Guide to La Maison de la Vieille Vigne

Here is our practical guide for La Maison de la Vieille Vigne.  This is where you'll find all the information from how to run the dishwasher to how to reset a breaker.

A few notes to help you navigate this section of the site:

• On a desktop/laptop, navigate between the different sections of this guide using the menu on the left of the page.  On a cell phone, touch the + symbol located on the right side of your screen just above the section title, as shown on the picture below:

To get back to the main Guests Information page, use the Back to Guests Information page link posted at the bottom of all of this guide sections.

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Finding the House

The House address is:

3 Rue du Petit Ilôt
21700 Villers-La-Faye

Once you arrive in the Village of Villers-La-Faye

La Maison de la Vieille Vigne is easy to find.  Once you have reached the village of Villers‐la‐Faye go to the church. This is in the oldest section of the village (look up for the steeple which you can see from almost anywhere in the village).

From the church, head downhill on the “Rue de Chaux”, which is almost directly across from the front steps of the church. Only go a few feet and then you can either take the first or second little road/path to your left. This street is called the “Rue du Petit Îlot” and basically makes a “U” connecting to the Rue de Chaux on both ends.

La Maison de la Vieille Vigne is at the base of the “U”.  You can’t miss it. It has turquoise shutters, three skylights in a row on the roof, rose bushes out front, and a flagstone courtyard around the side of the house.  For parking, see Parking instructions page.

The front door of the house is found behind the full length turquoise shutters between the rose bushes. These shutters will be left unlocked. Open them, and you will find a key box mounted on the door jam to your left (about eye level - depending on your height!). Now, just go to the Getting the Keys page for instructions on how to retrieve your key and let yourself in.

A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY TO VILLERS‐LA‐FAYE

From Beaune:

Coming from BEAUNE, it is easiest to take the Nationale 74 (recently renamed the D974, but both names are currently visible) going in the direction of LADOIX‐SERRIGNY / NUITS‐ST‐GEORGES / DIJON.

The best way to turn up to VILLERS‐LA‐FAYE off the Nationale 74 is in the village of LADOIX‐SERRIGNY. Drive slowly along the Nationale, you will have to make a turn to your left, thus you have to wait in the middle lane, and wait for oncoming traffic to pass. The place where you must turn is most easily found by looking out for a pharmacy (marked by a green cross outside) on the left hand side of the Nationale. You must turn left (uphill) on the road right beside this pharmacy.  There is a sign that says MAGNY‐LES‐VILLERS 2.5 km.

This road will take you uphill past some rock quarries (this is where the stone for the Charles de Gaulle and JFK airports comes from!), and then through MAGNY‐LES‐VILLERS to VILLERS‐LA‐FAYE (the two villages are less than 1km apart).

If you miss the aforementioned turn off, you can always turn up off the Nationale via the village of CORGOLOIN, a little further along the Nationale 74/ D974.

The Autoroute:

The autoroute is generally easy to use, and runs more or less parallel with the Nationale 74. It is indicated by a blue sign with a little AutoRoute symbol on it. In general, the autoroutes in France are very straightforward, you just follow the direction where you want to go, and the exits are very well indicated in advance.

The exit in BEAUNE which is closest to the house (see map BEAUNE NORD EXIT 24) is new and is referred to as BEAUNE ST. NICOLAS. Coming from PARIS and DIJON it is the first exit once you near BEAUNE. There is another exit on the South side of BEAUNE, that is referred to either as just BEAUNE, BEAUNE SUD, or Beaune Hospices. You can also take this second exit, although it means you will need to cross Beaune (direction Dijon on the N74 / D974).

The autoroutes charge a toll calculated on the length of your journey. When you enter the AutoRoute you pass by a toll booth where you push a big red button and take a ticket from the machine. Hang on to this, you will need it again shortly! As you exit the AutoRoute, you will pass by another tollbooth where you give your ticket, and pay your fare. Note: some foreign credit cards are not accepted at the tollbooths - be prepared.

From Dijon:

Coming from Dijon, it is easier to take the Nationale 74 rather than the AutoRoute. The Nationale is indicated by a little red sign that says N74 (and / or D974, its new name).

