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Oven
temperature - not accurate
If oven
temperature fluctuates during baking try the following. Test your oven
temperature after the thermostat cycles three times (indicator light will go off
three times). Test oven temperature right after light goes off. Test
with an accurate thermometer placed in the centre of the oven. A variation of 25
degrees Fahrenheit from the thermostat setting is acceptable. If
inaccuracy approaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit call for service.
Temperatures during broiling do not correspond to the thermostat dial
markings. Broiling is a manual process. It is done by experience and
sight.
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Elements
- uneven
heating from surface elements
Check bottom of pots.
Old pots often become rounded and no longer transfer the heat properly. Also
check if bottom surface of pot is pitted or blackened. This too can cause uneven
heating. These symptoms are also possible if the element or switch are erratic
in their operation.
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Self
cleaning - how long should I clean oven
The average
self cleaning takes about 2 to 4 hours. If it takes longer then
perhaps your frequency of cleaning should be increased.
Be aware that the amount of electricity
consumed during the self cleaning process is equivalent to many days of normal cooking
and can add to your electrical costs.
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Self
cleaning - still dirty after cleaning
Self cleaning ovens are meant to remove
surface debris, not spills or food debris. Spills should be cleaned
immediately after oven cools down and not allowed to build up. When left too long
debris can become burnt into the interior finish and the self
cleaning system cannot remove them.
To clean spills, wipe off excess,
and then use a light, non-odourous detergent and a plastic cleaning pad. Never
use standard oven cleaning sprays or pads.
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Self
cleaning - not removing stains in gasket area
Certain areas of a self cleaning oven do not
get hot enough to remove debris and grease buildup. These include the throat
of the oven (area where gasket touches) and the top and outer edges of the
oven door.
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Self
cleaning - door stuck closed
Turn off the range breakers for 30 minutes. Turn back
on and push cancel button. If older style with a handle in door, try to
unlock door by turning handle. Turning off
the power to the range will allow the clock to reset itself. If this does not
work then contact a service company immediately for service.
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Oven
door - removal or reinstalling
Removing
the oven door of a modern range is not recommended. Modern oven doors can be
quite complex and consequently are very heavy.
To reinstall align the hinge arms
with the arm receptacles in the body of the range When aligned, lift door
slightly while pushing in bottom of door. Continue pushing until it seats fully into the range body.
Close door slowly. If door is not level, or does not appear properly aligned, remove and try again. For doors of self cleaning ranges use extra caution.
They are very heavy and can slip from your grasp causing damage to door.
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Oven door
- top
of door greasy after self cleaning
Top
edge of the oven door can become dirty, darkened, or greasy after self
cleaning. The grease from inside can be driven out through small openings in the
gasket. This area of oven door may have to be cleaned by hand after the
completion of a self cleaning cycle.
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Oven cleaner
- can
I use in my manual cleaning oven
You can usually use liquid or spray oven cleaner inside
a manual type oven. To be sure check your Use and Care Manual before using oven cleaner. Some interiors cannot deal with the
harshness of the cleaner. If unsure use a plastic scouring pad and a light,
non-odourous detergent.
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Oven cleaner
- can
I use in self cleaning oven
No, never use oven cleaning liquid or spray
inside the oven of a self-cleaning range. The self cleaning system can raise the interior
temperature to the
point whereby these chemicals can ignite during the automatic cleaning
process and cause a fire hazard.
To clean small spills inside the range oven wipe off
excess using a clean dry cloth,
and then use a light, non-odourous detergent and a plastic cleaning pad. Never
use standard oven cleaning sprays or pads.
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Oven racks
- can
I leave inside while self cleaning
Remove the racks from the oven before self
cleaning. Most are not meant to withstand the high temperatures associated
with self cleaning. Check your Use and Care Guide for manufacturers
suggestions.
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Oven
cleaning - less frequent
A lot of oven clean up can be avoided by
placing a small cookie sheet under some items while they are baking.
Especially baking that has a high sugar content such as pies. They tend to
bubble over easily and cause spillage.
