It's a great cooker. There weren't very good instructions on how to use it. After I found a video with some instructions, I was able to use the slow cooker to cook Red Beans (3 times) but I tried to follow the video instructions and I was able to get the seal off and wash it. Not sure I put it back on but it looked like when I took it off. Then tried and finally was able to get the release button (inside of lid) off and release knob on top came off but now the knob doesn't fit properly. Also, the float valve seems to be missing something. Again, I've used ONLY the slow cooker function; (I'm afraid to attempt the pressure cooker function). Anyway, I called customer service and explained all this to the very nice agent is sending me another lid. Hopefully, that will fix the problem.