From the train station in DIJON, simply follow the road sign for GEVREY‐CHAMBERTIN / NUITS‐ST‐GEORGES / BEAUNE (which are all in the Southern direction you want to go to on the Nationale 74). You must pass through NUITS‐ST‐GEORGES.

The easiest place to turn up to VILLERS‐LA‐FAYE is CORGOLOIN.  You will be making a right turn off the Nationale 74 / D974. There is a road sign indicating MAGNY‐LES‐VILLERS on the right side of the road ‐ once you reach CORGOLOIN you must drive slowly in order to find it. You should be going uphill once you turn right off the Nationale 74 / D974, and once you drive up a bit through the vineyards there will be a sign pointing to VILLERS‐LA‐FAYE to your right.  Follow this and you arrive right near the house.

If you miss this turn off you can turn right a little further on in the village ofLadoix‐Serrigny just before the green cross of the pharmacy on the right.

Once settled...

Once you have settled into the house, you can take your time and explore the other ways of getting up to VILLERS‐LA‐FAYE.

For example, you can go down to NUITS‐ST‐GEORGES via the village of CHAUX, and an absolutely stunning way of getting down to BEAUNE is via MAGNY‐LES‐ VILLERS (this is where we have another vacation rental, La Maison des Deux Clochers) and then the exquisite village of PERNAND‐VERGELESSES.

Each way offers different views and is worth giving a try.  So, once you've rested up and have gotten your bearings ‐ feel free to explore!

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Getting the Keys

• Once you find the house, open up the full length turquoise shutters between the two rose bushes.  These will be unlocked.

• Just on the wall to your left, mounted on the doorjam, there will be two metal lockbox with “MASTER” written on it. The following instructions apply to the bottom box. Open the black shutter door (it slides down) on the top part of the box, which will reveal the dials and release button.

• Rotate the dials to the combination, which I have emailed you.

• Press down on the black release button to open the lockbox.

• Pull the lockbox door fully open and remove the key inside.

• Close the compartment door.  Remix the numbers on the dial a bit. Slide up the black cover again.

• The key you now have will open the main wooden door to the house just in front of you. The door handle needs to be yanked down firmly to open the door.

• Inside the house you’ll find the key to the little courtyard door. The main key for the front door and French doors also opens up the little lean‐to off the courtyard where you will find garden furniture and a Barbeque and where you are welcome to store bicycles, big pieces of luggage, or other items.

• With both the front door and the French doors the handle has to be yanked firmly upwards to shut the door so that you can lock it.

• Please make sure to lock all the doors every time you leave the house.

• On your departure day, please lock up the house, then put the main key in the metal lockbox where you found it and scramble the code. Leave the other key on the kitchen table.

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Parking

There are several parking spaces to the right of the church, or you can park right beside the house opposite our courtyard wall, just against the line of trees there. You will see that there is ample space for parking around the house.

The only thing to note is not to park in front of the front door, as this would hamper the mailman from driving around the “U” of La Rue du Petit Îlot and deliver his mail.

Parking is free and there are no time limits, and no permits are required.

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Important Points

• For everybody’s comfort and safety, La Maison de la Vielle Vigne has a strict NO SMOKING policy.

• To lock the front door or the French doors you need to yank the door handle firmly upwards in order to be able to lock it with your key.

• The circuit board and breaker is in the utility room just off the courtyard – opens with the house key.  Please familiarize yourselves with this right away so that you can find it in the event of a power outage (and in the dark!).  Click here for more info on how to reset a circuit breaker. 

• We have garden furniture stored in the utility room.  Please store the furniture in there again before your departure.

• If you hear a thunder storm coming, completely unplug the internet box - and your computer if you have one plugged in - from the wall power, and also unplug the TV and DVD/VCR plugs and cables.

• The skylight in the bathroom has both an opaque and a black shade that you can draw down at any time.  They are built right into the wooden frame of the skylight.

• There is one wall-mounted command per room to regulate the heat in that room - the individual command on the radiators or the towel warmer in the bathroom are disabled.

• The shower doors are delicate, make sure to use the doors at the handle level to open and close them gently – merci.

