Panasonic Microwave Oven Nn Sf550m Operating Instructions

							Operating Instructions
Microwave Oven
Household Use Only
Model No. NN-SF550M
Safety Information
Precautions .........................Inside cover
Important Safety Instructions .........1-3
Installation and Grounding
Instructions .......................................4-5
Safety Precautions ...........................6-7
Operation
Microwave Recipes .............................19
Timer Feature (Kitchen Timer/Stand
Time/Delay Start) .................................20
Microwave Shortcuts ......................21-22
Food Characteristics............................23
Cooking Techniques .......................23-24
Quick Guide to Operation ....................28
Operation
Control Panel .......................................10
Starting to Use Your Oven ...................11
Setting the Clock..................................11
Child Safely Lock .................................11
Selecting Power & Cook Time .............12
Quick Min Feature ...............................12
Keep Warm Feature ............................12
Popcorn Feature ..................................13
More/Less Feature ..............................13
Inverter Turbo Defrost Feature ............14
Defrosting Tips & Techniques.........14-15
Auto Reheat Feature ...........................16
Auto Cook Feature ..............................16
Auto Cook Chart .............................17-18Maintenance
Care and Cleaning of Your Microwave
Oven ....................................................25
Accessory Purchases ..........................25
Before Requesting Service..................26
Limited Warranty & Customer Service
Directory ..............................................27
General Information
Cookware Guide ....................................8
Oven Components Diagram ..................9
Specifications ......................................29
User’s Record ......................................30
F00039Q30APIP0110-0
Printed in China
For assistance, please call: 1-800-211-PANA(7262), TTY: 1-877-833-8855contact us via the web at:
http://www.panasonic.com(U.S.A and Puerto Rico)
For microwave oven safety reference, please visit FDAs webpage at: 
http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/ResourcesforYouRadiationEmittingProducts/Consumers/ucm142616.htm
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT, AND SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE USE.Para instrucciones en español, voltee el libro.
© Panasonic Home Appliances Microwave Oven (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 201\
0.
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							Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided important safety messages in this manual and on your
appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID 
POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO 
EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY
(a) Do not attempt to operate this oven with the door open since open-\
door operation can result in harmful exposure to microwave energy. It is impor-
tant not to defeat or tamper with the safety interlocks.
(b) Do not place any object between the oven front face and the door o\
r allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces.
(c) Do not operate the oven if it is damaged. It is particularly impor\
tant that the oven door close properly and that there is no damage to the: 
(1) door (bent), 
(2) hinges and latches (broken or loosened), 
(3) door seals and sealing surfaces.
(d) The oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except properly qualified service personnel.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you\
 how to
reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions
are not followed.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to poten-
tial hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and
either the word “DANGER”, “WARNING” or “CAUTION”. These
words mean:
You can be killed or seriously injured if
you don’t immediately
follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if
you don’t follow instructions.
Microwave Oven Safety
DANGER
WARNING
You can be exposed to a potentially haz-
ardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION
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							1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BURNS, ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, FIRE, INJURY TO PERSONS, OR EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE
ENERGY:
1. Read all instructions before using this appliance.
2. Read and follow the specific “PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPO- SURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY,” found on the inside front 
cover. 
3. This appliance must be grounded. Connect only to a properly grounded out\
let.  See “GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS” found on page 4.
4. As with any cooking appliance, DO NOT leave oven unattended while in use.
5. Install or locate this appliance only in accordance with the installatio\
n instruc- tions found on page 4.
6. DO NOT cover or block any openings on this appliance. 
7. DO NOT store this appliance outdoors.  DO NOTuse this product near water—
for example, near a kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming \
pool 
or similar locations.
8. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual\
.  DO 
NOT use corrosive chemicals, vapors or non-food products in this appliance. \
This type of oven is specifically designed to heat, or cook food. It is \
not 
designed for industrial or laboratory use. The use of corrosive chemicals in 
heating or cleaning will damage the appliance and may result in radiatio\
n 
leaks.
9. When cleaning surfaces of the door and oven that come together on closin\
g   the door, use only mild, non-abrasive soaps or detergents applied with a  
sponge or soft cloth. 
