Thought I was real cool getting the floor model to avoid the assembly problems. I cannot even get the lid off! Is there some sort of secret to opening
1865762
hmmm... unscrew in a counter-clockwise direction. It does get a bit sticky if it has been the 'bottom' on rotation. BTW I'm certain you slid the unlock off that is located on the lid area... Mike
1865763
There is a lock and this must be slid back. Then the "S" plastic across the top has to be turned fully. There are 3 spacers around the edges and you can see when they are lined up so that the top is unlocked. Sometimes this is difficult because of the debris that accumulates between the lid and the edge of the barrel. Once I needed my husband to turn the top to unlock it for me, but the rest of times I've been able to do it, but I have to put my body (weight) into the turn.
1865764
Lineup the the line in the cover and the barrel then turn to lock and use the plastic locks push in to lock
1865765
Each use was a fight with the lid and I damaged it finally so then it wouldn't close and was useless and was promptly discarded. This item is awful. I went and got a big trash can with licking lid and bored holes in the lid and high on sides. I roll it and it's very easy to use and decomposes material just fine
1865766
There is a tan colored slide lock on both lids. Slide it towards the outside. o me the lock is a waste of time it stays closed without it. The you grab the center wavy plastic part of the lid and turn it so the arrows line up then lift up. Sometimes it gets hard to open so I close it back then try again or try the other lid. If the arrows are lined up you may need to pry it up maybe the store glued it on or something.
1865767
Yes you must make sure the lock is off, then, turn the lid using the lid's plastic handles.
1865768
Mine is a bit tough to open, too. Just make sure you don't have the brown tabs in the "lock" position.
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.
1644573
Same here, but we got them close..now HOW DO YOU OPEN IT? I'm afraid that when I bottle the Kombucha I wont be able to open them again.
1054434
Pack it up and send it back to AMANA. Let them pay to put it in a landfill. You are lucky if this is the only issue you are having with this machine. Seriously, the droopy door hinge is the tip of the poor engineering ice berg.
2136008
I had trouble at first too .. I think there are clear stickers/tape that hold the top and bottom of the tray together that you need to remove before it will open easily. Look very closely and see if you can find and remove them and then try again!
1111510
I had the same problem. You should be able to unscrew the lid. If not, use plyers. Then take a screwdriver amd just keep "stabbing" that flat part until you puncture it. All you need is a small hole. Hope that helps!
2275790
I had the same issue. Eventually the assembly fell apart and I ended up returning it. Sorry couldn't say anything positive here!
674719
I had a dickens of a time getting it to close as well. I had to eventually, but mindfully paying attention and pushed them together with a little bit of force. They are hard to open too. I would say I hate the aggravation of that immensely, however, that also means it isn't going to give easily if dropped!
1195165
Lift the lid handle up and then pull STRAIGHT up. You need to hold onto the handle of the blender w/one hand and pull the lid off w/the other, once you figure it out, it won't be difficult. I was rocking it off, which is hard to do, but my husband showed me how to just pull it off and voila! It's just that first time, lol!
1175365
I had the same issue. I pried the two halves apart with a small screwdriver. I was convinced that I would crack the plastic. Went very slowly and was able to open it. Good luck!!
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
286152
i'm having trouble opening it as well. Please let me know how you end up opening it. Thanks!
1494017
Unscrew the top lid. Just unscrew the lid, which might be a bit difficult, but it will unscrew. After you take off the lid itself, you have to sort of pry the inner lid up and off. No unscrewing necessary for that. Just work it out. You might try using a butter knife to get that part loose. NOT A STEAK KNIFE!! You'll poke your eye out!!!
1903387
There is a sliding latch. Push it towards the center. Then twist the lid and lift off.
1904075
There is a pull tab on the lid that may require a pair of pliers to tear it around and free it from the main part of the lid. Also, I think you have to use a pair of scissors or a knife to get the tear started. It is not easy.
1374510
We had the same problem. It seems you have to press in on the latch, and down on the top in order to get it to open It was impossible for my wife to open it, and I had a hard time. I finally kneeled on the top to put more weight on it, and it opened. We are going to leave it open for now, until we go on our next extended trip. Try the Sentry website; they may have other opening suggestions.
805353
I use a butter knife and wedge it under the edge of the lid and then try sliding it across so that I can pry it off. Sometimes it's easier to pry open when it's not overfilled. Good luck! Hope this helps.