Panasonic Microwave Oven Nn S553 Operating Instructions

							19
Microwave Shortcuts(continued)
FOOD POWER TIME DIRECTIONS
(in mins.)
To cook baked Potato,  Pierce each potato with a fork 6 times
(6 - 8 oz. each) spacing around surface. Place potato or
(170 - 225 g)    potatoes around the edge of paper-towel-
1P83
1/2- 4 lined glass tray  (Turntable), at least 1 inch 
(2.5 cm) apart. Do not cover. Let stand 5 
2 P8 6 - 7 minutes to complete cooking.
To steam Hand Towels- 4P10 (High) 20 - 30 sec. Soak in water, then wring out excess.
Place on a microwave safe dish.
Heat. Present immediately.
To soften Ice Cream, P3 (MED-LOW) 1 - 1
1/2Check often to prevent melting.1/2gallon (2 L)
Cup of liquid
To boil water, broth, etc.P10 (High)
1 cup, 8 oz. (250 ml) 11/2- 2 Heated liquids can erupt if not stirred.2 cups, 16 oz. (500 ml)21/2- 3 Do not heat liquids in microwave oven
without stirring before heating.
Cup of liquid
To warm Beverage, P7 (MED-HIGH)
1 cup, 8 oz. (250 ml) 1
1/2- 22 cups, 16 oz. (500 ml)21/2- 3
To roast Nuts,   P10 (High) 3 - 4 Spread nuts into a 9-inch (230 mm)  
1
1/2cups (375 ml) microwave safe pie plate. 
Stir occasionally.
To toast Sesame Seeds, P10 (High) 2 - 2
1/2Place in a small microwave safe bowl. 1/4cup (60 ml) Stir twice.
To skin Tomatoes, P10 (High) 30 sec. Place tomato into a microwave safe bowl
(one at a time) containing boiling water. Rinse and peel.
Repeat for each tomato.
To remove Cooking Odors,P10 (High) 5 Combine 1 to 11/2cups (250 - 375 ml)  
water with the juice and peel of one lemon 
in a 2 quart microwave safe bowl. 
After water finishes boiling, wipe interior of 
oven with a cloth.
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							20
Food CharacteristicsCooking Techniques
Bone and FatBoth bone and fat affect cook-
ing. Bones may cause irregu-
lar cooking. Meat next to the
tips of bones may overcook
while meat positioned under a large bone,
such as a ham bone, may be under-
cooked. Large amounts of fat absorb
microwave energy and the meat next to
these areas may overcook.
DensityPorous, airy foods such as
breads, cakes or rolls take
less time to cook than
heavy, dense foods such as
potatoes and roasts. When
reheating donuts or other
foods with different centers be very care-
ful. Certain foods have centers made with
sugar, water, or fat and these centers
attract microwaves (For example, jelly
donuts). When a jelly donut is heated, the
jelly can become extremely hot while the
exterior remains warm to the touch. This
could result in a burn if the food is not
allowed to cool properly in the center.
QuantityTwo potatoes take longer to cook
than one potato. As the quantity of
the food decreases so does the
cooking time. Overcooking will
cause the moisture content in the
food to decrease and a fire could result.
Never leave microwave unattended while
in use.
ShapeUniform sizes heat more
evenly. The thin end of a
drumstick will cook more
quickly than the meaty
end. To compensate for irregular shapes,
place thin parts toward the center of the
dish and thick pieces toward the edge.
SizeThin pieces cook more
quickly than thick pieces.
Starting TemperatureFoods that are at room temperature
take less time to cook than if they
are chilled, refrigerated, or frozen.
PiercingFoods with skins or mem-
branes must be pierced
scored or have a strip of
skin peeled before cook-
ing to allow steam to
escape. Pierce clams,
oysters, chicken livers, whole potatoes
and whole vegetables. Whole apples or
new potatoes should have a 1-inch strip
of skin peeled before cooking. Score
sausages and frankfurters. Do not
Cook/Reheat whole eggs with or without
the shell. Steam build up in whole eggs
may cause them to explode, and possibly
damage the oven or cause injury.
