Burnt smell and food sticking heavily to the bottom of the pot; sometimes food burns before the program ends.

Safety first: Unplug and allow the cooker to cool before cleaning.

• Soak and clean: Fill the inner pot with warm soapy water and soak to remove burnt-on food. Avoid metal scrapers that can damage the non-stick coating.
• Inspect pot base: Check for warping or unevenness. A warped pot should be replaced.
• Clean heater plate: Wipe the heater plate gently to remove any burnt residue. Ensure it is smooth and clean.
• Adjust recipes: Use sufficient liquid and appropriate modes (e.g. use 'Rice' or 'Stew' instead of 'Sauté' for long cooking). Stir during sautéing to prevent sticking.

If burning occurs even with adequate liquid and a new pot, the temperature sensor or control board may be misreading and require service.