10. DO NOT allow children to use this appliance, unless closely supervised by an 
adult.  DO NOT assume that because a child has mastered one cooking skill 
he/she can cook everything.
11 . DO NOT operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not 
working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped.
12. DO NOT immerse cord or plug in water. 
13. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
14.  DO NOT let cord hang over edge of a table or counter.
15. This appliance should be serviced only by qualified service personnel. C\
ontact  the nearest authorized service center for examination, repair or adjustm\
ent. 
Your microwave oven is a cooking appliance and you should use as much car\
e
as you use with a stove or any other cooking appliance. When using this \
electric
appliance, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the fo\
llowing:
Thank you for purchasing a Panasonic Microwave Oven.
WARNING
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							2
16. Some products such as whole eggs with or without shell, narrow neck bott\
les and sealed containers—for example, closed glass jars—may explode a\
nd 
should not be heated in this oven. 
17. To reduce the risk of fire in the oven cavity: (a) DO NOT overcook food. Carefully attend appliance when paper, plastic, or  
other combustible materials are placed inside the oven to facilitate coo\
king.
(b) Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing b\
ag in  oven. 
(c)  If material inside the oven ignites, keep oven door closed, turn oven   \
off,  and disconnect the power cord, or shut off power at the fuse or   \
circuit breaker panel. 
(d)  DO NOT use the cavity for storage purposes.  DO NOT leave paper
products, cooking utensils or food in the cavity when not in use.
18. 
Superheated Liquids
Liquids, such as water, coffee or tea are able to be overheated beyond the
boiling point without showing evidence (or signs) of boiling. Visible bubbling
is not always present when the container is removed from the microwave
oven. THIS COULD RESULT IN VERY HOT LIQUIDS SUDDENLY BOILING
OVER WHEN THE CONTAINER IS DISTURBED OR A UTENSIL IS
INSERTED INTO THE LIQUID.
To reduce the risk of injury to persons:
(a)  STIR THE LIQUID BOTH BEFORE AND HALFWAY THROUGH
HEATING IT.
(b)  Do not heat water and oil, or fats together. The film of oil will trap 
steam, and may cause a violent eruption.
(c)  DO NOT use straight-sided containers with narrow necks.
(d) After heating, allow the container to stand in the microwave oven for a \
   short time before removing the container.
19.  DO NOT cook directly on the Oven Cavity Floor. It can crack, and cause
injury or damage to the oven.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
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							IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
(continued)
TO AVOID THE RISK OF SHOCK: 
DO NOTremove outer panel from oven. Repairs must be done only by a qualified s\
erv-
ice person. 
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPOSURE TO MICROWAVE
ENERGY: 
DO NOT tamper with, or make any adjustments or repairs to Door,
Control Panel Frame, Safety Interlock Switches, or any other part
of oven, microwave leakage may result. 
TO AVOID THE RISK OF FIRE: 
1.  DO NOT operate the oven empty. The microwave energy will
reflect continuously throughout the oven causing overheating and
damage, if food or water is not present to absorb energy. 
2.  DO NOT store flammable materials next to, on top of, or in the
oven. 
3.  DO NOT dry clothes, newspapers or other materials in the oven, or use newspaper\
 or
paper bags for cooking. 
4.  DO NOT hit or strike Control Panel. Damage to controls may occur. 
5.  DO NOT use recycled paper products unless the paper product is labeled as safe \
for
microwave oven use. Recycled paper products may contain impurities which\
 may
cause sparking. 
TO AVOID THE RISK OF SCALDING: 
POT HOLDERS should always be used when removing items from the oven. Heat is
transferred from the HOT food to the cooking container and from the container to the
Oven Cavity Floor. The Oven Cavity Floor can also be very HOT after removing the
cooking container from the oven. 
WARNING
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For proper use of your oven, read remaining safety cautions and operatin\
g instructions.
Oven Cavity Floor 
1. If the Oven Cavity Floor is hot, allow to cool before cleaning. 
2.  DO NOT cook directly on the Oven Cavity Floor. Always place food in a
microwave safe dish, or on a rack set in a microwave safe dish.
