How to open a multicooker if the lid is locked?

It’s great when the cooking process is mechanized, then creating culinary masterpieces brings pure pleasure. Alas, not every manufacturer includes detailed maintenance instructions. Experts in the field of repairing household appliances will offer several ways to disassemble a multicooker of different models. With these tips you can save a lot of money on your family budget.

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In most cases, disassembling a multicooker will not be difficult, because they are assembled according to approximately the same scheme. For a home craftsman who has at least once encountered the repair of electrical appliances where the basis is a heating element, the principle of the device will be clear. Below are the main external parts of the case:

A sealed lid with a rubber band, on top of which there is a removable steam valve.
Bowl for cooking (in older models it is built into the body, which is not particularly convenient).
Metallized case, with plastic elements (the appearance and finishing materials completely depend on the cost of the device: in flagship models there are all-iron models).
A button that opens the lid.
Base (bottom).
Inside, under the bowl, there is a heating element disk (heater).
Software buttons, control panel screen (sometimes absent, in budget lines).
Handle for easy carrying. It can be located on top or on the body.

Design and equipment of the Polaris multicooker, middle class

Frequent breakdowns and errors

Any, even the most elite and expensive multicooker can cause failures and malfunctions. But, to be honest, most problems with multicookers arise due to improper operation or due to oversight or negligence, that is, through the fault of the user himself.

It’s even worse if, by the time it breaks down, the multicooker has already become so in demand and indispensable in your kitchen that its absence has become a serious problem. It is clear that after the familiar and convenient electronic device, using a regular saucepan will no longer be entirely comfortable, so let’s talk about the most common failures and breakdowns of multicookers.

Security measures

The first and most important point: if the multicooker does not turn on, does not turn off, does not start in the desired mode, and so on, you need to immediately disconnect it from the power supply! Under no circumstances should you use a faulty multicooker, much less try to repair it while it’s on!

A modern multicooker is capable of diagnosing some malfunctions of its components and assemblies. To do this, the device program includes a function for displaying information about a breakdown on the display. For example, it is not uncommon for an error with the index “E” and a set of numbers to appear on the display screen. To identify a breakdown in such cases, you need to look at the multicooker operating manual and check the list of breakdowns.

For example, the “E3” error that appears means that moisture has usually entered the pressure cooker, that is, directly under the removable bowl. If time and certain skills allow, then in this case, the damage is corrected by removing the bottom of the multicooker for a long and 100% drying of the device. You can use a household hair dryer - with a warm air flow the drying process will go even faster.

A little more experience and skills will be needed if the display shows the “E4” index - most likely, the pressure sensor is clogged. In this case, to correct the problem you will need to pass a piece of fine (grit) sandpaper between the sensor contacts. If the procedure does not help, contact the service center, only there they will be able to professionally diagnose and fix the broken multicooker.

Steam from under the lid

It is not uncommon for problems in the operation of a multicooker to be noticed even without display signals. The most common case is steam escaping from under the lid. In this case, you can visually determine the problem - this is a problem with the sealing ring of the multicooker lid. Perhaps the ring has already worn out in some places, or when closing the lid you moved the ring from its seat.

If you notice that preventive maintenance does not help correct the problem, do not hesitate to contact your nearest service center for qualified assistance.

It is better to immediately take multicookers with the following problems to a specialized service center:

the multicooker does not respond to user actions;
the temperature sensor does not display information;
the display shows an unknown error message;
there is damage to the cable or housing;
no auto-programming;
violation of the tightness of the multicooker;
malfunction of the pressure limit valve.

The most common reasons affecting the performance of a multicooker:

Failure to comply with operating rules. Before using the multicooker for the first time, carefully read the instructions for use and the rules for safe use. There you will find typical malfunctions, their correction and prevention.
Mechanical damage. Naturally, the multicooker is stronger than your smartphone or tablet, but not so strong that it can withstand various shocks or falls without errors. Any damage to the housing, cable, plug, etc. – can lead to serious malfunctions in the operation of the multicooker.
Manufacturing defect. This happens, or rather, can happen with any model of multicooker, even if it is super expensive and super prestigious. In this case, you should absolutely not carry out independent repairs - only the nearest service center.

Rules for using a multicooker

It is important to use the multicooker according to the instructions. Following simple rules will save you from stupid malfunctions and prolong the life of your equipment.

Properly packing food:

Take out the bowl.
Put down the ingredients.
Put the bowl back.

The order cannot be changed. For example, putting food in while the bowl is in the device. If you do this, water will pour inside, get on the parts and you will have to think about what to do when the multicooker breaks down.

Now you know why a multicooker may not work and what to do in such cases. But if you can’t solve the problem yourself, you can always call the service.

Useful tips for use

The presence of a rubber gasket and a tightly closing lid allows the multicooker to perform the function of a thermos. If in the evening you pour heated milk into the device’s container and add the starter, then you can enjoy delicious kefir for breakfast. And baked milk combined with the same starter will give fermented baked milk.

In the stewing mode, boiling the milk will take 1.5 hours. Moreover, you will not need to worry about it “running away”. And if you keep the milk in the slow cooker for another 6 hours, it will turn into melted milk.

The baking function allows you to use the device not only for preparing pies, cakes, muffins, but also for frying fish and meat.

