Ninja Foodi has become one of the common and popular electric pressure cookers in the market today, thanks in part to the high-quality pressure cooker designs that enhance your cooking performance.
Though unfortunately, like every other brand of pressure cookers, the Ninja Foodi cooker runs into some issues with its performance. One such is the dreaded SHUT error code. No matter how much you try to fix it, the code may persist.
But instead of pulling your hair out and thinking that your pressure cooker has malfunctioned and broken down for good, there are actually a few fixes that can help you fix the problem.
If these don’t work, then getting in touch with a repair guy may be your best bet.
Ninja Foodi SHUT Error Code – What Does It Mean?
The SHUT error code on Ninja Foodi means that the crisping lid is open.
The error code also means that the crisping lid has to be closed to ensure the cooking function starts. When the lid doesn’t close down, it will result in interruptions for the cooking performance.
1. Sealing Ring
One of the prime reasons that the crisping lid doesn’t close down is the sealing ring. First of all, if the sealing ring is not cleaned up, it will not close down the lid.
To fix this, users must take off the lid and inspect the sealing ring. In case the sealing ring has food particles on it, it will not fit in perfectly. Hence, wash the sealing ring.
In addition to this, look for physical damages to the sealing ring, like cracks and bulges. In case the sealing ring has worn out or is damaged, you must replace the sealing ring.
Secondly, you need to check whether or not the sealing ring has expanded. Expansion of the sealing ring isn’t unheard of- if you use the pressure cooker often, the sealing ring can expand due to heat.
For fixing this issue, you can soak the sealing ring in cold water for ten to twenty minutes. As a result, the sealing ring will fit in perfectly.
2. Vent Knob
For the crisping lid to fit into the Ninja Foodi, users need to keep an eye on the vent knob.
For proper installation, it’s important that you set the vent knob to the pressure position. Once the vent knob’s position is optimized, the SHUT error code will be fixed!
3. Ingredients
If there are too many ingredients added to the Ninja Foodi, it will not properly close down the crisping lid.
That being said, if there are too many food ingredients or liquid in the cooking pot, try to reduce the quantity and install the lid again. Once the ingredients are reduced, the lid will be easily installed.
4. Locks
For proper installation of a crisping lid into the cooking pot, users must check the locks. This is because Ninja Foodi has designed the locks and hooks for a proper installment.
In case the hooks and locks have worn out or broken, the lid won’t fit in properly. As a result, it will show the SHUT error code. For this purpose, get the locks and hooks repaired for firm locking.
5. Magnetic Plate
The Ninja Foodi’s lid is integrated with a magnetic plate. The magnetic plate is responsible for holding the disc into the motor spindle.
The users need to ensure that the magnetic plate is properly seated and is moving properly. Usually, the spindle tends to slide down, which impacts the magnetic plate’s seating.
That being said, it’s best to take out the magnetic plate and place it properly on the disc.
Step-By-Step Fix For The Ninja Foodi SHUT Error Code
If you’ve read through the common problems that lead to the SHUT error code, but are still unsure of where to begin, we have a step-by-step guide that’ll help in solving the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker SHUT error.
Step 1: Clean The Unit Thoroughly
Mostly when the Ninja Foodi gives a SHUT error, then the lid isn’t closed properly because of the unit being kept unclean. This is a basic cause of errors and where you should begin troubleshooting.
Take out all the foodstuff from the pressure cooker and clean the unit properly. Take the cooking unit apart and clean each part thoroughly. Make sure there’s no debris wedged inside, or else it could stop the lid from closing properly, throwing the sensors off. Ninja Foodi owners deal with this common issue all the time.
Now that you’ve thoroughly cleaned with a washcloth, it’s time to look at the lid. You need to tighten the pressure cooker lid whilst making sure the arrows are right in line together when tightened. You’ll also feel the seal shut.
If the arrowheads don’t line up and the seal doesn’t shut itself even after you’ve cleaned every bit of the cooker, it’s time to move on to the next step of troubleshooting.
Step 2: Check If The Unit Is Overfilled
Did you clean the unit, add your food items, and are still getting the same error? Then chances are your unit is overfilled. Ninja Foodi doesn’t give a specific error for this, and SHUT error will arise when the unit is overfilled as well.
Ideally, you can sort your cooking into two portions instead of stacking the ingredients right up against the lid. Not only does it give the SHUT error, but constantly overfilling your pressure cooker can cause long-term damage to the unit as it fails to build pressure when filled to the brim.
Once you leave some breathing room, tighten the light again. If the error persists once again, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Inspect Sealing Ring
Now that you’ve tried the basic solutions, it’s time to dig a little deeper and inspect the sealing ring. Even though Ninja Foodi pressure cookers are made of high-quality materials, the sealing ring can be damaged due to reasons like overheating.
The sealing ring can be spotted easily- it’s the white ring that lines the inside of the pressure cooker lid. Its main function is to ensure no steam escapes when the unit is in action. Once this ring breaks, instead of letting steam flow out, the appliance activates a crisp lid shut-error code.
A swollen sealing ring can be cooled down with an ice bath. However, a broken sealing ring means your pressure cooker needs to be checked by a professional and the ring must be replaced for the Ninja Foodi to work again.
If the sealing ring appears intact, then something must be wrong with your Ninja Foodi pressure cooker sensors. Move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Step 4: Sensor Testing
A potential cause of a malfunction, sometimes the sensors just stop working normally. All may be well with your pressure cooker but the malfunctioning sensor will think something’s gone awry and refuse to shut the lid which gives this dreaded error.
Sensor failure occurs due to natural wear and tear. The best you can do to solve this dilemma is unplug the device, let it sit for a little while, then replug it. If the sensor error doesn’t go away, then you need to either get in touch with a repair shop and get the sensor replaced soon, or you’ll need to get a whole new cooking unit.
To summarize, Ninja Foodi pressure cookers commonly get this SHUT error when the crisping lid isn’t tightly shut. There are many factors that contribute to this, but it’s mostly because some food item is wedged in the lid. Proper cleaning of the unit will likely solve the issue.
However, if the lid still fails to close, you may need to inspect the sealing ring as well as the connection part of the cooker for any damage or wear and tear. You can’t fix a broken sealing ring or sensor at home, so repairs are imminent.