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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,387
Browning Function
Temperature Control
Removable Insert

Most important from
6804 reviews

Browning Function
The slow cook and sauté functions enable tender, flavorful meals like fork-tender rump roast and smash burgers with authentic browning.
Temperature Control
Smart preset programs handle temperature automatically, making cooking effortless without manual adjustments.
Removable Insert
The stainless steel design is durable, easy to clean, and the removable pot simplifies cleanup compared to traditional ceramic inserts.
Capacity
This multi-cooker brilliantly combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more in a compact 3-quart size ideal for small kitchens and busy lifestyles.
Programmable Settings
Smart preset programs handle temperature automatically, making cooking effortless without manual adjustments.
Build Quality and Durability
The stainless steel design is durable, easy to clean, and the removable pot simplifies cleanup compared to traditional ceramic inserts.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,387
Browning Function
Temperature Control
Removable Insert

Most important from
6804 reviews

Browning Function
The slow cook and sauté functions enable tender, flavorful meals like fork-tender rump roast and smash burgers with authentic browning.
Temperature Control
Smart preset programs handle temperature automatically, making cooking effortless without manual adjustments.
Removable Insert
The stainless steel design is durable, easy to clean, and the removable pot simplifies cleanup compared to traditional ceramic inserts.
Capacity
This multi-cooker brilliantly combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more in a compact 3-quart size ideal for small kitchens and busy lifestyles.
Programmable Settings
Smart preset programs handle temperature automatically, making cooking effortless without manual adjustments.
Build Quality and Durability
The stainless steel design is durable, easy to clean, and the removable pot simplifies cleanup compared to traditional ceramic inserts.
#2

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

Rating
9.6
Browning Function
Removable Insert
Programmable Settings

Most important from
130252 reviews

Browning Function
Its sauté function browns meat well, though it may not reach the intense searing heat of a traditional stovetop pan.
Removable Insert
Cleanup is surprisingly simple thanks to the stainless steel inner pot, which resists sticking and stains despite heavy use.
Programmable Settings
Programmable smart settings provide convenience, but manual mode is often preferred for precise control over cooking times and pressure.

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.

Rating
9.6
Browning Function
Removable Insert
Programmable Settings

Most important from
130252 reviews

Browning Function
Its sauté function browns meat well, though it may not reach the intense searing heat of a traditional stovetop pan.
Removable Insert
Cleanup is surprisingly simple thanks to the stainless steel inner pot, which resists sticking and stains despite heavy use.
Programmable Settings
Programmable smart settings provide convenience, but manual mode is often preferred for precise control over cooking times and pressure.
#3

Instant Pot RIO Wide Base, 7.5 Qt, Large Searing Base, WhisperQuiet Steam Release, 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Pressure, Slow, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt & Warmer

Rating
9.4
Browning Function
Temperature Control
Capacity

Most important from
130252 reviews

Browning Function
The sauté function browns meat perfectly, enhancing flavor before slow cooking or pressure cooking.
Temperature Control
Programmable heat settings and slow cook mode provide versatile cooking options beyond just pressure cooking.
Capacity
This cooker fits big meals effortlessly, handling a 14 lb turkey when cut into pieces and feeding a good-sized crowd.
Programmable Settings
The delay cooking feature adds convenience for busy schedules, allowing meals to be timed perfectly.
Build Quality and Durability
The stainless steel pot cleans easily after daily use, resisting oil stains and maintaining a high-quality finish.

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.

Rating
9.4
Browning Function
Temperature Control
Capacity

Most important from
130252 reviews

Browning Function
The sauté function browns meat perfectly, enhancing flavor before slow cooking or pressure cooking.
Temperature Control
Programmable heat settings and slow cook mode provide versatile cooking options beyond just pressure cooking.
Capacity
This cooker fits big meals effortlessly, handling a 14 lb turkey when cut into pieces and feeding a good-sized crowd.
Programmable Settings
The delay cooking feature adds convenience for busy schedules, allowing meals to be timed perfectly.
Build Quality and Durability
The stainless steel pot cleans easily after daily use, resisting oil stains and maintaining a high-quality finish.

Buying Guide for the Best Crock Pots That Brown Meat

Choosing the right crock-pot that can brown meat involves understanding a few key specifications that will ensure you get the best fit for your cooking needs. Crock-pots, also known as slow cookers, are versatile kitchen appliances that can make meal preparation easier and more convenient. When looking for a crock-pot that can brown meat, it's important to consider features that will enhance your cooking experience and deliver the best results. Here are the key specifications to look for and how to navigate them.
Browning FunctionThe browning function is a feature that allows you to sear or brown meat directly in the crock-pot before slow cooking it. This is important because browning meat can enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes. When evaluating this feature, look for crock-pots that specifically mention a browning or sauté function. These models typically have a higher temperature setting or a separate browning mode. If you frequently cook recipes that benefit from browning, such as stews or roasts, this feature will be particularly useful.
Temperature ControlTemperature control refers to the ability to adjust the heat settings on your crock-pot. This is crucial for achieving the right cooking conditions for different types of dishes. Crock-pots with multiple temperature settings, including a high-heat option, are ideal for browning meat. Look for models that offer precise temperature control, as this will give you more flexibility in your cooking. If you plan to use your crock-pot for a variety of recipes, having adjustable temperature settings will allow you to tailor the cooking process to each dish.
Removable InsertA removable insert is the inner pot of the crock-pot that can be taken out for easy cleaning and serving. This feature is important for convenience and versatility. When it comes to browning meat, a removable insert made of materials like stainless steel or non-stick coating is preferable, as these materials can withstand higher temperatures and provide even heat distribution. If you value ease of cleaning and the ability to use the insert on the stovetop for browning, this is a key feature to consider.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of food that the crock-pot can hold, usually measured in quarts. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook at once. Crock-pots come in various sizes, typically ranging from 3 to 8 quarts. If you often cook for a large family or like to prepare meals in bulk, a larger capacity (6-8 quarts) will be beneficial. For smaller households or if you have limited kitchen space, a smaller capacity (3-5 quarts) may be more suitable. Consider your typical cooking needs and choose a capacity that matches them.
Programmable SettingsProgrammable settings allow you to set specific cooking times and temperatures, and some models even have delayed start timers. This feature is important for convenience and precision in cooking. With programmable settings, you can set your crock-pot to start cooking at a certain time and automatically switch to a keep-warm mode once the cooking is done. This is particularly useful for busy individuals who want to have meals ready when they get home. If you value automation and ease of use, look for crock-pots with a variety of programmable options.
Build Quality and DurabilityBuild quality and durability refer to the overall construction and longevity of the crock-pot. This is important because a well-built appliance will last longer and perform better over time. Look for crock-pots made with high-quality materials, such as stainless steel exteriors and sturdy handles. Reading reviews and checking for warranties can also give you an idea of the product's reliability. If you plan to use your crock-pot frequently, investing in a durable model will ensure it withstands regular use and continues to function effectively.

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