KitchenAid KMHS120ESS Microwave Hood Combination User Guide

June 3, 2024
KitchenAid

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KitchenAid KMHS120ESS Microwave Hood Combination

Thank you for Choosing KitchenAid® Appliances. We hold our company to the highest quality standards and it is important to us that you have a positive experience owning a KitchenAid® product. Register your microwave oven at www.kitchenaid.com. For future reference, please make a note of your model and serial number located on the front facing of the microwave oven opening, behind the door.

  • Model Number
  • Serial Number

MICROWAVE HOOD COMBINATION SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages. This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”
These words mean:

DANGER

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.

WARNING

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using electrical appliances basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:

WARNING: To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, fire, injury to persons, or exposure to excessive microwave energy:

  • Read all instructions before using the microwave oven.

  • Read and follow the specific “PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY” found in this section.

  • The microwave oven must be grounded. Connect only to a properly grounded outlet. See “GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS” found in this section and in the provided Installation Instructions.

  • Install or locate the microwave oven only in accordance with the provided Installation Instructions.

  • Some products such as whole eggs in the shell and sealed containers – for example, closed glass jars – are able to explode and should not be heated in the microwave oven.

  • Use the microwave oven only for its intended use as described in the manual. Do not use corrosive chemicals or vapors in the microwave oven. This type of oven is specifically designed to heat, cook, or dry food. It is not designed for industrial or laboratory use.

  • As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary when used by children.

  • Do not operate the microwave oven if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped.

  • The microwave oven should be serviced only by qualified service personnel. Call an authorized service company for examination, repair, or adjustment.

  • Do not cover or block any openings in the microwave oven.

  • Do not store this microwave oven outdoors. Do not use the microwave oven near water – for example, near a kitchen sink, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, or similar locations.

  • Do not immerse cord or plug in water.

  • Keep cord away from heated surfaces.

  • Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.

  • See door surface cleaning instructions in the “Microwave Oven Care” section.

  • To reduce the risk of fire in the oven cavity:

    • Do not overcook food. Carefully attend the microwave oven when paper, plastic, or other combustible materials are placed inside the oven to facilitate cooking.
    • Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing bags in oven.
    • If materials inside the oven ignite, keep oven door closed, turn oven off, and disconnect the power cord, or shut off power at the fuse or circuit breaker panel.
    • Do not use the cavity for storage purposes. Do not leave paper products, cooking utensils, or food in the cavity when not in use.
  • Liquids, such as water, coffee, or tea are able to be overheated beyond the boiling point without appearing to be boiling. Visible bubbling or boiling when the container is removed from the microwave oven is not always present. THIS COULD RESULT IN VERY HOT LIQUIDS SUDDENLY BOILING OVER WHEN THE CONTAINER IS DISTURBED OR A SPOON OR OTHER UTENSIL IS INSERTED INTO THE LIQUID.
    To reduce the risk of injury to persons:

    • Do not overheat the liquid.
    • Stir the liquid both before and halfway through heating it.
    • Do not use straight-sided containers with narrow necks.
    • After heating, allow the container to stand in the microwave oven for a short time before removing the container.
    • Use extreme care when inserting a spoon or other utensil into the container.
  • Do not mount over a sink.

  • Do not store anything directly on top of the microwave oven when the microwave oven is in operation.

  • Clean Ventilating Hoods Frequently – Grease should not be allowed to accumulate on hood or filter.

  • When flambéing foods under the hood, turn the fan on.

  • Suitable for use above both gas and electric cooking equipment.

  • Intended to be used above ranges with maximum width of 36″ (91.44 cm).

  • Use care when cleaning the vent-hood filter. Corrosive cleaning agents, such as lye-based oven cleaners, may damage the filter.

PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY

  • 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 important not to defeat or tamper with the safety interlocks.
  • Do not place any object between the oven front face and the door or allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces.
  • Do not operate the oven if it is damaged. It is particularly important that the oven door close properly and that there is no damage to the:
    • Door (bent),
    • Hinges and latches (broken or loosened),
    • Door seals and sealing surfaces.
  • The oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except properly qualified service personnel.