• To lock the shutters in an “open” positions, there are little metal hooks mounted on the walls outside that you flip to secure them.  If it is very hot and you want to keep the house as cool as possible, keep the shutters closed during the warmest part of the day.

• Please enjoy the books we have left for your enjoyment during your stay with us.  If you have any books that you have read and don’t want to take home with you, we are always delighted to accept “donations” to our library. 

• Please sign our Guest Book before you leave we always love to hear about your impressions and adventures.  You’ll find it in the green metal holder to the left of the fire place. 

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Recycling & Garbage

Recycling

The following can be recycled:

• glass items - including bottles;
• papers products - newspapers, magazine & light cardboard;
• plastic bottles - drinks, shampoo, detergent,etc. - other plastic containers and wrappers go to the regular garbage;
• metallic tins.

The recycling point in Villers is located right by the Tonnellerie Meyrieux, see:

Garbage collection

The regular garbage is collected first thing on Thursday morning - if Thursday is a holiday, the collection is done on Wednesday.

On garbage days,  you can leave the garbage container you’ll find  located in the utility room just of the courtyard, at the corner of Rue des Corvées & Rue de Chaux, as marked on the picture below:

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Internet & WIFI

The internet, phone & TV are provided by the the Livebox modem router, the white box located on the desk in the bedroom.

WIFI login info:

• Network Name (SSID):  VV
• Password:  0380627389

If needed, you can also use the grey ethernet cable attached to the router to connect your compatible devices to the internet.

Troubleshooting

If the internet connection is down, you should see a red light under the @ on the front of the modem router.

Restarting the modem router might fix the problem.  You can do so by using the On/Off switch on the left side of the router - O/I switch on the picture below. Turn it off wait a few second and turn it on again.  It will take a minute or two for the modem to be reconnect.

We do our best to ensure that the interenet & WIFI is available for our guests, but sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control - equipment failures, line malfunctions - the service goes down. As such we cannot guarantee this service but do promise to do everything in our power to rectify such issues as quickly as we can.

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Phones

The house phone number is: 03 80 62 73 89

Phone charges

No charges for receiving calls.  Calls from the apartment phones to French & North American landlines and cell phones are free.  Calls to landlines in Germany, England, Australia and New Zealand are free.

However:

• some local special numbers and international calls to some other countries are not free;
• for free calls, there is a 3 hours/call limit - after 3 hours the call will trigger a charge;
• for free calls, there is a 250 different numbers/month limit - after that limit has been reached, calls will trigger a charge.

Subsequent phone charges will be deducted from your damage deposit.

Click here for an exhaustive list of the countries that you can call for free - in the list fixe means landlines, mobile means cell phones

Voicemail

There should be a notification on the apartment phones, if there are voicemails or unanswered calls. To retrieve voicemails:

1. Dial 3103 or 888
2. Welcome message tells you how many new voicemail - nouveaux messages - and unanswered calls there are, then start playing them in a chronological order
3. While you are listening or when the message is done, you can:
   • Press 1 to replay message
   • Press 2 to save message for 7 days
   • Press 3 to delete message
   • Press 4 to call back

If there are no new message, you'll be directed to voicemail main menu - please do not change any of the voicemail setting, merci :)

Troubleshooting

The phone connection is provided by the the Livebox modem router - the white box located in the TV cabinet in the living room.

If the phone connection is down, you should see a red light under the @ and/or phone symbols on the front of the modem router.

Restarting the modem router might fix the problem.  You can do so by using the On/Off switch on the left side of the router – see the O/I on the picture. Turn it off wait a few second and turn it on again.  It will take a minute or two for the modem to be reconnect.

We do our best to ensure that the phone connection is available for our guests, but sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control - equipment failures, line malfunctions - the service goes down. As such we cannot guarantee this service but do promise to do everything in our power to rectify such issues as quickly as we can.

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Television

You'll see three remotes:

1. DVD player
2. TV
3. White for CABLE TV BOX (Orange TV)

Once the TV is turned on you have to press the source button on the TV remote to switch between the CABLE TV / DVD PLAYER.