3
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							4
Examine Your Oven
Unpack oven, remove all packing material and examine the oven for any da\
m-
age such as dents, broken door latches or cracks in the door. Notify dealer
immediately if oven is damaged. DO NOTinstall if oven is damaged.
Placement of Oven
1. The oven must be placed on a flat, stable surface. Place the front surfa\
ce of
the door three inches or more from the counter top edge to avoid acciden\
tal
tipping of the microwave oven during normal use. For proper operation, t\
he
oven must have sufficient air flow. Allow 3-inches (7.6 cm) of space on both
sides of the oven and 1-inch (2.5 cm) of space on top of the oven.
(a)  DO NOT block air vents. If they are blocked during operation, the oven  
may be overheated and damaged.
(b)  DO NOT place oven near a hot, damp surface such as a gas or electric 
range, or dishwasher.  
(c)  DO NOT operate oven when room humidity is excessive.
2. This oven is manufactured for household use only. It is not approved or tested for mobile vehicle, marine, or commericial use.
Installation
1.DO NOT block air vents. If they are blocked during operation, the oven may
overheat. If the oven overheats, a thermal safety device will turn the o\
ven off.
The oven will remain inoperable until it has cooled.
2. If the oven is designed for installation into a wall cabinet by using th\
e proper trim kit available from a local Panasonic dealer, follow all instructions packed
with the kit.
INSTALLATION AND
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
—IMPROPER USE OF THE GROUNDING PLUG
CAN RESULT IN A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. 
Consult a qualified electrician or service person if the grounding instr\
uctions are not com-
pletely understood, or if doubt exists as to whether the appliance is pr\
operly grounded. If it
is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a three wire extension c\
ord that has a
three-prong polarized grounding plug, and a three-slot receptacle that w\
ill accept the plug
of the appliance. The marked rating of the extension cord should be equal to or greater
than the electrical rating of the appliance.
Grounding Instructions
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE GROUNDED. In the event of an electrical short circuit,
grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing an escape wire\
 for the electric
current. This appliance is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a gr\
ounding
plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and g\
rounded.
• Plug into properly installed and grounded 3-prong outlet.
• DO NOT remove ground prong.
• DO NOT use an adapter.
WARNING
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							5
Power Supply
1. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the risks resulting from b\
ecomingentangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
2. Longer cord sets or extension cords are available and may be used if \
care is exercised in their use. Do not let cord hang over edge of a table or counter.
3. If a long cord or extension cord is used, (1) the marked electrical\
 rating of the cord set or extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating o\
f the appliance, (2)
the extension cord must be a grounding-type 3-wire cord, and (3) the l\
onger cord
should be arranged so that it will not drape over the counter top or tab\
le-
top where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over accidentally.
Wiring Requirements
The oven must be operated on a SEPARATE CIRCUIT. No other appliance should share
the circuit with the microwave oven. If it does, the branch circuit fuse\
 may blow or the cir-
cuit breaker may trip. The oven must be plugged into at least a 15 AMP, 120 VOLT, 60 Hz
GROUNDED OUTLET. Where a standard two-prong outlet is encountered, it is the
personal responsibility and obligation of the consumer to have it replac\
ed with a properly
grounded three-prong outlet. The VOLTAGE used must be the same as specified on this
microwave oven (120 V, 60 Hz). Using a higher voltage is dangerous and may result in a
fire or oven damage. Using a lower voltage will cause slow cooking. Pana\
sonic is NOT
responsible for any damages resulting from the use of the oven with any \
voltage other
than specified.
TV / Radio Interference
1. Operation of the microwave oven may cause interference to your radio, TV or similarequipment.
2. When there is interference, it may be reduced or eliminated by taking th\
e following measures:
(a) Place the radio, TV, etc. away from the microwave oven as far as possible.   
(b) Use a properly installed antenna to obtain stronger signal recepti\
on.
(c) Clean door and sealing surfaces of the oven. (See Care and Cleani\
ng of Your     Microwave Oven)
INSTALLATION AND GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS      
(continued)
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							6
Follow These Safety Precautions When Cooking in Your Oven.
