Food is consistently overcooked or burns on the bottom while the top remains undercooked.

Safety first: Unplug and allow to cool before cleaning.

• Inspect and clean heating plate: Remove any burnt residue with a non-abrasive pad. Do not scratch the plate.
• Check inner pot: Replace the pot if its base is warped or heavily scratched.
• Use appropriate settings: For thick sauces, use lower temperature modes and stir frequently to avoid scorching.
• Test with water: Heat water on sauté and observe if boiling is even across the pot bottom. Strongly localized boiling suggests a plate or sensor issue.

If hot spots persist with a new pot and clean plate, the heating element or sensor assembly may need replacement.