use aluminum foil to line the oven bottom or any other part of the range. Only use aluminum foil as recommended for baking if used as a cover placed on the food. Any other use of protective liners or aluminum foil may result in a risk of electric shock fire or a short circuit.
• Glazed Cooking Utensils — Only certain types of glass, glass/ceramic, ceramic, earthenware, or other glazed utensils are suitable for range top service without breaking due to the sudden change in temperature. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for rangetop use.

FOR GLASS COOKTOPS ONLY

• Do Not Cook on Broken Cooktop — If the cooktop breaks, cleaning solutions and spillovers may penetrate the broken cooktop and create a risk of electric shock.
  Contact a qualified technician immediately.
• Clean cooktop with Caution — If a wet sponge or cloth is used to wipe spills on a hot cooking area, be careful to avoid a steam burn. Some cleaners can produce harmful fumes if applied to a hot surface.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING YOUR OVEN

• Use Care When Opening Door — Stand to the side of the range when opening the door of a hot oven. Let hot air or steam escape before you remove or replace food in the oven.
• Keep Oven Vent Ducts Unobstructed. The oven is vented between the cooktop and the backguard. Touching the surfaces in this area when the oven is operating may cause severe burns. Also, do not place plastic or heat-sensitive items on or near the oven vent. These items could melt or ignite.
• Placement of Oven Racks. Always place oven racks in the desired location while the oven is cool. Remove all utensils from the rack before removing the rack. If the rack must be moved while the oven is hot, use extreme caution. Use potholders and grasp the rack with both hands to reposition.
  Do not let potholders contact the hot oven element or interior of the oven.
• Do not use the broiler pan without its insert. The broiler pan and grid allow dripping fat to drain and be kept away from the high heat of the broiler.
• Do not cover the broiler grid with aluminum foil. Exposed fat and grease could ignite.
• Do not touch a hot light bulb with a damp cloth. Doing so could cause the bulb to break. Disconnect the range or turn off the power to the range before removing and replacing the light bulb.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING YOUR RANGE

• Clean the range regularly to keep all parts free of grease that could catch fire. Exhaust fan ventilation hoods and grease filters should be kept clean. Do not allow grease to accumulate. Greasy deposits in the fan could catch fire. Refer to the hood manufacturer’s instructions
  for cleaning.
• Cleaners/Aerosols — Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended directions for use. Be aware that excess residue from cleaners and aerosols may ignite causing damage and/or injury.

SELF-CLEANING OVENS:

• Clean only the parts of the oven listed in this owner’s guide during the self-cleaning cycle. Before self-cleaning the oven, remove the broiler pan and any utensils stored in the oven.
• Do not clean the oven door gasket. Care should be taken not to rub, damage, or move the gasket.
• Do not use oven cleaners. No oven cleaner or oven liner protective coating of any kind should be used in or around any part of the oven.
• Remove oven racks. The oven rack’s color will change if left in the oven during a self-cleaning cycle. The health of some birds is extremely sensitive to the fumes given off during the self-clean cycle of any range. Move birds to another well-ventilated room.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Installation Instructions

Clearances and Dimensions

• A. Provide adequate clearances between the range and adjacent combustible surface (1.3cm (1/2”) to the cabinet side walls and the rear wall).
• B. Location—Check the location where the range will be installed. Check for proper electrical supply and the stability of the floor.
• C. Dimensions that are shown must be used. Given dimensions provide minimum clearance. The contact surface must be solid and level.

* 76.2 cm (30”) minimum clearance between the top of the cooking surface and the bottom of an unprotected wood or metal cabinet; or 61 cm (24”) minimum when the bottom of the wood or metal cabinet is protected by not less than 0.64 cm (¼”) flame retardant millboard covered with not less than 0.038 cm (0.015”) stainless steel, 0.061 cm (0.024”) aluminum or 0.051 cm (0.020”) copper. 1.3 cm (½”) clearance is the minimum for the rear and sides of the range. Follow all dimensions requirements provided above to prevent property damage, potential fire hazards, and incorrect countertop and cabinet
cuts.

