Inner pot is difficult to remove; it feels stuck to the heating plate after cooking.

Safety first: Ensure the cooker is unplugged and cool enough to touch before attempting removal.

Step-by-step checks:

• 1. Gentle rotation: Try gently rotating the pot left and right while lifting straight up. Do not pry with metal tools that can damage the heating plate.
• 2. Warm water soak: Pour warm (not boiling) water around the edge between the pot and housing to dissolve any sticky residue, then try lifting again.
• 3. Inspect bottom of pot: Once removed, check for warping or bulging. A deformed pot should be replaced.
• 4. Clean heating plate: Clean any caramelized residue from the heating plate with a non-abrasive sponge.

Note: Continued use of a warped pot can damage the temperature sensor and heater.