Inner pot coating is peeling, scratched, or flaking.

Safety first: Discontinue use of a severely damaged nonstick surface to avoid ingesting flakes.

• Inspect coating: Look for large areas of peeling or exposed metal. Minor surface scratches are mostly cosmetic, but deep damage warrants replacement.
• Switch utensils: Use only silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils to prevent further damage.
• Replace inner pot: Order a genuine KitchenAid replacement inner pot compatible with your model.
• Avoid dry heating: Do not preheat the pot empty on high settings, as this accelerates coating breakdown.