To eliminate the risk of burns or fire by reaching over heated surface units, cabinet storage space located above the surface units should be avoided. If cabinet storage is to be provided, the risk can be reduced by installing a range hood that projects horizontally a minimum of 12.7 cm ( 5”) beyond the bottom of the cabinets.

Electrical Hook-Up

This appliance must be connected to a grounded 120/240 volt or 120/208 volt, 45 AMP. Range outlet. If no outlet is available, have one installed by a qualified electrician.

Location

Set your new range 1.3 cm (1/2”) away from the rear wall and line it up with the kitchen counters. Make sure there is at least 1.3 cm (1/2”) of clearance between each side of the range and the kitchen counters. Allow 7.6 cm (3”) min. clearance between your range and the refrigerator, if they are side by side.

Leveling

For good baking results, your range should be level. Screw-type leveling legs are provided at each corner of the range at the base. Remove the storage drawer to adjust the leveling legs. (Refer to Storage Drawer section).

To level the range:

1. Use a 1%” open-end key or an adjustable wrench to equally unscrew the four leveling legs two to three turns each.
2. Install an oven rack in the center of the oven.
3. Move the range to its final position, then put a spirit level on the rack to check for levelness. Take two readings, one with the level placed diagonally first in one direction, and then the other.
4. Use the 1 %” key or wrench to adjust the leveling legs. Turn each one until the range stands firm without wobbling.
5. Some models are supported by smooth glide rollers to facilitate moving. If the floor is flat and level, open the drawer and lower the front roller locking levers (some models) to prevent the range from moving. If the floor is not flat or level or if this model has rollers without locking levers, use the 4 leveling legs to level, support, and prevent the range from moving.

Circuit Protection

As a protection against surcharge, a 15 amp, 120-volt breaker is provided for each of the electric outlet(s) (2 max.). It (they) is (are) located on top or underneath of the control panel. Models with no electric outlet have no breaker.

Setting Surface Controls

Models with Coil Surface Elements (some models)

1. Place the pan on the surface element.
2. Push in and turn the surface element control knob to the desired setting.
3. The Element On indicator lights are located on the control panel between two element control knobs, one on each side, and will glow when a surface element is turned ON.

A quick glance at this indicator light after cooking is an easy check to be sure ALL surface controls are turned OFF. Always turn the element off before removing the pan.

Note: The size and type of utensil used, and the amount and type of food being cooked will influence the setting needed for best cooking results.

Setting Type of Cooking

• HI (MAX): Start most foods, bring water to a boil, and pan broiling.
• 5 (MED): Maintain a slow boil, thicken sauces and gravies, and steam vegetables.
• 2-4 (MED-LOW): Keep food cooking, poach, stew.
• LO (MIN): Keep warm, melt, and simmer.

The suggested settings found in the chart above are based on cooking in medium-thickness aluminum pans with lids. Settings may vary when using other types of pans.

Setting Surface Controls

Models with Ceramic Glass Cooktops (Some models)

About the Ceramic Glass Cooktop
The ceramic cooktop has radiant surface elements located below the surface of the glass. The design of the ceramic cooktop outlines the area of the surface element underneath. Be sure to match the pan size with the diameter of the element outline on the cooktop. Heat is transferred up through the surface of the cooktop to the cookware. Only flat-bottomed cookware should be used.

The type and size of cookware, the number of surface elements in use, and their settings, are all factors that will affect the amount of heat that will spread to areas beyond the surface elements. The areas surrounding the elements may become hot enough to cause burns. The cooktop should not be used as a cutting board or work surface. Dropping heavy or hard objects on the cooktop may crack it. Pans with rough bottoms may scratch the cooktop surface. Placing foods directly on the smooth top surface (without cooking utensils) is not recommended as difficult cleaning will result and foods may smoke and cause a potential fire hazard.

Element On & Hot Surface Indicator Lights
Your model may be equipped with two different types of radiant surface control indicator lights that will glow on your range— the ELEMENT ON indicator light and the HOT SURFACE indicator lights (See illustration at left).