Pressing on the source button when the TV is on will bring you to the following screen:

 Using the arrow keys and OK button on the remote, you can select one of the following options:

• AV for DVD player;
• HDM2 for CABLE TV

The CABLE TV is provided by the company Orange - we have a package with them that includes the internet, the phone service and CABLE TV.

Here is a list of the English channels you can find on the CABLE TV:

• 101 Disney
• 233 Sky News
• 234 CNN
• 235 CNBC
• 236 Bloomberg
• 237 BBC World News
• 410 BBC Entertainment
• 411 E! Entertainment
• 412 English Club TV
• 413 TCM CINEMA
• 414 Travel Channel
• 415 Fine Living
• 416 Food Network
• 417 Boomerang
• 418 Fox News

Click here for a copy of the Orange CABLE TV channels list,  Channels on a white background are included, channels on a grey background are not - except for the English channels.

The Orange CABLE TV give you access to paying content like Video On Demand.  Any charges triggered by content you purchase will be deducted from your Security Deposit.

The Orange CABLE TV remote:

1. Long push to change image format:
   • Original for default size
   • Zoom for bigger than default size
   • Large for image to fit the screen width
2. Sleep On/Off
3. Display info header
4. Display TV guide 
5. Go to Video On Demand
6. MENUS - Go to Main Menu
7. Back to previous screen
8. Exit and go back to last channel
9. MENUS - use arrows to Navigate Menus
10. MENUS - use OK to Select & Validate
11. Change Volume
12. Select a Channel - List View
13. Mute Audio
14. Channel Up or Down - a push to this button will get you out of a menu and take you back to the last viewed channel
15. Numeric Alpha Text Key Pad for:
    • selecting Channels;
    • entering access codes;
    • entering key words.
16. Select a Channel - Mosaic View
17. Delete an Alpha Numeric entry

Is the Orange CABLE TV on?

First, check that the internet connection is on.

The apartment internet connection for the WIFI, appartement phones and TV are provided by the Livebox modem router, i.e. the white box located in the TV cabinet in the living room.

When the Livebox modem is connected to the internet,  the @  symbol on the box front panel is green:

Once this is confirmed, check Orange dedicated TV box also located by the TV

For the TV there is also a dedicated box located by the TV.

When the TV box is switched on - use the On/Off button of the remote OR the On/Off button on the box itslef, you'll see a green light as per picture below:

Choosing a TV channel:

When the TV box is switched on you should see this menu:

Navigate to the TV block as on picture above using the commands arrows located on the back part of the remote, and push the OK button.

When you arrive on that first screen, and at any time using the CABLE TV box, ou can also just push on the Channel Up or Down button to go to the last played channel.

To go to a specific channel, you can:

• Key in the channel number using the Numeric Alpha Text Key Pad of the remote - if the channel has multiple digits like 234 for CNN push 2,3,4 on the remote;

• Push the Liste button on the remote for a Channels  List View.  Scroll trough the list using the commands arrows located on the back part of the remote, and push the OK button once you have selected the channel you'd like to view;

• Push the 0 button on the Numeric Alpha Text Key Pad of the remote for a Channels  Mosaic view. Scroll trough the list using the commands arrows located on the back part of the remote, and push the OK button once you have selected the channel you'd like to view;

Troubleshooting:

• Black screen, mention No Signal or Absence de Signal:
  • Using the Input button on the black remote check that HDMI1 is the chosen source;
  • Make sure the connection between the Orange CABLE TV box and the TV is tight.
• No access to the English channels - channels 410 to 418:
  • go to channel 398 and stay on that channel for 10 minutes without switching channels.
• CABLE TV box seems locked, you have a fixed picture, a black screen and the remote does not seem to be working:
  • Restart CABLE TV box:
    • Power Off the CABLE TV box using the Box On/Off switch located at the back of the box - see CABLE TV box details below to see location of that switch;
    • Wait 30 seconds;
    • Power the CABLE TV box back On.
  • If that did not fix it:
    • Power Off the Internet Livebox;
    • Then Power Off the CABLE TV box;
    • wait 30 seconds;
    • Power On the Internet Livebox and wait for the internet connection to be back up - wait for the green light by the @ symbol;
    • Power On the CABLE TV box.

