10 Best Crock Pots That Brown Meat 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is a versatile multi-cooker that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing (browning), and several other functions in one device. Its sauté function allows you to brown meat directly in the stainless-steel inner pot, which has a tri-ply bottom designed for even heat distribution. This means you can develop flavor by browning meat before slow cooking, a key feature for those wanting a traditional crock-pot experience with added versatility. Temperature control is managed automatically via preset smart programs, making it simple to use without manual adjustments, though it lacks fine-grained temperature settings common in dedicated slow cookers. The removable stainless-steel insert is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier compared to non-removable ceramic pots.

With a 3-quart capacity, it’s best suited for small families or meal prepping for one or two people, but might be small for larger groups. Programmable settings are robust, including 15 smart programs for different foods, allowing customized cooking without guesswork. Build quality is strong, with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and over 10 built-in safety features ensuring durability and safe use.

Compared to traditional crock-pots designed solely for slow cooking and browning, this Instant Pot may have a learning curve and requires assembly, which might not appeal to everyone. For those seeking a compact, multi-use cooker that can brown meat and slow cook with easy programming, this model fits well. However, if a larger slow cooker dedicated to browning and slow cooking with manual temperature control is preferred, this might feel a bit limited in size and flexibility.

The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that goes beyond a typical crock-pot by including a sauté function, which allows you to brown meat directly in the pot before slow cooking. This feature enhances flavor without needing extra pans. With a 6-quart capacity, it’s suitable for larger families or meal prep, comfortably handling meals for up to 8 people. The temperature control offers 28 preset programs plus 5 customizable ones, making it easy to cook a wide variety of dishes with minimal guesswork. Its removable stainless-steel insert is dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup. The build is sturdy, featuring stainless steel and a matte finish, and it includes safety features like an upgraded steam release to reduce noise and prevent splatters.

Primarily designed as a pressure cooker with slow cooking capabilities rather than being a traditional crock-pot, it might feel a bit more complex for those seeking a simple, dedicated slow cooker. While it browns meat well, it may not sear as deeply as some standalone stovetop pans. The included app with over 800 recipes provides helpful cooking inspiration. This Instant Pot is well-suited for those who want a multi-use cooker with reliable browning, programmable settings, and solid build quality, especially if time-saving pressure cooking alongside slow cooking is important.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing (which allows browning meat), and several other cooking functions into one device. Its sauté feature uses a stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom, which helps brown meat evenly before slow cooking, making it a good choice for recipes that start with browning. Temperature control is managed through programmable smart programs, offering convenience and consistency for various dishes. The 6-quart capacity suits families or meal prepping, capable of cooking enough for about six people.

The removable stainless steel insert is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, adding to user convenience. The build quality feels solid with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel on the outside, and safety features like overheat protection and a secure lid provide peace of mind during cooking. The sauté function handles browning well, though it may not reach the high heat of some dedicated stovetop pans, so searing might be less intense. Additionally, the device is somewhat bulky and heavy, which could be a consideration for smaller kitchens or limited storage space.

This Instant Pot model is suitable for those looking for a multi-use cooker that can brown meat and slow cook, with helpful programmable settings and a user-friendly design. However, it may not fully replace a traditional pan for high-heat searing.