Reheating SLICED hard-boiled eggs and
cooking SCRAMBLED eggs is safe.
BrowningFoods will not have the
same brown appearance as
conventionally cooked foods
or those foods which are
cooked utilizing a browning
feature. Meats and poultry
may be coated with browning sauce,
Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce or
shake-on browning sauce. To use, com-
bine browning sauce with melted butter or
margarine and brush on before cooking. 
For quick breads or muffins, brown sugar
can be used in the recipe in place of
granulated sugar, or the surface can be
sprinkled with dark spices before baking.
SpacingIndividual foods, such as
baked potatoes, cupcakes
and appetizers, will cook more
evenly if placed in the oven
equal distances apart. When
possible, arrange foods in a circular pattern.
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.6  22:46  Page 22          
						

							21
Cooking Techniques(continued)
CoveringAs with conventional cooking, moisture
evaporates during microwave cooking.
Casserole lids or plastic wrap are used for a
tighter seal. When using plastic wrap, vent
the plastic wrap by folding back part of the
plastic wrap from the edge of the dish to
allow steam to escape. Loosen or remove
plastic wrap as recipe directs for stand time.
When removing plastic wrap covers, as well
as any glass lids, be careful to remove them
away from you to avoid steam burns.
Various degrees of moisture retention are
also obtained by using wax paper or paper
towels. 
ShieldingThin areas of meat and poultry cook more
quickly than meaty portions. To prevent
overcooking, these thin areas can be shield-
ed with strips of aluminum foil. Wooden
toothpicks may be used to hold the foil in
place.
CAUTION is to be exercised when
using foil. Arcing can occur if foil is too close
to oven wall or door and damage to your
oven will result.
Cooking timeA range of cooking time is given in each
recipe. The time range compensates for the
uncontrollable differences in food shapes,
starting temperature, and regional prefer-
ences. Always cook food for the minimum
cooking time given in a recipe and check for
doneness. If the food is undercooked, con-
tinue cooking. It is easier to add time to an
undercooked product. Once the food is
overcooked, nothing can be done.
StirringStirring is usually necessary during
microwave cooking. Always bring the
cooked outside edges toward the center
and the less cooked center portions toward
the outside of the dish.
Rearranging
Rearrange small items such as chicken
pieces, shrimp, hamburger patties, or pork
chops. Rearrange pieces from the edge to
the center and pieces from the center to the
edge of the dish.
TurningIt is not possible to stir some foods to dis-
tribute the heat evenly. At times, microwave
energy will concentrate in one area of the
food. To help insure even cooking, these
food need to be turned. Turn over large
foods, such as roasts or turkeys, halfway
through cooking.
Stand TimeMost foods will continue to cook by conduc-
tion after the microwave oven is turned off.
In meat cookery, the internal temperature
will rise 5°F to 15°F (3°C to 8°C), if allowed
to stand, tented with foil, for 10 to 15 min-
utes. Casseroles and vegetables need a
shorter amount of standing time, but this
standing time is necessary to allow foods to
complete cooking to the center without over-
cooking on the edges.
Test for DonenessThe same tests for doneness used in con-
ventional cooking may be used for
microwave cooking. Meat is done when
fork-tender or splits at fibers. Chicken is
done when juices are clear yellow and
drumstick moves freely. Fish is done when it
flakes and is opaque. Cake is done when a
toothpick or cake tester is inserted and
comes out clean.
ABOUT FOOD SAFETY AND
COOKING TEMPERATURE
• Check foods to see that they are cooked
to the United States Department of
Agriculture’s recommended temperatures.
TEMP FOOD
160˚F ...for fresh pork, ground meat, 
boneless white poultry, fish, 
seafood, egg dishes and 
frozen prepared food.
165˚F ...for leftover, ready-to-reheat 
refrigerated, and deli and 
carryout “fresh” food.
170˚F ...white meat of poultry.
