Did anyone else have trouble opening it the first time? Is there a trick to it at all or does the head just unscrew off? I cant get mine to open!
1463096
Take the loose nut all the way off. Then try. I believe it has backwards threads.
1979926
Just pull HARD! I thought I was missing part of the instructions, because the handle would not easily open and had to google this myself. Just pull HARD. It won't break, but you think it's going to.
1494193
I had trouble opening this the first time as well. It does indeed come apart where the white and clear plastic halves meet; the trick is to twist it about 1/4 inch and then pull it apart. It does NOT twist all the way off. After the first time, opening it was not a problem.
277490
It is really hard to open the first time with the cardboard in there. I laid my arm across the front (above the latch pushing down) while over top of it, while I put my fingers up behind the red pull up button. You will hear the lock click open. It is really tight from the suction. You have to push down with your forearm hard the first time, after that it is a bit easier.
1677796
mine opened very easily--just tried again. turn it counter clockwise --push to the right where it says open
1397854
That screw was impossible for me to remove. I did remove it at first and put in batteries, but could not get it out the second time. I finally pried open the compartment and then duct taped it closed. I also had to duct tape the wand on, since it came off or the cats pulled it off. That stayed on. My advice is to, once you get the compartment opened, don't put the screw back in. Just tape the lid.
845496
I had the *exact* same issue. I learned by tapping the unit on the side until the handle jiggles up and down makes it much easier to then simply lift the handle off the top. **UPDATE Fe b 20th** Nevermind, it has now become almost impossible to remove the handle. I now loathe trying to remove the top since it could take anywhere from 3 minutes - 10 minutes... along with a bruised palm of my hand.
1008453
Lid will not open by it's self. batteries are new. lights all function properly. i reread instructions and everything seems to have been done right,but it won't open. Suggestions?
1712968
Hey Jeremy B. I was also unable to twist the pump open. I ended up just opening the while led and scooping out with my fingers. I forgot about the lid difficulty when posting my review.
1240521
Hi Nana. Stubborn little thing isn't it? When I first tried it, I thought " Wow! This thing ain't right!", but it's just made that way. I assume that's because the assembly has a slight spring pressure that keeps it from coming apart before you're ready. There are two small "nubs" on the shaft of the orange plastic assembly that prevent the thing from just coming apart. You need to exert a little more force and it comes right out. I wouldn't use pliers or a screwdriver...well maybe a screwdriver (extra vodka please !)... but not a mechanical device. I hope this helps you out. ( It seems to come out easier each consecutive time.) Have a great day. Tony
941422
No the heads don't open but all I do is put the head under "hot water",please don't burn yourself.Suck the water up though the nozzle and it will clean out the whole thing and dump into the dirty canister.
1494194
I found the first time opening it to be difficult as well. It does twist to open. I sat it in very warm water for about 30 seconds and then used a towel to hold both parts to twist open. Make sure it's dry when you use it though.
1611233
I found mine was hard to get off too, but when I took a firm hold of the top and just pulled strongly on the head, it came directly off, straight up. You have to show it who's the boss. (smile)
52109
Same here; frustrating it does not open even with thorough cleaning and fresh batteries; I'm thinking of returning to step lever to open lid. How hard is that?
1109238
Yeah you just have to snap and unsnap it a few times. I can open and close mine with one hand. I had the same issue as you when i first received mine
729786
It's a great poacher, but tricky to open without breaking. When you open it from the handle, you need to lift the entire top up so that the hinges will "connect" and easily open. I find that, when I lift the handle (when opening), I place my thumb on the inside, in the middle, to lift it and that allows it to open smoothly. Otherwise, you will break the one or both of the hinges off, making the product unusable. Hope that helps.
438292
Just got the bottle and have tried for 15 minutes to get it open and can't. I have ordered this before and had no problem opening it. Is it possible the pump is defective?