I had a similar pressure cooker that died while I was using it. It was okay for the first 10 minutes, then it blacked out. I called Q V C customer because I thought Cook Essentials had a lifetime warranty. I was told they would send me a new one ASAP. Two weeks later I e-mailed them because I didn't receive anything. I was told that the warranty was only on the nonstick finish. There was no way to get it repaired. I have not purchased another Cooks Essentials item since then. I also have had many pieces of cookware that lost it's non-stick finish by peeling off. Now I know that the guarantee just a sales gimmick. I just use what I have and toss it when it's no longer usable.