State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Electrical Requirements

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
Do not remove the ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock. Observe all governing codes and ordinances.
Required:

  •  A 120-volt, 60 Hz, AC only, 15- or 20-amp electrical supply with a fuse or circuit breaker

Recommended:

  • A time-delay fuse or time-delay circuit breaker
  • A separate circuit serving only this microwave oven

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

For all cord-connected appliances:

The microwave oven 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. The microwave oven is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded.
WARNING: Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric shock. Consult a qualified electrician or serviceman if the grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if doubt exists as to whether the microwave oven is properly grounded. Do not use an extension cord. If the power supply cord is too short, have a qualified electrician or serviceman install an outlet near the microwave oven.

OPERATING YOUR MICROWAVE OVEN

Settings
Clock
The Clock is a 12-hour (12:00-11:59) or 24-hour (0:00-23:59) clock. Touch OPTIONS/CLOCK to reach Clock submenu, and follow the prompts to set the Clock. Clock format (12 hours with AM and PM, 12 hours without AM and PM, or 24 hours) may also be set in the Clock submenu.
Timer
With the microwave oven in Sandby mode, touch the Timer control, enter time, then touch the Timer control or the Start control. Cook functions may be entered while the Timer is counting down. To cancel the timer, touch the Timer control while the  Timer countdown is active in the display.
Control Lock
Activate to avoid unintended start. Touch and hold the Cancel control for about 3 seconds until 2 tones sound and a padlock icon appear in the display. Repeat to unlock the control.
Options/Clock
Ten options/settings may be adjusted: 1-Clock & Energy Save; 2-Scrolling Speed; 3-Sound; 4-Language; 5-Auto Vent Fan; 6-Filter Reset; 7-Fan Timer; 8-Light Timer; 9-Demo Mode; 10-Factory  Reset
Vent Fan
Various speeds, ranging from high to low, and off. Comes on automatically as a cooling fan during any cook function.
Vent Timer: Set vent fan to run for exactly 30 minutes, or to run for only 30 minutes more (off after 30 minutes). The vent fan may be turned off at any time using the Vent Fan control. Touch OPTIONS/ CLOCK to reach the Fan Timer submenu, and select the setting.

Auto Vent Fan (on some models): To keep the microwave oven from overheating, the auto vent fan will automatically turn on at high speed if the temperature from the range or cooktop below the microwave oven gets too hot. When this occurs, the vent fan cannot be turned off. “AUTO FAN ON for heat circulation” appears in the display.
Dynamic Fan Sensing (on some models): To keep the microwave oven from overheating, the auto vent fan will automatically turn on at various speeds, depending on the temperature from the range or cooktop below the microwave oven. When this occurs, the vent fan cannot be turned off. “AUTO FAN Sensor Technology for heat circulation” appears in the display. As the temperature cools, the fan will automatically decrease its speed, then turn off.
Light Timer
Set the cooktop light to turn on and off at certain times. Touch OPTIONS/CLOCK to reach the Light Timer submenu, and follow the prompts to set the light on time and light off time in hours and minutes or to cancel Light Timer.
NOTE: Light Timer uses a 12-hour clock only.
Filter Reset
Reset the filter status after replacing and/or cleaning the filters. Touch OPTIONS/CLOCK to reach the Filter Reset submenu, and activate reset.
Sound (Tones)
Programming tones and signals. Programming tones may be turned off or all tones (including end-of-function signals) may be turned off. Touch OPTIONS/CLOCK to reach the Sound submenu, then follow the prompts to turn off or on the programming tones or all tones.
Scroll Speed
Scroll speed of the text may be adjusted. Touch the OPTIONS/ CLOCK to reach the Scroll Speed submenu, and follow the prompts to set speed.

Demo Mode
Activate to practice using the control without actually turning on the magnetron. Touch OPTIONS/CLOCK to reach the Demo Mode submenu, then follow the prompts to activate. The DEMO icon will light up in the display. Repeat to deactivate.
Energy Save
To conserve energy, the Clock will automatically turn off when the microwave oven goes into Standby mode. Touch OPTIONS/ CLOCK to reach the Clock and Energy Save submenu, and follow the prompts to turn on Clock.

