the basket is stuck and won't come out of the pot, how do i get it out without breaking it?

Diagnosis

The basket is likely stuck due to food debris or grease that has baked onto the locking tabs (the small plastic protrusions on the basket's side) or because it was inserted slightly off-angle and is jammed against the inner wall of the pot. Forcing it can break these tabs.

How to Fix It

1. Ensure the appliance is unplugged and has cooled to room temperature. Thermal contraction can help loosen the seal.
2. Hold the main pot's handle securely with one hand. With your other hand, grip the basket handle firmly.
3. Instead of pulling straight up, gently twist the basket counter-clockwise (left) while applying steady upward pressure. This twisting motion aligns the basket's tabs with the pot's slots.
4. If it doesn't release, try gently rocking the basket side-to-side or front-to-back while twisting and pulling.

If That Didn't Work

If the basket remains stuck, check for visible food debris around the top rim. You can carefully use a butter knife or plastic utensil to dislodge any large, hardened pieces from the gap between the basket and pot. For a grease seal, fill the pot with warm, soapy water (just enough to submerge the basket rim) and let it soak for 15-20 minutes to soften the residue, then try the twist-and-pull method again.

Heads Up

Never use excessive force or tools like pliers directly on the basket, as this can crack the plastic or damage the non-stick coating. If the tabs are visibly broken, the basket may need replacement to function safely.