Quick start (+30 seconds)
One press starts the microwave at full power for 30 seconds; every further press adds another 30 seconds.
What it is for
Warming a mug of coffee or a bowl of soup without setting a time and power. Press it again while the oven runs to add time.
Makes differ, check your microwave’s manual: the same drawing can start a different programme on another brand, and only your model’s manual gives its exact watts, weights and times.
- What it looks like
- A key marked +30s, Quick 30, or a start key with a small +30 under it.
- Names makers use
- Quick 30 (Panasonic); Jet Start (Whirlpool)
Where makes differ
On Panasonic’s NN-CD58 Quick 30 sets up to 5 minutes at High and cannot be used for a minute after manual cooking; Whirlpool’s Jet Start starts at full (JET) power, and if you have already picked a function such as grill it starts that function instead.
What it does not mean
It does not choose a gentler power for delicate food: it is full power unless your model lets you choose a power first.
Other symbols with the same shapes
Sources
No published standard we could check defines microwave control icons, so this meaning is taken from 2 makers’ own manuals and support pages, each fetched and read on the date shown:
- Panasonic: Panasonic — Operating instructions and cookbook, convection/grill/microwave oven NN-CD58JS — “Using the Quick 30 Function: This function allows you to quickly set cooking time in 30 second increments… (up to 5 minutes). Each press is 30 seconds… Power level is pre-set at High microwave.” Checked 2026-09-28.
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool — JT469 control panel quick guide (GB) — “Jet Start: To start the Microwave function at maximum power for 30 seconds, just press the Jet Start Button. If you have already selected a cooking function (e.g.: Grill), press Jet Start to start the selected function. Each additional pressure will increase the cooking time of 30 seconds.” Checked 2026-09-28.
Written in our own words; quotations are the makers’ wording.