Language (on some models)
Language of the display text may be changed. Touch the OPTIONS/CLOCK to reach the Language submenu, and follow the prompts to set language to English or French.
Standby Mode
When no functions are working (a 12-hour clock is displayed or if the clock has not been set), oven will switch to Standby Power mode and dim the LCD brightness after 5 minutes. Press any button or open/close the door, and display will return to normal brightness.

CLEANRELEASE® Cavity Coating (on some models) The durable, nonstick coating resists soil buildup by making cleaning easier. See the “Microwave Oven Care” section.
Cooking Rack
Use the rectangular cooking rack only for 2-level cooking. To avoid damage to the microwave oven, always remove rack after 2-level cooking. To avoid damage to the microwave oven due to soil buildup, clean rack supports often.

Turntable
The turntable may be turned off for manual cooking only. This is helpful when cooking with plates that are bigger than the turntable, or when cooking with plates that are side by side. Turntable cannot be turned off during preset or sensor (on some models) functions.
6th SENSE® System
A sensor in the microwave oven detects moisture released from food as it heats, and adjusts the cooking time accordingly

Cookware and Dinnerware

Microwave-Safe

  • Browning dish (Follow manufacturer recommendations.)
  • Ceramic glass, glass
  • China, earthenware (Follow manufacturer recommendations.)
  • Melamine (Follow manufacturer recommendations.)
  • Paper towels, paper plates, napkins (Use non-recycled paper.)
  • Plastic wraps, bags, covers, dinnerware, containers (Follow manufacturer recommendations.)
  • Pottery and clay (Follow manufacturer recommendations.)
  • Silicone bakeware (Follow manufacturer recommendations.)
  • Wax paper

Do Not Use

  • Metal cookware and bakeware
  • Straw or wicker
  • Gold, silver,or pewter
  • Non-approved meat thermometers, skewers
  • Twist ties
  • Foil liners, such as sandwich wrappers
  • Staples
  • Objects with gold or silver trim or with metallic glaze

To Test Cookware/Dinnerware: Place dish in microwave oven with 1 cup (250 mL) of water beside it. Program 1 minute of cook time at 100%. If dish becomes hot and the water stays cool, do not use the dish in the microwave oven.

Microwave Oven Use

For list of preset programs, see the Quick Reference Guide provided with your model.
Manual Cooking/Stage Cooking
Touch COOK TIME, touch number pads to enter time, touch COOK POWER (if not 100%), touch number pads to enter power level (10-90), then touch the Start control. If programming additional stages (up to three), touch OPTIONS/ CLOCK to enter programming for the next stage, then enter the cook time and cook power of each, and then touch the Start control.
Sensor Cooking
A sensor in the microwave oven detects moisture released from food as it heats, and adjusts the cooking time accordingly. Make sure the microwave oven has been plugged in for at least 1 minute. Use a microwave-safe dish with a loose-fitting lid, or cover the microwave-safe dish with plastic wrap and vent. For optimal performance, wait at least 30 minutes after convection cooking or grilling (on some models) before sensor cooking.
Doneness
Adjust doneness for automatic cooking functions by touching COOK TIME repeatedly to scroll through “NORMAL,” “MORE DONE” or “LESS DONE” within the first 20 seconds of starting the cook cycle. Doneness cannot be adjusted for Defrost functions.

Add More Time
At the end of any cycle, “PRESS 0 TO ADD MORE TIME” scrolls in the display. Enter the additional time, if desired, and start the microwave oven. The cook power for all non-sensor cycles will be the same as in the finished cycle, but may be changed. If Add More Time is used after a sensor cycle, the cook power will be 100%, but may be changed.
Warm Hold

WARNING
Food Poisoning Hazard
Do not let food sit in the oven more than one hour before or after cooking. Doing so can result in food poisoning or sickness.

