Andy, you might try Zellers to see if they will accept it's return or exchange, although you purchased it 8 months ago. Also check with the company website to see if you can contact someone for assistance. Perhaps a pepper is jaming the mechanizm and needs a through cleaning.

So far, mine is working great. My only complaint is the design of the filling hole. I am drilling a hole in the side of the casing and will plug it with a small rubber / plastic snap on cover. Something the company could have done when they designed and manufactured them.