IMPORT
ANT
Proper cooking depends upon the power, the time setting and quantity of
food. If you use a smaller portion than recommended but cook at the time\
for the recommended portion, fire could result. 
1) HOME CANNING / STERILIZING / DRYING FOODS /SMALL QUANTITIES OF FOODS
• DO NOT use your oven for home canning. Your oven cannot maintain the food
at the proper canning temperature. The food may be contaminated and then
spoil.
•  DO NOT use the microwave oven to sterilize objects (baby bottles, etc.). It i\
s
difficult to keep the oven at the high temperature needed for sterilization\
.
•  DO NOT dry meats, herbs, fruits or vegetables in your oven. Small quantities
of food or foods with low moisture content can dry out, scorch or catch \
on fire if
overheated.
2) POPCORN
Popcorn may be popped in a microwave oven corn popper. Microwave pop-
corn which pops in its own package is also available. Follow popcorn man\
u-
facturers’ directions and use a brand suitable for the cooking power of your
microwave oven. 
CAUTION: When using pre-packaged microwave popcorn, you can follow
recommended package instructions or use the popcorn pad (refer to page \
13).
Otherwise, the popcorn may not pop adequately or may ignite and cause a
fire. Never leave oven unattended when popping popcorn. Allow the popcorn
bag to cool before opening, always open the bag facing away from your fa\
ce
and body to prevent steam burns.
3) DEEP FAT FRYING
•  DO NOT deep fat fry in your microwave oven. Cooking oils may burst into flames
and may cause damage to the oven and perhaps result in burns. Microwave \
utensils
may not withstand the temperature of the hot oil, and can shatter or mel\
t.
4) FOODS WITH NONPOROUS SKINS
•  DO NOT COOK/REHEAT WHOLE EGGS, WITH OR WITHOUT THE SHELL.
Steam buildup in whole eggs may cause them to explode, and possibly dama\
ge the
oven or cause injury. Reheating SLICED hard-boiled eggs and cooking SCRAMBLED
eggs is safe.
•  Potatoes, apples, whole squash and sausages are examples of foods with non-
porous skins. These types of foods must be pierced before microwave cooking to
prevent them from exploding.
CAUTION: Cooking dry or old potatoes can cause fire.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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							7
5) OVEN CAVITY FLOOR / COOKING CONTAINERS / FOIL
• Cooking containers get hot during microwaving. Heat is transferred \
from theHOT food to the container and the Oven Cavity Floor. Use pot holders when
removing containers from the oven or when removing lids or plastic wrap \
cov-
ers from cooking containers, to avoid burns.
• The Oven Cavity Floor will get hot during cooking. It should be allowed \
to cool before paper products, such as paper plates or microwave popcorn bags, a\
re
placed in the oven for microwave cooking.
• When using foil in the oven, allow at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) of sp\
ace between foil and interior oven walls or door.
• Dishes with metallic trim should not be used, as arcing may occur.
6) PAPER TOWELS / CLOTHS
• DO NOT use paper towels or cloths which contain a synthetic fiber woven into
them. The synthetic fiber may cause the towel to ignite. Use paper toweling
under supervision.
7) BROWNING DISHES / OVEN COOKING BAGS
• Browning dishes or grills are designed for microwave cooking only. Always fol- low instructions provided by the manufacturer.  DO NOTpreheat browning dish
more than 6 minutes.
• If an oven cooking bag is used for microwave cooking, prepare accor\
ding to package directions. DO NOT use a wire twist-tie to close bag, instead use
plastic ties, cotton string or a strip cut from the open end of the bag.\
8) THERMOMETERS
•  DO NOT use a conventional meat thermometer in your oven. Arcing may
occur.  Microwave safe thermometers are available for both meat and candy.
9) BABY FORMULA / BABY FOOD
•  DO NOT heat baby formula or baby food in the microwave oven. The glass jar
or surface of the food may appear warm while the interior can be so hot \
as to
burn the infant’s mouth and esophagus.
10) REHEATING PASTRY PRODUCTS
• When reheating pastry products, check temperatures of any fillings \
before eat- ing. Some foods have fillings which heat faster and can be extremely hot\
, while
the surface remains warm to the touch (ex. Jelly Donuts).