If a spill occurs clean with a
sponge and light, non-odourous detergent as soon as oven cools down. This will prevent it being burnt and caramelized into the interior finish.
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Glass
top - versus basic
Both glass (ceran) top ranges and basic element type ranges have their pros and cons.
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Glass top
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Basic element top
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visually pleasing
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visually bland
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fast heat (especially
halogen)
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extras not available
on basic
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limited options
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no bowls to clean
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no special cleaner required
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glass top must be
cleaned regularly
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less cleaning
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higher purchase price
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lower purchase price
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higher repair costs
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lower repair costs
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Glass top - which pots and pans to use
Most glass, ceramic, aluminum, or
stainless steel pots and pans are a acceptable if they have a flat
bottom. Flat bottom is necessary to transfer heat properly. Avoid any
that have a curved or ridged bottom. The bottoms of your pots and pans
should be cleaned regularly to remove any buildup of food particles or
debris. Don't use cast iron, stoneware, or copper pot and pans because
they can have a rough bottom that will scratch the glass surface.
Glass
top - cleaning
A glass
top range should be cleaned every few days. The trick is to apply a light
coating of the cleaner and then let it set until it goes milky. Once milky,
wipe off with a clean non-abrasive cloth.
See our consumer Info Articles section for
further details.
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Glass
top - cleaned but still dirty or stained
For glass top ranges with heavy or burnt on spills add
cleaner onto the spill and immediately scrape surface of glass using a
razor-type knife. The cleaner is used wet because it is acting as a
lubricant for the razor knife.
The cleaner can be spread over the spill area but do not
allow to go milky as per normal cleaning practice. Use a light forward and back motion with the razor
knife. Use caution and do not allow blade to scrape surface. Apply more cleaner if necessary.
Once spill has been removed clean whole surface again using
regular (milky) cleaning method as described above.
See our consumer Info Articles section for
further details.
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Glass top
- which cleaner should I use
If your appliance manufacturer suggests a
particular glass top cleaner in their operating manual stay with that type. Some less
expensive brands may not work as well as the manufacturers suggestion.
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Broiling
in oven
When broiling the oven door should
be open slightly by using the broil stop position on the
oven door. Proper broiling requires a great amount of air. Using the broil stop will cut down on splatter.
To use broil stop pull oven door
open about six inches. As you approach the broil stop position the oven door
tension will increase slightly. At the broil stop position the door will stay
open by itself.
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Broiling
- what
temperature setting do I use
Broiling in an oven is a manual process.
It is done by sight and experience, not by temperature. The
temperature indications shown on the thermostat dial are for baking and have no relevance to
the broil temperature.
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Bowls -
using aluminum
foil to keep clean
Element
bowls should not be wrapped with aluminum foil to keep them clean. It is
very thin and can flake off and enter the electrical contacts on the element. This can
produce a fire or shock hazard.
To keep the bowls protected from
cooking debris use the pre-made bowl inserts. They are made of much thicker
aluminum and
won't flake off. Usually available in the hardware section of your grocery
store.
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Bowl - cleaning
Element bowls (metal not porcelain) can be
kept clean by placing them in the dishwasher. Remove from range and place
into the dishwasher with regular load of dishes. Do this regularly to
maintain their appearance. Any large spills or debris should be removed
before using this method. Porcelain bowls (dark in colour with a
pebbled appearance) should be washed by hand using a light detergent and a soft
scrub brush.
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Elements
- smoking
Avoid debris buildup on the elements
or inside the element bowls.
If excessive it can cause smoking or even ignite.
Remove elements (see your Use and Care Guide) and clean both top surface and
underside using a clean dry cloth. The underside in
particular is a place grease will hide. Do not clean with water or submerse
in water.
Any grease or oils spilled
inside the bowls should be cleaned up immediately to avoid a fire hazard.
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Elements
- cleaning in dishwasher
Do not place range elements into dishwasher to
clean. It can damage the element.
