I shouldn't have overlooked the reviews on the packaging! This was a nightmare, and I still haven't fully resolved the issue.They decided to shrink wrap the small pusher tube and place it inside the large pusher tube, making it impossible to get out. You can't use the machine without it - it won't even turn on. This made my Christmas present unusable until we somehow get a replacement part. We tried WD-40, cooking oil, soaking it in hot soapy water, blow-drying it, and prying it with a flathead screwdriver. I contacted Cuisinart this morning only to find that I would have to pay to ship it back to them to get a replacement part. My next step will be to contact Amazon about the issue.