Attention! The functionality of the equipment includes the option of maintaining temperature. The unit first prepares the dish. Then the heat support mode is automatically switched on. This nuance allows you to prepare breakfast in the evening.

By using the heating mode, you can make real homemade yogurt in 12 hours, which will have excellent taste.

Often, when baking using a multicooker, it happens that the cake burns or is difficult to remove. Burning indicates an error in timing on the timer. You just need to set a lower value next time. To prevent the dough from sticking, it is recommended to lubricate the walls of the container with oil. A radical solution to both problems could be the purchase of a ceramic bowl.

Another way to use such equipment is as an air humidifier. To increase the humidity in the room, the device should be opened and set to boiling mode.

The use of kitchen appliances such as multicookers is becoming increasingly common and ubiquitous among modern housewives. The ease of the process and the delicious dishes that result from cooking are two of the main reasons why cooking in slow cookers is becoming popular. There are specialized websites and forums where owners of kitchen appliances communicate, exchange experiences and recipes, and clarify controversial issues. One of these is the question, is it possible to open the multicooker while cooking?

To answer this question correctly, it is important to understand the operating principle of a kitchen appliance and understand the features of its operation during cooking in different modes. In addition, the dish that is prepared in a slow cooker is important. In relation to this, the same rules apply that housewives use when preparing food in ordinary cutlery - pots and pans. When potatoes are fried, they need to be stirred frequently, and when a pie is baked, it is best to disturb it as little as possible.

Basic modes that are found in all multicookers

There are special modes for preparing each product in the multicooker. Carefully follow the instructions given in the instructions. Depending on the manufacturer, some modes may have different names, but the same functions.

An example of how this device works

Standard multicookers have the following modes:

“Cooking” is suitable for cooking foods in a large amount of liquid (potatoes, pasta, dumplings).
“Frying” allows you to get a beautiful golden brown crust. Suitable for preparing frying for soups and main courses, meat, fish, vegetables.
“Steam” is used for cooking meat, fish, cutlets and dumplings. Suitable for sterilizing baby bottles.
“Pilaf” includes changing frying and stewing modes.
“Stewing” is necessary when you need to cook foods without excess fat, simmered in their own juices.
“Baking” comes to the rescue when you want to cook pies and muffins without turning on the gas stove. This mode is especially relevant in the summer.
“Soup” allows you to prepare first courses without any hassle.
“Reheat” starts automatically after cooking, allowing you to keep the dish warm.
“Delayed Start” will help you prepare food at the desired time.
“Multi-cook” allows you to independently set the cooking mode and time.

How to completely disassemble a multicooker? Full scheme of actions

There are temperature sensors in the lid and bottom of the product - therefore, you need to disassemble the multicooker with extreme caution so as not to disturb these delicate wiring. One wire is connected to the touch screen. A lot depends on these parts - they are the “brain” of the device. Due to damage to the temperature sensors, programs and cooking modes may fail. Moreover, the kitchen assistant may not turn on because the required set of heat indicators does not occur.

Preparation

The device is disconnected from the network, wait until it cools down completely.
Wipe the lid from grease with a soft cloth.
If the grease cannot be scrubbed off, use mild dishwashing detergents without abrasives.
Wipe the lid dry.

Removable element on a screw

Operating procedure

The cover of the electrical appliance is opened.
In the area of the lid there are two plastic latches. You need to press on them and push towards the center.
The upper sector is pulled towards itself, and then sharply down.
All internal parts are thoroughly washed to remove food debris.
To put the part in place, perform the reverse steps. If everything is installed correctly, the clips will click when seated correctly.

If the product is broken and you need to see the internal parts, but the master does not know how to carefully disassemble the multicooker, then:

First of all, wipe all contaminated areas of the product with a rag.
The electrical appliance is turned upside down.
The bottom cover is held in place by a screw, unscrew it. Dismantle the bottom.

Removing the lower part

All removable wires going to the board are disconnected.
Unscrew the screws holding the heating element.
Remove the thermocouple and all microcircuits.
Unscrew the screw holding the top cover (when the model does not provide for removal). Then, press the cover with a screwdriver and remove the temperature sensors.
Remove the plastic rings on the latches (if there are any at the edges of the metal case).
The inner walls are taken out from the outer ones.

Cooking options for various dishes

Cooking different products requires a different approach, and a multicooker is a device that is designed to bring any dishes to readiness. With its help you can cook:

any side dishes;
a variety of first courses;
meat of any kind;
baked goods and dough products.

If you cook this food in the usual way using pots and pans, each dish requires a special approach, temperature, and heat intensity. In addition, they all require human intervention differently. In order, for example, to stew meat, you need to stir it regularly, adding salt, seasonings and other ingredients. And although a multicooker is a special device that requires almost no manual intervention, it can be opened. If vegetables are stewed in a multicooker, they can also be stirred and cooked with the lid open, although they cannot burn, even if the multicooker is closed the entire cooking time.

But baked goods and dough products need the lid closed throughout the baking process. You should not look into the multicooker when a cupcake or pie is baking, the dough does not tolerate air. Even when the housewife bakes pies in a conventional oven, she tries to look into it less so as not to disturb the cooking process.