11) GENERAL OVEN USAGE GUIDELINES
•  DO NOT use the oven for any purpose other than the preparation of food.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS(continued)
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							8
Cookware Guide
ITEMMICROWAVE COMMENTS
Yes for  Small strips of foil can be molded around thin parts of 
Aluminum Foil Shielding  meat or poultry to prevent overcooking. Arcing can occur
only if foil is too close to oven wall or door and damage to your  oven will result.
Browning dishes are designed for microwave cooking 
Browning Dish Yes only. Check browning dish information for instructions 
and heating chart. Do not preheat for more than 6 minutes.
Brown paper bags No May cause a fire in the oven.
Dinnerware: Check manufacturers use and care directions for use in
Labeled Yes microwave heating.  Some dinnerware may state on the 
“Microwave Safe” back of the dish, “Oven-Microwave Safe”.
Unlabeled Dinnerware ? Use CONTAINER TEST below.
Disposable polyester Yes Some frozen foods are packaged in these dishes. Can be 
Paperboard Dishes purchased in grocery stores.
Fast Food Carton No Metal handle may cause arcing.
with Metal Handle
Frozen Dinner Tray
No Metal can cause arcing and damage to your oven. 
Metal
Frozen Dinner Tray Yes Heat only 1 tray in the oven at one time.
Microwave safe
Glass Jars NoMost glass jars are not heat resistant. Do not use for
cooking or reheating.
Heat Resistant Oven Ye sIdeal for microwave cooking and browning. 
Glassware & Ceramics (See CONTAINER TEST below)
Metal Bakeware NoNot recommended for use in microwave ovens. Metal can
cause arcing and damage to your oven.
Metal Twist-Ties No May cause arcing which could cause a fire in the oven.
Follow manufacturers directions. Close bag with the nylon  
tie provided, a strip cut from the end of the bag, or a piece   
Oven Cooking Bag Yes
of cotton string. Do not close with metal twist-tie. Make six 
1/2-inch (1 cm) slits near the closure.
Paper Plates & Cups Yes,
Use to warm cooked foods, and to cook foods that require  
with supervisionshort cooking time such as hot dogs.
Paper Towels & Napkins Yes,
Use to warm rolls and sandwiches, only if labeled safe for 
with supervisionmicrowave use.
Recycled Paper Towels NoRecycled paper products may contain impurities which may 
& Napkins cause sparks.
Parchment Paper Ye sUse as a cover to prevent spattering. Safe for use in 
microwave, microwave/convection and conventional ovens.
Plastic: Should be labeled, Suitable for Microwave Heating. Check
Microwave Safe Yes, manufacturers’ directions for recommended uses.  
Cookware  use caution Some microwave safe plastic containers are not suitable for
cooking foods with high fat or sugar content. The heat from 
hot food may cause the plastic to warp.
Plastic, Melamine No This material absorbs microwave energy. Dishes get HOT!
Plastic Foam Cups Yes, Plastic foam will melt if foods reach a high temperature. Use 
short term onlyto reheat foods to a low serving temperature only.
Use to cover food during cooking to retain moisture and 
Plastic Wrap Yes prevent spattering. Should be labeled “Suitable for  Microwave Heating”. Check package directions. 
Yes, Use only for short term reheating and to bring food to a low 
Straw, Wicker, Wood
short term onlyserving temperature. Wood may dry out & split or crack 
when used.
Thermometers- Ye sUse only microwave safe meat and candy thermometers.
Microwave safe
Thermometers- NoNot suitable for use in microwave oven, will cause sparks 
Conventional and get hot.
Wax paper Yes Use as a cover to prevent spattering and to retain moisture.
CONTAINER TESTTO TEST A CONTAINER FOR SAFE MICROWAVE OVEN USE: Fill a microwave safe cup with cool water
and place it in the microwave oven alongside the empty container to be t\
ested;  heat one (1) minute at P10
(HIGH). If the container is microwave oven safe (transparent to microwave ene\
rgy), the empty container
should remain comfortably cool and the water should be hot. If the conta\
iner is hot, it has absorbed some
microwave energy and should NOT be used. This test cannot be used for plastic containers.
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