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

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 Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing (which is the browning function), and more, making it a good choice if you want a crock-pot that can brown meat before slow cooking. Its stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom helps distribute heat evenly, which is great for browning. The 8-quart capacity is generous, perfect for larger families or batch cooking.

You’ll find 13 customizable smart programs that make cooking different meals pretty easy without guesswork, so it caters well to those who like some automation. The removable stainless-steel pot and dishwasher-safe parts help with easy cleanup. While it offers temperature control through its preset programs, it doesn’t allow manual temperature adjustments during slow cooking as some dedicated slow cookers might. Also, the lid locks securely for pressure cooking but isn’t designed to be used while browning or slow cooking, so you may need to remove it when sautéing meat.

The build quality is solid, with fingerprint-resistant stainless steel sides and safety features like overheat protection. If you want a multi-functional cooker that can brown meat and then slow cook or pressure cook in one pot, this Instant Pot is a suitable option, although it may not replace a dedicated slow cooker with more flexible temperature options.

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.