Many smart kitchen appliance owners face the need to clean the device more deeply than just washing the bowl and grille. Xiaomi’s aerogril is famous for its compactness and functionality, but over time, fat, dust or food residues that cannot be removed with a standard wet cloth can get inside. The question arises: how to safely dismantle the top, where the heating element and fan are located, to conduct quality maintenance?
The disassembly process requires precision and understanding of design, as the control module and power wires are located in close proximity to the high-heat zone. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for popular models such as the Mijia Smart Air Fryer and Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer Pro. The correct approach will allow you to avoid damage to plastic latches and leakage of the case.
Before you start taking action, make sure that the device is completely disconnected from the power grid and cooled. A thermal burn or short circuit are risks that can be easily ruled out by following basic precautions. Next, we will look at the necessary tools and the step-by-step dismantling process.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To successfully remove the top cover, you will need the minimum set of tools that any amateur master will have in his home. The main element will be a cross screwdriver, preferably with a magnetic tip, so as not to drop small screws inside the case. Some Xiaomi models can use screws with a hidden head or a specific slime, so it is worth preparing a flat screwdriver.
The workspace should be well lit and spacious. It is recommended to cover the table with a soft cloth or mat so as not to scratch the glossy surface of the plastic case during operation. Also prepare a container for folding fasteners, as screws in different parts of the device may differ in length and diameter.
It is important to have a plastic card or a special tool to open the latches. Using metal objects to smear plastic can cause chips and cracks on visible parts of the aerogril. If you plan to clean, also prepare a degreaser and a soft brush.
- 🛠️ Cross-sized screwdriver PH1 or PH2 main-rotor.
- 💳 Plastic blade or old bank card for working with latches.
- 🧤 Thin rubber gloves to protect against fat residues and slip.
- 🔦 Lantern to inspect internal cavities for contamination.
⚠️ Warning: Never start disassembling if the device is connected to the network or immediately after work. The capacitors in the power supply can store charge, and the heating element cools down for a long time.
Features of the design of the upper part of the aerogrills Xiaomi
Xiaomi engineers use a single build concept for most of their kitchen gadgets. The top, often referred to as the "head" of the device, is a monoblock that encloses a TEN (tube electric heater), a fan engine and a control board. On the outside, this unit is closed with smooth plastic that is attached to a combination of screws and hidden latches.
In the Pro series and newer versions with OLED-With a display, the design can be a little more complicated because of the extra temperature sensors, and the lid in these devices often has a double layer of plastic for better thermal insulation, and understanding where the mounting points are is the key to successful unbreakable disassembly.
It is worth noting that in some versions, the top panel is not designed to be completely removed by the user as part of the warranty. However, for deep cleaning or replacement of the burned element, dismantling is inevitable. The locking mechanism usually involves several screws on the underside of the head and a series of latches around the perimeter of the joint.
Hidden latch design
Step-by-step: how to unscrew and remove the cover
The first step is to flip the top of the aerogrill over and put it on the soft surface with your face down, and at the bottom of the head, where the markings and technical data are usually located, you'll find several indentations, and that's where the main screws that hold the structure are hidden.
Carefully unscrew all visible screws. Depending on the model Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Fryer, there can be from 4 to 6 pieces. After removing the screws do not try to sharply pull the case. Plastic could "stook" due to temperature expansions, and a sharp movement will lead to breakage of fasteners ears.
Using a plastic map, start gently walking the junction between the top and bottom halves of the body. Move around in a circle, slightly pressing and listening to the clicks of the opening latches. When the entire perimeter is freed, you can gently lift the top cover. Be careful: wires may pass inside to the buttons or display.
☑️ Disassembly checklist
If the lid doesn't lend itself, there may be one hidden screw left under the sticker or rubber leg. Carefully inspect the surface. In rare cases, it is required to remove the decorative ring around the hot air blow zone to reach the additional fixers.
Work with internal components and wiring
When you remove the outer shell, you'll see the inner structure of the aerogrill, and you'll see a helix of the heater surrounded by a metal casing, and a fan on top, and all electrical connections in this area should be insulated with heat-resistant materials.
If your goal was to clean the fan from dust, which often causes extraneous noise, now is the time to do it. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air. Use special means to clean the heating element from solidified fat, but make sure that the liquid does not get to electrical contacts.
If you need to replace parts, such as the thermal sensor or the TEN itself, it is important to remember the location of the connectors. The plumes and wires can be connected by simple terminals or soldering. Before disconnecting any component, it is strongly recommended to take a photo of the current assembly.
| Component | Location. | Type of attachment | Service nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| The heating element (TEH) | Upper perimeter | Metal staples | He does not tolerate blows, clean with a dry brush. |
| Fan | In the middle, over the TEN. | Screws + latches | Requires bearing lubrication when noise is involved |
| Management fee | Side or top | Screws + plastic fixers | Protect from moisture and statics |
| Thermometer | In the air circulation zone | The terminal connection | Important for temperature accuracy |
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to wet the insides of the device with water or aggressive solvents. Wet cleaning is allowed only for removable metal parts after a complete disconnection from the circuit.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly process is reversed, so make sure that all the internal components are in place, and no wires are sandwiched between the halves of the case, and the power cable should be free to exit the device without tension.
When you connect the halves of the body, first snap all the plastic locks around the perimeter. You should hear the characteristic click. Only then screw the screws in. Don't drag them around so you don't break the thread in the plastic racks.
Once fully assembled, perform a visual inspection, the gaps between the parts should be uniform, turn the device on the network and start a short cycle of operation without products to make sure there is no sparkling, smell of burning or foreign sounds.
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Collect all screws in a magnetic tray or glue them with tape to the paper in order of twisting - this will help you not to lose anything and not confuse the length of the fastener.
Frequent problems in disassembly and their solution
One of the common problems is that plastic latches break down. If you hear a crunch, don't panic. Most of the time, you can restore the integrity of the case with a special plastic glue or neat soldering, if you have the right skills. Tightness is important, but it's not critical to the job, but it's important to have a reliable fix.
Sometimes screws can get stuck or have hats ripped off. Use screw extractors or drill the hat carefully to avoid damaging the carvings in the body of the device. Xiaomi models are characterized by high-quality screws, but long-term use at high temperatures makes its own adjustments.
If the device fails to turn on or fails to work after assembly, check the plumes are connected. Often, when you reassemble, you forget to plug the thermal sensor connector or control buttons. Check all connections according to the photos you took earlier.
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The main difficulty of disassembly is not to damage the fragile plastic latches and not to confuse the length of the screws during reverse assembly, as this can damage the internal components.
Recommendations for the care of aerogrill
To make sure that you don't need to disassemble deeply as often as possible, follow simple rules of operation. Regularly wipe the inside of the head with a wet cloth immediately after cooling, keeping the fat from freezing. Use silicone mats or foil to protect the heating element from splashes.
Don’t overload the cart with products above the recommended level, as this results in a stronger splash of fat on the top of the device. Mijia models also use self-cleaning mode, if it is provided by firmware, although it does not replace mechanical cleaning.
Timely maintenance extends the life of electronics and heating elements. Dust deposited inside can cause overheating, so preventive cleaning of the fan every six months is a great habit for the owner of smart equipment.