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

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.

The Instant Pot RIO Wide Base is a versatile 7.5-quart multi-cooker that works well for those who want a slow cooker with the ability to brown meat before slow cooking. Its large sauté area, larger than a typical 12-inch skillet, provides plenty of space for browning larger cuts of meat, which improves flavor. The stainless steel pot with a tri-ply bottom is sturdy and heats evenly, making it suitable for browning and searing tasks.

While it doesn’t have traditional temperature dial controls like some crock-pots, it offers programmable settings and 13 smart recipes that adjust cooking times automatically, allowing for easy and consistent results. The removable inner pot is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. Its whisper-quiet steam release and guided cooking assistant make it user-friendly, especially for beginners. However, since it’s a multi-cooker rather than a dedicated slow cooker, it might feel a bit complex if you only want a straightforward crock-pot.

It’s not designed for stovetop or oven use, and its weight and size mean it takes up more space than simpler slow cookers. This makes it a solid choice for those seeking a slow cooker with added functionality, including reliable browning, programmable features, and good build quality.

The Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is a versatile and robust multi-cooker designed to replace 14 different cooking tools and appliances, making it a space-saver in your kitchen. A key feature is its ability to brown meat directly in the pot using its bottom heating elements, eliminating the need for stovetop transfers. This is complemented by its 8.5-quart capacity, which is ideal for entertaining large groups. The cooker is equipped with 8 programmable settings, including sear/sauté, slow cook, steam, and braise, providing flexibility for various cooking needs.

Its durable non-stick ceramic coating ensures easy cleanup and is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, cadmium, and lead. Additionally, the removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, allowing for finishing touches like crispy tops. The triple fusion heat technology is another highlight, cooking up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, thanks to the combination of bottom, side, and steam heat. However, it's notable that the pot is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing to maintain its longevity.

At 12.02 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for those with limited counter space. Additionally, it can be a bit complex to navigate for users who are not familiar with multi-functional cookers due to the variety of functions available. To sum up, the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is an excellent choice for those looking for a multi-purpose cooker with strong browning capabilities and ample cooking options, albeit with some attention needed for its care and maintenance.