Non-stick coating of the inner pot is peeling, flaking, or heavily scratched; food sticks badly.

Safety first: Do not ingest flaking coating. Replace damaged cookware promptly.

Steps to handle non-stick damage:

• 1. Stop using metal tools: Switch to wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils.
• 2. Replace inner pot: Obtain a genuine Steba replacement inner pot for your model. Do not attempt to recoat or repair the non-stick surface at home.
• 3. Gentle cleaning: For the new pot, use soft sponges and avoid harsh chemicals.

Cooking in a severely damaged non-stick pot is not recommended for health and performance reasons.