The Orange CABLE TV box:

1. USB plug - plug a USB key and read content.
2. TV card - gives access to the service, should not be removed or tempered with!
3. Light indicating if the box is On, Off or sleeping.
4. Show time and actions - channel number, volume,...
5. Infrared remote receiver.
6. Channels selector buttons.
7. Sleep On/Off button

1. Hard disk slot - optional.
2. Button for ejecting hard disk.
3. Box On/Off switch.
4. Power plug.
5. Ethernet plug - for receiving TV signal.
6. USB plug - plug a USB key and read content.
7. Audio plug - HI-FI system.
8. S/PDIF plug - Dolby Digital Home Theater.
9. HDMI plug - TV
10. Péritel Out plug.
11. Péritel In plug.
12. Antenna/DVD/VHS plug.
13. Satellite plug.

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Reset a circuit breaker

If you lose electrical power, first check that it is not a problem from the electrical company by checking if there is power in the other houses in the neighborhood.

If only the house has lost power, you can reset it on the circuit breaker panel located in the utility room just of the courtyard, that open with the house key.  Note: we leave a flashlight on top of the electrical panel.

The circuit breakers provide protection for each of the electrical circuits by stopping the flow of current if an overload or fault occurs.

First things to do is to turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit.  Make certain no dangerous condition exists before restoring power.

Then check the main breaker – black box in picture below.  If there is no issues with the main breaker, it should be on I like it is on the picture below.  If it is on 0 it should be reset by pushing it to the I position.

A circuit breaker which has been tripped will usually be in the "OFF" position, like in the picture below.  However, sometimes the switch will not look like it has tripped and may appear as though it is in the "ON" position. If none of the breakers appear to be tripped, gently wiggle each one, the tripped breaker will usually feel looser than the other switches.

Locate the tripped circuit breaker and reset it by pushing it all the way to the "OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position. Often when you cannot reset the circuit breaker, it is because it must be turned all the way to the "OFF" position first.

If the circuit breaker trips again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, the breaker itself may need to be replaced.

If the circuit breaker trips after plugging in or turning on a device, that device may have a short or may be placing too much of a load on the circuit.

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Fireplace Instructions

Very important - Please read before use

When in use the glass door of the fireplace is extremely hot - please use extreme caution when children are in the house

La Maison de la Vieille Vigne is equipped with a very efficient fireplace called an "insert' .  This is VERY different from a regular fireplace, and along with its heat efficiency, comes along a very important list of do's and don'ts. Please read these over carefully, and abide by them to the letter:

• Never operate with the glass door open. This must always remained CLOSED. When in use, this door is very hot.

• Never attempt to cook anything inside the  fireplace.

• Never burn anything besides the dried, bundled wood you can purchase at any of the local grocery stores.

• Never remove the ashes from the fireplace until you are sure they are completely cold.

Do not go and forage for your own wood! It will not be dry enough and probably won't be the right type, so could start a fire or seriously damage the fireplace and chimney.

Instructions for Use

• This fireplace is extremely efficient so you do not need to use many logs. Indeed, it can be dangerous to use too many, so start very small and build up until you get the desired heat.
• Start the fire with the matches and fire starters supplied.
•  Close the door firmly.
• There is an old yellow and green paint bucket in the lean-to off the courtyard (for which you have been given the key). You may use this to deposit ashes. However, for the sake of safety, please make sure that the ashes are completely cold before you clean them out.

Cleaning the fireplace glass

Do not try to clean the glass when it is hot, as the contact to cold water could make it explode to pieces.

Every now and then the glass on sealed fireplace units get cloudy from the smoke.  Here is a bit of New England lore that was passed on to us by guests Ron & Patty to clean the fireplace glass - it works great!

