Typically this is called "express cook" and as far as I can tell it doesn't work that way, the only way I've found to express cook is to hit the +30 seconds button enough times to get the time you want or just enter the time and hit start. I just rechecked the manual because this has been bugging me about the microwave, not a deal breaker, it's a beautiful and powerful machine, but I really wish it had some express settings.