The Element On indicator lights are located on the control panel above and between two element control knobs and will glow when a surface element is turned ON. A quick glance at this indicator light after cooking is an easy check to be sure ALL surface controls are turned OFF. The Hot Surface indicator light located on the control panel above each control knob will glow when the surface cooking area heats up and will REMAIN ON until the glass cooktop has cooled to a MODERATE level. If your model has only the Hot Surface Indicator light (one over each control knob the light will glow when the element is turned ON and will REMAIN ON until the glass cooktop has cooled to a MODERATE level even if the element is turned OFF.

NOTE: Radiant elements have a limiter that allows the element to cycle ON and OFF, even at the HI setting. This helps to prevent damage to the ceramic smooth top. Cycling at the HI setting is normal and will occur more often if the cookware is too small for the radiant element or if the cookware bottom is
not flat.

Setting Surface Controls

Models with Ceramic Glass Cooktops (Some models)

To Operate a Single Radiant Element:

1. Place correctly sized cookware on the radiant surface element.
2. Push in and turn the surface control knob in either direction to the desired setting (See Fig. 1). Start most cooking operations on a higher setting and then turn to a lower setting to finish cooking. The surface control knobs do not have to be set exactly on a particular mark. Use the marks as a guide and adjust the control knob as needed. Each surface element provides a constant amount of heat at each setting. A glowing red surface heating area extending beyond the bottom edge of the cookware indicates the cookware is too small for the surface heating area.
3. When cooking is complete, turn the surface element OFF before removing the cookware.

Note: The ELEMENT ON indicator light will glow when one or more elements are turned ON. A quick glance at this indicator light, when cooking is finished, is an easy check to be sure all control knobs are turned OFF. The Hot Surface indicator light will continue to glow AFTER the control knob is turned to the “OFF” position and will glow until the heating surface area has cooled sufficiently.

Surface Cooking

To Set the Cooktop Lockout Feature (some models)

Thepad is used to activate the Cooktop Lockout feature which will lock all surface elements from being accidentally turned ON. This feature will only lock the cooktop.

To turn the Cooktop Lockout Feature ON:

1. BE SURE ALL surface element controls are set to the OFF position.
2. Press and holduntil one beep is heard (after 3 seconds; See Fig. 1). If a triple beep sounds instead, check all surface elements turn them to the OFF position, and repeat this step. The Cooktop Locked indicator light will turn ON and the cooktop controls and functions are locked out until the cooktop is unlocked.

To turn the Cooktop Lockout Feature OFF:

1. BE SURE ALL surface element controls are set to the OFF position.
2. Press and holduntil one beep is heard (after 3 seconds). If a triple beep sounds instead, check all surface elements turn them to the OFF position, and repeat this step. The Cooktop Locked indicator light will turn OFF and the cooktop may be used normally (See Fig. 2). Note: Starting a Self-Clean cycle will also turn ON the Cooktop Lockout feature.

The cooktop will remain locked until the Self-Clean cycle has been completed and the oven door has been unlocked. If a power failure occurs after the Cooktop Lockout has been activated, you must turn OFF the Cooktop Lockout feature before being able to use the cooktop features again.

Using Power Element (some models)

The “Power Element” feature uses a higher wattage surface radiant element which can bring food items to boil much quicker. The radiant element will be clearly marked if this feature is available on your range (See Fig. 3). If equipped with the “Power Element” feature, place the cookware on the surface element and follow the instructions “To Operate a Single Radiant Element” in the Settings Surface Controls section.

Cooking Informations

Oven Baking

For best cooking results, heat the oven before baking cookies, breads, cakes, pies or pastries, etc… There is no need to preheat the oven for roasting meat or baking casseroles. The cooking times and temperatures needed to bake a product may vary slightly from your previously owned appliance.