180˚F ...dark meat of poultry.
To test for doneness, insert a meat ther-
mometer in a thick or dense area away from
fat or bone. NEVER leave the thermometer
in the food during cooking, unless it is
approved for microwave oven use.
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.6  22:46  Page 23  
						

							22
Care and Cleaning of Your Microwave Oven
BEFORE CLEANING:
Unplug oven at wall outlet. If outlet is inacces-
sible, leave oven door open while cleaning.AFTER CLEANING:
Be sure to place the Roller Ring and the Glass
Tray in the proper position and press
Stop/Reset Pad to clear the Display.
Menu Label (for NN-S553): 
Do not remove, wipe with a
damp cloth.
Inside of the oven:
Wipe with a damp cloth
after using, mild detergent
may be used if needed.
The use of harsh deter-
gents or abrasives is not
recommended.
Oven Door:
Wipe with a soft dry
cloth when steam
accumulates inside or
around the outside of
the oven door. During
cooking, especially
under high humidity
conditions, steam is
given off from the
food. (Some steam
will condense on cool-
er surfaces, such as
the oven door. This is
normal.)
Inside surface is cov-
ered with a heat and
vapor barrier film. Do
not remove.
Glass Tray:
Remove and wash in warm soapy
water or in a dishwasher.Outside oven surfaces:
Clean with a damp cloth. 
To prevent damage to the
operating parts inside the
oven, water should not be
allowed to seep into ventila-
tion openings.
Do not remove wave guide cover:
It is important to keep cover
clean in the same manner as the
inside of the oven.Control Panel:
* Covered with a
removable protective
film to prevent
scratches during
shipping.  Small bub-
bles may appear
under this film.
(Hint - To remove
film, apply masking
or clear tape to an
exposed corner and
pull gently.)
* If the Control Panel
becomes wet, clean
it with a soft dry
cloth.  Do not use
harsh detergents or
abrasives on the
Control Panel. Roller Ring and oven cavity floor:
Clean the bottom surface of the oven
with mild detergent water or window
cleaner, and dry. Roller Ring may be
washed in mild soapy water or dish-
washer. These areas should be kept
clean to avoid excessive noise.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE OVEN CLEAN. FOOD
RESIDUE AND CONDENSATION MAY CAUSE
RUSTING OR ARCING AND DAMAGE TO THE OVEN.
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
Instructions / Operating Manual (this book)  F00035Y40AP
Glass Tray  F06014T00AP
Roller Ring Assembly F290D9330AP
For pricing quotes, call or write the Parts & Literature Department at the phone or address 
listed below. Please have your credit card information readily available.
Shipping & handling are not included. Price & availability subject to change. Sorry, no COD’s.
PANASONIC SERVICES COMPANY
20421 84th Avenue South (800) 833-9626 - Phone
Kent, WA 98032 (800) 237-9080 - FAX
You can purchase parts, accessories or locate your 
nearest service center by visiting our Web Site:
Web Site: http://www.Panasonic.com
ORDER FORM
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.6  22:46  Page 24  
						

							23
Before Requesting Service
These things are normal:
The oven causes Some radio and TV interference might occur when you cook 
interference with with the microwave oven. This interference is similar to the 
my TV. interference caused by small appliances such as mixers,
vacuums, blow dryers, etc. It does not indicate a problem with
your oven.
Steam accumulates During cooking, steam and warm air are given off from the 
on the oven door and food. Most of the steam and warm air are removed from the 
warm air comes from  oven by the air which circulates in the oven cavity. However, 
the oven vents. some steam will condense on cooler surfaces such as the 
oven door. This is normal.
The oven is not plugged in Remove plug from outlet, wait
securely. 10 seconds and re-insert.
Circuit breaker or fuse is Reset circuit breaker or replace
tripped or blown. fuse.
There is a problem with the Plug another appliance into the
outlet. outlet to check if it is working.
The door is not closed  Close the oven door securely.
completely.
StartPad was not pressed  Press StartPad.
after programming.