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Feet
/ Rollers - Adding rollers to pull out easier
If you want to add rollers
to the range only use those suggested by the manufacturer. They screw into the feet holes and are
secured into the base of the range by a nut and bolt. They are superior to the adjustable plastic types
that simply sit under the feet. The less expensive plastic type can become brittle with age, resulting in
them cracking and allow the range to fall and damage the floor.
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Fuse
cover will not stay closed
If fuse cover will not
stay closed it's usually
because end caps on the ends of the console are broken. Call for service.
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Bowls
or rings - discolouring
Pots being
used on an element should match the element size. When too large they can
redirect heat to the element ring or
bowl, causing them to discolour. They can also transfer heat to the top of the
range causing it to overheat.
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Utensil
drawer sticks or squeaks
If drawer uses glides remove and apply
light lubricant (such as
petroleum jelly) to the drawer support glides.
If drawer uses rollers remove and apply
few drops of general purpose oil to centre of rollers.
If drawer uses ball bearing rollers do not lubricate.
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Oven
door - hot air leaking from around oven door
Some
hot air escaping from the oven door during baking is normal. If excessive may be
a worn gasket or misaligned door.
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Hinges
squeak
If oven
door hinges start to squeak apply a light coating of general purpose grease,
or high temperature oil, to the hinge pivot areas. Do not over-lubricate because
oven heat can cause hinge lubrication to melt and leak into range or onto floor.
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Oven door glass broken
Replacement of oven
door glass should only be done by a service company. Some doors can contain up to
three sheets of glass. Some glass may be tempered and must be re-installed
in a certain order to avoid it cracking again. Oven doors on self cleaning
ranges are particularly complex.
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Oven door - falling down
Hinges may be broken or weak. Both hinges should be
replaced at same time because even if only one broken the other will be
stretched or weakened. Use extreme caution around hinges and oven doors.
The springs are very powerful and can snap shut with enough force to
break a finger.
Fuse
blows - when using outlet
The
electrical outlet on a range is meant for light electrical usage. Do
not use to operate a high wattage appliance such as a toaster, electric fry
pan, kettle, blender or microwave. It is meant for a low wattage item such as a
can opener, electric knife, or small coffee maker.
Continued usage by high
wattage items will blow the fuse or burnt out the outlet. It is provided as a
convenience electrical outlet, and not meant for continuous use or to take the place of an
electric wall outlet.
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Knobs
are peeling, fading, or melting
Usually due to steam hitting knobs during cooking.
Use caution when
using an uncovered or oversized pot. Steam may be directed towards the
knobs. Too much steam may also affect the electrical switches.
Use a cover on steaming pots.
Place the lid on pot so that any escaping steam is directed towards the front of range,
away from knobs.
If
your kitchen has a fan hood over the range use it whenever steam escaping from
pots.
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Light
- fluorescent light not working
The fluorescent light on a range
provides very little illumination and is primarily cosmetic. They have
been eliminated from most modern ranges.
If not working try replacing the
starter. If ends of bulb appear black the bulb is probably defective.
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Light (oven) not working
Verify that electricity is present by
turning on other light or element indicator. If electricity connected
then usually oven bulb is burnt. Disconnect range from electricity
before attempting to replace. Bulb may be hidden behind a glass cover
that must be removed to expose bulb. Once bulb visible inspect to verify
that bulb is a screw-in type that can be replaced. Burnt bulbs
usually have a black or gray appearance. Use caution when removing. Use
an oven mitt or towel to grasp bulb because it may be cracked or
weakened and may break as you begin to unscrew. Remove bulb and replace
with a recommended appliance bulb. Use a clean dry cloth to clean the
light cover before reinstalling over the light bulb. May
also be fault with oven light switch, door switch, or wiring. If oven
light activated through clock you will probably require a service person
to repair. Never replace any
oven light with a standard household light bulb. It will explode due to
oven heat. If not a screw-in
type light bulb don't replace. Some models have special oven bulbs that
are wired in permanently and will require a service person to
replace.
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Light (oven) bulb burns out repeatedly
If oven light burns out repeatedly may be a poor connection between the
socket and bulb. Turn off electricity to range, remove light bulb from socket and look for a gray appearance on tip of
bulb. If discoloured, lightly rub threaded end of light bulb with a fine
sand paper to remove corrosion, then clean with a dry cloth, and
reinstall.
