Short Answer: Fix it if you can... it's not a manufacturer defect, most likely. We check all the machines shipped for box damage, and we actually spent a lot on those cardboard inserts at each end of the roaster to ensure protecting the top end of the Popper. So the only damage we have found was when UPS punctured a box (it happened) or somebody drops the top when using it. (I have done it myself several times because yeah, I am clumsy, I admit it!) If you drop it and the chaff collector comes apart from the hood, look for the spring and metal ferrule, as demonstrated in this video! It's easy to put it back together: https://youtu.be/1IWRDOsOdcU The fact is, you can use the roaster even if the top gets a bit wonky from some accident. I have also repaired hinges I have broken. (I drilled a small hole and inserted a screw to act as a pin in one of them. You could also wire the chaff collector on, which makes emptying it a little harder, but not impossible. I use a vacuum to remove chaff so it mattered little to me when I did it. In any case, there are DIY solutions for this, if you drop the top, including good old super glue. While dropping the machine or top is not covered by warranty, we might be able to help you out too. We do not have spare parts for the top (long story, but the factory has trouble producing extras from the mold, but we will keep pushing for them). If you chose to roast without a top, or without a chaff collector in place, theres a couple things to know. - First - it doesn't actually seem to impact the roast that much, except for a small loss of heat due to hot air exiting the roaster easier. -You can also use one of the glass chimneys we sell for air popcorn poppers on top of Popper roaster, in lieu of the top! It actually works well! -Lastly, be careful of chaff that will now land all around your roaster base! Be sure none gets sucked up into the machine from the air intake vents on the bottom. This is bad for the motor, and could ignite in the machine! If you did receive popper in a damaged, punctured box, take some pictures and email info@sweetmarias.com. We will make it right.