Another program is already Press Stop/ResetPad to cancel
entered into the oven. the previous program and enter
new program.
The program is not correct. Program again according to the
Operating Instructions.
Stop/ResetPad has been Program oven again.
pressed accidentally.
The Glass Tray is not  Take out Glass Tray and Roller 
positioned properly on the Ring. Wipe with a damp cloth and 
Roller Ring or there is food reset Roller Ring and Glass Tray
under the Roller Ring. properly.
The Roller Ring and oven  Clean these parts according to 
bottom are dirty.Care and Cleaning of your 
Microwave Oven(see page 22).
The CHILD LOCK was  Deactivate LOCK by pressing 
activated by pressing Stop/Resetpad 3 times.
Startpad 3 times. Oven will not turn on.
Oven will not start
cooking.
The Glass Tray
wobbles.
When the oven is
operating, there is
noise coming from
the glass tray.
The word “Child”
appears in the
Display Window.
PROBLEMPOSSIBLE CAUSEREMEDY
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.6  22:46  Page 25  
						

							24
Limited Warranty & Customer Services Directory
PANASONIC CONSUMER ELECTRONICS COMPANY,  PANASONIC SALES COMPANY,
DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC DIVISION OF MATSUSHITA
CORPORATION OF AMERICA ELECTRIC OF PUERTO RICO, INC.,
One Panasonic Way Ave. 65 de Infanteria, Km. 9.5
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094  San Gabriel Industrial Park
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985
Panasonic Microwave Oven Product
Limited Warranty
Limited Warranty Coverage
If your product does not work properly because of a defect in materials or workmanship, Panasonic
Consumer Electronics Company or Panasonic Sales Company (collectively referred to as “the warrantor”)
will, for the length of the period indicated on the chart below, which starts with the date of original purchase
(warranty period), at its option either (a) repair your product with new or refurbished parts, or (b) replace it
with a new or a refurbished product. The decision to repair or replace will be made by the warrantor.
PARTS LABOR
ALL PARTS (EXCEPT MAGNETRON TUBE)1 (ONE) YEAR 1 (ONE) YEAR
MAGNETRON TUBE 5 (FIVE) YEAR 1 (ONE) YEAR
During the Labor warranty period there will be no charge for labor.  During the Parts warranty period,
there will be no charge for parts.   You must carry-in or mail-in your product during the warranty period.  This
warranty only applies to products purchased and serviced in the United States or Puerto Rico. This warranty
is extended only to the original purchaser of a new product which was not sold as is.  A purchase receipt or
other proof of the original purchase date is required for warranty service.
Carry-In or Mail-In Service
For Carry-In or Mail-In Service in the United States call 1-800-211-PANA(7262) or visit Panasonic Web Site:
http://www.panasonic.com
For assistance in Puerto Rico call Panasonic Sales Company (787)-750-4300 or fax (787)-768-2910.  
Limited Warranty Limits And Exclusions
This warranty ONLY COVERS failures due to defects in materials or workmanship, and DOES NOT COVER
glass, plastic parts, temperature probes(if included) and normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage. The war-
ranty ALSO DOES NOT COVER damages which occurred in shipment, or failures which are caused by
products not supplied by the warrantor, or failures which result from accidents, misuse, abuse, neglect, mis-
handling, misapplication, alteration, faulty installation, set-up adjustments, misadjustment of consumer con-
trols, improper maintenance, power line surge, lightning damage, modification, or commercial use (such as
in a hotel, office, restaurant, or other business), rental use of the product, service by anyone other than a
Factory Service center or other Authorized Servicer, or damage that is attributable to acts of God.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT AS LISTED UNDER “LIMITED WARRANTY COV-
ERAGE.  THE WARRANTOR IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WAR-
RANTY. (As examples, this excludes damages for lost time, cost of having someone remove or re-install an
installed unit if applicable, or travel to and from the servicer.  The items listed are not exclusive, but are for
illustration only.) ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MER-
CHANTABILITY, ARE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts, so the exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have others rights which vary from state to
state. If a problem with this product develops during or after the warranty period, you may contact your deal-
er or Service center. If the problem is not handled to your satisfaction, then write to the warrantors
Consumer Affairs Department at the addresses listed for the warrantor.