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Noises from console
It's normal for surface element switches
will make a slight clicking sound whenever they are operating. When set at
"low" the switches will click on and off about every minute. At
"high" they will click on and off about every ten seconds. At full
maximum the switches are on constantly and therefore may not make any
clicking sounds.
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Noises from oven
Oven may make a "boom" sound as
it heats up to operating temperature. As the ovens internal temperature
rises the rear of oven cavity may expand so quickly that it produces a sound
like a bass drum. Usually stops once oven temperature has been reached.
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Timed
outlet - what for
The timed outlet on a range
can be used to start and stop small appliances, such as coffee maker, at a specific time of day.
In that way you
can have fresh coffee ready for you when you wake up.
Do
not use to operate a high wattage appliance such as a toaster, electric fry
pan, kettle, blender or microwave. It is meant for a low wattage item such as a
can opener, electric knife, small coffee maker, or a night light.
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Fuse
blows - when using outlet
Usually due to operating a
high wattage appliance from outlet. Replace fuse and test by plugging
night light into outlet. If fuse blows call for service. Do not replace with a larger amperage fuse.
The outlet fuse will always be 15 amp. If unsure refer to fuse chart on
fuse cover, or rear of range.
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Fuse
blows - every now and then
Fuses
can become weak with time and fail. Replace using an identical fuse. But if they
fail regularly then a service
company must be contacted. If the reason for failure is not repaired it can lead
to burnt wiring, further parts failure, or a fire hazard.
If they fail as soon as you screw them in, or look
black, then contact a service company immediately.
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Fuses
- what
size or colour should I use
Most household fuses
are either " P " fuses or " D " type fuses. The P means PLUG and the D means DELAY.
The basic glass top PLUG type fuse is
used for all circuits within your range.
A DELAY type fuse is used in
appliances such as a window air conditioner. It allows the appliance to start
with a momentarily high amperage, while still protecting the household circuitry.
A basic P
type fuse is less expensive than a D fuse, so unless required, use the P fuse.
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Fuse
indicator worn - what fuse goes where
Ranges use paper fuse indicator charts (usually where the fuses are) to indicate what size
fuse goes where. These indicator charts can become worn or lost with age. If unsure
of fuse amperage remove it and look for a
number stamped on the bottom. Or look for the colour inside of the fuse top.
A 15 amp fuse is blue, 20 amp is brownish orange, 25 amp is red, and a
30 amp is green.
If no indicator chart remove fuses one at a time,
check amperage, and replace with a fuse of the same
amperage.
Generally there are two 30A fuses
for the oven, two 20A fuses for the right elements, two 20A fuses for the left
elements, and one 15A fuse for the outlet.
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Fuse
- my new
range only has one . Why?
Older models ranges often had 7 or 8
fuses accessible via a fuse cover at the top or front of the console. Previously
all elements, lights, and receptacles were fuses independently.
Now only the outlet or oven bulb is required to be fused.
For this reason your new range
may only have 1 or 2 fuses. Therefore major electrical problems
with the range will trip the breakers in the electrical services panel.
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Scratches
to exterior finish
The scratches to exterior
painted finish can generally be lessened by the application of appliance touch-up paint. Use caution. Not all finishes will accept touch up paint.
Some surfaces may require a type of matching enamel paint while other
require a type of porcelain paint. If
unsure see your Use and Care Guide or contact appliance manufacturer.
When using any type of touch up paint the
trick is to use an almost dry applicator brush. Dip applicator into paint,
remove and wipe applicator until almost dry. Then apply paint with a light
dabbing motion, rather than a painting motion. Allow paint to dry few minutes and
apply more. Continue until scratches covered.
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Wire
hanging down inside oven
Probably the oven sensor bulb. The mounting
bracket that holds it to the inside of the oven has broken, allowing
the bulb to hang down. Do not attempt to cut or remove. If cut, the oven temperature
will become erratic and burn food.
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