To clean the glass, simply soak a piece of newspaper and dip it into the ash in the fireplace and rub the door. Then follow with a few sprays of glass cleaner and voila! the glass is wonderfully clean.  Merci Ron & Patty :)

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Appliances

The DISHWasher

1. ON/OFF switch
2. Door Opener
3. Washing programs
4. START button - Push Off and rotate to select a washing program, Push On to start wash program - NOTE: it won't start if the ON/OFF switch is OFF.
5. Digital display
6. Timer button - use this button to delay the start of the program.
7. Additional functions:
   • Above: Intensive Zone - mixed load. You can wash very soiled pots and pans in the lower level together with normally soiled dishes in the upper level. The spray pressure in the lower level is intensified, the rinsing temperature is increased slightly.
   • Below: Vario Speed. This function can reduce the running time by approx. 20% to 50% depending on the selected rinse program. The change in the running time is indicated on the digital display. To obtain optimum cleaning results at a reduced running time, water and energy consumption are increased.
8. Salt needed indicator
9. Rince Product needed indicator
10. Check Water Supply

Short notice in French / in English (similar model)

Long notice in French / in English (similar model)

The Washer

Set up the washer with the following command described below and then press the Marche/Arret button - On/Off button - to get the washer started.  The wash cycle for European machines stops and starts a lot and takes WAY longer, so don’t be alarmed! 

1. On/Off button (Marche/Arret)
2. Delayed start light indicators
3. On/Off light indicator
4. Essorage knob: “essorage” means “spin cycle” so put it to the highest number if you want the spin cycle to be fast or a lower one for delicate.
5. Temperature knob: The temperature knob is for selecting the temperature you want to use.  The temperatures in the cycles described below are the maximum temperature you can use for a selected cycle.  Temperature goes from cold (mini) to very hot (95 celsius). 
6. Program knob:
   • 1 to 10 are complete cycles:
     • otton:
       • Cycle 1: include a prewash / very hot water (95 celsius)
       • Cycle 4: no prewash / very hot water (95 celsius)
       • Cycle 5: hot water (60 celsius) / shorter cycle
     • Synthetic:
       • Cycle 2: include a prewash / hot water (60 celsius)
       • Cycle 6: no prewash / hot water (60 celsius)
       • Cycle 7: hot water (60 celsius) / shorter cycle
     • Delicate:
       • Cycle 3: include a prewash / warm water (40 celsius)
       • Cycle 8: no prewash / warm water (40 celsius)
       • Cycle 9: wool no prewash / warm water (40 celsius)
       • Cycle 10: silk fabric no prewash / warm water (40 celsius)
   • A to D is if you want specific actions only:
     • A: rinse and spin
     • B: spin
     • C: short spin
     • D: drain
7. Depart retarde - Delayed start (if activated one of the light under 3h / 6h / 9h will be on – cancel it by pressing the button until the light is on 0 or press the Marche/Arret button to shut off and then restart the washer). 
8. Charge reduite - Small load.
9. Rincage intensif - Extra rinse.
10. Arret cuve pleine - Stop your wash mid cycle, without draining the water.

English notices Short Version / Long Version

The dryer

Push the Marche/Arret button to get dryer on or off

Select one of the following: 

• Synthetic program ( pret a repasser/ready to iron; pret a ranger/permanent press; extra sec/ extra dry);
• Cotton program ( pret a repasser/ready to iron; pret a ranger/permanent press; Tres sec/very dry; extra sec/ extra dry);
• Other (pret a repasser/ready to iron; couette/duvet; delicats/delicates; laine/wool; Rapide/fast 30mn; minuterie/timer; rafraichir/freshen up).

Push the depart/pause (start/pause) button on the right side of machine.

Empty the lint filter between cycles:

Notes:   no need to empty the water compartment as we have a hose that take the condensation water directly to the drain.

See dryer manual

The oven

1. Sensors
2. Display panel
3. Function control knob

Programming the oven

There are different ways to programme the oven. Programming the type of heating, temperature or grill power. The oven can be programmed with the cooking time (duration) and the end time for each dish. For more information, see the chapter Setting the time functions in the oven notice.

Note: Preheat the oven before inserting the food in order to avoid condensation on the oven glass.

Type of heating and temperature

Example in the pictures: top and bottom heat at 190 °C

• Select the type of heating using the function control knob.

• Set the temperature or required grill power using the + or - sensors.

The oven will begin to heat up.

Switching the oven off
Set the function control knob to the zero setting.

Changing the settings
The type of heating and the temperature or grill power may be changed at any time.

See oven notice for detailed instructions

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