PARTS AND SERVICE WHICH ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY.
Service in Puerto Rico
Matsushita Electric of Puerto Rico, Inc. Panasonic Sales Company/Factory Service center:
Ave. 65 de Infanteria, Km. 9.5, San Gabriel Industrial Park, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985
Phone (787) 750-4300   Fax (787) 768-2910
Accessory Purchases:
Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com
you can purchase parts, accessories or locate your
nearest service center by visiting our Web Site.
For Product Information, Operating Assistance, Literature Request, Dealer Locations, and all
Customer Service inquiries please contact:
1-800-211-PANA (7262), Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm; Saturday-Sunday 9 am-7 pm, EST.
1-800-332-5368 (Customer Orders Only)
Panasonic Services Company 20421 84th Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032
(6 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday; 6 am to 10:30 am Saturday; PST)
(Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, Check)
Customer Services Directory
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.6  22:46  Page 26 
						

							25
QUICK GUIDE TO OPERATION
Feature
To set
Clock
(☛page 10)How to Operate
Thru
Press once. Enter time of day. Press once.
To set
Power and Time
(☛page 11)
To Use Child   
Safety Lock
(☛page 10)
Thru
Press to select Power Level.Set cooking time. Press.
To defrost using
Inverter Turbo 
Defrost
(☛page 13)
Thru
Thru Press once. Set weight. Press.
Press to select serving/weight.Press.
To use as a
Kitchen Timer
(☛page 17)
Thru
Press once. Set time. Press.
To Set
Stand Time
(☛page 17)Thru
Press once. Set time. Press.
To reheat using
Auto Reheat
(☛page 15)
Press once. Optional. Press.
To cook using
Popcorn
(☛page 12)
Select weight. Optional. Press.
To cook using
Quick Min
(☛page 11)
(up to 10 min.) Press.
To use
Keep Warm
(☛page 11)
Press once.Set keep warm time. (up to 30 min.)Press.
To cook using
Auto Cook
(☛page 15)
()
Input up to
4-stage cooking
programs.
To Set
Delay Start
(☛page 17)Thru
Press once. Set time. Press.()
Input up to
4-stage cooking
programs.
Press 3 times.Press 3 times. To Set: To Cancel:
Optional.
Select Category.Select Serving/Weight.
e.g.
Optional. Press.for NN-S553
e.g. for NN-S503
for NN-S503 for NN-S553
or
for NN-S503 for NN-S553
or
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.7  14:43  Page 27 
						

							26
User’s Record
Specifications
Power Source:
Power Consumption:
Cooking Power:*
Outside Dimensions
(H x W x D):
Oven Cavity Dimensions
(H x W x D):
Operating Frequency:
Net Weight:NN-S553 NN-S503
120 V, 60 Hz 
12.7 Amps, 1,460 W
1,350 W
11  
7/8 x 20 3/8 x 15 7/8
(301 mm x 518 mm x 404 mm)
8 
7/8 x 14 3/4 x 15 3/16
(225 mm x 375 mm x 386 mm)
2,450 MHz
Approx. 23 lbs. (10.5 kg)
*IEC Test procedure Specifications subject to change without notice.
The serial number of this product may be
found on the back side of the oven. You
should note the model number and the
serial number of this oven in the space
provided and retain this book as a per-
manent record of your purchase for
future reference.Model No. _________________
Serial No. _________________
Date of Purchase ___________
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Panasonic Sales Company, Division
Company, Division of Matsushita of Matsushita Electric of Puerto Rico,
Electric Corporation of America Inc. (“PSC”)
One Panasonic Way Ave. 65 de Infanteria, Km. 9.5
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094 San Gabriel Industrial Park,
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985
F00035Y40AP  2003.1.7  14:43  Page 28