Baking Problems and Solutions Chart
Baking Problems	Causes	Corrections
Cookies and biscuits burn on the bottom.	•     Cookies and biscuits are put into the oven before the preheating time is completed. •     Oven rack overcrowded.   •     Dark pan absorbs heat too fast.	•     Allow the oven to preheat to the selected temperature before placing food in the oven.   •     Choose pan sizes that will permit 5.1 cm to 10.2 cm (2” to 4”) of air space on all sides when placed in the oven. •     Use a medium-weight aluminum baking sheet.
Cakes are too dark on top or bottom.	•     Cakes are put into the oven before preheating time is completed. •     Rack position too high or low. •     Oven too hot.	•     Allow the oven to preheat to the selected temperature before placing food in the oven. •     Use proper rack position for baking needs. •     Set oven temperature to 25°F/12°C lower than recommended.
Cakes are not done in the center.	•     Oven too hot. •     Incorrect pan size. •     Pan not centered in oven.	•     Set oven temperature to 25°F/12°C lower than recommended. •     Use the pan size suggested in the recipe. •     Use proper rack position and place the pan so there is 5.1 cm to 10.2 cm (2” to 4”) of space on all sides of the pan.
Cakes are not level.	•     Range not level.     •     Pan too close to oven wall or rack overcrowded. •     Pan warped.	•     Place a marked glass measuring cup filled with water on the center of the oven rack. If the water level is uneven, refer to the installation instructions for leveling the range. •     Be sure to allow 5.1 cm to 10.2 cm (2” to 4”) of clearance on all sides of each pan in the oven. •     Do not use pans that are dented or warped.
Foods are not done when cooking time is up.	•     Oven too cool.   •     Oven overcrowded.   •     Oven door opened too frequently.	•     Set oven temperature to 25°F/12°C higher than suggested and bake for the recommended time. •     Be sure to remove all pans from the oven except the ones to be used for baking. •     Open the oven door only after the shortest recommended baking time.

General Care & Cleaning

Storage Drawer with extensible glides (some models)

To remove the Warmer Drawer:

1. Open the drawer to the fully opened position.
2. Locate the latches on both sides of the warmer drawer. (See Fig. 1)
3. Pull up on the left glide latch and push down on the right glide latch. (See Fig. 1)
4. Pull the drawer away from the range.
5. To clean the warmer drawer, gently scour with a soapy scouring pad, this will remove most spots. Rinse with a 1:1 solution of clear water and ammonia. If necessary, cover difficult spots with an ammonia-soaked paper towel for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse with clean water and a damp cloth. Remove all cleaners or the porcelain may become damaged during future heating. DO NOT use spray oven cleaners on the cooktop.

To Replace Warmer Drawer:

1. Align the glide latches on both sides of the drawer with the slots on the drawer.
2. Push the drawer back into the range.

Storage Drawer (some models)

Use the storage drawer for storing cooking utensils. The drawer can be removed to facilitate cleaning under the range. Use care when handling the drawer.

Removing and Replacing Storage Drawer

To remove the drawer:

1. Pull the empty drawer out to the roller guide stop.
2. Tilt the drawer up and pull it out over the rollers.

To replace the drawer:

1. Insert the rear end of the drawer into the opening.
2. Fit the drawer end rollers onto the guide rails.
3. Push the drawer in until it stops, then lift to allow the rollers to clear the roller guide stop, and push in.

Changing the Surface Light (some models)

Use a switch located on or underneath the control panel to turn the surface light ON/OFF. Replace the surface light, if after repeated attempts to turn it on you are not successful.

To remove and replace the fluorescent light:

1. Place your fingers under the tube located underneath and in the middle of the control panel.
2. To remove, turn the tube 90° then pull it down and out of its sockets.
3. To replace the tube, engage the new tube into the sockets, then rotate and snap the tube in place. Turn on the surface light to make sure it will lit.

Oven Light

On some models, an interior oven light will turn on automatically when the oven door is opened. The oven light may be turned on when the door is closed by using the oven light switch located on or underneath the control panel. On a self-clean oven, the lamp is covered with a glass shield held in place by a wire holder.

THIS GLASS SHIELD MUST BE IN PLACE WHENEVER THE OVEN IS IN USE.
To replace the light bulb:

1. Turn the power off at the main source.
2. Wear a leather-faced glove for protection against possible broken glass.
3. Replace the bulb with a 40-watt appliance bulb only.
4. For a self-cleaning oven, press the wire holder to one side to release the glass shield, change the bulb, and be sure to replace the glass shield.

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Kenmore Electric Range-FAQs