My instructions said to put all the plastic pieces in hot water to "stress relieve" them. I'm thinking it's supposed to make them stronger. Instructions say "very hot" water but not scalding. That's not that clear in my estamation. Seems they should give the degree the water should be. I had my turkey cooker on and was watching the thermometer and shooting for about 130-140. All went well till I dropped in the cowl and the edges curled. So, like I say, if the cowl is too long and needs some of the edge removed, then maybe I'll be ok. If not, I'll need a new one. Seems my email account is blocking their emails to me because I got a call yesterday that they received my mail but theirs keeps coming back. The phone message says they'll free ship me another one.