Hot-cooked food can be kept warm in the microwave oven. The warm Hold function uses 10% cook power. Warm Hold can be used by itself or can be programmed to follow a cooking cycle. Opening the door during Warm Hold will cancel the function.

MICROWAVE OVEN CARE

General Cleaning
IMPORTANT: Before cleaning, make sure all controls are OFF and the microwave oven is cool. Always follow label instructions on cleaning products. To avoid damage to the microwave oven caused by arcing due to soil buildup, keep cavity, microwave inlet cover, cooking rack supports, and area where the door touches the frame clean. Clean with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge, or as indicated below.

  • Nonstick cavity coating (on some models): To avoid damage to the microwave oven cavity, do not use metal or sharp utensils or scrapers, or any type of abrasive cleanser or scrubbers.
  • Grease filter: mild soap and water or dishwasher.
  • Door and exterior: mild soap and water, or glass cleaner applied to paper towel.
  • Control panel: sponge or soft cloth and water.
  • Stainless steel (on some models): mild soap and water, then rinse with clean water and dry with soft cloth, or use stainless steel cleaner.
  • Turntable: mild soap and water or dishwasher.
  • Rack(s): mild soap, water and washcloth. Dishwasher cleaning is not recommended.

Installing/Replacing Filters and Light Bulbs
NOTE: A filter status indicator (on some models) appears in the display when it is time to replace the charcoal filter, and clean or replace the grease filters. See “Settings” section to reset filter status.

  • Grease filters: Grease filters are on the underside of microwave oven. Clean monthly or as prompted by filter status indicator. Slide the filter away from the tab area, and drop out the filter. To reinstall, place end of the filter into the opening opposite the tab area, swing up the other end, and slide it toward the tab area.
  • Charcoal filter: The charcoal filter is behind the vent grille at the top front of the microwave oven. The charcoal filter cannot be cleaned and should be replaced about every 6 months, or  as prompted by filter status indicator. Remove two screws on the vent grille, tilt the grille forward, lift it out, and remove filter. To reinstall, place the filter into its slotted area – wire mesh side up, replace vent grille, and secure with screws.
  • Cooktop light: The cooktop light is located on the underside of the microwave oven and is replaceable. Remove bulb cover screw and open the bulb cover. Replace bulb, close bulb cover, and secure with screw.
  • Cavity light: The cavity light bulb is located behind the vent grille at the top front of the microwave oven, under the bulb cover, and is replaceable. Remove two screws on the vent grille, tilt the grille forward, and lift it out. Open bulb cover and replace bulb. Close bulb cover, replace vent grille, and secure with screws.

ACCESSORIES

Following is a list of available parts and supplies which may be purchased separately. Please refer to the cover for contact and model identification information.

Replacement Parts

  • Turntable
  • Turntable support and rollers
  • Turntable hub
  • Cooking rack
  • Rack clip
  • Rack support
  • Grease filter
  • Charcoal filter
  • Cooktop light bulb
  • Cavity light bulb

Cleaning Supplies

  • Heavy Duty Degreaser
  • affresh® Kitchen Appliance Cleaner
  • affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner
  • affresh® Stainless Steel Wipes

PROBLEM SOLVER

First try the solutions suggested here. If you need further assistance or more recommendations that may help you to avoid a service call, refer to the warranty page in this manual and scan the code with your mobile device, or visit kitchenaid.custhelp.com. Contact us by mail with any questions or concerns at the address below:
KitchenAid Brand Home Appliances
Customer eXperience Center
553 Benson Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence.

KitchenAid-KMHS120ESS-Microwave-Hood-Combination-FIG2

KITCHENAID® BUILT-IN OVEN & MICROWAVE LIMITED WARRANTY

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE. PROOF OF PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE. Please have the following information available when you call the
Customer eXperience Center:

  • Name, address and telephone number
  • Model number and serial number
  • A clear, detailed description of the problem
  • Proof of purchase including dealer or retailer name and address

IF YOU NEED SERVICE:

  1. Before contacting us to arrange service, please determine whether your product requires repair. Some questions can be addressed without service. Please take a few minutes to review the Troubleshooting or Problem Solver section of the Use and Care Guide, scan the QR code on the right to access additional resources, or visit http://kitchenaid.custhelp.com.
  2. All warranty service is provided exclusively by our authorized KitchenAid Service Providers. In the U.S. and Canada, direct all requests for warranty service to:

KitchenAid Customer eXperience Center
In the U.S.A., call 1-800-422-1230. In Canada, call 1-800-807-6777.
If outside the 50 United States or Canada, contact your authorized KitchenAid dealer to determine whether another warranty applies.

TEN-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WHAT IS COVERED

FIRST-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (PARTS & LABOR)
For one year from the date of purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated and maintained according to instructions attached or furnished with the product, KitchenAid brand of Whirlpool Corporation or Whirlpool Canada LP (hereafter “KitchenAid”) will pay for factory-specified replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials and workmanship that existed when this major appliance was purchased, or at its sole discretion replace the product. In the event of product replacement, your product will be warranted for the remaining term of the original unit’s warranty period.
SECOND THROUGH FIFTH-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (CERTAIN COMPONENTS PARTS ONLY – LABOR NOT INCLUDED)
In the second through fifth years from the date of original purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product, KitchenAid will pay for factory specified parts for the following components to correct non- cosmetic defects in materials or workmanship in these parts that prevent the function of this major appliance and that existed when this major appliance was purchased. This is a limited 5-year warranty on the below-named parts only and does not include repair labor.

  • Electric element
  • Solid state touch control system parts

SECOND THROUGH TENTH-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY (MICROWAVE OVENS ONLY)
In the second through tenth years from the date of original purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product, KitchenAid will pay for factory specified parts for the stainless steel oven cavity/inner door if the part rusts through due to defects in materials or workmanship. YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Service must be provided by a KitchenAid designated service company. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States or Canada and applies only when the major appliance is used in the country in which it was purchased. This limited warranty is effective from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date is required to obtain service under this limited warranty.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

  1. Commercial, non-residential or multiple-family use, or use inconsistent with published user, operator or installation instructions.
  2. In-home Instruction on how to use your product.
  3. Service to correct improper product maintenance or installation, installation not in accordance with electrical or plumbing codes or correction of household electrical or plumbing (i.e. house wiring,  fuses or water inlet hoses).
  4. Consumable parts (i.e. light bulbs, batteries, air or water filters, etc.).
  5. Defects or damage caused by the use of non-genuine KitchenAid parts or accessories.
  6. Conversion of your product from natural gas or L.P. gas.
  7. Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, fire, floods, acts of God or use with products not approved by KitchenAid.
  8. Repairs to parts or systems to correct product damage or defects caused by unauthorized service, alteration or modification of the appliance.
  9. Cosmetic damage including scratches, dents, chips, and other damage to appliance finishes unless such damage results from defects in materials and workmanship and is reported to KitchenAid within 30 days.
  10. Discoloration, rust or oxidation of surfaces resulting from caustic or corrosive environments including but not limited to high salt concentrations, high moisture or humidity or exposure to chemicals.
  11.  Food loss due to product failure.
  12. Pick-up or delivery. This product is intended for in-home repair.
  13. Travel or transportation expenses for service in remote locations where an authorized KitchenAid servicer is not available.
  14. Removal or reinstallation of inaccessible appliances or built-in fixtures (i.e. trim, decorative panels, flooring, cabinetry, islands, countertops, drywall, etc.) that interfere with servicing, removal or replacement of the product.
  15. Service or parts for appliances with original model/serial numbers removed, altered or not easily determined.

The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances shall be borne by the customer.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so this limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
DISCLAIMER OF REPRESENTATIONS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY
KitchenAid makes no representations about the quality, durability, or need for service or repair of this major appliance other than the representations contained in this warranty. If you want a longer or more comprehensive warranty than the limited warranty that comes with this major appliance, you should ask KitchenAid or your retailer about buying an extended warranty.
LIMITATION OF REMEDIES; EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. KITCHENAID SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

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